No. 123.] DIVISION OF MARKETS. 57 



is the present basis of determining these standards which have 

 become law, and also of proposed legislation now before Con- 

 gress for the standardization of hamper, split and round 

 stave baskets. 



It is hoped that the present law, although permissive, will 

 effect the general adoption of the one standard box. As a 

 result of this legislation (chapter 248, Acts of 1921) there was 

 also passed chapter 8, Resolves of 1921, designating the De- 

 partment of Agriculture and Division of Markets, jointly with 

 the Department of Labor and Industries and Division of 

 Standards, to conduct an investigation relative to the bushel 

 weights of fruits, vegetables and other commodities, and to 

 make such recommendations for legislation in relation thereto 

 as may be necessary, together with any other recommendations 

 for legislation that will tend to establish a more satisfactory 

 basis for the retail trade in said commodities. 



Farmers' Markets. 



While along the public highways the roadside markets 

 flourish, the so-called farmers' public retail markets (a war- 

 time expedient), usually located in the central part of the city, 

 are gradually dying out. It is quite apparent that if no induce- 

 ment can be offered to the producer that represents an improve- 

 ment over his present marketing method he is not disposed to 

 spend two days a week selling his produce at retail. 



On the other hand, the consumer without the added induce- 

 ment of lower prices does not regard the cash and carry system 

 favorably. Without a demand on the part of the producer and 

 consumer alike, the business of the public market diminishes. 



The reason for success attained in a few instances by some 

 of the Massachusetts farmers' markets is twofold: first, or- 

 ganization, — e.g., the South Shore Farmers' Market Associ- 

 ation of Quincy and the Berkshire Vegetable Growers' As- 

 sociation of Pittsfield; second, location in a neighborhood 

 where there is lack of competition in selling fresh produce. 



Difficulties this year arose from a short fruit crop and lack 

 of money among buyers. Three of the Boston public markets 

 reported a large increase in number of buyers, but volume of 

 business remained about the same. 



