in our Boston trade, some of them capable of carrying 20,000 

 to 30,000 barrels in good condition. I regret to say most 

 of the favorite steamers have been lost, and we are now glad 

 to take what the steamship companies offer, and I doubt if 

 an exporter would seriously object to anything that would float. 



The methods of handling apples in the different foreign 

 markets vary, though the auction is a more general and 

 usually satisfactory way for distribution. It means a quick 

 sale and prompt returns, as well as fair dealing for seller as 

 well as buyer. 



Packages for export business should have consideration. 

 The standard barrel has always been recognized as a proper 

 package, but should be well made, and properly coopered. 

 Boxes, such as are used in the West, are not, in my opinion, 

 to be recommended for New England export business, at 

 least. 



The Boston bushel box has been growing in favor for several 

 years, and it probably has come to stay in the export business. 

 It should, however, have special attention when being made 

 to have it strong, or otherwise losses will be heavy. 



To sum up the question as to the export marketing possi- 

 bilities for American apples, I would say the business has 

 grown from a very small beginning; the apples are now known 

 in nearly every country in the world, and, with normal times 

 in the shipping business, we shall have a demand for our fruit 

 every year in such quantities and on such terms as to have a 

 very important bearing on the apple-growing business of the 

 United States. 



Besides apples, pears have been shipped in increasing quanti- 

 ties for many years prior to the war. The pear is so tender 

 it has been considered necessary to have refrigeration on the 

 steamers. We have no records as to the quantities shipped, 

 but do not think any considerable shipments from New Eng- 

 land have been sent. Our pears are almost too tender and 

 will not keep, and Pacific Coast pears, New York State 

 Bartletts and Kieffers have been exported in considerable 

 amounts; also some plums, prunes and other summer fruits. 

 Cranberries from New England and oranges and grapefruit 

 from Florida and California have been exported in limited 

 quantities. 



