2 BULLETIN 298, TJ. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



grading is carefully performed and the packing is standardized and 

 rigidly inspected, peaches will be much more profitably marketed in 

 almost all cases. 



Most of the crop is marketed in containers holding from one-third 

 to 1 bushel, the size and kind of container varying with the section 

 of the country from which the peaches are shipped. In the West the 

 peach box holding approximately 20 pounds is used; in the South- 

 west the four-basket crate, six-basket crate, and bushel basket; in 

 the Central States Climax baskets, half -bushel and bushel baskets; 

 and in the East and South six-basket carriers, half-bushel and bushel 

 baskets. 



"The large number of varieties of peaches that may be grown suc- 

 cessfully in some sections tends to prolong the period within which 

 they can be marketed profitably. By planting a proper assortment 

 of varieties the peach season in any particular locality can be extended 

 somewhat, but as the picking season for any one variety is very short 

 and as the principal commercial orchards are planted largely to 

 Elbertas the commercial shipping season in these districts is very 

 short in proportion to the large percentage of the total crop which 

 they produce. 1 



The peach, on account of its very perishable nature, must be 

 marketed as soon as possible after reaching maturity; therefore, the 

 proper dispatch and distribution present many difficulties. Peaches 

 will not stand delay, even when graded, packed, and handled in the 

 best possible manner. If the grower of apples is not satisfied with 

 the price offered at the time of harvest, he can store certain varieties 

 until the following spring, when prices may be better. Peaches, on 

 the other hand, must be disposed of immediately. If not already 

 sold when loaded on the cars they must be started at once toward the 

 market, and if they are not sold while en route it is important that 

 they go to a market not already overstocked. An oversupply may 

 occur in one market meaning heavy losses to certain growers, while 

 at the same time consumers may be paying high prices in other 

 localities. It is probable that many smaller towns could serve as 

 carload distributing points if local dealers in these towns would 

 cooperate in buying peaches by the carload and in pushing their sale. 



The problem of peach marketing is one of irregular production and 

 of unsatisfactory preparation and distribution rather than of over- 

 production. The increased consumption of California oranges made 

 possible by effective distribution is an example of results accruing 

 from care in the marketing of a crop of which there is a comparatively 

 uniform supply. 



1 Gould, IT. P. OrowlnR Poaches. Varieties and classification. (Farmers' Bulletin 633.) 



