24 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Apple Grading Law. 



The enforcement of the apple grading law up to June 1 was 

 in the hands of Mr. R. E. Annin, Jr. Since that time, owing to 

 Mr. Annin severing his connection with the Department, the 

 work has been directed by Mr. A. W. Lombard. ]\Ir. F. H. 

 Greeley of Salisbury, Mr. Karl M. Perham of Chelmsford, Mr. 

 Walter E. Piper, Jr., of Quincy, and Mr. C. E. Rogers of New- 

 bury served as inspectors in the field. 



The policy of the Department in enforcing this law has been 

 the same as in previous years, viz., along the lines of education 

 and instruction. Two additional regulations have been adopted 

 during the year: one, making the slatted box and basket closed 

 packages; and the other, requiring commission dealers and 

 others who cover open packages intended for resale to brand 

 the same in accordance with the apple grading law. Both of 

 these regulations have been found to be necessary owing to the 

 large number of boxed apples being sold, and as a result of their 

 adoption a campaign of education has been carried on to aid the 

 growers and dealers affected by these rulings. 



The need of a standard bushel box is being felt more keenly 

 than ever, as the only box now in use is the Boston bushel box, 

 which contains approximately 20 per cent more than the United 

 States standard bushel. 



Six cases which were entered in court last year have been 

 disposed of, and in all cases convictions were secured. 



Inspections of truck loads of apples and "lots" of apples in 

 storage, before release from storage for purposes of sale, have 

 been made during the entire shipping and storage season. 



The growers, packers and shippers are now apparently be- 

 coming familiar with the law, and less trouble should be en- 

 countered each year in its enforcement. 



The apple grading law is proving to be a benefit to the apple 

 industry, and it deserves the hearty and united support of all in 

 its enforcement. 



Farm Machinery. 



The law establishing in the Department authority to pur- 

 chase and operate machinery to aid crop production during the 

 war became inactive this year, but an appropriation was secured 



