64 PROCEEDINGS OF NINETEENTH FRUIT GROWERS' CONVENTION. 



Mr. Sprague: It is a -fact that English people at the present time 

 consume about 8 pounds of raisins a head in the year, while the American 

 people at the present time do not average near as much. The majority 

 of the people only eat a raisin at Christmas time. If they can be taught 

 something about the use of the raisin, it will be a very easy matter to 

 increase the consumption. 



Mr. Cooper: The question to be discussed this evening will be on 

 " The Outlook for Raisins," by Mr. D. T. Fowler, of Fresno. A motion 

 to adjourn is now in order. 



The convention adjourned until 7:30 p. m. 



EVEimra- session. 



The convention was called to order at 7 :30 o'clock by the Secretary, 

 Mr. Lelong, who said that President Cooper had received several dis- 

 patches from his home, stating that his wife was very seriously ill, and 

 therefore he was compelled to leave for his home in Santa Barbara on 

 the first train leaving for the south. 



Hon. Abbot Kinney, of Los Angeles, was called to preside. 



REVIEW OF THE RAISIN INDUSTRY. 



Address by D. T. Fowler, of Fresno. 



It is only a few years ago that anywhere in the United States were 

 raisins produced. It was only a few years ago that the industry was 

 commenced in the south. We find that the raisin industry dates from 

 about the year 1876. The colony movement commenced about that 

 time. A small amount of raisin vines were planted, and from these 

 experiments, for it was an experiment, this great industry began. It 

 progressed slowly, and the profits were large, so that from 1876 up to 

 about the year 1882 there was no boom, but a steady growth. From 

 that time on the planting increased up to the year 1890, and the profits 

 from the raisin business were very large. We were able to sell our 

 raisins at anywhere from 4-i to 5 cents, 5-|, 6, 6-£, and even 7 cents a pound. 

 The growers were able to make a profit of from $200 to $250 an acre on 

 raisins. What was the consequence? They invited their friends. The 

 value of lands rose rapidly in Fresno and in the Tulare district, as well 

 as in Kings County and the Hanford district. Every man rushed into 

 the planting of raisin vines — men who belonged to the city, and who 

 knew nothing about the raisin business. Lands advanced in value, but 

 still the planting went on, until about 1890 or 1891 there were planted, 

 in round numbers, about 10,000 acres in each of these years in raisin 

 grapes. While this planting was being done the work of improving the 

 ground was going on. The vineyards were well laid out and well culti- 

 vated. Water was brought from the mountains, and all the other 

 preparations were admirably done. 



