526 CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW THEM 



THE CANNING INDUSTRY 



California stands first in the United States in the value of canned 

 and dried fruits produced and in the amount of money as wages paid 

 for labor in fruit canning and curing establishments. In point of 

 capital invested therein California is credited by the United States 

 census office in 1905 with a total of ten and one quarter million 

 dollars; thus standing second only to New York, which has ten 

 and one half millions. The style and capacity of the establishments 

 is characteristically Californian because California's ten millions 

 are invested in 184 concerns, while New York has 565 concerns; 

 only a quarter of a million more value in three times as many 

 outfits. 



Fruit canning began in California about fifty years ago, but dur- 

 ing the last three decades has attained its greatness, and is still 

 promising much wider extension. The process is simple, and yet 

 is attended at every point, from the purchase of the fruit to the 

 sale of the product, with operations which require experience, wis- 

 dom, and good judgment. It will be obviously impossible to 

 give in print a guide to the pursuit of such an industry. The prin- 

 ciples involved in the process of commercial canning are, of course, 

 the same as rule in the old kitchen processes, but to secure uniform- 

 ity and cheapness of product a vast number of manipulations and 

 labor-saving appliances have been devised. These begin with the 

 manufacture of cans and attend the product to the end, and the 

 realization of the commercial and uniform production which they 

 assure involves the employment of large capital and the keenest 

 business ability. The canning interest has, therefore, segregated 

 itself more and more widely from the growing interest. Orchard 

 canning on a small scale which was once thought feasible has passed 

 out of sight except as it is seen to lie in the foundations of a few 

 of the smaller canneries which have been built upon it. It seems 

 clear now that as a rule the fruit grower's duty to the canning 

 interest ceases with the production of acceptable fruit unless indi- 

 viduals or associations can command capital enough to enter the 

 field on equal vantage with' the large commercial canneries. 

 Capital is flowing toward the business ; the field for the product 

 seems to be constantly expanding, and canning centers are multi- 

 plying throughout the State wherever ample supplies of good fruits 

 and vegetables are available. 



Varieties for Canning. The table previously given showing the 

 fruits which enter in various amounts into the canned product gives 

 a general idea of what fruits should be planted to minister to the 

 canner's demand. As to varieties, it is not easy to make a general 

 prescription, because the choice differs somewhat with different 

 localities. It is a good idea for the new planter to consult with 

 owners of adjacent bearing orchards and to secure from the nearest 

 canneries lists of varieties which are acceptable to them. 



