32 



CIRCULAR 2 51, XT. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Except in isolated cities where one or two growers control the 

 supply, mushrooms are sold on consignment and the price received 

 for them is based on the prevailing values, as indicated by sales from 

 receivers and wholesalers or retailers. In New York and Chicago 

 the receiver charges a commission of 10 per cent for handling mush- 

 rooms. The white variety commands a better price than cream or 

 brown and large mushrooms bring a higher price than buttons. The 

 daily fluctuations in supply and price and the premiums paid for 

 the different classes of mushrooms on the New York market are 

 shown in Figure 17. On this market a higher average price is 

 maintained in the summer because of the greatly reduced supply. 

 (Fig. 18.) This figure also illustrates the response of the market 



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Figure 17. 



-The daily fluctuation in the price of different grade 

 quoted on the New York market, January, 1930 



of mushrooms 



to holidays and shows that the market is much more sensitive to 

 small changes in supply during the summer, when the supply is low 

 and the price comparatively high. On the Chicago market, prices 

 are slightly higher in the winter but rarely reach the peak summer 

 prices that prevail on the New York market. 



Canners specialize in high-quality button mushrooms and often 

 fix a purchasing price in the fall that remains fairly constant 

 throughout the winter. 



The foregoing data indicate clearly the necessity for locating mush- 

 room establishments near a good market and near an adequate and 

 cheap source of manure and suitable casing soil. They also show 

 that high yields and high quality of product should be the para- 

 mount considerations. Savings derived from the use of mechanical 



