340 



THE PLANT LIFE OF MARYLAND 



Strawberries may be discussed as a truck crop more conveniently 

 than as a fruit, since it is also a canning crop. The chief straw- 

 berry areas are in the sandy soil of the Coastal Zone. The crop from 

 the Eastern Shore is delivered to the northern cities, Philadelphia 

 and beyond, while the Western Shore berries more largely supply 

 Baltimore and Washington and Pittsburg. This is in direct rela- 

 tion to the lines of communication established in the respective areas. 

 The markets arc in general supplied from the nearest source of 

 straight shipment, as every ha lulling adds to the cost of transporta- 

 tion, and to the risk of loss to the grower. Together these add to 



MARYLAND 



SHOWING THE ACREAGE IN 



CANNING CROPS 



Mil CV« '5O0O «COE5 





Fig. 13 Map of Maryland showing the acreage in Canning Crops. 



the price which the consumer pays fur his berries under normal con- 

 ditions. 



Of the other berries which are grown for market, the total crop 

 is comparatively small, and does not figure in the State's business 

 as does the strawberry crop. 



Anne Arundel County leads in strawberries, and in sweet pota- 

 toes also. Baltimore county is first in white potatoes and in onions. 

 The total crop of sweet potatoes is about one third that of the white 

 potato crop. 



Canning Crops. — The canning industry is one of the most im- 

 portant branches or adjuncts of Maryland Agriculture. The farmer 



