62 CROPS THAT PAY. 



ual operating a commercial orchard on a large scale would be in 

 position to market the product much more profitably than could the 

 small grower, who must generally take what he can get. In view of 

 the facts, as stated, it will seem very conservative indeed to take 

 five cents as the average price the grower will receive. The margin 

 between this price and the higher price the fruit will probably always 

 bring, is sufficient to offset any of the "unforeseen contingencies" that 

 may arise to affect the plans and calculations of the most careful 

 grower. 



The planting distance for avocados varies greatly, some varieties 

 growing much larger than others. As many as loo budded trees 

 may be set at first, but with the certainty of having to thin them out 

 later when the growth of the tops causes their branches to approach 

 too closely. Some of the larger kinds should not be planted less 

 than 35 feet apart, giving 35 trees to the acre; and this distance 

 is recommended when interculture is intended. Without leaving 

 space between for the cultivation of other crops to any extent, double 

 this number of trees of the smaller kinds might be set on each acre. 

 But whatever may be the number decided on by the planter, the 

 estimate of his profit from each tree would not be materially affected. 

 Assuming, as already said, that the yield per tree would be 40, 80, 

 120, 160, 200 and 240 fruits, commencing in the fifth year, the 

 returns per tree, at five cents for each fruit, would be $2.00, $4.00, 

 $6.00, $8.00, $10.00 and $12.00 in a series of years from the fifth to 

 the tenth, inclusive. If only 35 trees were set to the acre, the income 

 would be $70.00, $140.00, $210.00, $280.00, $350.00 and $420.00 per 

 acre from the fifth to the tenth years inclusive, and this is certainly 

 a very conservative estimate, although large enough to induce prompt 

 planting of many avocado orchards. 



