The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-09-05
DECIDUOUS FRUIT TRADE.
Points Suggested by interviews Witt
Growers, Packers and Dealers.
A Review of This Years Business
Methods of Packing and Distribu-
tfon-Important Suggestions.

Inc fruit crop of 1892 has been, with
some localities and varieties, a fair aver
age, but as a rule light and yielding less
than estimates. Some trees still show
lack of vitality from injury to roots by
excessive moisture of 1890, and many
suffer from lack OF moisture to mature
crop incident to light rainfall of two win
ters past.
During the spring of 1892 cold rains
came at a time to prevent perfect fertiliza-
ton of blossoms with certain varieties
and in some orchards. 1t is more to be
noticed with prunes and apricots than
other fruit. An unusual share of the crop
is on the outside of the trees affecting
estimates rather than yields.
The State Board of Horticulture now
estimates the apricot crop at 80 per cent.
and the prune crop at 65 per cent.
Peaches were supposed to be fair crop,
but lack of moisture has reduced the size
and yield. Pears are good in some places
short in others. Wine grapes are a
short crop in the Napa district.
The rasin crop Is likely to be generally
of fine quality and in most vineyards an
average yield. The same may be said of
figs.
SHIPPING.
Scarcity of fruit in the East, expedited
service and good prices realized, have
stimulated a marked increase in ship
ping. Returns received at Vacaville
were 40 per cent more than had been re-
ceived up to the same date last year. Ship
mentS from San Jose were 66 per cent.
more up to the lst of September, 1892,
than during the same season in 1915
The expedited service during July was
very satisfactory, and was regarded gen.
orally by shippers as even more import
MT hov, -
lack OF refrigerator cars. Ventilated cars
were used at some points and goods in
tended for shipment were turned over to
the cannery at others. Ventilated cars
were delayed and part of the stock ar
rived in bad order and broke the market.
The quickest time reported for the re-
turn of any refrigerator cars was twenty
one days; the average was probably over
thirty. If it was possible to return them
in half the time it would effect trade in
such manner as to double the number,
which is very much needed. In that
case the companies could probably do as
we'll at $40 per car as they would do at
$I25.
Uniform time is another important ele-
ment. A regular eight-day service is bet
ter than one that varies from five to ten.
Fruit must be packed SO as to give the
trade time to handle it before it is too ripe
to use. Such as will bear shipping from
distributing points sells better than stock
that must be used at once.
Packing at Vacaville was decidedly i'm
proved by an expert sent to Chicago to
examine fruit on arrival and report sug-
gest1ons to packers. 1t is important to
slip card or number in each package so
that upon its arrival in bad order the con-
sumner or dealer can return it to the
packer with his criticism, and the packer
can thus locate unsatisfactory work.
DISTRIBUTION.
To reach more dealers and small towns
it is suggested that an arrangement SINH
lar to messenger service on express lines
be inaugurated. A general bureau Of in
formation upon subjects related to dis
mended to be submitted to the control of
some organization representing pro-
ducers generally. Systems of oyster
dealers and news agencies are recon-
mended as worth study.
The problem of distribution is recog-
niZed as more important than that of pro-
duction in view Of prospective immi-
grafton and increased planting. Arrange
ments are desired by which producers
can avail themselves of the experience of
dealers and yet without antagonizing
them inaugurate measures that Will reach
every market we can supply.
Growers have seen too many instances
Of rum, resulting from too great faith in
the enterprise of the trade, to rest in the
conviction that the natural laws Of trade
will provide for the greatly increased
supply soon to be expected. The inter-
ests of growers and dealers will better be
promoted by healthy cooperation than
by selfish antagonism. The auction sys-
tenn is highly commended for the princi-
pal centers, and might be made to general
advantage in others save for the opposi-
ton of some firms for whom California
has done much.
CANNED GOODS.
From the large stock of last year much
was carried over and sent forward early
in season. Many contracted at rates
influenced by surplus from last season
and prospects of far better crop than
we have harvested. Purchasers in the
East have delayed routing the freight in
view of expected reduction i'll rates. The
| pack has been about up to the average,
| but orders have not yet responded to the
advance in cost of fruit and trade has
been very dull. Shipments from San
| Jose show about 10 per cent. advance over
last year in volume, but they include
much that went by sea.
DRIED FRUIT.
After shippers have drawn largely and