Parcel Post Profit FROM Farm Produce Useful Information For the Farmer, Dairyman and Poultry Raiser in Marketing Hit Farm Products by Parcel Post CONTENTS How to Secure Customers Letters— Suggested Forms About Boxes or Containers How to Pack Safely How to Insure Packages What May Be Sent How to Collect Accounts Permissible Enclosures Rates of Postage Complete Shipping Instructions U. S. Parcel Post Regulations List of Makers of Containers Points of Interest to Farmers PRICE FIFTY CENTS-Postpaid Parcel Post Profit FROM- Farm Produce Useful Information For the Farmer, Dairyman and Poultry Raiser in Marketing His Farm Products by Parcel Post CONTENTS How to Secure Customers Letters— Suggested Forms About Boxes or Containers How to Pack Safely How to Insure Packages What May Be Sent How to Collect Accounts Permissible Enclosures Rates of Postage Complete Shipping Instructions U. S. Parcel Post Regulations List of Makers of Containers Points of Interest to Farmers PRICE FIFTY CENTS-Postpaid FOREWORD This Booklet is intended to convey information essential to pros- pective shippers of farm products by means of the parcel post, and should be very carefully read before shipments are undertaken. The producers of farm products now have unlimited possibilities for the expansion of their business. At the post offiices where this plan has been encouraged and promoted, it is a pronounced success, and every inducement is offered to the farmer and fruit grower, the dairyman and poultry raiser, to interest him in the parcel post as a means to marketing his products. Charges have been materially re- duced, and the weight limit considerably increased upon matter in- tended for delivery within the first two zones, a radius of 150 miles. It has been found that the greatest obstacle in extending the producer-to-consumer plan is the misunderstanding on the part of the country people about the price city folks can or will pay. The chief object of the plan is to reduce the high cost of living to which people in large centers of population are subjected; and the only incentive to cause the consumer to divert his trade from the local dealer to the country producer is the fact that he can thereby secure the article fresher and cheaper. Fundamentally, these are the, only reasons to induce the consumer to undertake the trouble and uncertainty of securing farm produce by parcel post. Of course the producer is entitled to receive fair profits above those yielded by prices previously received, but he must divide the advantages of the parcel post with his customers. Producers are cautioned to pay particular attention to packing, and carefully read the regulations governing the manner in which articles should be put up for shipment, as set forth elsewhere in this booklet. All inquiries and correspondence should be promptly answered and all orders filled without unnecessary delay. If unable to fill or- ders on account of supply being exhausted, correspondents should be promptly notified to that effect, and advised how soon the order can be filled. Farmers and producers who desire to ship in considerable quanti- ties can, by proper organization, join in ordering large quantities of supplies, such as mailing cases, wrapping paper and twine, and in that manner secure to themselves the lowest prices, and reduce pro- portionately the cost of doing business. Producers will find it to their advantage to impress upon their customers the fact that the larger the quantity sent in one parcel (not to exceed 50 pounds limit within first and second zones), the cheaper will be the postage rate. ©CI.A411005 AUG -9 191! PARCEL POST PROFITS FROM FARM PRODUCE HOW TO SECURE CUSTOMERS It is quite possible you are now selling some of your produce to people living in a nearby city, to whom you deliver the articles when you go to town. These persons can do much for you by speaking kindly of you to their neighbors and friends, and no doubt will permit the use of their names by you as reference. There are still other ways to secure patrons, and espe- cially for those who wish to do something worth while, and are looking toward establishing a permanent busi- ness. You do not need to cover much territory in order to market your produce. One or two cities within a radius of 25 to 50 miles of your home, or much nearer, say, 10 to 20 miles, will provide the market. To such we suggest three ways, namely: NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING— TELEPHONE — LETTERS AND POST-CARDS NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING Good results may be secured by inserting a small ad- vertisement in a daily paper published in the locality where you purpose soliciting your trade. Here is a short one as a suggestion : FARM TO TABLE Dear Sir: I am prepared to make prompt shipments of but- ter, eggs, fowls, (or other articles) by Parcel Post. Everything fresh and clean. I guarantee prompt delivery and entire satisfaction. My prices are right. Write or call me by phone. Name Address Telephone This card will cost but little, and should run contin- uously for several issues ; good results are seldom se- cured by placing an advertisement once in a while. When replies come in, bear in mind that one of the Business first elements of success in any business is promptness. po " Answer your letters the day received if possible. Meet your prospective customers more than half way, remem- bering you are strangers to each other. Get them to buy- ing of you, then keep them by square dealing. — 3 — Letter paper. Form for let- in your correspondence it is desirable to use a printed letterhead with your name, postoffice address, and your business. Also an envelope with a return card in the left-hand upper corner. Something like the following "ter head."" will do for the letterhead : JOHN A. BARTHOLOMEW Farm Produce by Parcel Post Satisfaction Guaranteed • Elgin, 111 19.. Ketuvn address r ,, , ,, 1 j- '±x. on envelope. ror the envelope corner, use the same heading with the words, "Return in 5 days to" in a line above, and your postoffice in a line below. The printer will know how this is to be done and will show you samples of work done for others. ter^heads! let Of course plain sheets of paper and plain envelopes can be used, but a printed letter head commands atten- tion, and assures the prospective customer that you are in business to stay, and will help establish confidence in your statements. Better still, and more attractive, would be a letter head with a photo-engraving of your dairy, some portions of your farm, some milch cows or a flock of chickens. The expense will be considerable more than a simple letter head, but the effect of such a display is well worth the outlay of a little more money at the begin- ning if you are in the business to stay. The advantage of a favorable impression at the start cannot be over-esti- mated. We would suggest that in all your correspondence you endeavor to write simply and just as you would talk face to face. Don't be afraid to use the personal pronoun "I" in the place of the plural "we" so often used. Treat the man or woman to whom you are writing as a friend. Don't write this way, Dear Sir: Yours at hand. Our price for eggs is . . cents, and for chickens is . . cents. Hope to hear from you. Yours Truly, but write more like this, Letter forms. Dear Friend: I was glad to get your letter today, for I think I have just what you want. I am getting . . cents for eggs laid today, and . . cents for young chickens, as fine ones as you ever ate. I would like your order, and will do my best to please you, so hope to hear from you very soon. Yours Truly, — 4 — How to write. Now doesn't this sound better to you ? Just put your- self in his place and see if it doesn't. It's the personal element and good fellowship in it that assures him of your interest in filling your order, and nine times out of ten you will get it. If you can't write letters that seem to take so much Family D.ay of your time, let the boy or girl do it, or the older daugh- help - ter. It will do them good, and perhaps be the means of arousing in them the first impulses for acquiring a help- ful knowledge of the farming business. Very often women make the greater success of sell- ing farm