135 



stems on top, but the buyers had got next to what they were 

 doing, so were sending to Ohio and New York for theiv 

 grapes. The Michigan grapes were finding a slow market 

 and poor price. 



In conclusion I will say that -when the growers of New 

 England will get together and decide to put their conscience 

 in the box or barrel and give the consumer a square deal, 

 then they will make a success of apple industry in New Eng- 

 land, and get a better price for their fruit. (Applause). 



President. Are there any questions to ask Mr. Castner? 



Mr. Spaulding. I think it would be a good idea, wheit 

 we hear so much said about the situation in the north west, 

 if we could come down to cases. I would like to ask whit 

 the orchardist gets for the best fruit per box? 



Mr. Castner. We sell our fruit f. o. b. Hood River. 

 Last year and in 1910 Newtons sold for $2.10, and Spitzen- 

 burgs for $2.25 a box. They cost us sixty cents a box at 

 least. The balance will be all net. AVe don't pay the 

 freight east ; the buyer pays that. 



Mr. Spaulding. Who pays the cost of the packing and 

 the boxing? 



Mr. Castner. We do. As I told you, it costs us sixty 

 cents for growing and boxing and packing. The other is 

 for the freight east, which the buyer pays. 



A Member. Do you use the winesap? 



Mr, Castner. We don't grow them. Our main variety 

 is the Yellow Newton. 



A Member. Do you raise the Delicious? 



Mr. Castner. Very little. It is a very good apple, but 

 will it take the place of the others? We have three varieties 

 we can make a living out of; we will stay with them. Let 

 somebody else experiment with those other varieties. 



Mr. Dudley. I ould like to ask if it always costs the 

 same amount, just 60 cents? 



Mr. Castner. Yes, 55 and 60. I have kept track for 

 six years and it varies between those. It costs more now. 



Mr, Dudley. Weather conditions don't make much dii- 



Mr. Castner. Very little, with us. 



Mr. Morse. Does that include the cost of the land ? 



Mr. Castner. Not figuring on that. 



