Appendix. 227 



boxes. Of course this is not fancy packing. If the trade requires fancy 

 packing, then give it, but do not insist as some do on packing in boxes 

 whether a buyer wants them or not. 



PRICES. 



I know you do not expect me to tell you how to always realize good 

 prices; I wish I could. So far this question has not been settled to any 

 great degree of satisfaction. So the question remains open, for us to 

 discuss the points that will tend to better conditions. The old and many 

 times stated conditions of "supply and demand" enter in largely. 



First, let it be known that prunes are not a table luxury; they are a 

 staple food commodity. I do not say they are not eaten by the better 

 class, for they are, but the greater portion is consumed by people of 

 moderate means. I believe that "demand" plays the greatest part in 

 this question with financial matters right and the consumer's pocket- 

 book in good condition. Then let it be known that prunes are a good 

 and economical table fruit. You need not fret about over production. 

 I do not believe the consumption of prunes is as large as it should be. 

 The product for the past two years in the country will not exceed one 

 pound per capita. Without a doubt something is out of joint; either 

 prunes are not liked or housewives do not know what they are. I think 

 the main cause is lack of being introduced. In many localities they are 

 considered a luxury, and in some districts they are not known at all, 

 but we are glad to note consumption is increasing. There is an oppor- 

 tunity for some good work in introducing these goods in the Southern 

 States. Europe is taking them freely, and one-fourth of the California 

 crop has been exported this year. With the close commercial relations 

 with all the world you need not be afraid of overproduction, in fact we are 

 just beginning to produce enough to let the world's market know there 

 Is an Oregon and Washington. It is better to produce a quantity that 

 will give us a part in the world's market than only a few, or not 

 enough to be known. Markets will always look where there is an ample 

 production. Again, the Government is buying largely for army and 

 navy supplies — a good argument for the growing popularity of the 

 Oregon prune. Coming back to the question of demand and supply — 

 since coming to the convention a gi'ower told me that he found places 

 in the East where 15 to 20 cents per pound were obtained in a retail 

 way, and in one case 30 cents. This is robbery. If this exists to any 

 extent you need not expect to sell your prunes at 4 to 5 cents, for the 

 forty-to-fifty pack on this Coast can be sold to the consumer at 10 cents 

 or three for 25 cents. They can be sold in Europe at 12^/4 cents, or at 

 10 cents straight. The price of prunes should be kept in a compara- 

 tive ratio with other fruits. 



PRESENT CONDITIONS. 



SeJJing. — To say anything on this subject is treading on sacred 

 ground. Every producer should meet the existing conditions to the best 



