No. 123.] DIVISION OF MARKETS. 53 



Taken from the point of view of the whole operation of 

 marketing, most of the operations of grading can be accom- 

 plished to best advantage at the point of shipment. Graded 

 goods move more directly through the channels of trade, 

 bring a premium, and give satisfaction because they are graded. 

 Distribution is thereby facilitated and movement of goods ac- 

 celerated. 



The reputation of a production center is gained largely 

 through the quality of the products which it places on the 

 market. Point of shipment inspection, which tends to assure 

 trade satisfaction through the elimination of poor unsalable 

 goods from the market, helps to create a good trade reputation, 

 with the resulting financial benefits to the locality. 



While discussing this matter it may be well to note that the 

 United States Bureau of Markets and Crop Estimates maintains 

 a fruit products inspection service, one of the offices of which 

 is located in Boston. This service provides a means whereby 

 shippers or receivers interested may have upon application a 

 full, accurate and disinterested report of the condition of their in- 

 terstate shipments upon arrival at market. Permissive grades, 

 mainly only tentative, have been promulgated by the United 

 States Department. In addition to the facilitation of trade 

 dealings through the establishment of a common language, 

 there is established a basis upon which to make inspections. 

 Recommended grades for potatoes, sweet potatoes, northern 

 grown onions, Bermuda onions, strawberries, grain and cotton, 

 and proposed grades for apples, cabbage, fresh tomatoes, head 

 lettuce (eastern section), rough celery, cucumbers, washed 

 celery and asparagus have been established, most of which 

 have been forwarded to persons on our mailing list in order 

 that they may be acquainted with the specifications of these 

 grades, and that they may express themselves as to the appli- 

 cation of these grades to our local conditions. 



Apple Grading Law. 



The apple industry underwent a very disappointing season. 

 A set of buds and blossoms which gave promise of a good crop 

 received a severe setback from late spring frosts. Middlesex 

 and Worcester counties and parts of Hampshire County suf- 



