8 



REPORT OF THE FIRST SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING 



were planted and unscientific methods were frequently used in the 

 raising and handling of the fruit. Even after the crop was har- 

 vested the market facilities were poor, and for many years, there- 

 fore, an industry, sound in itself, had the appearance of being 

 uncertain and speculative. You know how, by intelligent co-oper- 

 ative effort, most of those difficulties were finally overcome. 



The purpose of this Association might 1)e said to be to avoid 

 the mistakes and profit by the experience of those engaged in 

 similar kinds of fruit culture. To this end co-operation is absolutely 

 necessary. The combining into association of the many nursery 

 men, orchard growers, experimenters and scientists interested in 

 this new industry makes it possible to accumulate, and h(jld acces- 

 sible to members the result of work of the various individuals. This 

 will prcA^ent duplication of endeavor and serious failures. 



Publicity: ! 



The association once favorably recognized in the eyes of the 

 public, will be able to secure the kind of publicity that cannot be 

 purchased for money, which will enable it to greatly assist in 

 educating the public as to the merits of the ahuacate, and the best 

 method of selection and preparation for the table. Even as young 

 as it is, the association has secured a great deal of favorable notice 

 and distributed considerable educational literature. 



Frauds : 



One of the greatest benefits that the association confers upon 

 its members and everyone interested in Southern California, is the 

 protection it is giving the public against the class of boomers who 

 made the raising of eucalyptus and spineless cactus a craze. The 

 fabulous profits actually derived from certain trees of this section 

 have opened a field to the unscrupulous promoter that he is sure 

 to exploit, unless prevented by an organization that is able to dis- 

 tinguish between the legitimate and fraudulent, and the practical 

 and impractical in our business. 



Work of Association: :> 



The association is gatherirng and compiling for the benefit of 

 its members, statistics as to the nursery stock now on hand, acreage 

 planted in orchard, fruit produced, and fruit expected between now 

 and the end of next spring, : ith details as to varieties, methods 



