54 



quantity of sugar of the crop of 1913 were marketed. The goods were 

 handled at comparatively little expense and very satisfactory prices 

 were obtained. A great expansion in this branch of their work is looked 

 for as the membership increases. The association uses a label shown on 

 pag3 53, which is calculated to be a guarantee of genuineness. 

 Members can obtain a supply of these from the secretary. 



From the experience of the first season the officers of the asso- 

 ciation are encouraged to believe that if entrusted by the members to 

 do so they will be able to handle their whole output. The sugar and 

 syrup will be graded and sold to the best possible advantage. This 

 plan would secure the benefits of co-operation and thus do away in some 

 measure at least with competition which in many cases reduces the 

 price. Selling goods according to grade will have the further good 

 influence of educating the public on quality and in encouraging makers 

 to improve their method of manufacture. 



Maple sugar makers wherever in Canada they may be situated will 

 do well to associate themselves with this co-operative movement which 

 should do much to build up and greatly improve an industry that has 

 for a number of years shown indisputable signs of decline. 



THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIZATION. 



At the meeting at which the Pure Maple Sugar and Syrup Co- 

 Operative Agricultural Association was organized Mr. A. A. Carleton, 

 President of the Vermont Maple Sugar Association, delivered an address 

 on the benefits of organization. The Vermont Association has been in 

 operation for twenty years and has therefore valuable lessons for Cana- 

 dian sugar makers. Following is Mr. Carleton's address in abridged 

 form : 



The benefits of an association, when backed by the Government, 

 and good Legislation are numerous and a great help, to the producer as 

 well as the consumer. "In union is strength," therefore by uniting 

 our minds, wills and personal push in an association we are bound to 

 further the cause for which it is formed. I consider the circumstances 

 which beset you farmers are similar to those which we people of Ver- 

 mont have had to contend with. As the demand for our maple products 

 has increased, the ' ' mixers ' ' have also increased their output, although 

 the amount of pure maple goods remained the same. 



By strenuous efforts on the part of the sugar makers, as an organ- 

 ized association and backed by the Government of Vermont, we have 

 now a ' ' pure food and drug law" which strictly prohibits the adulteration 

 and misbranding of food products, including maple sugar and syrup. 



