The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-08-28
THE APPLE CROP.
Prospects for the Fail Season of 1896.

Prospects for the Fall Season of 1896.
One OF the largest firms of fruit brok-
ers in Liverpool has collected the Stats
tics OF the world on the apple crop this
year, and we publish them for the benefit
o + the dealers and producers everywhere
Great Britain-Probably less than last
year, as from 392 reports received, only 70
are above average, while l52 are average,
and loo under average; while last year.
from 37l reports received, 100 were over
average, I'LL average, and so under aver
ago. 1t is true Ireland has quite q crop
Of apples. but these do not seriously com
pete with apples from this side,
Germany and Holland-A bout one
third OF an average crop, with with late
varieties preponderatine.
France and Belgium late kinds short
and early sorts in fair supply, except
along the Franco Belgian frontier,
where there Is quite crop.
Portugal-A promising crop, of good
quality.
Italy-A fair crop. which, however, is
usually not sent to Great Britain until
January or February.
United States-New England States,
New York and Michigan the largest crop
in years, moatly of good quality. Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa
and Wisconsin fair crop. Missouri and
Kansas considerably less than last year.
Canada-Nova Scotia, large crop OF
good quality-many young orchards Just
commencing to bear are we'll loaded.
Ontario Will also have q large crop, OF
generally good quality. In one county
alone, all estimates received state the
yield will not be less than 500. 01O barrels
Upon these statistics the firm enlarges
as follows:
"One can readily understand that this
SEASON. SO far as this side is concerned,
the large yield is in the portions which
naturally and usually export to Great
Britain. The United States are supplied
much beyond their requirements. and
from many quarters comes the inquiry,
nous apple crop? The only accessible
market which has not sufficient home
supply Is again this season, Great
Britain; but different sections from this
side could, if shipments were freely sent,
swamp this market. and the great ques-
ton therefore Ia. how are we TO market
this enormous crop with the least sacri-
ce to growers and buyers?
Great Britain can take a large ouanti-
ty of choice apples, properly graded and
carefully packed, at low first price;
and should anyone not vigorously OBJ
serve this rule this season, 1t seems al
most inevitable that results must be I'M
fortunate. In estimating this seasons
prospects, bear in mind that there Is a
large amount of freight to be moved out
OF the country. and as the cost of trans
portation is most important element in
reckoning on the cost of the package
before the fruit is marketed. advise your
self before concluding the price the mar
ket will stand, what the through freight
probably will be. AS matter of fact,
the through rate at present quoted is
considerably higher than for fe W years
back, and as these rates are variable and
quite liable to advance, the purchasing
question is not an easy one. We would
remind buyers that 1t is dangerous this
season to be misled by glowing accounts
OF the probable market price to be re-
allied for apples, SO apt to be sent out
by would-be receivers, who cannot pos
sibly appreciate the immense crop on this
side. Remember large losses quickly
swallow many small profits with sad ex-
perience the only residue.
We, of course, base our remarks upon
the indications as they are today barring
wind and hailstOrms, and dropping
through heat or other unforeseen causes
which might, and sometimes do occur.
AT present this season has all the ear
marks Of cautious year. We would,
UuoAGh'Ao, again uAic SCh5oI urge Duyclb
and shippers to be most conservative in
their operations, only handling hand
picked fruit. carefully graded and prop
orly packed, by experienced packers. at
reasonably low first cost. There is all
abundance of choice fruit for all, and
anyone basing his operations on exotic.
ment, rivalry or unfounded rumors,
cannot hope for satisfactory season.
Remember the freight and carrying
charges are as much on poor as good
barrel Of apples. Guard against hand
ling a quantity of apples greater than
you yourself or some one of experience
in whom you have confidence, can per
sonally oversee. There cannot be an out
let without consumption, and consump-
ton to be at all COM
mensurate with our enormous yield
must be at low price. We have the
supply and the demand depends en- tirely
upon the quantity. quality and COST