PROCEEDINGS OF THE WINTER MEETING. 75 



baskets, which practically shut us out of all markets east of there. 

 Following is a list of some good eastern markets, showing the present 

 cost of transportation and what the cost would be with the change of 

 rates : 



1st, New York $1.08 per lUU ttjs. 2U.00U lbs per car $216 00 



2d, " " .62i " " " ■' " 125 00 



(or a saving- of $91 per car). 



1st, Philadelphia $1.05 (savino- of $89) 210 00 



2d, " .60i .' 12100 



1st, Rochester .81i (saving- $08.50) 160 50 



2d, " .46 92 00 



1st, Syracuse .8U (saving $62.50) 162 50 



2d, " .50 100 00 



1st, Albany 1.034 (saving- $87) 207 00 



2d, " .60 120 00 



1st, Boston 1.184 (saving $100) 237 00 



2d, " .68+ 137 00 



The above list will show that the difference between the first- and sec- 

 ond-class rates is enormous, on the quantity shipped, and there seems 

 to be no reason whatever for this discrimination, as there is not the 

 least difficult^' in loading the minimum amount, 20,000 lbs., on any 

 ordinary car, whether in baskets or crates, and besides, many other 

 fruits, such as plums, quinces, lemons, oranges, and bananas, are given 

 the lower rate. It has been said by some that if the rates were lowered 

 in the eastern division, the New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland peaches 

 would come further west, and that we would be the losers. However, 

 the Grand Rapids fruitgrowers have made arrangements to send a man 

 to xscw York, who will take a sample of our basket and try to make 

 a showing before the Eastern Traffic association that will bring about 

 a more equitable adjustment of rates. 



BY MR, J. J. GEE OF WHITEHALL. 



Three things are essential to successful fruit culture — the man, the 

 location, and the market. Some men, we are sorry to note, were born 

 under an unlucky star. For want of energy or judgment, or from causes 

 beyond their control, failure meets them on every hand. Others fail who 

 have the ability but do not deserve success. Their lack of integrity 

 invites defeat sooner or later. They would never consent to leave a large 

 peach in the bottom of the basket or a small one on top. They remind us 

 of the Jqw in the story of the four friends out west. A Baptist, a 

 •Catholic, a Jew, and an agnostic were very warm and intimate friends. 

 The agnostic was taken sick, and in his last hours called in his three 

 friends, made his will, each being remembered in a substantial manner, 

 and appointed them executors, each agreeing to carry out all its pro- 

 visions, one of which was that each should deposit |200 of his own 

 money in the casket with the remains. In probating the will the Bap- 

 tist was asked if he had placed his |200 in the casket. He replied, yes; 

 that while he considered it a foolish waste of money, he had promised his 

 friend in his last hours, and felt bound by his word. The Catholic was 



