CALIFORNIA AVOCADO ASSOCIATION 



26 



avocado seed she had planted in a flower pot, none too large, and which 

 had shown no signs of life. A little examination below the surface indi- 

 cated a mass of root growth, and in a few days the seed began to make 

 rapid progress above ground. Just so is it, at present, with the avocado. 

 We are not standing up on a ladder, in full view, picking fruit this year» 

 but the far better, and more lasting process of evolution and selection and 

 substitution has been going on, with scarcely an interruption. 



Be patient, and soon there will be harvested in California, avocados 

 whose quality and quantity will reward us with keen satisfaction. Reports 

 from all sections give promise that the avocado orchards will not be 

 slackers this year. 



Tell it to our dear Uncle Sam who is crying for food to feed the 

 millions who are fighting and dying for humanity's sake. Just here, let 

 me present a hope heartily expressed in a recent letter from the Association's 

 good Washington friend, L. B. Scott, that this Association urge a cam- 

 paign to have one, or more avocado trees planted in every home garden, 

 where they will grow, in California. 



From my heart, I commend to the Association this humanitarian act, 

 and hope the board of directors will take up the matter, and evolve a plan 

 for its accomplishment, and in a way that the Association will be seen as 

 backing it, so as to eliminate any seeming personal interest. 



I can see in it a grand move towards popularizing the avocado. 

 Avocado purchasing clubs might be organized in communities, and by 

 buying in quantities, could secure prices vastly lower than those quoted to 

 the purchaser of a single tree. The small avocado owner, multiplied by 

 thousands, would be an important factor in winning esteem for the fruit 

 in the land where it is produced. 



Doubtless it would cost the Association and the nurserymen some- 

 thing to do this, but we must, sooner or later, get into training for the 

 inevitable campaign of education, publicity and popularity, to which we 

 are drawing nearer each year. This afternoon session will be devoted to 

 business. The finances of the Association are in good condition, as will 

 be seen by report of the treeisurer. 



The present membership is 193. A goodly company of pioneers in 

 the industry, but far from being all who are interested in growing the 

 avocado. Conditions during the past year have not inspired recruiting 

 work; war bonds and stamps have been more attractive than membership 

 certificates, but I believe that, later in the season, when the avocado begins 

 to blush in profusion upon the trees, we will be encouraged to begin a drive 

 for new members. 



Among important business matters to be transacted will be: Report 

 of secretary-treasurer; new by-laws presented by the board of directors, for 

 adoption; election of certain honorary members recommended by the di- 

 rectors; election of three directors, for a term of three years, and as we, 

 as an association, will soon take our place in the business world, it will be 

 wise to give this matter careful consideration. Also we should be ob- 

 servant to return thanks to any one who has lent us a helping hand, and 

 shown us favor, especially, at this time, to the United States Department 

 of Agriculture, through Mr. Fairchild and Mr. Wilson Popenoe, and to 

 others whose friendly hand is shown. 



