14 P.D. 123 



of attention to these displays, a loud speaker system was employed, with talks 

 explaining the food value of apples and the advantage of using the Massa- 

 chusetts product. In staging these displays we were greatly indebted to the 

 railroad companies and other agencies who allowed use of their buildings and 

 to the fruit growers of the state who contributed about 800 bushels of apples 

 for distribution to the public. 



Squash Survey 



At the request of the Boston Market Gardeners Association this division 

 conducted a survey of acreage and forecast of production of winter squash in 

 eastern Massachusetts. The survey was made by two trained market garden 

 men who visited all principal squash growing sections. A report on this survey 

 was issued at harvest time in order to give growers information for their 

 guidance in deciding whether to sell their crop at that time or to store for later 

 market. 



Consumer Information 



That consumption is the ultimate aim and purpose of all production — farm 

 and factory — has become more and more generally recognized in recent years 

 and acknowledged by agricultural producers. The Division of Markets has met 

 the increasing demand for consumer information by means of special news 

 write-ups, exhibits, radio broadcasts, and talks to students, institution buyers, 

 women's clubs, WPA groups and other organizations. Much of this phase of 

 the work has been made more effective by the friendly co-operation of other 

 agencies — state departments, especially Public Health and Education, chain 

 and independent market organizations, the State Federation of Women's Clubs, 

 household editors of newspapers, home program broadcasters. 



"Fresh Food Facts" market news written especially for guidance of con- 

 sumers was continued as a regular weekly release and made available for 

 newspapers and the general public. 



Consumer marketing exhibits during the year included one set up with 

 help of the Department of Public Health, — "Good Living for Massachusetts 

 Families". Some exhibits explained grades and laws directly concerning con- 

 sumers, as the Massachusetts Native Fancy Grade turkeys and the fresh 

 egg law. 



Market news broadcasts for consumers were prepared and given throughout 

 the year and information supplied for other consumer radio programs. 



Statistical Data 



While not published for general distribution, the amounts and sources of the 

 principal foodstuffs coming into Boston were compiled and tabulated and thus 

 made available for office reference. This data ordinarily published annually 

 under title "Receipts and Sources of Boston Food Supply" gives the basis for 

 studies and talks and is used for various purposes by producers, distributoi's, 

 transportation agencies and research workers. 



The detailed summary of weekly receipts and prices of important local 

 products trucked into Boston market, prepared especially for the guidance of 

 market gardeners in crop planning, was published as usual. The daily Farm- 

 ers' Market Report provides basis for this summary. 



Onion Inspection 



Two inspectors were stationed in the Connecticut Valley during the early 



onion harvest to certify shipments for growers. Most of the demand for this 



service was concentrated in the first few weeks of the crop season. Because of 



crop conditions a regular service was not necessary through the entire season. 



Collection of Seed Samples 

 The Department of Agriculture has been collecting official seed samples 

 from the wholesale and retail seed dealers in Massachusetts for the past 

 several years and we know that many dealers have good seeds. We know that 

 the farmer can obtain high quality seed if he has that definite purpose in mind. 

 The seed law in Massachusetts requires that every container of agricultural 



