i 3 4 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



uniform quality to render it worth the trial. So long as 

 better prices can be obtained for small consignments 

 there is no need to trouble about the matter, but we 

 have seen imported fruits sold by auction in bulk at 

 prices considerably in advance of those being obtained in 

 the same market for similar quality and varieties from 

 home-growers sent in by the bushel or half sieve. 



Consignment direct to Consumers. — Much can be said in 

 the favour of any method which facilitates the direct 

 communication between producers and consumers, because 

 the immediate interests of both are concerned. When 

 growers on the one hand are obtaining prices which 

 leave a very small margin after all expenses are deducted, 

 it is a common experience to find the consumers paying 

 loo per cent, greater prices for similar produce. This 

 difference is divided amongst those through whose hands 

 it has passed, and is partly utilised in recouping the 

 dealers for losses on perishable goods. But the grower 

 also has equal or heavier losses to face from weather 

 influences, or injuries to his crops by insects and disease, 

 but he cannot command so large a percentage return on 

 his outlay to provide against such contingencies. Middle- 

 men cannot be entirely dispensed with for the reasons 

 previously stated, but there is no question that thousands 

 of growers might improve their condition and benefit the 

 public by a systematic attempt to reach the consumer 

 without intermediate agents. That it can be done has 

 been proved in many trades, and it is being extended 

 both in commercial horticulture and farming with marked 

 success. 



Two methods by which consumers can be reached 

 direct are, first, delivery at the houses from the ground, 

 and second, forwarding packages from a distance by train 

 or post. The former is adapted for beginners in a 

 moderate way, near large towns that can be readily 

 worked by horse and cart or van. Many industrious 



