223 The Sweet Potato 



harvested, handled to prevent bruising, and graded or 

 culled according to trade requirements, he has not solved 

 his marketing problems. The grower must know how 

 to produce the iinished article in the most profitable 

 manner possible if he is to reap the rewards of a well- 

 rounded marketing system. 



Quality. 



All trade admires superior quality. The actual 

 " velvet " received on a transaction involving a large 

 shipment of sweet potatoes is often realized entirely on 

 the degree of superiority which the shipment in ques- 

 tion possesses over the average market quality. Qual- 

 ity includes every factor which makes the goods more 

 attractive and desirable because of uniformity, grade, or 

 edible characteristics. The Eastern Shore of Virginia 

 Produce Exchange has built up for itself a very enviable 

 reputation for the quality of its " Star Brand " Irish 

 potatoes, and this same Association is doing much for 

 the sweet potato industry in that section. Individuals 

 and cooperative associations need to set for themselves 

 a certain standard of excellence and always live up to 

 this standard. This is the only way to gain a reputation 

 for honesty, fair dealing and superior quality. Many 

 of the New Jersey and Delaware growers take great 

 pride in cultivating this special fancy trade, and the 

 same may be said of individuals throughout the South 

 and Central West. 



The quality of a sweet potato is materially influenced 

 by the type of soil on which it is grown, the rainfall, 

 the variety, fertilization, cultivation, harvesting, curing, 

 subsequent handling and grading. All of these sub- 



