8 BULLETIN 1002, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



In very large cities, on the other hand, an active demand for open 

 markets may exist in the congested sections, but the furnishing of 

 the necessary supplies to such sections may be impracticable. Open 

 farmers' markets are thus out of the question in certain sections of 

 very large cities, because the areas of production are so far from 

 those sections that it is unremunerative for farmers to haul their 

 wares there. If such sections are to be provided with open markets, 

 they must be markets of hucksters and pushcart vendors. It may be 

 mentioned in passing that such congested sections of cities as those 

 referred to above are often admirable locations for inclosed middle- 

 man markets. 



Exceptions will exist, but in general even the simplest type of 

 open retail market along a street curb can not be expected to succeed 

 in towns of less than 10,000 to 12,000 population. It will usually 

 be unwise to establish a substantial open retail market on a market 

 tract in cities of less than 25,000 or 30,000 population unless the 

 signal success of a curb market demonstrates that the situation is 

 exceptionally favorable. Wholesale markets, even when combined 

 with retail markets, are seldom found in cities of less than 40.000 

 population unless they are maintained largely for sales to outside 

 buyers for shipment. The best developed wholesale markets are 

 found in cities of well over 50,000 population, and it is also in the 

 cities from this size upward that the most thriving open retail 

 markets are found. 



The size of a city alone, however, is only a rough indication of the 

 practicability of establishing a certain type of market. A more accu- 

 rate index is the probable number of people who can be depended 

 upon to patronize the market. The proportion of a population which 

 represents potential market customers will vary with nationality, 

 local customs and prejudices, climatic conditions, and the like. It 

 often happens, therefore, that a public market in one city receives 

 heavier patronage than a similar market in a somewhat larger city. 

 In estimating the number of potential customers of a public market 

 consideration must be given also to existing agencies such as " green 

 groceries,'' hucksters, and other agencies concerned in the distribution 

 of farm products, and to what extent such agencies meet the needs 

 of consumers. 



Of equally fundamental importance with the subject of demand in 

 determining the practicability of a public market is the matter of the 

 supply and potential supply of products to be handled in the market. 

 Obviously these two essential factors — demand and supply — must be 

 in proper relationship before a successful market can be created. 

 Open markets have to do primarily with supplies of produce origi- 

 nating within hauling distance. Where little or no good farming land 



