74 



1917 ANNUAL REPORT 



would be a pleasant way for the members to extend their knowledge of 

 avocadodom, and I believe that the ones called upon would be pleased 

 enough to hand out an avocado sandwich and a glass of cold water at 

 lunch time. 



It has been shown that there are many persons growing avocados who 

 are not members of the Association. We need their help by membership, 

 but how are we to get them? Who is to go after them? 



The Board of Directors, recognizing the importance of increasing the 

 membership, has evolved a plan. In order to popularize it, it has been 

 thought wise to bring it before the members assembled. Here it is: 



Inaugurate a contest for getting new members. 



Every live human being enjoys friendly rivalry, when there is a goal 

 in sight. Offer three prizes for the three highest numbers of new members 

 secured before the next annual meeting. It is always better to give more 

 than one prize, for consolation's kindly sake. 



Prizes to be offered by the directors without expense to the Associa- 

 tion, in this way, namely: Let the Executive Committee interview members 

 who are original owners of certain proven, or promising avocado varieties 

 that are now generally considered desirable and that are known to be candi- 

 dates for popularity and standardization, and ask them each to donate one 

 or more young, budded trees, — the trees so donated to be the prizes. The 

 committee to be satisfied as to the physical condition of the trees. 



The names of the trees and their donors to be mailed to each member 

 when announcement of campaign is first made, with request that the list be 

 published in the local papers of their district. 



Invite all members to enter the contest. Name a date for entries to 

 close, and then mail names of the contestants to the members. 



Members of the committee not to enter the contest, nor divulge any 

 knowledge they have of the contest. 



The total number of trees donated to be apportioned as prizes in the 

 ratio of 6, 3 and 1 , for the first, second and third winners, respectively. 



The trees all to be numbered, and a list of same kept by the com- 

 mittee; duplicates of the numbers to be placed in a box for use at close 

 of contest. 



The conclusion of the contest and distribution of prizes to be a feature 

 of next annual meeting. 



After the finals of contest are announced, some lady in the audience 

 will be asked to come forward and favor the occasion by drawing the 

 numbers from the box — with averted eyes, of course. 



I omitted saying in proper place, that ciny member may secure new 

 members, and turn the names over to any contestant he favors. 



The membership fee has been waived, so that new members will pay 

 only the annual dues, $5.00. 



Here now, is a splendid opportunity to do a good turn all 'round. 

 I'd rather have the first prize, here specified, than the conventional gold 

 watch which is usually the prize offered in contests. 



No canvass has been yet made for trees, but I'll give you this tip, in 

 a stage whisper: some have already volunteered offers, and one man 

 promptly said he would give ten trees, mentioning a variety that has be- 

 come very popular. It can be seen that the winner of the first prize might 



