144 FLORIDA FRUITS ORANGES. 



Florida oranges are admitted to be superior to any other 

 in the world, and for this reason, although their numbers 

 are yet comparatively few, they occupy the foremost place, 

 and are eagerly sought for at the highest prices. The ge- 

 nial climate of Florida, and a soil peculiarly adapted to 

 the growth of the orange, coupled with the long period of 

 warmth and sunshine, perfect and concentrate its juices 

 without destroying its aromatic flavor. 



These advantages, joined with a proximity to the great 

 markets, which allows the fruit to remain on the tree until 

 ripe, gives, and always will give, the first rank to Florida 

 oranges in the United States. 



If the orange growers of Europe find it to their advan- 

 tage to ship their inferior fruit to America, the expenses 

 of freight, commissions, and a tariff (secured by General 

 Sanford, of this State, for the protection of home grow- 

 ers), if, we say, the European growers still reap a good 

 profit, in spite of their drawbacks, what should not the 

 home grower reap, with better fruit, lighter freight, and 

 no tariff? 



Those who only see the tempting-looking Mediterranean 

 fruit, as set forth for the inspection of the retail consumer, 

 have a very feeble conception of the real extent of the 

 business, or the frequent losses to the shippers. To those 

 who do know, the wonder is that the foreign growers still 

 persevere in sending their fruit so far to meet with such 

 frequent losses. 



Quite often the loss from decay on cargoes from the 

 Mediterranean and the West Indies amounts to fifty, sev- 

 enty-five, or ninety per cent. In many cases not enough 

 is realized from the cargo to pay the freight. When, how- 

 ever, the cargo arrives in good order, its sale often gives 

 the owners a large profit, and so they keep on, after each 

 reverse hoping for " better luck next time." 



