58 



pies. Moderate quantities of short lived apples, such as 

 Mcintosh Reds and Gravensteins, have in many cases sold 

 relatively better than in barrels. Similarly, a few growers 

 have had success in marketing winter apples in boxes, which 

 has given rise to the belief that the box will be the popular 

 package. There is now a limited demand for fancy apples 

 in boxes, and it is my opinion that it will always be limited. 

 What concerns us the most is to determine the best package 

 in which to market the crop, not a limited quantity. Again 

 I say, standard barrels. 



GRADING. There is probablj' more difference of 

 opinion on that point than on any other, and it is a pity that 

 it is so, for it is the cornerstone that holds the structure. 

 The apple industry of Massachusetts Avill progress or be re- 

 tarded, depending upon which course is pursued. I advo- 

 cate establishing three grades, — clearlj- defined and lived up 

 to. I Avould designate them as "Extra Fancy," ''Fancy," 

 and ''Choice." The Extra Fancy would be apples of a min- 

 imum size of 2 3-4 inches in diameter, free from imper^ •- 

 tions, and, if a color variety, the surface of each ap[> c to 

 show 75 per cent, true to its natural color. The Fancy 

 would be apples of a minimum size of 2 1-2 inches in diame- 

 ter, free from imperfections, and, if of a color variety, ;)0 

 per. cent true to color. The Choice would include pale ap- 

 ples excluded from the higher grades, apples with vorm 

 hole in the blossom end and apples even down to two inches 

 in diameter, if perfect and of good color. These grades 

 make an assortment that would satisfy the demands of the 

 home market, and if established so that they could be relied 

 upon would go far towards fixing the supremacy of New 

 England apples. It would make it possible for the dealer 

 to order without personal examination. 



Let us contrast th^ desired condition with what actually 

 exists. I think I '-speik 'Vithout exaggeration when I say 

 that not 25 pet cent' of "the' apples consigned to the. Boston 

 markets measure up to a"standard- such as I have outlined. 

 "Why is it not possible "for this •Associatioii to; create some 



