90 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



them important factor, in the matter of wa3's and means, and having 

 no other resource to aid in bridging over present emergencies, are 

 unable to reconcile themselves to the arguments and theories advo- 

 cated b}' prominent men connected with pomolog}'^ in regard to a 

 well regulated demand for fruit. And in aid of this class of producers 

 ray mind has of late been under pretty strict discipline, and I have 

 come to the point that warrants my venturing an opinion in the 

 form of a plan that if adopted may assist in establishing rates more 

 equal and satisfactory than any now in use. 



The Pomological Society has wisely held its meetings in various 

 portions of the State, and through its speakers has advocated an 

 advanced theory in the care of orchards and the preparation of its 

 product for the market. The people have kindly received these 

 teachings, and much improvement has been made. Some State 

 societies have adopted rules that may seem arbitrary, but the result 

 is proving the wisdom shown by such action. For instance, in one 

 State the requirements for the dimnsions of a barrel in which the 

 fruit is to be packed, the quality of lumber used and its mode of 

 preparation, and on this point one cannot be too particular. The 

 largest grower of fruit in m}' county uses only new barrels made to 

 order, every stave and heading planed, the hoops flat and nicely 

 fitted, and when packed ready for market its appearance pleases the 

 eye nearly as much as the contents will satisfy the consumer when it 

 shall be opened in his larder. 



Another State society prescribes a rule as to the size of the apple 

 to be packed, as well as the color which shall adorn its surface. 

 These may seem to many to be small points, but when you reflect 

 upon the care, taste and skill manifested by the operators of our 

 creameries and large private dairies, and contiast the demand, 

 together with the firm prices obtained, with the old, haphazard way 

 of doing things, it will not require much foresight to see the impor- 

 tance of exercising the greatest care and prudence in the manage- 

 ment of this universal favorite among the people of the fruit-eating 

 regions. 



I therefore submit to this Society a propositi >n that its officers, or 

 some committee chosen for the purpose, employ a competent person, 

 to be denominated a head packer, if you please, who shall be 

 located, together with suitable help, in one or more places in each 

 of the counties where the quantity of fruit usually raised shall war- 

 rant the outlay, such person or persons to receive the fruit from the 