produce to the consumer. Trust them for de- tails, the packing, etc. They certainly know how and are painstaking. USE OF THE TELEPHONE The telephone is one of the best mediums for secur- Telephone ad- ing customers for the sale of farm produce. In the tele- vantages - phone book you have names, addresses and phone num- bers of hundreds of prospective customers right at hand, no letters to write, no postage, no waiting. At once you get into personal touch with women who are waiting to give you a trial order, and when you get that, it is up to you to give them satisfaction, and that means their .money's worth, and more too. Remember, a pleased cus- tomer is a permanent customer. The postmaster in the town or city whose telephone How to make book you have, will cheerfully tell you the principal your Iist of streets on which the well-to-do people live ; those who are most liable to want the best they can buy, and are will- ing to pay the price. It is an easy matter to secure a list of persons ; probably 200 customers would be enough for a starter. Use large sheets of paper with plenty of room for remarks; have a pencil handy when you call up and make a list of names with addresses of all those who seem interested as well as those who give you orders at once. Jot down some of the remarks they make, these may be of help to you in future talks with them. Be- fore you are through secure the name of the person with whom you are talking, and put it down, so when you wish to call that number on the phone again, you can call for the same person, and save yourself time and - needless explanations. Remember, too, that you are a stranger, and first of all introduce yourself by giving your name, telling them where you live, and then state your busi- ness. If possible, have in mind some of the questions they About quality are liable to ask you, so that your replies may be concise, and P rlces - — 5 — and easily understood. Assure them of the high quality of your produce and that you can make prompt delivery. Make the prices reasonable, sacrifice if need be to get your first order; in this Avay make a bid for their trade. Do not forget, if they seem uncertain what to say, that they are buying as boys sometimes trade "sight- unseen." Every housewife appreciates an article fresh from the country, and will be willing, no doubt, to meet you half way. LETTERS AND POSTAL CARDS Form letters. To the man who wishes to enlarge his business of marketing his produce by parcel post, no better way is open to him than by using the form letter so much in use at the present time. This is where the printed letter head will be available. Use the regular letter size 8 1-2 by 11. These form letters may be gotten up in imitation of typewriting, and multigraphed at a small expense, and mailed unsealed for one cent, provided they are mailed at the postoffice or other depository designated by the postmaster in a minimum number of twenty iden- tical letters. The letter might read as follows: Dear Sir: Form of letter Selling eggs direct from my farm to the consumer has been my hobby for many months. Eggs shipped the same day as laid, clean, wholesome and appe- tizing, put up carefully in safe containers, they reach you without a break the day after they are laid. You cannot realize the fine flavor, the health-giv- ing and strengthening qualities of the egg until you get the real, truly fresh eggs, such as mine always are. My eggs are wrapped in air-tight wrappers as soon as laid, excluding the air and preventing con- tamination, and mailed the day they are laid. If this appeals to you, reply to this letter prompt- ly, and the postman will deliver your order the day after it is received by me, and at a price no more than your grocer asks for so-called fresh eggs. Try a dozen or more for a starter, and I'll wager you will give me a standing order for your weekly supply. I also have for sale fine young chickens, and all kinds of vegetables which I can deliver on short notice. I shall be glad to hear from you, and wilt do my best to please you. Yours very truly, — 6 — soliciting busi- ness, It is sometimes advisable to send a "Follow up" after idvantasos of such letters, for people do not always act at once. The the ^"Follow "Follow up" acts as a reminder, and often clinches the p " order. We should say send it along about ten days or two weeks after mailing your first letter. A postal card, printed or neatly written, something like the following would do : Dear Sir : I am supplying a number of customers with copy for postal fresh butter and eggs (and such other articles you cardi may choose to mention) by parcel post. The quality is the best, and the prices right. Satisfaction guar- anteed. Try the "Farm to Table" way of getting your food supplies, and you'll not regret it. Write or telephone. Yours very truly, Xame Address Telephone Mail these letters or postal cards to parties whose who to man names you find in papers, directories, telephone books, them to- members of lodges, etc. Ask some friends in the city to give you a few names of their friends, ask the same of the customers you now have, and all the time your list will be growing. If you fail to have the proper street address, the post office will supply it and deliver your mail. Send the cards to those you may have called on the telephone weeks ago, and who gave you no encour- agement at that time ; also send them once in a while to your regular customers. In this way keep in touch with all these people. The postal card serves as a reminder, and furnishes them with your name and address which possibly they may have forgotten or mislaid. To stock growers, nursery-men or poultry raisers, where to se- who wish to do a business outside of a limited territory, ™mes ist ° f names of people in all occupations can be obtained from firms in the cities who make a business of compiling such names. These are made up in typewritten lists, easy to read and dependable, and cost about 25 cents per hundred names. INSURANCE If you want to send packages of considerable value Government and wish to insure them against loss or damage, you insurance - will notice in the Postal Regulations, further on in this booklet, that the government has provided for your doing so up to the value of $50. — 7 — Cost of mer- cantile insur- ance. Simplicity mercantile insurance. There are, however, certain Insurance companies who will insure packages for considerable less cost to the sender. They issue books of coupons which insure par- cel post packages against loss from any cause, from time of mailing until delivery at any place in the United States, and indeed to some places outside. One 2 1-2 cent coupon insures up to $10; 5 cents in coupons insures up to $25 ; 10 cents in coupons insures up to $50, and so on. The same coupon may be used to insure letter mail, books sent in third class rates, and to obtain additional protection on registered first class mail, of These coupons are issued in denominations of 2 1-2 cents and 5 cents, the books of coupons selling for $5 and up to $25. The only thing necessary to make the insurance effective is to insert a coupon, according to its value, in the package and mail at the cheapest rate al- lowable. With this system of insurance it is not neces- sary to go to the postoffice to insure a package, hence a saving of time and trouble. Specially signed. Box material. BOXES OR CONTAINERS Boxes or containers can be obtained specially design- ed to enable the farmer and fruit grower, the dairyman and the poultryman to take full advantage of the benefits now offered by the enlarged parcel post facilities. These boxes are light in weight, firm under service, and most convenient for packing a single article or a number of different kinds, and transporting them safely to the city customer, or on a long journey. We consider it vital to any man to have at hand the means to do his business right, and he will find these boxes specially adapted to the service required of them. The material is tough, resilient and strong, and yet as one manufacturer says, "five square feet of it weigh less than a pound." The boxes, therefore, are a great saver of postage. All boxes of this kind are shipped knocked down, or flat. They are easily