Foreword 



The Association — At the close of the third year of its existence, 

 the Cahfornia Avocado Association is stronger than ever before, and the 

 membership more enthusiastic. Confidence in the industry is rapidly 

 growing as experience increases. Cold waves and hot blasts have come 

 and gone, and the best varieties have withstood the crucial tests success- 

 fully. Young trees have not been seriously injured, and old trees have 

 shown no appreciable injury in the majority of sections where they are 

 growing in Southern California. As in the citrus industry, experience is 

 rapidly demonstrating the areas where the industry may be sofely extended. 

 A careful study of the reports of the Association indicates very clearly that 

 the Guatemalan varieties may be expected to succeed in those sections 

 where the lemon industry is considered successful, and Mexican varieties 

 may be safely planted in any good orange section. 



Variety Studies — The problem of greatest importance before the 

 avocado grower is the selection of satisfactory varieties. It is almost im- 

 possible for the begmner to make an intelligent selection from among the 

 1 50 or more varieties that have been listed. The Association through its 

 Committee on the Classification and Registration of Varieties has made 

 a careful study of all varieties available, and in October of this year, the 

 Directors approved a list of varieties to be recommended by the Associa- 

 tion. This was printed and distributed as Circular No. 1 of the Associ- 

 ation. (See this Report, p. 101 ). This list has already had a profound 

 effect in stabilizing the industry and creating confidence. Copies of this 

 circular may be obtained by addressing the secretary of the Association. 



Publications — The most reliable information regarding the avo- 

 cado is to be found in the annual reports of the Association. The reports 

 are unique in that, up to the present time, they are almost the only literature 

 available on the avocado. Copies of the 1915 and the 1916 Reports 

 still remain for distribution and are sold at $1 per copy. The present 

 report (191 7) contains much new and valuable matter and will be sold 

 at $1 .00 per copy. 



Statistics — The avocado plantings in the state have been greatly 

 increased in the last few years, and no data exists as to the number and 

 age of trees planted, or the total acreage in the state. It is highly desirable 

 that fairly reliable data of this nature be available, so that market condi- 

 tions may be anticipated and proper plans perfected for distributing the 

 crop, and new markets developed as necessary. Such data is also desirable 

 as a guide in the extension of the industry. Recognizing the desirability 

 of having such data available, the Board of Directors authorized the secre- 

 tary to make an avocado census of the state. Blanks have been printed, 

 and data is bemg collected, from which reliable summaries can soon be 

 compiled and published. 



Membership — The membership in the Association is gradually 

 increasing. At the end of the first year, the Association had 85 members ; 

 at the end of the second year, 1 39 members ; and now at the end of the 



