THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 407 



Regulation No. 7 directs inspectors to take samples and test the same 

 in the territory assigned to them. When any lot of frnit offered for 

 sale or shipment from packing hnnses is found to be mishandled or 

 adulterated within the meaning of the law, inspectors are directed to 

 seize and attach the same and place it in the custody of the sheriff of the 

 county, subject to the order of the Commissioner of Agriculture. 



Regulation No. 8 provides for the official testing of all samples drawn 

 by growers at any time for the purpose of ascertaining the condition of 

 the fruit. 



The application of this acid test is very simple. All that is necessary 

 is a few standard alkaline tablets obtainable at any drug store, a small 

 piece of cheese ch)th, a 25 c.c. pipette and a teacup. A standard 

 alkaline solution is made by dissolving 100 tablets in 8 ounces of pure 

 water. Twelve average oranges are selected, peeled, cut crosswise and 

 the juice pressed out. This mixed juice is strained through the cheese 

 cloth and 25 c.c. placed in the cup. Then 25 c.c. of the alkaline 

 solution is added and if the acid content is 1.30 per cent or less the 

 solution will show a bright pink color. If the acid is greater than the 

 amount allowed by law the pink color will not appear. 



It is a fair question for debate whether a law forbidding the shipment 

 of immature fruit might not be a great advantage to the California 

 industry. It is believed that on the average the juice of California 

 oranges contains more sugar and also more acid than Florida oranges. 

 On this account somewhat different standards would have to be adopted. 



I think that all of you will agree with me and believe that something 

 should be done to stop the irresponsi])le shipping of immature fruit. 



By way of suggestion I may say tliat perhaps a committee of growers 

 might be appointed to test the sentiment of the different citrus organiza- 

 tions, correspond with Florida growers regarding the workings of their 

 law, make a large num])er of acid tests of the fruit in different sections 

 and on different soils as it comes to maturity this coming fall, and 

 formulate some kind of a law for presentation to the legislature next 

 spring. 



I may say that the division of citriculture of the University of Cali- 

 fornia will be glad to co-operate with such a committee, and it offers its 

 facilities for the testing of samples of fruit and for a systematic study of 

 the changes in sugar and acid content of maturing oranges. 



THE POTATO EMERGENCY CONVENTION. 



The Potato Emergency Convention, held at Stockton September 25th 

 and 26th, was remarkable for the number of distinguished scientists — 

 experts in potato diseases — from Europe and the United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture present, for the attendance of delegates from four 

 other states, for the great attendance of interested growers and shippers 

 from California, for the absolute harmony in all the discussions, and 

 for valuable practical results which seem assured as an outcome of the 

 convention. 



