SYNOPSIS OF THE PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



TWENTY-FOURTH STATE FRUIT -GROWERS' CONVENTION. 



(Note.— The State Board of Horticulture does not hold itself responsible for the 

 opinions or theories which are expressed in the various papers, or words of the 

 speakers, as they appear in this volume.) 



FIRST DAY-TUESDAY. 



San Jose, Cal., December 12, 1899. 



Pursuant to call, a convention of fruit-growers and others interested 

 in horticulture and kindred pursuits in California, assembled in con- 

 vention in Auditorium Hall. 



The convention was called to order at 10 o'clock a. m. Rev. Mr. 

 Haskell, of San Jose, made an invocation. 



Prof. C. W. Childs, of San Jose, and Judge W. H. Aiken, of Wrights, 

 were chosen Vice-Presidents. 



Alfred Barstow, of San Jose, was chosen Assistant Secretary. 



WORDS OF WELCOME. 



Hon. B. G. Hurlbert, of San Jose, delivered a warm address of wel- 

 come. In an impressive manner the speaker urged the importance of 

 cooperation in the fruit interests in order to secure a remedy for the 

 evils of excessive transportation rates that amount to only a degree less 

 than prohibition of the industry, and also to secure legislation that in 

 Congress is being delayed, no doubt through the influence of wealthy 

 railway magnates. They have, it was urged, obstructed the building of 

 the Nicaragua Canal after every preparation seemed to point to the 

 commencement of the enterprise. The speaker pointed out that 

 although this session of Congress is to be a long one, about six months, 

 yet it has already gone forth that the "press of business" would be so 

 great that it would be impossible to get at the canal bill this year. 

 The great need of cooperation in order to prevent hurtful legislation 

 in the way of so-called reciprocity treaties was pointed out. Judge 



