THE MONTHLV" BULLETIN. ■*- ■' 



Grading, Hip operation between picking and packing, is generally neglected by the 

 small apple grower. Apples are graded for size, for color, and for quality. This 

 work should be done before packing is begun. 



Packing in the generally used box 10* by 111 by 18 inches and the special box 

 10 by 11 by 20. inside measurements, establishes the commercial pack. Other sized 

 boxes are considered obsolete. The diagonal pack is preferred as it permits of a 

 wider variation in size of fruit and allows more or less pressure without bruising the 

 fmit. However, for some sizes of apples one is forced to use the straight pack. 

 When the grading is honestly done the question of the pack is readily determined. 

 The wise growers and packers have availed themselves of the protection extended to 

 them by the 1917 Standard Apple Act and will he governed by it in grading and 

 packing their fruit and marking their packages. 



Transportation facilities have rapidly assumed new phases in the past few years. 

 New factors entering into the business are parcel post, motor vehicle, water via 

 Panama Canal, improved express service, adequate ear refrigeration. The first two 

 factors properly applied should greatly reduce the transportation problems of the 

 small grower and those in remote sections. The decided improvement attained by 

 rail and wain-, when not disturbed by abnormal conditions, should result in greatly 

 benefiting the California apple grower. 



COTTON IN IMPERIAL COUNTY. 



r.. r w. \V\iii. Counts Horticultural Commissi r, El Centro, CaJ. 



In the year 1902 a few cotton plants wire grown at Calexico and in the year 10(M 

 there were small plantings of cotton by farmers who believed in the Imperial Valley 

 as a cotton-producing section. These plantings, in an experimental way. were carried 



on each year for four years, during which time it was 

 not possible to interest the farmers in the planting 

 of cotton in commercial quantities because raising 

 cantaloupes at that time was very profitable. 



In 100!) cotton was grown commercially, some 

 fanners having signed an agreement to plant about 

 1,200 acres, thereby being assured the erection of a 

 cotton gin. .Many acres were not cared for at all 

 and due to the lack of experience, many growers 

 having not even seen a cotton field before (including 

 the writer), the yield was very light, there being only 

 350 hales ginned. The result, however, was very 

 satisfactory and cotton growing was permanently 

 established in the valley. 



The acreage has increased during the years that 

 have followed. Gins have been constructed in all 

 parts of the valley, as well as oil mills, the latter 

 manufacturing the seed into oil and meal. 



The acreage in 1010 was increased about eight 

 times over that of the preceding year. As there was 

 considerable enthusiasm as to the possible profits in 

 the cotton culture in this valley, many went into the business without previous 

 experience, undertaking too large an acreage, the result being somewhat disappointing. 

 The yield was very low and only -I.ikio hales were ginned. The results to those who 

 knew and to others who gained by experience, still being encouraging, the planting in 

 the year 191] was increased to about 12,000 acres. Enthusiasm being great, many 

 entered the business without experience and the final results were an improvement on 

 the year 1910, as about 9,000 bales were ginned. In 1012 the acreage was quite 

 extensively reduced, there being only 8,360 acres planted. However, the production 

 was much mo]-,, satisfactory, as 7,200 bales were ginned, which made the yield per 

 acre very great. This great yield was the result of the progress made by those new 

 in the business and the growers acquiring experience in cotton growing under the 

 condition; prevailing here. The result was a great advancement. During the season 



L913 there were 26,000 acres planted, including the delta across the line in Lower 

 California t. Mexican territory). Hue to the shot tape of water in some localities and 

 inadequate labor conditions, also a few inexperienced enthusiasts, there were only 

 aboul 21,500 acres actually cultivated and 21,000 hales of cotton ginned. In 1011. 



