1, BULLETIN No. 298 ; 
Contribution from Office of Markets and Rural Organization 
CHARLES J. BRAND, Chief 
Washington, D. C. Vv August 31, 1915. 
PEACH SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION IN 1914.’ 
By Weuts A. SHERMAN, Specialist in Market Surveys; Houston F. WALKER, 
Scientific Assistant; L. HERBERT Martin, Assistant in Market Surveys. 
CONTENTS. 
Page. Page 
in (ROGuUCtON Sse ew one cece eek sees if? | PEVVIOLK UNG CPAW AY, aaa saee coe one ne eee aoe 7 
STOUT Tayo CULTS ys aro mses paysite eiaysieituc ayers or Suleeecincipalshippine(Statesene. --eeeeee tase eee 7 
Second inquiry—sources of ionmetion eae a leebe plana tiOnolmmManyes qaaccces cere ee sae eee 8 
Pheshipping seasons. 24. -sssecce sss - eos esse 3 | Prospective shipments for 1915............... 8 
Areas of commercial production.... otis d|Peach shipments, 1914222 cease eeceereee 9 
IPTESOHLATION Of Catia s scmiccicic wieicisims ec clsemeale 6 
INTRODUCTION. 
Peaches, beng among the most highly perishable crops, present 
many difficult marketing problems. A large part of the crop must 
be transported over long distances to find profitable markets, bemg 
handled under refrigeration in insulated cars especially constructed 
for the transportation of perishable commodities. 
In many sections large orchards have been planted and. careful 
study has been given to the best methods of propagation, pruning, 
cultivation, and general care of the trees, so that there are perhaps 
few crops to which more scientific methods are applied so far as 
production is concerned. 
Much attention recently has been given in certain sections to 
grading and packing, but in most localities these two essentials in the 
successful marketing of peaches are not receiving the attention they 
deserve. All growers should realize the importance of taking the 
greatest care in the preparation of this crop for market. When the 
1 About 95 per cent of the reports of shipments listed in this publication were furnished by railroad 
officials, to whom grateful acknowledgment is made for their courtesy and assistance. 
2 Gould, H. P. Growing Peaches: Sites, propagation, planting, tillage, and maintenance of soil fertility. 
(Farmers’ Bulletin 631.) Growing Peaches: Pruning, renewal of tops, thinning, interplanted crops, and 
special practices. (Farmers’ Bulletin 632.) 
Note.—This bulletin is of general interest to peach growers, shippers, dealers, transportation companies, 
‘and consumers. 
4519°—Bull. 298—15——1 
