8 
BULLETIN 401, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
POSSIBILITIES OF COOPERATION. ' 
The contract advance system of marketing appears to be estab- 
lished firmly in the Imperial Valley because of the financial situa- 
tion, but there still seems to be possibilities for cooperation among 
growers. This is particularly evident in the purchase of supplies. 
At present all seed used is furnished to the grower by the distributor 
at an average price of $1.25 per pound, and crate material is furnished 
at a cost of 20 cents per crate, including labels, nails, and paper 
wraps for melons. While these prices are by no means exorbitant, 
they do, nevertheless, include a satisfactory profit to the distributor, 
which might be retained by the grower. A growers' organization by 
making purchases of such material might effect desirable economies; 
but although the saving probably would be worth while, it would not 
be as large as might be expected at first glance, as large quantities of 
crate material must be carried over from year to year and must carry 
interest, insurance, storage, and shrinkage charges. 
A growers' cooperative organization would be effective also in 
taking upon itself the verifying of the distributor's books at the end 
of each season. Good business principles alone demand that an 
effective check,of all sales be made at least once a year. A standard 
form of account sales should be insisted upon. Each account sale 
should show the market in which the car was sold, the date it arrived, 
the date it was sold, and the various prices which the different pack- 
ages brought. Occasionally cars are sold outright in a single sale. 
In such cases the name of the buyer should be indicated and the 
various prices per crate shown. Many eastern receivers acting as 
agents for western muskmelon distributors are lax in making a de- 
tailed account sales. 
QUALITY. 
Because of the heavy transportation charges involved the California 
muskmelon is distinctly a semiluxury in the large markets of this 
country. The only exception is in the markets of the Pacific coast, 
to which the freight rates are low, so that the melons can be delivered 
at a moderate price. The muskmelon is an article liked by many but 
necessary to none. Because of this fact quality is of prime impor- 
tance. Inferior or tasteless melons are entirely unsatisfactory to the 
consumer, and the frequent purchasing of muskmelons of such quality 
will cause him to discontinue buying them. In some seasons the 
quality of the Imperial Valley melons has been unsatisfactory, due in 
part to the contract conditions already explained. Although the 
season of 1915 witnessed some improvement in the average grade 
shipped, greater improvement is desirable. 
1 See Xahstoll, G. A., and Kerr. W. H. "A svstem of accounting lor cooperative fruit associations." 
U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Bui. 22-5, 1915. 
