Notes. 291 



The Export of South African Produce: An Essential. 



Fanners are alive to tlie need of finding' markets oversea for their 

 products and in viewing the position there is one thing that should he 

 foremost in their minds, and that is the importance of striving to im- 

 prove the standard of their product, both in quality and appearance. 

 It is a matter that is constantly referred to in this Journal, and is 

 invaiiahly impressed by the Union's Trade Commissioner in London. 

 In a recent rei)ort from this officer on the export trade in fruit, it is 

 pointed out that while the citrus consignments received thus far this 

 season show considerable improvement, the packs of many growers 

 are still far from what they should be. In a shipment from South 

 Africa that had just come on the market, several new packs were 

 noticed that gave evidence of much care in packing and selection, 

 but there were others from growers who persist in using shabby and 

 dirty looking cases. x4.1though tlie fruit in the latter was good, the 

 gcneial appearance of the pack was poor which, as a consequence, was 

 at a distinct disadvantage when stacked alongside a smart, clean, and 

 attractively prepared pack. A clean box, indeed, helps in no small 

 measure to a quick sale. For instance, an experimental shipment 

 sent over by the Department sold readily at 22s. to 24s. for seedlings, 

 and up to 25s. for a few navels : the parcel had been very attractively 

 packed and served to illustrate the fact that South African shippers 

 need not fear competition provided always that they maintain a high 

 standard of quality and pack attractively. Oranges from iiustralia 

 are being placed on the market in very good condition, well graded 

 and packed, presenting a nice bright colour with clear skins. Our 

 own type of box has been adopted by the Australian packer and the 

 package has a very smart appearance. Competition, therefore, must 

 now be expected from this quarter. It must be expected also from 

 Brazil : oranges are now coming forward from that country, and the 

 style of packing, it is observed, is being progressively improved upon. 

 AA liether it be oranges, however, or any other form of product, the 

 essentiality of quality and packing must now be evident to every pro- 

 ducer. He is catering for a consumer that lias the world's best tt> 

 choose from ; a consumer, moreover, who has his own idiosyncrasies 

 and tastes. Producers in other countries are studying the needs of 

 this consumer, and unless the producer of South Africa does likewise 

 lie cannot successfully compete. Fortunately, this country is able 

 to produce many articles of high standard, and with the advice that 

 the Department is able to impart to the farmer as to the manner of 

 growing and preparing these for market, there is every roasoii 

 to expect that in such products we shall become and continue pre- 

 eminent. 



Mushroom Growing. 



The Department receives many inquiries regarding the raising of 

 mushrooms, and Miss Bottomley, of the Division of Botany, contri- 

 bntes io this number of the Jouinal an article giving full particulars. 

 Tlie mushroom, it is pointed out, is, contrary to what many people 

 think, an easy crop to grow% and beginners are often as successful as 

 those who have had much experience. Little space is needed for culti- 

 vation, and there is no reason why greater attention should not be 

 given to growing this useful and delicious vegetable. 



IOa 



