60 



results. If there is to be no improvement in quality in Mass- 

 achusetts I would advise on general principles that you take 

 advantage of the earlier maturity of your crop and get rid 

 of them quickly. The Massachusetts crop today is like a 

 flash in the pan. It does not hold the same important posi- 

 tion as do other crops after the turn of the year. If the 

 standard of quality is to be raised, then I would advise that 

 some consideration be given to extending the market over a 

 longer period. I understand that some growers have built, 

 and that others are contemplating building apple cellars and 

 warehouses in which to store their crops. This plan is likely 

 to be successful only when weather co)iditions are favorable 

 at the time of picking and storing. In my opinion cold 

 storage is the best method, but even this is of little value un- 

 less your apples are stored promptly after they are picked. 



Under the heading of "Distribution" must come the 

 commission merchant. I shall read, a typewritten letter re- 

 ceived by a Boston firm which maj^ be but an echo of the cry 

 of many. It is dated Maine, December 13, 1912, and is as 

 follows : 



(Reads letter). 



Boston, Mass. 

 Gentlemen : • 



I am in reeipt of your circular card of the 11th inst. 

 suggesting that I ship apples for sale on commission, and in- 

 asmuch as you are soliciting business from me I think I will 

 lake the opportunity to say a few words regarding the 

 farmer's standpoint and attitude toward commission men, 

 and call your attention to a few things which we do not lik»^. 

 1 wish to be understood as writing this letter in entire good 

 nature and without any iU feeling whatever. I wish, how- 

 ever, to state a few facts, and let the facts speak for them- 

 celves. 



In the first place, I have shipped several barrels of ap- 

 ples during the Fall, and have received returns around a 

 dollar a barrel. When you take into account that barrels 