set up by the inexperienced, and all many of them need for the parcel post delivery is a strong cord, and even this is furnished by the box maker upon request. Specially constructed containers are made for transporting eggs. (A list of manufacturers of these con- tainers is given further along in this booklet). EGGS construction Boxes are so constructed as to afford the greatest : egg boxes. p OSS ib] e protection to eggs in transit. Some of these are made with double thickness of wall throughout, and with How shipped. cellular construction which cushions the eggs, providing a perfect protection against excessive heat or cold. An- other carrier is so constructed as to hold eggs suspended, after being suitably wrapped in light paper which retards evaporation and prevents contamination, thus preserving their freshness. Still another maker constructs a box with V-shaped Eggs fuiiy fillers which hold eggs in suspension and protect them P rotected - from breakage, made of light material, and yet retaining great strength. The eggs do not come in contact with the outside of the box, having a cushion on all sides ; and being wrapped in tissue paper, there is no jar, thus in- suring safe transportation. There are many other kinds that have their special advantages. One manufacturer claims his boxes may be dropped twenty feet and not break an egg. Boxes are made for shipping hatching eggs, as well as those for household use, and are made in various sizes. Eggs have been sent thousands of miles in these con- shipped long tainers. and reached their destination in perfect condition. dlstanees - The Poultry Herald of September, 1913, tells of a shipment by a breeder of Barred and Buff Rocks, who shipped a consignment of eggs to Russia, and although five weeks on the way, not one egg was broken. Another feature of the egg containers is that they can Retainers used be used repeatedly and still be in good condition. A cus- repeatedy,> tomer receiving regular shipments can return several retainers in a bunch, as they fold flat when not in use. COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS. "How am I to collect from these customers whom I have never seen?" is a pertinent question, but one, we think you need have no anxiety over. The experience of others is a fair guide for you, and has shown there is little or no loss because of non-payment. The majority of people are honest, especially so those Most people from whom you solicit orders over the telephone, and why honest - not give other customers the benefit of the doubt? One shipper writes that he has sent several hundred packages to customers whom he had never heard from until the orders came, and never lost a cent. You will find some parties who will not want to be Monthly pay- bothered with small payments. Such people you must ments - humor, and arrange a way of collecting once a month, or when their account reaches a given amount. These you will often find to be your best customers, the ones to stay by you because they like your produce and the way you do business, and will prove to be good adver- tisers for you. — 9 — Mail your bill The P ost al regulations permit you to enclose an in- witu the pack- voice in the package. No other writing is permissible. It might be a good idea to provide yourself with self -ad- dressed envelopes, that is, with your name and address coin retainers, printed on them, also coin retainers which cost but a trifle, and enclose these in the package. The hint is ob- vious without any explanation. In some cases where orders come through the mail, you might write or have printed on a postal card an acknowledgment, like the fol- lowing: Form of ac- knowledge- ment. Eggs and fowls. Dear Sir: I am glad to get your order, and thank you for it. It goes out with this mail, and with the package you will find a bill and coin receiver, in which put the amount clue and mail in the self-addressed en- velope. Hoping to receive your future orders, I am Yours very truly, PACKING Great care should be taken in packing your produce for shipment. Decide early on the kind of container you are going to use, then follow carefully the instruc- tions given by the makers of the package boxes. Eggs, for instance, should be clean, well assorted, and wrapped separately in thin tough paper. Wrap fowls carefully and daintily, so that the first impressions will call forth an exclamation of delight. Many times new customers have been secured through the praise and recommenda- tions of a pleased customer. It pays to do a thing well, and it opens up a direct market for other things you have for sale. Soiled packages and broken containers will do much to injure your business. Deliver everything in first class shape, and the good reputation gained will stand you in well for the future. RECORDS importance of A record of each customer should be kept, whether a cash sale or otherwise. Note the article ordered, the date sent, how sent, and the weight and cost of transpor- tation, and the amount of the bill, etc. Often such records come in handy when a person writes that they want "the same as they had before," or the same as you sent some friend of theirs, copy the let- In answering letters, it is a good plan to have a sheet ters you write. Q £ car b on pa per handy, and make a duplicate copy on back of the letter you have received. This is a little thing to do, but may often save you much time and trouble. —10— WHAT MAY BE SENT. Outside of things that may be harmful there seems to Meats, fruits, be no limit to what may be sent by parcel post, so long gar7en Pr °truck' as the postal regulations regarding size of the package etc. are complied with. Fresh meats of all kinds, dressed poultry, dressed squabs, butter, eggs, fruit, garden truck, mince meat, apples, berries, celery, cottage cheese, queen bees, nursery stock, grain, seeds of fruit, hams, preserves, honey, pickles, cabbage, tomato plants, etc., etc. In one case a live turtle was sent enclosed in a box. Live turtle. In another, three Barred Plymouth Rock hens, which were watered, fed and delivered to the owner, went through the St. Louis (Mo.) postofhce. The San Bernadino (Cal.) Index of Dec. 25, 1914, stuffed pig tor said : "Among the diversified shipments during the ner . is mas Christmas holidays was an unusual 'parcel' that arrived this morning at the postoffice. A suckling pig was sent from a ranch in San Joaquin Valley to a local family, and was stuffed and ready for the oven. The pig weigh- ed between 30 and 40 pounds." MANUFACTURERS OF CONTAINERS. The following list of manufacturers of boxes or containers is ap- pended for the convenience of producers who wish to avail them- selves of the privilege of investigating these package boxes. There are many others whose names we do not have at our command. Some of these listed below have displayed their lines in the parcel post exhibit held under the auspices of the Postoffice Department at the different county fairs ; others have submitted samples to the post- office authorities to assure them of their availability for transporta- tion in the mails. These names are submitted merely as guide to shippers. The responsibility of selecting a suitable container is left entirely with the individual shipper, who should read over carefully the postal regulations governing wrapping and packing found on page 23. After proper selection of container has been made, suitable for his purpose, if any doubt as to its fitness remains, it may be sub- mitted to the local postmaster for his approval. After all, the chief features are strength and durability. A postal card of inquiry addressed to any of these firms will bring you their advertising and descriptive matter without any obligation on your part. Tywacana Mfg. Co., Box 52, Farmington, L. I., N. Y. Sefton Mfg Co., 1341 W. 35th St., Chicago, 111. Hammock Egg Carrier Co., 620 Ellicott Square, Buffalo, N. Y. R. P. Andrews Paper Co., 727-731 13th St., Washington, D. C. Hinde & Dauch Paper Co., Sandusky, Ohio. —11— U. S. Corrugated Fibre Box Co., Indianapolis, Ind. H. B. Elliott & Sons, Harbor Springs, Mich. Milwaukee Bag Co., Milwaukee, Wis. Missouri Combination Case Co., 10 W. Missouri Ave., Kansas City, Mo. The Harley Folding Box Co., Detroit, Mich. Cummer