No. 4.] POULTRY CULTURE. 231 



way to market by parcel post. In most parts of the State a 

 dressed fowl mailed in the afternoon reaches the consumer in 

 time to be used for dinner the next day. Many producers have 

 marketed their products during the entire summer in this way, 

 with good results. The fact that Massachusetts is a small 

 State, and the rural population small, makes it an ideal State 

 for this method of marketing. Parcel post for handling poultry 

 lends itself best to sections of our country where the intelli- 

 gence of the farmer is relatively high, in order that the birds 

 may be properly fattened, dressed and packed. We believe 

 Massachusetts excels in this respect. 



Express Companies. 



Express companies are only too anxious to assist poultrymen 

 in marketing their products. They are willing at any time 

 to take eggs and poultry, dispose of them through their agency 

 department, and after deducting their commission and express 

 charges, return the balance to the producer. It is easily seen 

 that inasmuch as these companies have a double interest they 

 will seek the highest price possible for their customers. It is 

 not known to what extent the express companies contemplate 

 branching out in the marketing of eggs and poultry, but if it is 

 done to the extent that present indications warrant it will be a 

 great boon to the outlying districts. One poultryman in a 

 neighboring State told me that the prices express companies 

 can get at times are more than satisfactory. 



* 



Marketing Associations. 



Up to the present time very little has been done by poultry 

 or egg marketing associations. No doubt this is due to the 

 fact that the local markets are so good in most places. This 

 means of marketing lends itself admirably to sections several 

 miles from markets where the annual production of individuals 

 is not very great. By co-operation there is considerable saving 

 in labor and expense; more frequent shipments can be made 

 and therefore fresher products placed in the hands of the con- 

 sumer. This method of marketing poultry and eggs is used by 

 hundreds of communities in Canada and the western States, as 



