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]908 at Wilton, N. H., each state being represented, a purely 

 educative measure was agreed upon. Maine at once took 

 the initiative and in February 1909 passed the first law, 

 touching the grading and packing of apples, ever enacted in 

 the East. In 1911 it was strengthened, but no provision 

 made for enforcement, and in 1913 again changed to its pres- 

 ent form. The result today is a general demand for its en- 

 forcement by producers and for strengthening the inspection 

 features. 



From all foreign and domestic markets there have come 

 this year unsolicited testimonials to the good effect of this 

 law, and the Avise inspection by the state. This materially 

 increases demand and price. At the same time a larger ap- 

 propriation will be necessary next year to provide for more 

 complete inspection. No burdensome restrictions are placed 

 on any one, a man can pack his apples as he chooses, but his 

 name must go upon the barrel and the brand must be a true 

 index of the contents. At the same time let us not forget 

 that laws are but idle words unless vitalized into action by 

 vigilant officials backed by a critical public. Experience is 

 proving that it is a simple proposition to pack in harmony 

 Avith the sections of this law. ]\Iaine would not accept the 

 Sulzer bill Avith its ten per cent defective apples for this is bu 

 the open door to serious complications. 



Thousands of barrels have the past season been packed 

 and shipped Avithout inspection, yet there is good reason to 

 believe that there has been a closer approach to an uniform 

 pack than in any preAaous year, and our most successful or- 

 chardists and shippers are united in defence of the law. 



All this has been accomplished in tAvo years, backed by 

 previous educative measures, and as a natural results local 

 fruit groAvers' associations are springing up to take advan- 

 tage of the laAv and the uniform pack it insures. If the 

 other NeAv England states are ready for an apple packing 

 and grading laAV, with teeth to make it effective, then by 

 .-.yery consideration of justice, efforts should be centralized 

 before present legislatures to secure its enactment with am- 



