No. 123.] DIVISION OF MARKETS. 41 



Massachusetts onions the best markets and highest returns. 

 Suggestions for the improvement of the service will be cor- 

 dially received at any time. 



Tobacco Grades. 

 The Legislature in 1922 directed the Department of Agricul- 

 ture to investigate present grading and marketing practices 

 among growers of leaf tobacco, with a view to recommending 

 a system of grading w^hereby the tobacco-growing industry of 

 this Commonwealth may be benefited through the adoption 

 of more economic and scientific marketing methods. The sum 

 of $1,000 has been appropriated for this purpose. Arrange- 

 ments with the Bureau of Agricultural Economics of the United 

 States Department of Agriculture have been entered into for 

 the employment of a man to carry on the work on a co-opera- 

 tive basis. A competent man has been employed and the 

 investigation is now in progress. Close co-operation is being 

 maintained with the Connecticut Valley Tobacco Association 

 and with the United States Department of Agriculture, in order 

 that the results of this investigation may be as accurate and 

 comprehensive as possible. 



Apple Grading Law. 



Because of the short crop and consequently limited shipping 

 season of last year, additional funds became available for work 

 on the apple grading law this fall. The shipping season began 

 early because of an abnormally large early fall crop, and ship- 

 ments have continued heavy through the season. 



Realizing the added advantages to be had in shipping point 

 and farm-packing inspection, the principal growing areas in the 

 Commonwealth, especially in Franklin, Middlesex and Worces- 

 ter counties were frequently visited. This method of inspection 

 has certain advantages, not the least among them being the 

 opportunity to visit the grower himself and talk with him while 

 he is conducting his packing operations, and thereby rendering 

 him assistance as well as advice on the ways in which he may 

 improve his practices. Shipping point inspection has the added 

 advantage of preventing improperly packed apples from circu- 

 lating in the channels of distribution, whereas in terminal in- 

 spection much damage may be done before the goods are seen 