Manufacturing Co., Cadillac, Mich. M. C. Mead Mfg. Co., 131 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. Eureka Eggmailer Co., 22 West Monroe St., Chicago, 111. J. C. Bulis & Co., 1138 S 12th St., St. Louis, Mo. Ripley Mfg. Co., Grafton, 111. American Can Co., Monroe Building, Chicago, 111. C. J. Lawrence & Bro., 1132-1134 Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. POINTS OF INTEREST TO FARMERS. Do You Know the domestic parcel post offers a more convenient, quick and efficient means of transporting mailable parcels to any postoffice in the United States or its possessions? Do You Know that the parcel post offers a steady market for any surplus stock you may have on hand from time to time, and that there are thousands of people awaiting an opportunity to purchase your produce? Do You Know that the way to retain these customers is to main- tain the high quality of your products at a reasonable price at all times and that customers once using them will call for more? Do You Know that the parcel post reaches more places than ,-.ny other transportation agency? Do You Know that the parcel post is the best medium to bring con- sumer and producer into closer contact, thus opening the way to re- duce the high cost of living? Do You Know that special treatment and advantages are accord- ed to shipments of farm products weighing twenty and fifty pounds and that low postage rates, based on the service rendered, are pro- vided? Do You Know that the benefits obtained by using the parcel post will be of mutual advantage to both consumer and producer, benefits which would otherwise go to the middleman? Do You Know that it takes a retail merchant several years to build up an established and profitable retail trade? So do not des- pair when results are not instantaneous, but persist and push the cause along to the benefit of all, and when results are once estab- lished, the good-will of your customers thus obtained will be a most valuable element in your business. —12— Rural Carrier Service. A rural carrier will accept any mailable matter which may be tendered him by any person for delivery or des- patch provided the postage is fully prepaid or money equal to the postage required is furnished. When mat- ter is tendered to a rural carrier for mailing, the weight of which or the rate of postage thereon he is unable f o ascertain, he shall receive from the sender an amount when in doubt sufficient to insure full payment of postage, returning to ^postage!" 1 * the sender on the next trip any excess amount collected. Directions for Preparing and Shipping Perishable Goods by Parcel Post. (Complete regulations by the Postoffice Department will follow later in these pages). Wrapping and Packing. All matter should be securely wrapped so as to bear transmission without breaking or injuring mail bags, their contents or the person handling them. Many arti- cles are damaged in the mails for the reason that they are not properly wrapped to withstand the necessary handling. Butter, lard and perishable articles, such as fish, fresh perishable ar- meats, vegetables, fruits, berries, and articles of a simi- tIcles - lar nature which decay quickly, when so packed or wrap- ped as to prevent damage to other mail, will be accepted for local delivery, either at the office of mailing or on any rural route starting therefrom. When enclosed in an inner cover and a strong outer cover of wood, metal, heavy corrugated pasteboard, or other suitable material, and wrapped so that nothing can escape from the package, how to wrap they will be accepted for mailing to all offices to which them ' in the ordinary course of mail they can be sent without spoiling. Butter, dressed fowls, vegetables, fruits and other perishable articles in parcels weighing more than 20 pounds will be accepted for mailing to offices in the first or second zones when suitably wrapped or inclosed and packed in crates, boxes, or other suitable containers hav- ing tight bottoms to prevent the escape of anything from the package, and so constructed as properly to protect the contents. All such parcels to be transported outside of mail bags. NOTE: Boxes with lids nailed or screwed may be Nans or used, provided the lids can be readily removed with a Scr6ws - chisel or screw-driver for examination of contents. —13— Articles not accepted for delivery. Perishable shipments. Eggs for local delivery. How to wrap weighing more than 20 pounds Special delivery. Approval of lo- cal postmaster. Dimensions of packages. Articles likely to spoil within the time reasonably re- quired for transportation and delivery will not be accept- ed for delivery. Perishable shipments should be despatched in such manner as to avoid the least possible delay and plainly endorsed with the word "Perishable" by means of a paster label. Eggs will be accepted for local delivery when so pack- ed in a basket or other container as to prevent damage to other mail. Eggs will be accepted for mailing regardless of dis- tance, when each egg is separately wrapped and sur- rounded with excelsior, cotton, or other suitable ma- terial, and packed in a strong container made of double- faced corrugated pasteboard, metal, wood or other suit- able material and wrapped so that nothing can escape from the package. All such parcels shall be marked "EGGS." Eggs in parcels weighing more than 20 pounds will be accepted for mailing to offices in the first and second zones when packed in crates, boxes, baskets, or other con- tainers having tight bottoms to prevent the escape of anything from the package and so constructed as prop- erly to protect the contents. Such packages to be marked "EGGS— THIS SIDE UP," and to be trans- ported outside of mail bags. All other articles should be plainly marked "PER- ISHABLE." By affixing a special-delivery stamp, 10 cents each, in addition to the regular postage, special delivery ser- vice may be obtained to secure prompt handling and de- livery, especially on parcels mailed or arriving too late for the last carrier delivery. Farmers intending to ship farm products in consid- erable quantities should submit to the postmaster at their local postoffice, for approval, a speciment parcel showing the manner of packing. When properly prepared, parcels must not exceed the dimensions of seventy-two (72) inches in length and girth combined. In measuring a parcel the greatest dis- tance in a straight line between the ends (but not around the parcel) is taken as its length, while the distance around the parcel at its thickest part is taken as its girth. Address on packages. How Addressed All parcels, regardless of contents, to be shipped by United States Parcel Post must bear the name and com- plete address of the sender, preceded by the word "From" which should be placed in the upper left hand —14— corner. The name of the person to whom the parcel is sent should be written plainly with ink near the center and on the same side of the parcel bearing the address of the sender. Do not use tags for this purpose : they are apt to become detached. Permissible Inclosures. There may be enclosed with fourth class matter a invoices, written or printed invoice showing the name and ad- dress of the sender and of the addressee ; the names and quantities of articles enclosed, together with inscriptions indicating "for purpose of description" the price, style, stock number, size, and quality of the articles ; the order Descr ip t i 0n . or file number, date of order, and date and manner of shipment ; and the initials or name of the salesman, or the person by whom the articles were packed and checked. Inscriptions, such as "Merry Christmas," "With best inscriptions, wishes," "Do not open until Christmas," or words to that effect, may be written on parcel post mail, or on a card inclosed therewith. Communications Attached to Parcels. When it is desired to send a communication which is how to attach, not a permissible enclosure with a parcel on which pos- tage at the fourth class rate has been fully prepaid, the communication may be placed in an envelope fully pre- paid at the first class rate and addressed to correspond with the address on the parcel and then be tied to or otherwise securely attached to the outside of