THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCE 137 



articles. These lists are distributed gratuitously to all 

 applicants, and they are advertised widely in Time 

 Tables and other publications. This action has brought 

 a considerable trade to some producers ; and the latter 

 can further aid themselves individually by the distribu- 

 tion of circulars in the towns that are most likely to 

 suit their purpose. Judicious advertisements in papers 

 with large circulations, or in those that appeal to certain 

 classes of readers, also furnish assistance in the same 

 direction. Bearing in mind the subjects we have 

 discussed respecting selection and grading, with good 

 packing, the formation of a sound business should only 

 be a question of time. As regards payment, it is wise 

 to adopt the plan of " cash with order " for all new or 

 unknown customers ; it is in fact preferable throughout ; 

 but if a well-known and regular customer desires to pay 

 at stated periods, say fortnightly or monthly, it is a 

 matter for consideration. Where the grower is paying 

 carriage in advance, besides providing boxes, etc., it is 

 only fair to expect immediate payment, and that is the 

 only safe method on which such a business can be 

 conducted. 



Fruiterers in the larger cities, notably in the West End 

 of London, occasionally make a feature of small boxes of 

 the choicest British fruits, and when these or other 

 dealers find there is a demand, an important opening is 

 afforded for small packages. Some of the principal 

 general stores have also taken up boxes of home-grown 

 fruits, and when these can be sent in consignments of 

 fifty to one hundred boxes each, several advantages are 

 gained. One is that on some of the lines the total weight 

 of a consignment to one person is charged for, and not 

 on the packages separately. This makes a material 

 difference in favour of the sender. 



A branch of this direct consignment system which 

 has only been partly developed by a few growers is the 



