Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-10-09
A Bushel of Apples.


pies from 4G to 80 lbs. This Is mat,
ter that we feared would be overlooked
and we are glad it has been brought
forward so early in the session that its
provisions may be thoroughly discuss
ed and that it be passed or rejected up
on an intelligent basis The apple crop
OF Vermont is not one Of the least OF
her industries, In an early day very
much was done to encourage the growth
of apple trees. Certain agents of New
York nurseries are doing the same
work now, only in different way. At
first glance this measure may seem a
trihing one, only bushel measure ma
ny will say, but it has undertaking
consequences 1t affects not only our
State, but Interstate and international
trade, in the apple line. This Is a kind
of fruit that comes up from Massachu
sets, and down from Canada, and ov-
er from New York and across from
New Hampshire. We are beset on all
sides by men with apples, especially in
those seasons when we have an abund-
ance of our own and do not care wheth-
er a bushel weighs 46 or 80 lbs. There
come times, however, when apples are
scarce, and lbs. makes a vast differ
ence. There are some things to be
said in favor of this bill. The man
who buys apples will get four pounds
more for every bushel. There will be
an increase of about one bushel to ev-
cry : - that he buys If he buys
in bulk he can more easily reckon up
the number of bushels that have come
into his possession. 1t is a step in the
direction Of bringing FL the common
business of life under the decimal sys-
TEN. There should be, if there is not,
a clause in this bill making bushel of
apples TO consist OF five pecks of ten
pounds each. This method carried out
in all it, details would 90 far towards |
simplifying the whole business of aritb-
metical instruction. We are not GER
tain but that this bill should be refer
red to the committee on Education. I'm
der this new bill there will be less diff |
iiculty in measuring apples, In those
sections Of the State where apples weigh |
so lbs. it will be easy for a man to car
ry one away and call it bushel. Now,
ii he wants an even bushel of such an
pies, he finds it necessary to cut out
segment or shave down until he reach
es the 46 ID. standard. Some might
call this argument lame inasmuch as
the same difficulty would arise where
an apple weighs over 30 lbs, but this
'ameness disappears when we consider
that an apple weighing over 50 lbs.
was never raised in Vermont. Ii may
be objected to this bill that it is in ia
vor of the consumer. But this is not
valid as all apples ale raised for the
benefit of the consumer. 1t may be
objected that this will do away with
al existing bushel baskets, aud that It
is really a measure in the interest of
basket makers. But this objection is
not well taken, for it is rare thing
or one to buy a bushel of nice apples
without thinking that the basket could
mold at least four pounds more. This
dill is really a concession to the sen,i-
nent in this direction of all who are
compelled to buy apples. 1t NAV be
objected that this bill by increasing the
weight of the bushel will diminish the
number of bushels and thereby cut down
he apple product of the State. But
his objection limps on its fourth leo
or 1t should be clearly understood bv
very one that the bi Is not intended
o diminish the number of apples but
he number of bushels. Ii IS an old
aging that a bushel Is a bushel. but I'll
his bill passes what was bushel last
ear wont be bushel next year. 1t
nay be thought by some that this j.
cheme against the farmers, an effort
o cut down their income. MAY II not
'e scheme OF the farmers under cover I
# which they propose to advance the
rice OF apples. An increase of I 0 per {
ent in the size Of bushel will afford
pretext for advancing the price of APP
lies % per cent. But our farming in {
crest is sadly depressed, and anything ,
bat will help it along will be welcome
We are glad to see the legislature take
old Of this matter at the right end. Let {
he bill pass.