PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL MEETING. 209 



In order to secure the lowest rate of freight to eastern markets and 

 comply with the classification, open, square crates were introduced last 

 season, made especially to fit the bushel basket. In this way peaches 

 were carried without being jammed or pressed. . 



Until within the past few years peaches were shipped in bushel baskets 

 with slat covers pressed solid over the top, thereby bruising more or 

 less of the fruit in every basket, and in warm weather causing it to 

 rot very quickly. 



The very important question arises every year where to find the best 

 markets. The markets of one season can not be depended upon for 

 the following year, as the products of the local fruit-producing sec- 

 tions in different states vary from year to j'ear so that every year mar- 

 kets must be thoroughly investigated in advance of shipping season 

 to ascertain the most valuable outlets. 



Eight here lies a very vital point with reference to getting fruit to 

 market in proper condition so that it may command the highest prices. 

 Fruit should hang on the trees until it has good color and is properly 

 matured, but not until it begins to soften. Fruit of all kinds, to stand 

 shipment, must be picked when firm and solid. This does not mean 

 that it must be green, but must be matured sufiQciently so that it will 

 be ripe, firm, and ready for use on arrival at destination. 



In order to place fruit, and especially peaches, before the public in 

 the most attractive condition, shippers should notify receivers in 

 advance, as fully as possible, of the varieties, quality, and condition of 

 the fruit in transit. The receiver can then notify his customers and 

 have his orders ready for the fruit as soon as it arrives. There will 

 then be no delay in reaching the consumer. 



When receivers do not know the kind of fruit they have in transit 

 and are obliged to wait for arrival and inspection, it often causes much 

 loss, especially if the fruit should be dela3'ed in getting to open markets. 



In order to secure satisfactory returns, fruitgrowers should take more 

 care in getting fruit ready for market. The time is not far distant 

 when poor, inferior fruit of all kinds will not pay freight charges, say 

 nothing about packages and other expenses. With the large acreage at 

 present time planted to all kinds of fruit, it stands every grower in hand 

 to cultivate his fruit, whatever it may be, so as to raise nothing but the 

 best. 



When peaches are selected and picked at right maturity, loaded into 

 baskets, crated, and shelved, and under proper refrigeration, they will 

 carry long distances in good order, and should reach destination in 

 nearly as fine condition as when loaded. There is no farming industry 

 that will afford more profit and quicker returns than all kinds of fruit, 

 especially peaches, when selected and delivered at shipping stations in 

 proper condition for distribution. 



The geographical location of Michigan gives her access to mote states 

 and better markets than any other state in the Union. It is perfectly 

 safe to say that 3Iichigan peaches were sold this year in at least twenty- 

 two states, and in some states having general preference on the markets. 



Pears, plums, grapes, and other fruits are sold in adjoining states 

 and near-by markets. 



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