35 



into one stencil the same size as the head. In this way all the heads 

 will be uniform in appearance. The return for neatness will much 

 more than repay cost of plate. If the paneled head is used, the stencil 

 containing all but size can be made to fit the panel. The marking of 

 the size should be regular and uniform as to position, or it will also 

 mar the effect. Every precaution should be taken to make the head 

 and the whole exterior of the pack as attractive as possible, for it is 

 the part first seen, and uniformity and neatness will do much to bring 

 the best class of buyers and the best prices. 



As a final inspection the box should be examined for defects, such 

 as projecting or badly nailed slats, loose packing, and any other 

 points that denote carelessness or slovenliness. 



MARKETING ASSOCIATIONS. 



If there are any organized, by all means join a marketing associa- 

 tion. If there are none, then do all you can to organize one, as no one 

 thing can help more to make the industry a success and thus help 

 each individual grower. 



Some of the chief advantages of marketing associations are as 

 follows : 



(1) Supplies can be obtained at better rates. 



(2) Standards can be established and better maintained, because 

 the manager will have large amounts of fruit to place on the market. 



(3) The fruit can be better distributed and loss saved by not 

 glutting one market while others are short. 



(4) The whole grade of the fruit and the industry itself will be 

 improved by reason of the knowledge of what the markets desire. 

 This collection of helpful data is alone worth the membership cost. 



(5) Better terms can be obtained from transportation companies; 

 also more improvements and appliances for handling fruit. 



(6) Markets can be extended and new fields opened. 



(7) Inspection, storing, repacking, etc., can each and all be done 

 cheaper and better. 



Still other reasons can be given, but surely these are enough to con- 

 vince one of the value of marketing associations. It is on record 

 that associations have been the means of increasing net profits to the 

 growers 20 to 30 per cent in one year. 



SHIPPING. 



As the local markets in Porto Rico are small, practically all the 

 fruit must be shipped or canned. In the shipping we are at a dis- 

 advantage, as we must depend upon ocean vessels that are ill equipped 

 for carrying such fruit, and, worse yet, during a part of the season 



