16 



Again, with lack of co-operation there is bound to be glutting of the 

 market and consequent low prices, if not actual loss to the grower. 

 "Without co-operation, any intelligent effort to increase the demand is 

 almost impossible. Standardization is out of the question, and to all 

 intents and purposes the middle man, and not the producer or consumer, 

 is in control. This condition would be largely rectified by intelligent 

 co-operation. The grower would then have an experienced represen- 

 tative who, with control of the crops, would meet the buyers on an 

 equality; and through such agency, distribution and an increased 

 demand could be systematically worked out. 



Second. Standardization is called for by all interested, except the 

 grower. The consumer is entirely willing and even anxious to pay the 

 additional expense that this would cost ; the jobbers and commission men 

 are anxious for it because of the aid it would afford them in selling. In 

 fact, not infrequently the larger retailers and jobbers find it advisable 

 to go over their asparagus receipts, sorting out the various grades, and 

 the canner always does so. In this connection it is suggested that as 

 66 per cent of the output is segregated by the canneries into Extra 

 Giant, Giant, Mammoth, Large, Medium and Small, it would be well to 

 adopt some such basis generally. 



Third. The establishment at San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacra- 

 mento of general markets. The State Market Director is not at present 

 in a position to make any suggestions. There are steps being taken that 

 it is expected will bring this about, but the arrangements have not yet 

 reached the point justifying announcement. 



There is a limited but remunerative field for the grower who will 

 build up a trade direct with the retailer. Two channels are open in this 

 direction one through the parcel post and the other through the Wells 

 Fargo Express service. Postmasters in most of the larger cities are now 

 issuing a list of producers who cater direct to the retail trade. The list 

 published monthly by the postmaster at San Francisco, for February, 

 1916, does not give the address of a single asparagus grower. Corres- 

 pondence with the postmasters in the various cities will develop the 

 necessary action to have the producer who is willing to fill orders direct 

 mentioned in future lists. No charge is made for this service. The 

 "Wells Fargo Express Company also issues a pamphlet, which is given 

 a wide circulation, containing the names of growers, the prices charged, 

 etc. An inquiry addressed to the traffic manager of this company at 

 San Francisco will bring information showing just how a grower can 

 secure the insertion of his address in the pamphlet. No charge is made 

 for this service by the company. 



