72 



1917 ANNUAL REPORT 



left only eight trees, including two or three fillers, but they are all standing 

 in regular orchard form. 



From these few trees even though no finer varieties should ever be de- 

 veloped, will come fruit every day in the year, for all parts of this coun- 

 try and Canada. Perhaps even our Florida friends will want some of our 

 fruit, as they have already been calling loudly for California trees and 

 seeds. 



The sound of this chopping down of trees has been heard as far 

 away as Washington, from whence has come an approving cheer. In 

 California it has been commended. This action of the committee and di- 

 rectors is not a dogmatic dictum to the chosen eight, "Thus far shalt thou 

 come, and no farther." They simply got us out of the woods and gave us 

 a starting place, and when a materially better variety comes forward and 

 proves itself in California, nothing will be able to keep it out of its proper 

 high place in the Association's favor. 



The nurseryman and the would-be planter have been, for several 

 years, almost lost in the maze of growing number of varieties, but now the 

 way has been made easy to plant an approved orchard. There are now, 

 more than ever, intelligent reasons for planting avocados. 



As a true lover of the noble fruit, and one who is simply an orchard- 

 ist, I elevate my voice in saying to any one whom it may concern, "Buy 

 the best." The future of the avocado demands that we plant trees that 

 are right eugenically and euthenically. The avocado comes to us with 

 clean life and habits. Keep it so. Treat it right and I believe that after 

 the next "June drop" the tale told will not be so tragic. 



These meetings of the Association and attendance of members are al- 

 together important. We are pioneers blazing the way through the un- 

 mapped region of Avocado-land. Having neither sign-boards nor guide- 

 books, we are compelled to rely upon each other for exchange of ideas, ex- 

 perience and knowledge gained. This spirit of mutuality seems to have 

 taken possession of the pioneers. We are scattered over long distances ; all 

 are busy. It would be difficult for a single one of the two hundred or 

 more units of the Association to go and exchange notes with each of the 

 others ; so we reverse this order of procedure, by bringing them all together, 

 for a semi-annual "talk-fest." 



The wise man of old said: "Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharp- 

 eneth the countenance of his friend." So friends, when these kindred 

 spirits meet and rub ideas together, the sparks of wisdom fly, and throw 

 light upon our uncharted way. Many members have wished aloud that we 

 might have more time at our conventions for this very purpose of getting 

 acquainted. They have asked, also, that opportunities be given for mak- 

 ing inquiries at the meetings upon matters pertaining to orchard work. 

 These suggestions are of practical value, and upon the present occasion we 

 have given our affairs a turn somewhat in that direction. 



Closely allied to this mutual benefit in our meetings is that of creat- 

 ing and extending in this collective way, an enjoyable and eating acquaint- 

 ance between the public and the avocado. Because of the scarcity of fruit 

 I have hesitated to speak upon this practical phase of our duty, for most 

 of us this year have been much like "Old Mother Hubbard, who went to 

 the cupboard" — and found it bare, just when we were dutifully trying to 



