SPECIAL FRUIT ORGANIZATIONS 239 



and is held in some central city, usually some time in 

 January. A lengthy program is provided by some of 

 the best educators obtainable. Standing committees on 

 legislation, transportation, membership and various na- 

 tional interests report at this meeting. These reports 

 are valuable in acquainting the membership of events 

 that may be related to their business and often valuable 

 legislation is assisted or freak laws defeated by the aid 

 of the League. Especially to be noted is the aid given 

 in getting the standard barrel bill passed by the national 

 congress in March, 1915. The proceedings of the annual 

 convention are printed and distributed to the members 

 and others who may be interested. This publication 

 should be in the hands of every progressive fruit grower. 

 International Apple Shippers' Association. This is 

 an organization of operators or dealers in green apples 

 upon their own account; that is, individuals and firms 

 who invest their money or credit in the purchase of 

 apples. Its operations center primarily around the apple 

 although its members handle many other food commodi- 

 ties. The last roster shows over 108 different com- 

 modities handled by the members of this association. 

 The association was organized in Chicago, in 1895, with 

 18 charter members. The real purpose of the associa- 

 tion was to commercialize the apple ; to improve the 

 quality of the fruit grown ; to establish uniform grades, 

 encourage honest packing in standard packages; to cor- 

 rect abuses in freight rates and dishonest practices and 

 to promote the best interests of the entire industry. No 

 produce was handled by the association as an organiza- 

 tion, but a great educational movement was started to 

 advance the knowledge of horticulture and to dissemi^ 



