244 



THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



for the purpose of establishing more definite and intelligent knowledge 

 to be used in the consideration of the comparative degrees of ripeness of 

 this fruit and the time of picking. The results of these experiments to 

 date are of vital interest and importance to grapefruit growers from 

 the standpoint of an intelligent consideration of the problem of market- 

 ing this crop and the establishment of a good reputation for it. The 

 success of the California grapefruit industry, in the opinion of the 

 writer, will largely depend upon an unprejudiced study by the growers 

 of the condition of ripeness, the value of grapefruit when picked at 

 different times during the season, and the adoption of intelligent and 

 fair standards of maturity and ripeness for marketing. 



In this connection the following analysis, furnished by Mr. E. M. 

 Chace in charge of the Citrus By-products Laboratory, Bureau of Chem- 

 istry, Los Angeles, California, of California grapefruit, made during 

 December, 1915, and of Florida grapefruit, made in November and 

 December, 1912, are of special interest. 



Analysis of Florida and California Grapefruit. 



(Analyses of California fruit made during December, 1915, and of the Florida fruit 



in November and December, 1912.) 



Note. — Acid solids ratios on Florida grapefruit are estimated, as no soluble solids 

 were determined. Tlie acid sugar ratio is considered as 70% of the acid solid ratio. 



While these analyses are net meant to be comparative, they do bring 

 out some facts worthy of our most careful consideration from the stand- 

 point of the best interests of the California industry. A careful studj^ 

 of this table will make it self-explanatory, so that no further comment 

 at this time is necessary. 



The composition and acid solids ratios of samples of standard, rough, 

 seeded and smooth types of Marsh Seedless grapefruit from one of the 

 best groves in southern California are shown in the following table, 

 prepared by Mr. E. M. Chace. The samples were picked at the begin- 

 ning of the ripe period. It is to be hoped that during this coming season 

 samples picked at regular intervals throughout the entire picking period 

 will be analyzed for the benefit of the growers of grapefruit. Further 

 studies along this line are necessary in order to secure necessary reliable 

 information for consideration in solving satisfactorily the marketing 

 problem for grapefruit. 



