Part 61 (1/2)
It was found necessary to provide a standard by which the buyer and seller could agree on apple grades. After consulting several persons, it was decided to adopt the following grades:
”A” Grade.--Hand picked, normal shape, good color (at least one-third colored), free from dirt, disease and insect injuries, and well packed.
Limit of defects allowed: Not more than 10% of all kinds nor 5% of any one kind.
[Ill.u.s.tration: Prof. R. S. Mackintosh--Horticulturist connected with Extension Division, University Farm, St. Paul.]
”B” Grade.--Hand picked, practically normal shape, practically free from dirt, disease and insect injuries, and properly packed. Limit of defects allowed: Not more than 15% of all nor 5% of any one kind.
Only one variety and grade should be put in a package. In the grade specifications given, normal shape refers to the general form of well-grown specimens of the variety in question. For instance: The Wealthy is regular in outline and nearly round, while the Hibernal is somewhat flat and often irregular. In like manner the color must be typical of the variety, whether green, yellow or red. Red apples usually sell better than green or yellow varieties, although the quality may be even poorer. Fruit showing insect or disease injuries cannot be cla.s.sed as well grown. Grading to size is very important. This is not specified because it depends upon the variety and season. Only apples above a selected minimum size, as 2-1/2 inches, the diameter at right angles to stem, should be placed in the same package. Defects refer to apples not up to grade in size, color or shape and having bruises, punctures, disease or insect injuries.
_Fancy._--For persons having extra choice fruit, a fancy grade can be used. Well-grown specimens, hand picked, of normal shape, at least two-thirds colored, free from dirt, diseases and insect injuries and properly packed. Not more than 5% of combined defects allowed, of which only 2% can be of the same kind.
Hundreds of letters were sent to persons in the state, telling them that we would maintain an information bureau or clearing house to help them in finding markets for their apples. Several growers replied, and the names of persons who were anxious to buy apples were given them. Nine farmers' clubs asked for information as to where Minnesota apples could be bought. This is a beginning, and it shows that there is need for some sort of an organization that can find out where apples are and who wants them. The intention has not been to interfere with the regular trade routes, but to give the growers information as to who wants apples. As you will notice, this does not bring the producer directly to the door of the consumer. There must be some one to act as a go-between in most cases.
It was just stated that Minnesota is a state having a very large number of co-operative business organizations. Among these are about two hundred live stock s.h.i.+pping a.s.sociations having a very simple form of organization. A number of persons in a community, having considerable stock to s.h.i.+p, come together, adopt a simple set of by-laws which provide for the selection of a manager, his compensation--usually a certain percentage on the gross receipts--and a small amount for losses which may occur. No capital stock is required--only the actual living stock. The manager s.h.i.+ps the stock at certain times, and when the returns come in deducts the amounts provided for expenses and then returns to each s.h.i.+pper his proportionate amount. In this way the stock is sold at the terminal yards the same day and with other stock from many sections. It is a very simple, satisfactory way of marketing.
The more I study and think of our apple situation, the more I am of the opinion that a very large part of our fruit could be marketed in a similar way. Some of our La Crescent friends s.h.i.+p together in carlots successfully. Why not others? This is the very best way to begin co-operation in a successful way. As Mr. Collingwood says: ”Co-operation, like charity, should begin at home and be well nurtured.”
In other words, begin to co-operate at home in a small way and let the future large organizations take care of themselves.
To be specific, let the growers in a community meet and form a fruit-s.h.i.+pping a.s.sociation with by-laws patterned after the successful stock-s.h.i.+pping a.s.sociations. Then the fruit should be well grown, picked in time, graded thoroughly and honestly packed and marked. Haul at once to car. The manager will take charge and s.h.i.+p as he thinks best. Each package must have the customary identification marks, so the manager can keep an accurate record of all transactions. If, by chance, trouble comes up, the s.h.i.+ppers can pool their interests, and send a representative to find out the trouble. Thus they can do together what each cannot do alone. Even this does not bring the consumers directly in contact with the producers. It is, however, a step nearer.
The public auctions started in New York this season seem to have been successful, and it may mean an innovation which will improve marketing conditions in general. These auctions are held under the recently formed Department of Foods and Markets. The Department has contracted with a large auction company which advances the freight, conducts the sales, guarantees the accounts, and advances the net returns for the goods daily. The producer is able to get returns within two days. The total cost is 5% on the gross sales; 3% for the auction company and 2% for the Department of Markets for the advertising and for other overhead expenses. Posters have been issued to advertise New York State apples.
As this Department has been working only for a short time, it is too early to tell whether it is a success in every way.
We earnestly ask your co-operation in trying to solve the question of marketing Minnesota apples. All interested must a.s.sist in this important subject.
WORLD'S TALLEST TREES.--The tallest trees are the Australian eucalyptus, which attain a height of 480 feet.
GARDEN HELPS
Conducted by Minnesota Garden Flower Society
Edited by MRS. E. W. GOULD, 2644 Humboldt Avenue So.
Minneapolis.
HARDY CHRYSANTHEMUMS.
The new type of hardy chrysanthemums called ”early-flowering” has been largely developed by a Frenchman named August Nonin, of Paris, who has devoted much of his life to perfecting this strain from seedlings of the old-fas.h.i.+oned ”mums” of our grandmothers' gardens. It is considered by far the most satisfactory kind to grow out of doors, blossoming earlier than the pompons. A few of the best of these early-flowering types are: White--Crawford White, Dorothy, Milka and Normandie; yellow--E'toile d'Or, Carrie, October Gold; pink--Beaurepaire, Eden, Le Danube; red and bronze shades--Harvest Home, Firelight, A. Barham and Billancourt. These are the earliest bloomers of this type.
Hardy pompons are still most largely grown for outdoor flowering, but of these there is also a choice, as the earliest bloomers are the most desirable to use. Lilian Doty, a large-flowered, clear, bright pink, is considered the very best of these. Donald and Minta are other good pinks. The earliest whites are Queen of the Whites, Waco, Grace and Myer's Perfection. Jeanette, Wm. Sabey, Golden Climax and Zen.o.bia are the best yellows, and Julia Lagravere, Urith and Tiber the best crimson and bronze shades. There are many other beautiful pompons, but they bloom too late for practical out-of-door use.