98 PEACH CULTURE; 



in this respect was so gross that not a single planter pat- 

 ronized them a second season. They run clear out. 



Such gross fraud can hardly occur in any other busi- 

 ness ; but is comparatively easy in this. The fruit is 

 perishable ; it has no standard value ; the market prices 

 fluctuate with the supply, the temperature, and even the 

 hour of its arrival. Hence it is almost impossible to 

 know, or even guess, what it should bring. And this is 

 the reason that consignors cannot protect themselves 

 against these fraudulent practices. Their only safety is 

 in the honesty of their consignees. Of this they judge 

 by the season's returns. If they are consistent through- 

 out the season, and a fair average price is realized, the 

 planter is usually satisfied. One ships to one agent, and 

 another to another. They can compare notes. If the 

 man who has the worst peaches gets the best price, the 

 other may be reasonably certain he has been cheated. 

 But if the fruit is equally good, and the price for the 

 same days nearly the same, both may reasonably conclude 

 they have been honorably dealt with. The rule is not 

 infallible : for there may be collusion, or both may be 

 equally dishonest. 



But the planter can do nothing more than exercise his 

 best judgment in the selection of his consignee. It is 

 very important he should do this ; and after he has gained 

 all the information he can, he will at last have to com- 

 mit himself to the keeping of somebody, and run the 

 risks which are incident to his business. 



Old shippers are wary and alert. New ones should 

 consult them, and avail themselves of their advice ; re- 

 membering the old proverb, that " experience teaches a 

 dear school." 



Then again, abuses may, and should be, remedied ; and 

 if the planters on the Peninsula would but consult their 

 own interest abuses would soon cease. The cure is in 

 their own hands. But it requires combined action, and 