the parcel in such manner as to prevent its separation therefrom and not to interfere with the address on the parcel. The stamps. ° stamps to cover the postage on the parcel must be af- fixed to the wrapper of the parcel, and those to pay the postage on the communication must be affixed to the envelope of the communication. Parcels to which such communications are attached are treated as fourth class matter. Only one special delivery fee is required on such parcels sent as special delivery matter. Rates of Postage. The rate of postage on parcels addressed for delivery ist and 2nd in the first and second zones is five (5) cents for the first zones ' pound and one (1) cent for each additional pound. Limit of weight, fifty (50) pounds. The rate of postage on parcels addressed for delivery Third zone . in the third zone is six (6) cents for the first pound and two (2) cents for each additional pound. Limit of weight twenty (20) pounds. —15— Rates applicable to the local and other zones will be OtflGr ZCH6^. Mr IT found in the Complete Postal Regulations further along in these pages. Insurance. cost of in- Parcels on which the postage is fully prepaid may be surance. insured against loss in an amount not exceeding $25 on a fee of five cents, and $50 on payment of a fee of ten cents. A receipt will be furnished if desired. Collect on Delivery Service. Parcel Post matter (but no other) may be sent C. O. 3 D. from one money order postoffice to another on pay- ment of a fee of 10 cents in addition to the postage, both to be prepaid with stamps affixed. The amount to be collected and remitted to the sender must not exceed $100. A C. O. D. tag furnished by the postmaster must be filled in by the sender and attached to the parcel. The C. O. D. fee also covers insurance against loss up to $50, PARCEL POST OR FOURTH CLASS MAIL. Rates of Postage, Classification, Insurance and C. O. D. Features, Wrapping, Etc. Complete Postal Regulations. matter denned. Fourth Class Matter Embraces that known as domes- tic parcel post mail, and includes merchandise, FARM and factory products, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions and plants, books (including catalogues), miscellaneous printed matter weighing more than four pounds and all other mailable matter not embraced in the first, second and third classes. Extent and Usefulness of Parcel Post. Extent of par- The domestic parcel post offers a convenient, quick, cei pos . an( j e ffi c i en |- means of transporting mailable parcels to any postoffice in the United States or its possessions. The service reaches more places than any other transporta- tion agency. It brings producers and consumers into closer contact, thus opening the way to reducing the high cost of living. Special treatment and advantages are accorded to shipments of farm products weighing be- tween 20 and 50 pounds. Low postage rates, based on the service rendered, are provided. The rates to nearby zones are particularly advantageous. Parcels may be insured against loss and may be sent C. O. D., and as special delivery matter. —16— Rates of Postage on Fourth Class or Parcel Post Matter To be Fully Prepaid — Unsealed. (a) Parcels weighing 4 ounces or less, except books, 4 ounces or seeds, plants, etc., 1 cent for each ounce or fraction there- lesa ' of, any distance. (b) Parcels weighing 8 ounces or less containing 8 ounces r books, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants, 1 less - cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, regardless of distance. (c) Parcels weighing more than 8 ounces containing More than s books, seeds, plants, etc., parcels of miscellaneous ounces - printed matter weighing more than 4 pounds, and all other parcels of fourth-class matter weighing more than 4 ounces are chargeable, according to distance or zone, at the pound rate shown in the following table, a fraction of a pound being considered a full pound : -17- EXTENT AND RATE BY ZONES fl tic Local ZONES 1st Up to 50 miles 2d 50 to 150 miles 3d 150 to 300 miles 4th 300 to 600 miles 5th 600 to 1,000 miles 6th 1.000 to 1,400 miles 7th 1,400 to 1,800 miles 8th Over 1,800 miles 1 $0.05 $0.05 .06 $0.05 .06 $0.06 .08 $0.07 .11 $0.08 $0.09 $0.11 $0.12 2 .06 .14 .17 .21 .24 .36 .48 .60 3 .06 .07 .07 .08 .10 .15 .20 .25 .31 4 .07 .08 .12 .19 .23 .26 .33 .41 5 6 7 .07 .08 .08 .09 .09 .14 .32 .41 .51 .10 .11 .10 .11 .12 .16 .27 .38 .49 .61 .72 .18 .31 .44 .50 .57 .65 .71 .84 8 .09 .12 .20 .35 .39 .81 .96 9 .09 .13 .13 .14 .22 .56 .73 .91 1.08 10 .10 .14 .24 .43 .47 .62 .81 1.01 1.20 11 .10 .15 .15 .16 .17 .26 .68 .89 1.11 1.32 12 .11 .16 .28 .30 .51 .55 .59 .74 .97 1.21 1.44 13 .11 .17 .80 1.05 1.31 1.56 1.68 14 .12 .18 .18 .32 .86 1.13 1.41 15 .12 .19 .19 .20 .21 .34 .63 .92 1.21 1.51 1.80 16 .13 .20 .36 .67 .98 1.29 1.61 1.92 17 .13 .21 .38 .71 1.04 1.37 1.71 2.04 18 .14 .22 .22 .40 .42 .75 1.10 1.45 1.81 2.16 19 .14 .23 .23 .79 1.16 1.53 1.91 | 2.28 20 .15 .24 .24 .44 .83 1.22 1.61 2.01 1 2.40 21 .15 .25 .25 .26 .27 ZONES— Parcel Post Guide and Maps. — For parcel post purposes the United States is divided into equal units of area thirty minutes square. Such units form the basis of the eight postal zones. To as- certain in which zone a post office is located from the office of mailing, a parcel post guide, costing 55 cents, and map, costing 20 cents, are jointly used. The guide ap- plies to all offices, but a separate map is required for each unit. A zone key is fur- nished with the guide for use in the units of area in which the 50 largest post offices are located, and makes the map for those units unnecessary. The guide and maps may be purchased by sending a money order to the Third Assistant Postmaster General, Washington, I). C. Stamps are are not accepted. 22 .16 .26 23 .16 .27 24 .17 .28 .29 .30 .28 .29 .30 25 .17 26 .18 27 .18 .31 .31 .32 28 .19 .32 29 .19 .33 .33 30 31 .20 .34 .34 .35 .20 .35 32 .21 .36 .36 .37 33 .21 .37 34 .22 .38 .38 35 .22 .39 .39 36 37 .23 .40 .40 .23 .24 .41 .42 .41 .42 38 39 .24 .43 .43 .44 40 .25 .44 41 .25 .45 .46 .45 .46 .47 42 43 .26 .26 .47 44 .27 .48 .48 .49 45 .27 .49 46 47 .28 .50 .50 .51 .52 .53 .28 .51 48 .29 .52 49 .29 .53 50 .30 .54 .54 The Local Rate applies to parcels mailed under the following conditions: (1) At any postomce for local delivery at such office. Application of v y J r m J local rate. (2) At any city letter carrier office, or at any point within its delivery limits, for delivery by carriers from that office. (3) At any postoffice from which a rural route starts, for delivery on such rural route, or when mailed at any point on a rural route starting from the same office. Alaska, Hawaiian and Philippine Islands, Etc. The eighth zone rate of 12 cents for each pound or Rates to for- fraction thereof on all parcels weighing more than 4 eign port3 ' ounces (except books, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants, weighing 8 ounces or less) applies (1) be- tween the United States and the Hawaiian Islands; (2) between the United States and its postal agency at Shanghai, China; (3) between any two points in Alaska and between any point in Alaska and any other point in the United States ; (4) between the United States and the Canal Zone; (5) between the United States and the Philippine Islands ; (6) to, from, or between Guam, Tutuila, and Mamua and other islands of the Samoan group east of longitude 171 degrees west of Greenwich, and the United States and its other possessions ; (7) be- tween the United States and its naval vessels stationed in foreign waters. Canada, Cuba, Mexico, and Republic of Panama. The rate of 12 cents for each pound or fraction there- Rates to coun- of also applies to fourth-class matter, including seeds, cut- t"^. a ^ jacent tings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants (but excepting books and other printed matter on which the rate is 1 cent for each two ounces or fraction thereof in all cases) weighing more than 4 ounces and not exceeding 4 pounds 6 ounces when mailed to Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and the Republic of Panama. (Parcels weighing up to 11 pounds may be sent to Mexico and the Republic of Panama as foreign parcel post mail under the parcel post conven- tions with those countries.) Special