ANNUAL REPORT, 1934 7 



7 Of the first mortgage credit, 42.9 percent bore 6 percent interest; the 

 remaining 57.1 percent bore lower rates, 27.6 per cent of which was at 5 percent. 



8. Seventy-eight percent of the first mortgage credit was payable on demand. 



9. A little over half of the first mortgage credit was supplied by commercial 

 banks. 



10. The Federal Land Bank loaned the largest amounts per farmer, distant 

 commercial banks the second largest, and Smith Charities the smallest. 



11. Among the farmers of the Connecticut Valley area were 26 men who 

 still had tobacco stored, and hence had no cash income from that source. Their 

 average total indebtedness was $7,161, while the average total indebtedness for 

 the entire group was $5,475. 



A Study of Performance of Different Varieties of Apples and Market Value 

 of Product. (Lorian P. Jefferson.) This project, held in abeyance for a time, is 

 being reorganized with the intention of getting data from various growers through- 

 out the State, not merely from growers in one section, as at first planned. It is 

 also the intention to extend the period for which the data are to be secured to 

 ten years. 



Some of the growers who gave data earlier will be included in the study as now 

 planned. Some it will be necessary to omit for one reason or another. Each of 

 the county agents, except in the southeastern counties, has furnished a list of 

 growers who probably have records of crops and sales from which desired in- 

 formation can be secured. In Berkshire County not one grower is known to have 

 records for ten years. Of course, few apples are grown in commercial orchards 

 in the southern part of the State. 



The Changing Methods of Wholesale Distribution of Perishables. (Lorian P. 

 Jefferson.) The motor truck has come to be a great factor in the marketing of 

 fruits and vegetables, although the total volume which reaches the market by 

 this means is not known. The effects are both good and bad: Good, in that fruit 

 so shipped usually reaches the market in better condition than that shipped by 

 rail; and bad, because of the effect on the market. The testimony of dealers 

 indicates no pre-announcement of the arrival of truck-borne fruit, which leaves 

 the market without protection against unknown receipts. A movement on foot 

 throughout the large markets asks that information regarding volume, character 

 and time of arrival of trucks be required. 



More than one organization has expressed the opinion that the traveling job- 

 bers should be placed under Federal control, in order that they may be as uni- 

 formly controlled as is their competitor, the railroad. Nothing has been done 

 about this matter as yet, but there is a strong sentiment in favor of it among 

 various people. 



There is a general feeling in the market that something should be done about 

 stopping wastes of foods. Studies are being made into the best means of avoiding 

 the various wastes that are common in our present handling of perishable foods. 

 Improved refrigeration, better freight service, and better loading practices have 

 reduced transportation losses. Some of these depend upon proper chemical 

 conditions, some upon economics and proper loading, all of which are being 

 studied. 



Market terminals are becoming more and more important. The one in Boston, 

 conducted by the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad, is handling an 

 increasing proportion of perishable products entering the city. Beginning in 

 April 1927, the terminal has handled much more than the stipulated volume of 



