March, 1928] agricultural experiments 1927 27 



The chief problems of culture are as follows: (1) production of strains 

 better suited to local conditions (this is particularly true of head lettuce, 

 and means seed growing and seed selection) ; (2) better methods of fertiliza- 

 tion and culture to get vegetables earlier and cheaper; (3) the control of 

 certain insects and pests, especially mildew on peas and tip-burn on 

 lettuce; (4) the introduction of other early crops such as endive, Chinese 

 cabbage, kohl rabi. 



Because the growing season in the mountain section is short, there is the 

 possibility of gardeners farther south supplying the hotel trade. In test- 

 ing out this possibility, the co-operation was secured of W. P. Tuttle, a 

 commercial gardener of Dover, who supplied several boxes of tomatoes for 

 trial shipment. These tomatoes were uniform in size and free from 

 blemishes. All were wrapped and packed in standard Boston boxes. 

 One steward was so well pleased that he allowed 24 cents a pound for 

 them, which was the price for hothouse tomatoes. 



The preliminary work done on this project during the past season is 

 encouraging although not conclusive. The attitude of the hotel managers 

 and stewards is favorable toward future development. They praised the 

 excellent quahty of vegetables supplied by a few growers who are also 

 giving dependable service. There is a demand for further experimentation 

 and development of varieties adapted to the climatic conditions. 



The Poultry Demand 



In studying the poultry demand, hotel managers and stewards were 

 visited by E. H, Rinear. Definite information was obtained regarding 

 requirements, both as to total amount of each class of poultry used and as 

 to the size and quality desired. 



The demand for dressed poultry by the White Mountain hotels was 

 found to be for birds of high quality, of uniform quality and weight 

 packed in standard boxes, and for a dependable supply service. 



In order to test out the possibility of supply from sources within the 

 state, arrangements were made with three hotels to receive trial shipments 

 of dressed broilers. The broilers were supplied by R. B. Thurrell of East 

 Wolfeboro. A. W. Lohman of the Poultry Department had charge of 

 the dressing and packing. All of the broilers were full-feathered and 

 well-meated birds, weighing around 2% pounds alive. After dressing, 

 wrapping heads and packing one dozen broilers in a box, the net weight 

 varied from 22^ pounds to 23^ pounds per box. These boxes were 

 placed immediately in a refrigerator and held at approximately 35° until 

 thoroughly chilled. 



The broilers were inspected on arrival by the stewards. Two ship- 

 ments gave complete satisfaction. One steward volunteered to pay two 

 cents premium per pound over the Boston market if he could get this 

 quality of broilers regularly throughout the season. 



From the information gleaned thus far, it seems that there is a desire 

 on the part of the managers and stewards of the White Mountain hotels 

 to purchase poultry from nearby sources. The trial shipments have shown 

 that New Hampshire has broilers of high quality. Before recommenda- 

 tions can be made regarding the possibilities for or against an assembling 

 plant on a small or large scale, more data will have to be had on the costs 

 of operating such plants. (Purnell Fund.) 



