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.

[Illustration:  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 classed 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.