210 Lessons in Fruit Growing. 



329. Aim to secure wholesale rates both in the purchase 

 and transportation of supplies. This often necessitates 

 purchasing in large quantities. When the amount of a 

 given commodity desired is insufficient to secure wholesale 

 prices, aim to make up a club order with other fruit grow- 

 ers, or, if possible, order enough of other needed supplies 

 of the same party to secure special prices on the whole. So 

 far as practicable, have supplies shipped in carload lots.' 



330. Invite competition. More or less may generally be 

 gained by submitting a list of needed supplies to differeiit 

 manufacturers or dealers, for competitive bids. It may not 

 always be wise to accept the lowest bid in such cases, but 

 the method will insure the opportunity to purchase the 

 articles at a reasonable price. 



331. Consider all methods by which the needed supplies 

 may be obtained. Sometimes barrels may be purchased 

 cheapest by buying the heads, hoops and staves of different 

 parties and having the barrels set up on the farm. Some- 

 times the local planing mill can lay down the materials 

 for crates or boxes cheaper than the regular package manu- 

 facturer. Fertilizers may sometimes be obtained cheaper 

 in the by-products of local manufacturers than in the regu- 

 lar market, or they may be obtained still cheaper by keep- 

 ing stock on the farm. The seed for cover crops, or 

 mulching materials may perhaps, be raised on the farm 

 cheaper than it can be purchased. 



SUMMARY OF THE PRECEDING CHAPTER. 



1. Success in commercial fruit growing may depend as 

 much upon good business management as upon the pro- 

 duction of good fruit (315). A thorough system of ac- 

 counts should be kept (316). 



