214 THE CONNECTICUT POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



packing would improve through the closer relationship of 

 grower and retailer and also by a rule, which could be ordered 

 by such an association, requiring the grower's name on every 

 package. Information regarding crop and market conditions 

 in this, and in some instances foreign countries, could be 

 gathered through the various selling associations throughout 

 the country, thus forming a basis for establishing equitable 

 prices and a steady market. Prices are now fixed with a lack 

 of knowledge of all conditions, and therefore often fluctuate 

 sharply, to the disadvantage of all. 



In connection with such an association, canneries might 

 well be established within easy reach of the members, to 

 d(ispose of the second grades of such crops as apples, berries, 

 squash, tomatoes, sweet corn, etc. during periods of low prices. 

 The members could be called together whenever conditions 

 required, for practical instructions and demonstrations in 

 proper methods of grading and packing, packages to use and 

 varieties best suited to meet the public demand. At such a 

 meeting it could be shown that quality and appearance are 

 always at a premium; that it pays to honestly grade, and pack 

 in clean packages ; that highly perishable truck should be 

 shipped as soon as possible after being gathered in the field ; 

 that the barrel is still the standard package for New England 

 apples, boxes to be used only in packing very fancy dessert 

 apples ; that the specialized and intensive methods of the 

 w^estern growers must be adopted with their package and 

 without which the western box and the eastern apple will 

 remain as now, a misfit. 



In conclusion, I will say that I believe the call is strong 

 for a new order in growing, packing and selling our farm 

 products. Changes similar to those I have outlined would 

 materially benefit producers and consumers, and I believe, 

 give an impetus to our New England agriculture such as could 

 be secured in no other way. Action has already been too long 

 delayed. Shall we now heed the call? 



