CALIFORNIA AVOCADO ASSOCIATION 



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was not trying to commercialize the avocado, but merely to popularize, and 

 added that "if everyone who reads my article or hears me speak on the subject 

 will plant one in his back yard for family use, it will not be long before the 

 gospel will spread and commercial orchards will follow." I believe that has 

 proven true, to a large extent. 



Now my friends, in closing, I wish to voice a plea for an amendment to the 

 fruit standardization law of the State of CaHfornia, to include the avocado. 

 Mr. Murrieta called my attention a few days ago to this most necessary act and 

 asked me to bring it to the attention of this assembly. 



There are varieties, black or purple in color, which are not ripe when they 

 attain full color, and others which are perfectly black that need to be picked 

 before that stage. Last year Mr. Knight called our attention to one of his most 

 excellent introductions that should be picked when the purple color has spread two- 

 thirds over the fruit. I hope in the end, we may at least have a legal limitation 

 as to when the fruit has reached the proper state for consumption or for market. 



In mentioning Mr. Knight's varieties, I will close by saying that a few days 

 ago I was presented with a Knight, grown by Mr. Knight himself, who has stated 

 that he did not consider it one of his best. The fruit was in prime condition, 

 and although I have tasted every named variety known to me, and countless 

 others that I know not the name of, I am frank to say I have never tasted a better 

 avocado. So in closing, ladies and gentlemen, I cannot do better than say, 

 "Good Knight!" 



PRESIDENT SALLMON FOLLOWING MR. BRAUNTON 



It is very appropriate that while we are enjoying the hospitality of this 

 beautiful city we should have one of its citizens on our program. Mr. Coolidge 

 was the first secretary of this association, one of its charter members, and a member 

 of the first board of directors. What he has to say is always of interest. 



Mr. D. W. Coolidge, of Pasadena. 



SEVEN TRUTHS ABOUT THE AVOCADO 



D. W. COOLIDGE 



Truth 1 . The avocado is one of the most beautiful evergreen trees that 

 grows. Its spreading branches afford shade and comfort to man, mockingbird 

 and mealybug. Why plant pepper, acacia and other trees where you can grow 

 the avocado? 



Truth 2. The avocado tree can be, and is, successfully grown in Cali- 

 fornia, particularly in the southern part. I haven't the exact figures, but I am 

 assured that there are today more than 500 acres of avocado trees planted in 

 orchard form, and perhaps as many more are grown in the gardens surrounding 

 our homes. 



Truth 3. The avocado tree will grow and bear fruit as regularly as any 

 other fruit tree when the proper varieties are planted in proper localities in 

 Southern California, and contrary to the belief of many the avocado is not over 

 particular about the kind of soil it is grown in. I have seen very fine fruits 

 grown in adobe, light sandy loam and decomposed granite soils. Although the 

 tree is indigenous only to the tropics, we have varieties fully as hardy as any of 

 the citrus, and the scope of this industry is wider than is generally believed. In 



