CALIFORNIA AVOCADO ASSOCIATION 



31 



Several methods of determining maturity were suggested: yellowing of the 

 stem, loosening of the stem at the junction with the fruit, flowering of the tree, 

 analysis and previous experience. However, not all stems turn yellow nor 

 become loose at maturity. Analysis would be the surest test if it did not ruin 

 the fruit in the process. A combination of analysis and previous ripening expe- 

 rience with each variety would give its approximate ripening season. 



The question of the relative merits of planting seedlings in orchard form 

 and budding later, or planting budded trees was discussed at some length. 

 Some points in favor of seedling planting were strong, undisturbed root growth 

 and elimination of the expense of balling. On the other hand, young seedlings 

 in orchard form are much more expensive to water and bud than those standing 

 in nursery rows. If the seedlings are grown for three or four years, better 

 varieties may be proven than those which would be planted at the present time, 

 but the operation of top working old trees is expensive and uncertain. 



The necessity of some experimental work on different root stocks was 

 brought out. As has been proven with other kinds of fruit trees, there is a great 

 variation of trees of the same variety budded on different types of roots. The 

 selection of suitable roots for different varieties and locations is probably as 

 important as the selection of budwood. 



SECRETARY'S REPORT 



Altadena, CaHf., April 30, 1921. 



As an educational institution, the California Avocado Association is becom- 

 ing widely known. Letters come from all over the tropical and semi-tropical 

 world, asking for information. We have now fifteen members who do not live 

 in the United States. Our membership has grown since A.pril 30, 1920, from 

 301 to over 400, in spite of the removal of 47 names from the roll. 149 new 

 members have been added during the year. 



A surprising amount of correspondence is required for an association the 

 size of this one. During the past eleven months nearly 800 individual letters 

 have been written from my office, and I know Mr. Sallmon has also had a large 

 correspondence. 



During the past eleven months 1 3 1 avocado plantings have been visited, 

 and over 5,000 miles traveled. With one exception, the reception I have re- 

 ceived as representative of the Avocado Association has been cordial. 



Making a census of the avocado trees of the State has demonstrated what 

 we knew before, but did not so fully realize, how much we still have to learn 

 about the avocado, where to plant, what to plant in each particular location and 

 the care under the varying conditions of soil and water and climate. Of the 

 earlier plantings many are wiped out entirely. They were planted in the 

 wrong place, they were poor trees, or the owner, through ignorance or careless- 

 ness, did not give them the proper care. Most of these original plantings were 

 of varieties which have now been discarded and many are being top-worked to 

 the recognized better varieties of today. A few of the courageous planters of 

 the early days are beginning to reap the reward of patience. The Taft trees 



