Noteworthy among these are some tables in which they
have arrived at some approximations of the total value
of some of the principal food products brought into
Boston, t There is also a table showing freight rates on
a number of principal commodities from some of the
principal shipping points in various parts of the coun-
try.§ Another portion of the report is valuable in
showing what percentage of the consumer's price paid
for strawberries, potatoes, butter, eggs and fowl goes to
the producer and what percentage to the distributers
of these products. The obvious conclusion from this
discussion is that whatever defects there may be in
the present distributing system, the commercial costs
involved are not extortionate. The constructive side of
this report is included in sections headed ''Chances of

* Appendix M. t Portaona of this reiK>rt are reproduced herewith.
t See Appendices F and G. § See Appendix H.
Report on Public Markets. 19

Reducing Cost through Greater Efficiency." One sec-
tion covers the producing of Boston's food supply and
the other treats of the cost of transporting it.
This report also contains a suggested form of organi-
zation for a wholesale and retail market system. This
portion of the report includes some interesting sugges-
tions as to methods of attack on the engineering aspects
of the question.
20



City PiiANNiNG Board.
PART II.— CONCLUSIONS.
I. Sources of Boston's Perishable Foods:

1. Remote and nearby

2. Dependence on steam railways

3. Ck)mmercial facilities based on remote sources

4. Experience in direct contact between producer and

consumer.
5. Checks on direct sale prices

6. Remote source trade now well conducted

7. Nearby source trade ofifers more chance for change
II. Retail Markets:

1. Present facilities are not for growers

2. Problems of complete market.
