FRUIT NOTES - April, 1941 



Y^. H, Thies 

 Extension Horticulturist 



Buying Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Army Posts 



Following is a summary of a release by E. V.'. Bell, Extension Econ- 

 omist, of interest to fruit and vegetable growers: The importance of fresh 

 fruits and vegetables in the soldier's daily diet is fully recognized by 

 U. S. Army authorities. Those responsible for feeding the army are insisting 

 that each soldier get the maximum quantity possible within the ration allow- 

 ance. This summer the army will be feeding about 1,500,000 men. Almost 

 60,000 will be quartered in army posts in Massachusetts. Begirining May 1, 

 a new system of purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables will be inaugurated. 

 Thirty purchasing offices will be opened throughout the United States in 

 close proximity to army posts. One of these offices will be located in the 

 Boston Market Terminal Building, Rooms Z71-273 (Tel .-Hubbard 1248). An ex- 

 perienced civilian producer-buyer, classified as a "marketing specialist," 

 will serve as adviser. 



The buying office in Boston will fill the requirements of fresh 

 produce for such army posts as Fort Devens, Camp Edwards, Yv'estover Field, 

 and the Harbor Defenses in Boston and New Bedford. Purchases will be made 

 daily, weekly, or monthly on a competitive bid basis to supply the needs. 

 The lowest responsible bidder will get the award. All purchases will be 

 made on the basis of delivery to army posts, and in accordance v.dth federal 

 grades. Inspection will take place at the post vrhere delivered. 



A grower wishing to sell a shipment of produce should proceed as 

 follows: (1) Contact buying officer at Quartermaster Corps Marketing Center, 

 Perishable Subsistence, Boston Market Terminal, South Boston, Mass. by tele- 

 phone, telegraph or letter. (2) Register quantity for sale, delivered price, 

 kind of produce, and dates when delivery can be made. If done by telephone, 

 confirm by telegraph or letter. Quotation should be made at least three 

 days in advance of delivery date (a week or 10 days is better). (3) Delivery 

 awards on quotations will be made with instructions as to where, when, and 

 how much to deliver. (4) Delivery to army posts should be accompanied by 

 invoice stating kind of produce, number of packages, price bid, and grade 

 and specifications required. (5) Inspection will be made at time of delivery, 

 and number of packages will be checked. (6) Pa;;,'ment will be made from the 

 buying office in Boston after a period of about two weeks. 



Planting Fr uit Trees 



The important thing in planting trees is not merely to make them 

 live but to make them grow vigorously from the start. Then they may be de- 

 veloped into strong trees vdth little pruning. A tree that grows slowly for 

 the first tvro or three years is likely to drag behind all the rest of its 

 life and almost certainly will have a poor framevrork. 



Keep nursery stock fully dormant until planted by keeping it in 

 cold storage or in the coldest place you can find. Plant it Just as soon 



