24 BULLETIN" 267, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
CONCLUSION. 
The car-lot movement of fruits and vegetables from distant pro- 
duction areas to large distribution centers has assumed its present 
importance during the last 20 years. This means that our pres- 
ent marketing methods are of comparatively recent origin. Many 
believe that the solution of present marketing problems would be 
reached by a return to the simple, direct methods which sufficed for 
the preceding generation. It should be borne in mind, however, that 
our present market machinery has been evolved because changing 
conditions of supply have made necessary many changes in the 
methods of handling food products. 
A knowledge of the manner in which perishables were handled and 
marketed 40 years ago helps very little toward solving present diffi- 
culties. Any intelligent attempt to better marketing conditions must 
be based on a good working knowledge of present agencies and their 
functions. The nearer that both producer and consumer can come 
to an understanding and appreciation of the work devolving upon 
the distributor, the nearer will we approach a solution of many of 
the problems incident to the movement of fruits and vegetables. 
A better knowledge of present methods of marketing would assist 
greatly in clearing away many problems, even though no changes in 
the present scheme of distribution were made. The shipper who has 
a more or less definite knowledge of the course his goods will take 
when they reach a big market has a great advantage over the man 
who has no idea of methods of distribution. He can safeguard his 
interests by retaining a measure of control over his product after it 
reaches destination. 
Shippers or prospective shippers of fruits and vegetables are ad- 
vised to get in touch with their principal market, learn its likes, 
dislikes, and peculiarities, study the means whereby their goods are 
distributed to consumers, and secure a working knowledge of the 
chief problems incident to the handling of their commodities. 
SUMMARY. 
1. In treating the subject of market distribution of fruits and 
vegetables, an effort has been made to explain certain general prac- 
tices at large distribution centers which receive fruits and vegetables 
in car-lot quantities. 
2. The widening distance between producer and consumer has 
called into existence the middleman of to-day. The fact that the 
middleman has certain useful functions to perform makes it inadvis- 
able to eliminate him without arranging for some other agency to 
nssume his duties. 
