SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. ly 



wise counsels given will greatly assist the fruit growers of 

 Maine in their work the coming year. 



I am instructed to present for your consideration two 

 specific propositions and ask your cooperation in making 

 both efifective in advancing the reputation for New Eng- 

 land fruit in every market. The first relates to the estab- 

 lishment of a uniform package for shipment. For want 

 of this our fruit goes upon the market in barrels of varying 

 sizes, shapes and forms of construction and not always in 

 most attractive manner. Then, too, the variations in size 

 naturally detracts from the attractiveness and uniformity 

 of the shipment. Maine fruit growers are desirous that, 

 if possible, there be established throughout New England 

 a standard size for barrels and boxes, believing that this 

 will enhance the selling value of our fruit. The question 

 with us is not so much the size of the barrel or box as the 

 fixing of a standard by these several organized bodies. In 

 Canada the minimum size of barrel prescribed by the In- 

 spection and Sale Acts is 96 quarts, the inside measurement 

 being 26^/2 inches between heads, 17 inches head diameter 

 and 18^ inches middle diameter. I do not present this 

 as the standard, but would urge such action by your Society 

 as will enable other states to confirm your decision and 

 thus a standard size be finally established by state legis- 

 lation. 



^^'ith the rapid inroads made, in all our markets, by 

 the Hood River, and other western grown fruit, shipped 

 in boxes, this style of packing must claim more attention. 

 Canada is required to use a box 10x11x20 inches, inside 

 measurement, the end pieces not less than y%, or more 

 than ^ inches thick, the sides y% and top and bottom 34 

 inch material. Any definite action taken will necessitate 

 the spreading of information as to size of barrel and box, 

 kinds of lumber and construction, and this must neces- 

 sarily be accepted as the legitimate function of the several 

 State Pomological Societies. Working jointly, immediate 

 results would be manifest. This subject is of importance, 

 and merits our critical attention. 