Delivery Fee. Special delivery fee is 10 cents in addition to the regu- lar postage. Limit of Weight The limit of weight of fourth-class matter is 50 pounds for parcels mailed for delivery within the first and sec- ond zones, and 20 pounds for all other zones. —19— How ure : to meas- l parcel. Invoice for ar tides sold. Inscriptions. How to send a letter with a package. Limit of Size Parcel post matter may not exceed 72 inches in length and girth combined. In measuring a parcel the greatest distance in a straight line between the ends (but not around the parcel) is taken as its length, while the dis- tance around the thickest part is taken as its girth. For example, a parcel 35 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 5 inches high measures 65 inches in length and girth com- bined. Name and Address of Sender. A parcel of fourth-class matter may not be accepted for mailing unless it bears the name and address of the sender, which should be preceded by the word "From." Further Inscriptions on Fourth-Class Mail. There may be placed on fourth-class matter, or wrap- per or cover, tag or label, any marks, numbers, names, or letters for purpose of description. There may be writ- ten on the blank leaves or cover of any book a simple manuscript dedication or inscription not in the nature of a personal correspondence. Space sufficient for a legible address, postmark, the necessary postage stamps, and any words necessary for forwarding or return, must be left on the address side of parcels. Enclosures. There may be enclosed with fourth-class matter a written or printed invoice showing the name and ad- dress of the sender and of the addressee; the names and quantities of articles inclosed, together with inscriptions indicating, "for purpose of description," the price, style, stock number, size and quality of the articles ; the order or file number, date of order, and date and manner of shipment ; and the initials or name of the salesman, or of the person by whom the articles were packed or checked. Inscriptions, such as "Merry Christmas," "With best wishes," "Do not open until Christmas," or words to that effect, may be written on fourth-class mail, or on a card inclosed therewith. Communications Attached to Parcels When it is desired to send a communication with a parcel on which postage at the fourth-class rate has been fully prepaid the communication may be placed in an en- velope fully prepaid at the first-class rate and addressed to correspond with the address on the parcel and then be tied to or otherwise securely attached to the outside of —20— the parcel in such manner as to prevent its separation therefrom and not to interfere with the address on the parcel. The stamps to cover the postage on the parcel must be affixed to the wrapper of the parcel, and those to pay the postage on the communication must be af- fixed to the envelope of the communication. Parcels to which such communications are attached are treated as fourth-class matter. Only one special delivery fee is re- quired on such parcels sent as special delivery matter. Public Library Books. Public library books, otherwise mailable as parcel post matter, may bear any printed or written mark con- stituting a necessary inscription for the purpose of a permanent library record. Proprietary Articles of Merchandise. Proprietary articles of merchandise, such as harmless Examination of medical preparations, soaps, tobacco, food products, etc., agfs^enciowi" put up in fixed quantities, in original sealed packages, by the manufacturer so as to allow examination of the pack- ages in their simplest mercantile form and labeled in printing so as to show the nature of contents, quantity, and name of the manufacturer, are mailable at the fourth class rate of postage. If such sealed packages are en- closed in an outer wrapper, the latter must not be sealed. Meats and Meat-Food Products. Before meats or meat-food products of cattle, sheep, certificate and swine, or goats may be accepted for mailing from one quired" 011 re State or Territory to another State or Territory, the cer- tificate of inspection or exemption required by section 477, Postal Laws and Regulations, must be filed with the postmaster. Such certificate must be prepared and fur- nished by the sender. Game. The dead bodies of any wild animals or birds, or parts Dead bodies thereof, including furs, skins, plumage, etc., lawfully v loVtton of killed and offered for shipment, may be accepted for state laws - mailing only when the parcels are plainly marked to show the actual nature of the contents and the name and ad- dress of the sender. The dead bodies, or parts thereof, of any wild animals or birds which have been killed or offered for shipment in violation of the laws of a State, Territory, or District, are unmailable ; persons sending such articles and the addressees knowingly receiving them in violation of the law being liable to a fine of not more than $200. —21— Nursery Stock List of Nursery stock, including all field grown florist's stock, trees, shrubs, vines, cuttings, grafts, scions, buds, fruit pits, and other seeds of fruit and ornamental trees or shrubs, and other plants and plant products for propaga- tion, except field, vegetable, and flower seeds, bedding plants and other herbaceous plants, bulbs, and roots, may Exceptions. be admitted to the mails only when accompanied with a certificate from a State or Government inspector to the effect that the nursery from which such nursery stock is shipped has been inspected within a year and found Must have free from injurious insects, and the parcel containing been inspected. suc h j s plainly marked to sIioav the nature of the con- tents and the name and address of the sender. Place of Mailing Parcels of books, seeds, and plants, weighing more than 8 ounces, and parcels of other fourth class matter weighing more than 4 ounces, must be mailed at a post- office, branch postoffice, named, numbered or lettered station, or delivered to a rural or other carrier duly au- thorized to receive such matter. Smaller parcels may be deposited in letter or package boxes. Insurance on Fourth Class Mail. Fees and con- Fourth class or domestic parcel post mail (but no oth- ditions. er ^ mav k e insured against loss upon payment of a fee of 5 cents for value not exceeding $25, or 10 cents for value not exceeding $50, in addition to the postage, both to be prepaid with stamps affixed. It may be registered. Such mail may be insured at any postoffice or station thereof, or by rural carriers. The sender must fill out an insurance tag, which will be furnished him on request, to be attached to the parcel. Return Receipts for Insured Parcels may be obtained by endorsing the parcels "Return receipt desired." Damaged and Indemnity for lost Insured Parcels is paid for the actual value within the limit of insurance. No indem- nity is payable on account of mere partial damage. How- ever, when an article is so damaged as to render it whol- ly worthless, it is regarded as lost, provided it was pack- ed and endorsed in accordance with the postal require- ments. No indemnity is paid for labor, workmanship, etc., in repairing partial damage. Collect on Delivery Service. Amount of fee Condition and Fee. Parcel of fourth-class or parcel required. p OSt ma ^t e r may be sent "C. O. D." from one money- order postoffice to another on payment of a fee of 10 22 cents in addition to the postage, both to be prepaid with Fee c vers stamps affixed. The amount to be collected and remitted insurance, to the sender must not exceed $100. The remittance is made by postoffice money order, the fee therefor being included in the amount collected from the addressee. A "C. O. D." tag" being furnished by the postmaster must be filled in by the sender and attached to the parcel. The "C. O. D." fee also covers insurance against loss up to $50 actual value. A Receipt is given to the sender of a "C. O. D." par- cel at the time of mailing, but no return receipt is furn- ished, as the remittance shows that delivery has been made. Examination of Contents of a "C. O. D." Parcel is not permitted until it has heen receipted for and all charges paid. Indemnity for lost "C. O. D." Parcels is paid for the Limit