24 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BUI>LETIN 231 



Norway imposes on American apples a duty which is nearly 100 per 

 cent higher during the last five months of the calendar year than during the 

 other seven. It is claimed that this is for the protection of the Norwegian 

 apple growers. This tariff has had the effect of limiting importation of 

 apples during the latter part of the year, since it amounts to nearly 5 

 cents a pound, while from January first to July 31st it is about 2.7 cents 

 a pound. The commercial treaty between Spain and Norway gives 

 oranges a great advantage in Norwegian markets over imported apples, 

 the duty imposed on oranges amounting to but $.0012 per pound, with no 

 seasonal variation. Unless this situation is changed there will be little 

 opportunity for imported apples in Norway. 



Transportation 



Several matters of transportation are of importance in connection with 

 the exporting of apples. Especially should growers who ship directly to 

 foreign markets be familiar with the routine as to refrigeration, insurance 

 p.nd costs of handling. 



Refrigeration 



Refrigerated space varies with the different boats, some having only 

 ordinary stowage and others having two, three or five refrigerated chamb- 

 ers. These compartments vary in size according to the space between 

 decks. It is possible to cool one chamber alone and to maintain a differ- 

 ent temperature in each chamber. The temperature can be maintained 

 within two degrees of any point specified. Temperatures are therefore 

 stated as "34-36," "32-34," etc. Probably 35 degrees is most desirable 

 for apples. 



Since few perishables are brought from European ports to United 

 States ports, boats westward bound seldom use refrigerated space. Boats 

 incoming are frequently notified by wireless that certain refrigerated 

 space of a specified temperature will be needed for the return trip. This 

 advance notice gives time to get the chamber ready for prompt loading 

 on arrival at port. 



There are no boats in the Atlantic service containing only refrigerated 

 space; but in the Pacific Coast trade ships wholly under refrigeration are 

 used to carry part of the apple shipments from the Northwest by way of 

 the Panama Canal. Obviously one of these ships will carry large quan- 

 tities and some concern has been felt as to the effect on foreign markets 

 of tliese large shipments. 



Insiirance 



Insurance of apples for export covers ordinary marine risks, the 

 cwner being protected against actual damage or loss, not to exceed the 

 declared value. The cost of this insurance is ordinarily about one per 

 cent of the value. There are, in addition, special insurance features for 

 the protection of shippers of perishable fruits against loss due to prolonga- 

 tion of the voyage. Such delays arise most often from broken machinery. 



