PREFACE 



The avocado (Persea gratissima) is one of the most recent fruits 

 to receive intelligent and systematic treatment from American fruit 

 growers. Though long held in high regard by persons living in 

 southern Florida, the West Indies, and most portions of tropical 

 America, it has not until recently attracted the attention of northern 

 consumers, and is, in fact, at this time an interesting novelty rather 

 than a recognized staple of commerce. This is probably due to the 

 fact that it lacks those characteristics of texture and flavor which 

 are sought for in most dessert fruits, so that a taste for it must be 

 acquired by most persons. In recent }-ears, however, its usefulness 

 as a salad fruit has gradually been recognized, so that a growing appre- 

 ciation of its value in this regard has led to an increasing demand for 

 it in our larger cities. 



Until very recently the principal supply for these markets has come 

 from the West Indies, chiefly because of cheaper transportation from 

 those islands than from Florida. The recent extension of railroad 

 facilities to far southern Florida has made possible the safe shipment of 

 this fruit from that section to practically all parts of the country, and 

 interest in its commercial culture there has therefore largely increased. 



As it provides a wholesome and nutritious food, which, judging 

 from present demand and prices, will afford a profitable crop in loca- 

 tions suitable to its production, its culture on a commercial scale 

 appears worthy of encouragement in Porto Rico, southern Florida, 

 Hawaii, and such locations in California as are practically free from 

 frost during the blossoming season. 



The greatest need at present appears to be the propagation of pro- 

 ductive varieties of desirable size, form, and quality, ripening at an 

 opportune time- — that is, late in autumn or early in winter, when the 

 demand in northern markets at high prices appears to be best. As the 

 bud propagation of this fruit in a commercial way has but recently 

 commenced, it is believed that this publication, which deals largely 

 with that subject, will be of distinct value to those who desire to engage 

 in its production. 



G. B. Brackett, 



Pomologist. 

 Office of the Pomologist, 



Washington, D. C, March 29, 1904. 



5 