of in- actual value not to exceed $50, under the conditions gov- demnity - erning the payment of indemnity for lost insured parcels. PREPARATION AND WRAPPING OF MAIL MATTER. Fourth class or parcel post must be so wrapped or Examinat'on. enveloped that the contents may be examined easily by postal officials. When not so wrapped or when bearing or containing writing not authorized by law, the matter will be treated as of the first class. Parcel post mail may be inclosed in boxes to which Nailed boxes, the lids are nailed or screwed, provided the lids can be readily removed with a chisel or screw driver for exam- ination of contents. All matter should be securely wrapped so as to bear how to wrap, transmission without breaking or injuring mail bags, their contents or the persons handling them. Many ar- ticles are damaged in the mails for the reason that they are not properly wrapped to withstand the necessary handling. Parcels weighing 20 pounds or under are generally carried inside mail bags with otiher mail ; those weighing over 20 pounds are usually carried outside mail bags. They should be wrapped with that understanding. Parcels improperly or insufficiently wrapped will not improperly be accepted for transmission in the mails. wrapped. Umbrellas, canes, golf sticks, and similar articles must umbrellas, be reinforced by strips of wood or otherwise sufficiently canes - etc - wrapped to withstand handling and transportation. Hats must be packed in strong boxes ; if in ordinary Hats, pasteboard hat boxes, they must be properly crated. —23— Cut flowers, candies, etc., should be inclosed in strong Cutflowers. , & and suitable boxes. Machinery. Stove castings and pieces of machinery should be pro- tected with excelsior or similar material and wrapped in cloth or strong paper or be properly boxed or crated. nides and Mailable hides or pelts must be thoroughly wrapped pelts ' to prevent the escape of grease. Harmful ar- Harmful Articles not absolutely excluded from the mails, but which, from their form and nature, might, un- less properly secured, destroy, deface, or otherwise dam- age the contents of the mail bag, or harm the person of anyone engaged in the postal service, may be transmit- ted in the maiis only when packed in accordance with the postal regulations. Edged tools. Sharp-pointed or sharp-edged instruments or tools must have their points and edges protected so that they cannot cut through their covering, and be thoroughly wrapped. Dry sub- Powders and all pulverized dry substances must be so wrapped that none of the contents of the package will sift out. Pastes, etc. Pastes, salves, etc., not easily liquefiable must be in- closed in water tight containers and placed in strong boxes and securely wrapped. how to enclose Liquids — Admissible liquids in packages not exceed- nquids. j n g. t j ie i; m j t Q f we ight of fourth-class matter will be ac- cepted for mailing when intended for delivery at the office of mailing or on a rural route starting therefrom, when inclosed in a glass or metal container securely in- closed and heavily wrapped, provided it is not necessary to transport them over steam or electric railways, conditions for Admissible Liquids and Oils, Pastes, Salves, or other mailing liquids. ar ti c les easily liquefiable, will be accepted for mailing, regardless of distance, when they conform to the follow- ing conditions : (a) When in strong glass bottles holding 4 ounces or less, the total quantity sent in one parcel shall not exceed 24 ounces, liquid measure. how to wrap Each bottle shall be wrapped in paper or other ab- parcel h0le sorbent substance and then all placed in a box made of cardboard or other suitable material and packed in a container made of double faced corrugated pasteboard of good quality. The corners of the container must fit tightly and be reinforced with tape so as to prevent the escape of any liquid if the contents should be broken, and the whole parcel shall be securely wrapped with strong paper and tied with twine. Single bottles of liquid holding 4 ounces or less may also be packed as prescribed in the following paragraphs (b) and (c) : ?i (b) When in glass bottles holding more than 4 ounces, Quantity that the total quantity sent in one parcel shall not exceed 16 may be sent. ounces liquid measure. The bottle must be very strong and must be inclosed in a block or tube of metal, wood, papier-mache or similar material ; and there must be provided between the bottle and the block or tube a cushion of cotton, felt, or other absorbent. The block or tube, if of wood or papier-mache, must be at least one-eighth of an inch thick for bottles holding 8 ounces or less, and at least three-sixteenths of an inch thick for bottles holding more than 8 ounces. The block or tube must be rendered watertight by an application on the inside of paraffin or other suitable substance and must be closed by a screw top cover with sufficient screw now they must threads to require at least one and one-half complete be put ni) ' turns before it will come off. The cover must be pro- vided with a washer, so that no liquid could ascape if the bottle should be broken. Any number of bottles separately packed as herein prescribed may be included in a single package if the limit of weight and size for fourth class matter be not exceeded. (c) Bottles containing liquid may also be packed in other way? of strong and tight receptacles of wood, metal or water- P ackin s. proof corrugated pasteboard. Space must be left all all around the bottle, which must be filled with bran, sawdust, or other absorbent material in sufficient quan- tity to absorb all the liquid if the bottle should get broken. (d) When in a metal container, the weight limit for Metai cou- the parcel is the same as for other fourth class matter. tamer - The container must be securely sealed and inclosed in a strong box. (e) When in parcels weighing more than 20 pounds, Liquids in mailable liquids in securely sealed glass bottles or metal ' t a ef. er c,uactl " cans will be accepted for mailing to offices in the first and second zones when packed in strong boxes and surrounded with sawdust or other suitable substances to protect the contents from breakage. All such pack- ages to be marked "FRAGILE— THIS SIDE UP," or with similar inscriptions, and to be transported outside of mail bags. All packages containing liquid must be marked "FRA- GILE." Articles easily broken must be securely wrapped for Wra ppi ng tn- safe transmission. Among such articles are amber, g» le articles, cakes, candies, chalk, china, combs, clocks, delicate me- chanisms, fans, flowers, fountain pens, hats, instruments of precision, millinery, musical instruments, pipes, plas- ter-of-paris articles, plumes, pottery, porcelain, phono- —25— graphs and phonograph records, test tubes, typewriters, watches, wax articles, etc. Must be se- Glass, crockery, fragile toys, and other fragile articles cureiy packed. must k e so p ac ked as to prevent the escape of particles or pieces from the packages if broken in transit. Cigars should be packed in a manner to prevent damage by shock or jar. How to wrap Maps, drawings, paintings, etc., must be suitably pro- wls 8 ' et!* aw tected with stout material to prevent damage. When not flat, they should be rolled around a stout stick and carefully wrapped or inclosed in a strong pasteboard tube. All such articles should be marked "FRAGILE." Eggs will be accepted for local delivery when so packed in a basket or other container as to prevent damage to other mail. How to pa.k Eggs will be accepted for mailing regardless of dis- tance, when each egg is separately wrapped and sur- rounded with excelsior, cotton, or other suitable ma- terial and packed in a strong container made of double- faced corrugated pasteboard, metal, wood, or other suit- able material, and wrapped so that nothing can escape from the package. All such parcels should be labeled "EGGS." How to mark Eggs in parcels weighing more than 20 pounds will be accepted for mailing to offices in the first and second zones when packed in crates, boxes, baskets, or other containers having tight bottoms to prevent the escape of anything from the packages and so constructed as properly to protect the contents ; such packages to be marked "EGGS— THIS SIDE UP," and to be transport- ed outside of mail bags. how to ftcu.i Parcels containing perishable articles shall be mark- ticies. 