336 FIELD AND GARDEN PRODUCTS 



siderable space for the storage of tools, barrels, etc., on the floor above 

 the cellar portion. These cellars are usually built on the side of a 

 hill, so that the potatoes are unloaded down through the floor in the 

 fall and taken out at a lower doorway during the winter. 



Grading. The grading of early potatoes is quite as important 

 as the grading of fruits. Large and small tubers should not be mixed 

 in the same barrel. The pickers should be taught to gather the large 

 and merchantable tubers in one basket and the small or seed potatoes 

 in another, and these if placed upon the market should go in separate 

 receptacles and be clearly marked so as to represent the grade. If a 

 mechanical sorter is used this work will be more effectively accom- 

 plished than if left to the pickers. The type of grader usually used 

 is similar to that employed in some sections for grading apples and 

 peaches, although the common type of potato grader is a rotary 

 screen which separates the earth from the tubers and allows the small 

 tubers to fall through the large meshes of the screen before reaching 

 the general outlet which carries away those of merchantable size. 

 The objection to a mechanical grader of this type is that it bruises 

 the immature tubers and renders them somewhat less attractive than 

 when not so handled and probably also shortens the length of time 

 they can be safely held on the market. 



Marketing. The perishable nature of the immature potato ren- 

 ders it necessary to place it upon the market in such quantities only 

 as will admit of immediate consumption. Producers in regions where 

 the growing of early potatoes has been extensively developed appre- 

 ciate this and have provided for this condition by organizing ship- 

 pers' associations through which the crop is graded, often trade- 

 marked, and distributed chiefly in carload lots. The officers of the 

 association being in constant telegraphic communication with the 

 various markets are thus informed regarding the most satisfactory 

 destination for every consignment which may be necessary. It is the 

 purpose of these associations, however, to conduct their business in 

 such a way that the product can be sold f, o. b. shipping point in- 

 stead of by consignment, and the best organized associations are 

 usually able to do this. 



The great advantage of such a system of selling is that it enables 

 the brokers in a small city or town to buy direct from the producer 

 instead of through another city broker. It enables the consumer to 

 obtain fresh products, as they are shipped direct from the point of 

 production to the place of consumption. The plan carries other ben- 

 efits which are of great moment to the producer. He is enabled to 

 sell in carload lots at shipping point, thus saving to himself the cost 

 of transportation, which ranges from 7 to 15 per cent of the gross sell- 

 ing price. The exchange secures a much wider distribution of the 

 crop, with the result that overstocked markets are much less likely 

 than under the consignment system. Transportation companies 

 provide better service, and claims are more promptly settled through 

 the exchange than in the case of individuals. This plan enables the 



Eroducer to be his own salesman. It transfers the distributing point 

 rom the city to the field, where it should be. It brings the market to 



