PACKING AND MAKKETS. 95 



to learn the peculiarities of each. Tomatoes are sold to 

 better advantage in Baltimore and Boston than in any 

 other Northern market. Cauliflowers and melons will not 

 pay in Baltimore, while both sell well in Boston and New 

 York, the former being a better market than New York 

 for melons. The red sweet potato, although not the pop- 

 ular variety, is more salable in Boston than in New 

 York. White onions will sell higher than red ones in 

 New York, while there is but - slight difference between 

 the two in Boston. I have rarely had reason to be pleased 

 with sales in Philadelphia, and of late years have shipped 

 very little to that market; nevertheless I am constrained 

 to add that I have been told of several satisfactory sales 

 there during the past season. My experience has taught 

 me that New York is, on the whole, the best market for 

 the bulk of the crops. 



I have no personal knowledge of the Western markets 

 and commission merchants; but I learn that the ship- 

 ments have given satisfactory returns. It is probable 

 that, with improved transportation facilities, considerable 

 shipments will be made to the Western cities hereafter. 

 In every market there are doubtless many excellent, hon- 

 est, and trustworthy firms, the standing of which, as that 

 of all others, is ascertainable at mercantile agencies. Old 

 and experienced truck-farmers have their tried and ap- 

 proved consignees, and it is important for the beginner 

 to exercise great care in the selection of his commission 

 house, and, when one has been fixed upon, it is not well 

 to make a change for a trivial reason. 