8 ed "PERISHABLE." It is advisable that such parcels be sent as special-delivery matter by affixing stamps for the special delivery fee in addition to the regular post- age, thus expediting their delivery. Articles likely to spoil within the time reasonably required for transpor- tation and delivery shall not be accepted for mailing. how to pack Butter, lard, and perishable articles, such as fish, fresh perishable ar- . . r , ........ , tides. meats, dressed fowls, vegetables, fruits, berries and arti- cles of a similar nature which decay quickly, when so packed or wrapped as to prevent damage to other mail, will be accepted for local delivery, either at the office of mailing or on any rural route starting therefrom. When inclosed in an inner cover and a strong outer cover of wood, metal, heavy corrugated pasteboard, or other suitable material, and wrapped so that nothing —26— can escape from the package, they will be accepted for mailing to all offices to which in the ordinary course of mail they can be sent without spoiling. Butter, dressed fowls, vegetables, fruits, and other Above twenty perishable articles in parcels weighing more than 20 ^ first'^two pounds will be accepted for mailing to offices in the zones - first and second zones when suitably wrapped or en- closed and packed in crates, boxes, or other suitable con- tainers having tight bottoms to prevent the escape of any thing from the package, and so protected as to prop- erly protect the contents ; all such parcels to be trans- ported outside of mail bags. Vegetables and fruits which do not decay quickly vegetables will be accepted for mailing to any zone if packed so and fruits - as to prevent damage to other mail. Forwarding and Return. — A new prepayment of post- Fee for for- age at the rate applicable between the forwarding office p a a e r kagf. a and the one to which fourth class matter is to be for- warded, must be made by the addressee or by someone for him each time it is forwarded. A new prepayment must likewise be made before undeliverable fourth-class matter may be returned to the sender. Requests for further information should be addressed wnere to get as follows : Third Assistant Postmaster General, Divis- nation. mf ° r " ion of Classification, relative to the classification and ad- missibility of matter as parcel post mail, rates of postage, limit of weight and size, permissible enclosures and ad- ditions, attaching communications to the parcel, etc., and for additional copies of this circular. To Third Assistant Postmaster General, Division of Registered Mails, relative t.o the insurance and "C. O. D." features. To Second Assistant Postmaster General, Division of Railway Mail Service, relative to the admissibility to the mails and wrapping of matter which, from its form or character, would be liable to injure the mails or the person of postal employes. —27— INDEX. Page Advertising in newspapers 3 Advertisement for newspaper 3 Attractive letter heads 4 Accounts, how to collect 9 Acknowledgment for orders 4, 10 Attached communications 15 Alaska, rates of postage 19 Apples 11 Business pointers 3 Boxes or containers 8, 14 Box material 8 Boxes, used repeatedly 9 Box manufacturers, list of 11-12 Bills, may go with packages 10, 15, 20 Butter 11, 13, 26, 27 Bees 11 Berries 11, 26 Buds ^_ Bottles, containing liquids 25 Chickens 6 Cost of insurance 7-8 Customers, how to secure 3 Collection of accounts 9 Coin retainers 10 Copy your letters 10 Celery Cottage cheese Cabbage 1 1 Collect on delivery 16, 22-23 Complete postal regulations 16-27 Canal zone, rate of postage 19 Canada 19 Cuba 19 Communications attached to parcels 20 Certificate of inspection for meats 21 Cuttings 22 Canes 23 Cut flowers 24 Candies 24 Cakes, chalk, china, combs, clocks 25 Cigars, how to pack 26 Dairymen 8 —28— Page Dressed fowls 11. 13,26, 27 Directions for shipping 13-16 Dimensions of packages 14, 20 Description of enclosed matter 15 Dead bodies of wild animals or birds 21 Envelopes, printed 4 Envelope corner card, form for 4 Enclosures, permissible 15 Enclosures, invoice, etc 15, 20 Examination of packages 21, 23 Extent of parcel post 16 Eggs, how wrapped 6, 14 How shipped 8-9, 26 Fully protected 9 Shipped long distances 9, 26 For local delivery 14, 26 Boxes or containers, how made 8 Forms for letters 3,4,6,7 Form for letter heads 4 For envelope corner card 4 For acknowledgement 4, 10 For letter soliciting business 6 For postal card 7 Follow-ups, advantage of 7 Family may help 5 Fruit grower 8 Fruits 11, 13, 26, 27 Fruit pits 22 Fowls, how to wrap 10 Food products 21 Fourth-class matter, rates, classification, etc 16-27 Furs 21 Fees for C. O. D. service 22 Fragile, "this side up" 25 Fragile articles, how to pack 26 Fans, flowers, fountain pens 25 Fish, fresh meats, etc 26 Forwarding and returning 27 Further information, where to get it 27 Garden truck 11 Golf sticks 23 Grain 11 Grafts 22 Getting acquainted 5 How to secure customers 3 How to prepare lists of names 5 How to address parcels 14 How to pack perishable articles • 26 —29— Page Harmless medical preparations 21 Harmful articles 24 Hams 11 Honey 11 Hides or pelts 24 Hats 23, 25 Hawaii rate of postage 19 Insurance 7, 8, 16 Insurance fees and conditions 22 Inscriptions 15, 20 Inspections necessary 21, 22 Invoices 15, 20 Improperly wrapped parcels 23 Indemnity for lost insured articles 22 Indemnity, limit of 23 Limit of weight 19 Limit of size 20 Letters, forms of 3, 4, 6, 7 Letters and postal cards 6 Letter heads, printed . 3 Letter heads, attractive 4 Letters, multigraphed 6 List of box manufacturers 11, 12 Lists for stock-growers, nurserymen and poultrymen 7 Liquids, admissible, conditions, etc 24-25 Liquids in large quantities 25 Lard 26 Library books 21 Multigraphed letters 6 Mercantile insurance, cost of 8 Manufacturers of boxes 11-12 Mince meat 11 Meats 11,21 Meat, food-products 21 Millinery 25 Musical instruments 25 Maps, how to pack 26 Mexico 19 Medical preparations 21-24 Newspaper advertising 3 Nursery stock 1 1, 22 Nurserymen, lists for 7 Nails and screws, use of 13, 23 Name and address of sender 20 Original sealed packages 21 Parcel post, extent and usefulness of 16 Pleasing customers 5 Prices and quality ' 5 —30— Page Postal cards and letters 6 Postal cards, mailing of 7 Poultryman, list for 7 Packing, eggs and fowls 10 Poultry, dressed 11 Preserves 11 Pickles 11 Points of interest to farmers 12 Postage rates 15, 17, 18 Perishable articles, how to prepare 13-14, 26 Parcels weighing more than 20 lbs 14 Postmaster's approval 14 Permissible enclosures 15 Philippine Islands 19 Public Library books 21 Proprietary articles of merchandise 21 Plumage 21 Plants and plant products 22 Preparation and wrapping of mail matter 23-27 Place of mailing 22 Pastes, salves, etc 23 Pottery, porcelain, phonographs 26 Paintings, how to pack 26 Postal regulations, complete 16-27 Postage rate table for all zones 18 Quality and prices of merchandise 5 Queen bees 11 Return address on envelope 4 Records, importance of 10 Rural carrier service 13 Rates of postage 15, 17, 18 Rates of postage, local 19 Republic of Panama, rate of postage 19 Size of letter paper 6 Size of packages 14, 20 Special delivery, cost of 14, 19 Stamps, where to affix •. . 15 Screws and nails, use of 13, 23 Seeds of fruit 11-22 Squabs 11 Sealed packages 21 Soaps 21 Skins 21 Shrubs 22 Seeds and plants 22 Stove castings 24 Salves, pastes, etc '. 24 Size limit, how to measure 14, 20 —31— Page Shanghai, rate of postage 19 Telephone, advantages of 5 Table of weights, all zones 18 Tomato plants 11 Tobacco 21 Trees 22 Typewriters 25 Unmailable articles 21 Umbrellas 23 Vegetables 6, 13, 26, 27 Vines 22 What may be sent Writing allowed in parcels 15 Wrapping eggs 6 Wrapping and packing of parcels 13 Wrapping perishable articles 13 Watches, wax articles 26 Weights and postage, all zones 18 Zones and rates, complete 18 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 002 780 497 4 Compiled and Issued by HAMILTON H. WEST, Rockford. Illinois Copyright 1915 MOW ILLINOIS •TtTIOHMr OU , ROCKfOW, ILLINOIS