57 



the consummation of which will add dignity and renown to 

 my native and much revered state, the State of Massachu- 

 setts. The subject matter assigned to me seemed at first 

 glance not dilScult to present to you, but the more I con- 

 sidered it the more involved the topic became, and the less 

 it lent itself to conciseness. 



Early in the history of this country the exchange of 

 one's wares was conducted along very primitive lines, but 

 in consequence of increased production and increased popu- 

 lation crude methods, were perforce, discarded and by vari- 

 ous ways of approach the several commodities have become 

 specialized and classified. Specializing will continue to gj 

 on until perfection shall have been reached, and I sincerely 

 trust that when attained it will be maintained. 



I am not going to attempt to tell you the peculiarities 

 of the various markets in different parts of the country. 

 Boston is one of your natural outlets and what may be said 

 of its requirements applies equally to the other eastern cities 

 of the same or greater population, save only in this respect, 

 that in Boston there as a relatively greater demand for high 

 grades. This is not only true of apples but of other goods 

 as well. However, our good old city seems to be destined 

 to become more cosmopolitan and the conditions existing to- 

 day may not be so marked ten years hence. I imderstanj 

 that the all-absorbing topic today is apples, and my remarks 

 will have reference thereto. In dealing with the subject of 

 apples it would seem wise to take it up in chapter forms, a^ 

 follows: Packages, Grading, Transportation and Distribu- 

 tion. 1 beg you to understand that all my remarks are in- 

 tended to be broad gauged and I trust they will be taken as 

 «uch. 



PACKAGES. I boldly state that I advocate the stand- 

 ard barrel as the best and most adaptable package for mar- 

 keting New England apples, and I say this witlv the full 

 knowledge that many of you do not agree with me. Ex- 

 perience bids me oppose the box as a commercial package 

 for the distribution of large quantities of New England ap- 



