40 



ANNUAL REPORT 1920 AND 1921 



to viewing the work of the nurseries. A cordial welcome was received at every 

 stopping-place and the visits were interesting and educational. There appear to 

 be only one or two avocado orchards which might in any sense be called models. 

 Most of the older orchards which still exist are suffering from a wrong start 

 with varieties which have proved to be of Httle or no value. Many show evi- 

 dences of lack of care due to different causes, among which may be mentioned 

 lack of knowledge of cultural methods, scarcity of labor, shortage of water or 

 infrequent application. In some places the depredations of fruit thieves are 

 serious, and the suggestion is again tendered that the Association offer for infor- 

 mation leading to the arrest and conviction of thieves a sum equivalent to that 

 offered by the owner of the orchard. Posted notices of such rewards might have 

 a deterrent effect. The trees appeared to be markedly free from signs of dis- 

 ease and little worry was encountered anywhere about the sales of fruit. It was 

 estimated that after deducting fruit which was under contract or could easily 

 be disposed of thru known channels, there would remain about 25,000 fruits 

 for sale, mostly during the summer months, and we have been assured by the 

 large dealers that the market would easily absorb this amount. 



In the nurseries handling avocado trees there was evidence of the largest 

 planting of budded stock yet known. An estimate of 1 5,000 budded trees sold 

 and planted out this year is probably not far astray. In the largest nursery 

 visited there were 1 9,000 trees under cover, 1 0,000 of which were budded and 

 about 7,000 sold for the season. 30,000 seeds were planted in this nursery 

 and 20,000 in emother. It was observed that the majority of nurserymen are 

 avoiding pots and boxes and are planting in the open ground, that they are 

 planting chiefly the varieties recommended by the Association, that they prefer 

 to do their own cutting of budwood from selected trees and that they are selling 

 at reasonable prices averaging about $3.50 per tree by the hundred, or $4.00 to 

 $5.00 each in smaller lots. The nursery business is quite dependent upon the 

 Association for its prosperity. Without our meetings, publications and organ- 

 ization there could be no thriving avocado nursery business. Its extent gives 

 rise to the question whether the market is likely to keep pace with the increase 

 of our products. Some have misgivings at this point and think that as the increased 

 acreage comes into bearing the result will be large crops with low prices or no 

 sales and consequent loss. This is but a challenge to the leaders of the industry 

 to see to it that the merits of the avocado are so widely and wisely advertised 

 that the demand will keep pace with the supply. 



In closing, I desire to extend thanks to all who are co-operating for the 

 success of the Association and the establishment of the industry and to express my 

 heartfelt appreciation of the team-work and devotion which have characterized 

 my associates on the Board of Directors during the three years in which you have 

 honored me with the presidency. 



