332 AMERICAIT GRAPE GROWING 



much favor here, and there is no reason why they should. 

 The varieties referred to above are immeasurably superior 

 to the dirty imported product, which has only the very 

 questionable recommendation of being "far fetched and 

 dear bought." 



It is an open question whether it is better to dry by 

 sun or artificial heat in a dryer. Without discussing 

 the question we may rejoice in the undisputed fact that 

 we can make raisins without artificial heat. 



Since the beginning of tlie raisin industry manifold 

 improvements have been made in selecting, curing and 

 packing in an attractive style, and California raisins are 

 now fully equal, if not superior, to the best imported 

 brands, and they can be produced as cheaply. American 

 •ngenuity. has brought out many machines and appli- 

 ances, by means of which enough more can be accom- 

 plished to overcome the competition of cheap foreign 

 labor. The only apparent danger which threatens the 

 industry is the imminent one that overproduction may 

 force prices down below cost. Whether the combina- 

 tions which have been entered into by the growers and 

 manufacturers will sufiice to avert this, remains to be 

 seen. We can only hope for the best. 



