Smyrna times., 1867-07-24
ICOMMUNICATED.l
THE PEACH CROP

ExaRBITANT CHARGES FOR TRANSPORTATION BY DELA.
WARE RAILRoAD.-THE EFFECT IT HAS WITH
GROWERS IN DETERRENT LOCALITIES.
1t seems, from extended inquiry among Peach
Growers throughout this neighborhoOd, and adjoin.
ing Counties of Maryland, that we have made. AS
well the observation of our own orchard during the
last two weeks the crop of Peaches will not be near
as large as was estimated by the growers in con.
vention, held at Dover May 23d At that time the
trees which never blOssomed more full and did not
seem to be effected by the late and severe heavy
rosts, had set their fruit, and with few exceptions
think we never saw trees fuller and promise a more
abandaDt yield. Trees Of all ages, SIZES, and con.
dltiOns, were filled with goodly promise OF an im-
mense crop. Two year old trees never were more
full and the owners thereof, were never more ioy.
Gus over their first born babe than of the youthful
bearing OF their Peach trees All sorts of estimates
were made as to the number OF baskets each grower
would have. Various calculations as to prices
and rates of freight TO get them marketed And
finally the capacity Of the Railroad to TRANSPORT
them was canvassed, with the following conclusions
First we've got more Peaches than we know
what to do with. Second the prices will be so low
and the rate OF .reight high that it won't paw Ia
pick and ship them, and Third, the Delaware Rail.
road has'ent the capacity in and steam power
to take them to market Such were the talkinys
and facts three or four weeks since. But during
that time and up to the present. more than one hall
O the fruit has fallen off, and many orchards that
promised full crop, will not new average "a basket
to the tree while there are yet few orchards ia
favored localities with trees abundantly filled. The
two years old have almost entirely shed their fruit
and what lew yet remain, from the excessive wet
weather or other cause, are rutling, and of course
must soon fall also These remarks are the rrsul.
OF our inquiry and observation in this nclphbor.
hood and adjoining Counties of Maryland. Wh4t
then becomes of the estimate of one mnd.a half mi:
hons to be shlppca by Railroad agreed upon IN
convention, aud the extensive preparation made by
the Delaware Railroad tor thelr trans >portation!
1t is very evident that not more than half the
estimate, admitting there will be that many to ship
VIII go by railroad. The high rates demanded for
transportation, the Iimll Of number Of baskets IT,
each car "i loo, aud prOTaie charge Tor all over
that number put in the car, together with retainer
oil S}.OO per day tor each used is 50 exorbtant
so arbitrary and expensive to the Peach grower or
shipper, as TO deter many from shipping by railroad
" no Will seek water COMMUNICATION at about one
hall the expense. Already no'ice an advertise
mcnt IN the Delawarenn, of a ; Gamer to run frnu
" Mahons. to New 'rk, with a capcity of II ,0UJ
baskets, and understand many Peach growers in
that locality intend shipping their fruit bv her
while at Odessi, we hear the Peach growers trert
have ubbcd together, and chartered tive Steamer,
to carry their fruit direct to Camden, n. j.. thence
by Railroad to N. Y or make sale in Phllud, lphiA
as the market may justify
All along the line of the railroad, wherever
Peach growers can club, and ship their fruit by
Steamers 10 Philadelphia New YORK, indepon
dent OF such outrageous charges indicated bv the
Railroad Tariff II Is not only their Interest, but lhc
duty 10 do SO, it would have the effect of dccrcas
ing shipments by railroad, as well as extortlnAt,
rates OF freight.
Estimating the basket of Peaches to sell for one
dollar IN New York, with freight at thirty foul
cents commissions and other charges, aud We have
one haf the COST OF the price of basket of Pcache,
IN New York absorbed in tic expenses or market
lng aud more than twothrds of such expense alb
sorbed by freight charged on Railroad.
The Steamer Swan might be engaged to deliver
lruit at CAmden n. j., to be shipped by Railroad to
New York, AS well us at Philadelphi
Wlll Peach growers submit to those ontra
Railroad charges, or will they devise some other
mode OF transportation to New York?
We shall see.