74 THE GREAT CRANBERRY MARKETS. 



If there has been a frost about the time of blossom- 

 ing, then that circumstance is laid hold upon, and the 

 cry is raised, there will be a short crop ; or should 

 there be too much rain, or too much sunshine, or a 

 frost early in October, all are equal blessings to the 

 great dealers, who know well how to manage this part 

 of the business to their own advantage. 



All cranberries are not of equal value. Some will 

 not keep so long as others, neither are they so highly 

 colored or flavored as the best varieties, yet the poor- 

 est berry is often disposed of at the same price as the 

 best. 



There are cranberries which are picked before they 

 are ripe in order to save them from the frost. In some 

 parts of the country producers do this to save them- 

 selves, or their fruit would be affected, and rot. Cran- 

 berries gathered before they are ripe will not keep so 

 long as those that have matured. 



Hundreds of bushels are taken into the market in 

 this condition, and they are afterwards branded and 

 sold as a superior fruit, realizing just as much as the 

 very best. 



Those cranberries which come into the market that 

 have lost their green hue, and only have a delicate 

 flesh color must be used within a few months or they 

 will decay. 



Growers of cranberries have their preferences foi 



