TRANSPORTATION 171 



combine a number of small associations into a large organi- 

 zation where each small association has a representative. A 

 larger association has the advantage of greater sales, it can 

 furnish valuable information to the grower at less expense, 

 it is in constant touch with all the markets and it prevents 

 over-supply in one market and a shortage in another. The 

 distribution is also very efficient and the field is covered more 

 evenly at a minimum of expense. 



In the purchase of supplies it has an advantage. When 

 spray materials and machinery are purchased in large 

 quantities and in carloads they can be purchased at a lower 

 price, which is impossible where individual growers attempt 

 to buy only for their own needs. 



Transportation. — Produce is shipped in two ways, either by 

 express or by fast freight in refrigeration cars. If the distance 

 is short, express is perhaps the better; but when long dis- 

 tances are covered it becomes necessary to ship by fast 

 freight and to have the produce packed in ice-cooled cars. 

 Long-distance shipments require carload lots. 



These cars are practically large ice-boxes. The produce is 

 cooled, if possible, before it is placed in the cars, but this 

 cooling is not always necessary. After the produce is loaded 

 and packed the cars are iced and tightly closed up. By 

 handling the produce in this manner it arrives in excellent 

 condition, and oftentimes fruits and vegetables are shipped 

 thousands of miles, arriving on the market in a fresh state. 



Perhaps no greater impetus has been given to horticulture 

 than the invention of the iced or the refrigerator car. Before 

 this means of transportation came into use, long-distance 

 shipments of perishable produce were impossible. Only 

 short hauls could be made, and many times the express rate 

 was so high that the shipping of produce was prohibitive. 

 Improved transportation has opened up great areas for the 

 production of fruit and vegetables. Before refrigeration cars 

 came into general use this area was only cheap farm lands. 

 Fast freight with iced cars has made it possible to have 

 fresh fruit and vegetables on all markets the entire year, and 

 at prices which are not prohibitive for the general public. 



