No. 123.] DIVISION OF MARKETS. 47 



sumer was analyzed; the charges exacted by the various 

 agencies were ascertained; and actual margins, as far as 

 possible, were determined. 



As a result of the study of traffic congestion in the Faneuil 

 Hall Market district, as it affects cost of food distribution, 

 opinions were given for reducing traffic congestion. Boston 

 dealers have become convinced that a terminal market is 

 necessary. 



The question. Is it more profitable to ship the apple crop 

 of Franklin County, Massachusetts, to market by rail or truck, 

 was answered in the study made of the transportation of the 

 Franklin County apple crop to market. 



As the work of determining marketing costs of agricultural 

 products progressed, it was considered advisable to make a 

 study of the retail margins of certain farm products, and to 

 make a brief analysis of the retail buying practices of metro- 

 politan Boston. Charts and maps have been made to illustrate 

 many phases of the market research work. 



A project of interest to people connected with the milk 

 business, as well as to those interested in the advertising and 

 selling of other farm products, was also carried on in Boston. 

 This w^as a study of the various factors influencing demand 

 for milk. Especial emphasis was placed upon the analysis of 

 advertising and publicity and their importance in the marketing 

 scheme. While the study was only a preliminary step in the 

 investigation of farm products publicity, it is of interest because 

 it marks the beginning of research in a field where advertising 

 may prove a great benefit to consumer, producer and distribu- 

 tor alike. 



Among the studies to be pursued this coming year is that of 

 retail and jobbing practices and the marketing of Massachusetts 

 apples. Already a study of the influence of the push-cart 

 vendor on the relief of glutted markets, as well as the influence 

 on other methods of retailing, is in progress. 



Realizing that New England should be considered as an 

 economic unit, a counsel, designated as the New England Re- 

 search Counsel on Marketing and Food Supply, has been 

 created by State and Federal agencies for the purpose of 

 stimulating interest in problems relating to the distribution of 

 agricultural products, co-ordinating the work so far as possible 

 to eliminate all duplication. 



