42 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTLTRE. [Pub. Doc. 



by the inspector. It is hoped to continue this practice in the 

 future. 



Opened-packed apples which are often put up in a deceptive 

 manner are attracting the attention of packers. To the growers 

 of Massachusetts apples this practice offers a real problem, 

 as closed package goods come into direct competition with 

 apples in open packages, and the closed package is often dis- 

 credited because of the presence in the market of improperly 

 open-packed goods. But the greatest detriment comes in an 

 indirect way through the general market depression and dis- 

 satisfaction caused by the presence of these open packages 

 which are so often deceptively packed. 



The practice of closing packages, common among merchants, 

 and made necessary by the rulings of transit companies, has 

 necessitated our close observation, as boxes closed in this 

 manner come within the jurisdiction of our grading law. Our 

 work at Boston has included daily observation of the wholesale 

 market and the examination of Massachusetts packed apples 

 for export, as well as periodical visits to the packing area in 

 Middlesex County. We have been able to assist in instructing 

 and inspecting in several large transactions, one involving 

 35,000 boxes. Compliance with Massachusetts grade require- 

 ments is gradually improving. 



From the standpoint of the producer the apple situation in 

 Franklin County for the present season has been very unsatis- 

 factory. The quality of fruit has been much below normal, a 

 condition which was brought about by unfavorable weather 

 conditions during the growing season. Scab, sooty fungus and 

 Baldwin spot have been very prevalent. In addition to this a 

 very severe September hail storm in the Colrain section, and 

 an unprecedented early October freeze throughout the county, 

 have been factors in cutting down the total barreled apple 

 output. 



Prices have been lower than those that have prevailed during 

 the last few years. The general orchard-run price has ranged 

 from SI. 60 to $2.50, mostly $2 per barrel. The price on A's 

 and B's has been S3 per barrel quite generally, with a few lots 

 that graded out a very high percentage of A's selling at $3.50. 

 All prices include barrel, which cost the grower about 55 cents. 

 The cider price has been 50 cents per hundredweight during 

 the entire season. 



