22 
BULLETIN 26" 
S. DEPAEIMEXI OF AGRICULTURE. 
There are usually very definite reasons why goods coming to 
market pass on to consumption through such diverse channels. 
Among those factors which decide along what course and through 
what hands perishables shall pass in going from producer to con- 
sumer are: (1) The condition or tone of the market: (2) grade. 
pack, and quality of the shipment: (3) district in which the ship- 
FlG. 
Main channels of distribution for fruits and vegetables. 
ment originate?: and (4) the shipper's knowledge of market con- 
ditions. 
As a rule, certain types of distributors handle most of the produce 
coming to market. One principal line of distribution is from grower 
to car-lot wholesaler, to jobber, to retailer, to consumer. Goods 
consigned on commission may pass from grower to commission man, 
to retailer, to consumer. The car-lot wholesaler, commission mer- 
chant, jobber, and retailer are highly important market factors, 
