The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-03-21
FRUIT FOR EUROPE.

An experiment was made last year Of
sending certain kinds of fruit from Caifor-
mia to Europe. Pears figured prominently
in the cOnsignments, and their size and
quality captiyated the British, who were
willing to purchase at what to them seemed
high prices. The wealthy middle classes,
as well as the arst0cratic families, are good
patrons of !uxuries aid delicaces for the
table. no matter what the cost is. but these
only constitute small minority of a coun-
try's population. Could the masses be
reached with fruit at a low price the profits
would probably be much greater than with
a limited market and small consumption of
high priced fruit. An extension OF the mar
ket may be found in France or Germany.
This, however, IS very problematical. be-
cause these counties produce excellent
fruit and export large quantities. Owing
to the very great distance of California from
foreign markets and the ve-y high rates for
transportation only the choicest qualities of
fruit afford the slightest hope of success for
the grower and salesman. Were California
within touch of the Atlantic coast; had il,
for Instance, the advantages Of Florida, be-
sides retaining its supremacy in the produc-
ton OF grapes, plums, cherries, peaches,
apricots, figs almonds, pears, oranges and
lemons, fruit-growing could be increased
fVefold without the possibility of n glut.
But 5000 additional miles Of transportation
render the marketing of green fruit abroad
pTecarious. The difficulties can only be
overcome by making the service cheap as
well as rapid.
Last years experiment was proftleSs. So
much was swallowed up in railroad and
steamship rates and in commissions that
the grower had his trouble for next to moth
ing. Great as the appointment is, the
experiment should not be abandoned off
hand. This year is a little brighter than
last in regard TO transportation. Three
railroad companies in the north have held
alo0f from the Western traffic combination,
and their independent competition may pro-
dnce softening effect upon even Southern
Pacific policy. Tie new Panama arrange
ments and the clippers round the Horn are
also multiplying their influences. They Will
compel the monopoly to be reasonable and
less crashing. The situation is simply
this: In California great orchard in
dustry can send to market thousands OF car
loads of fruit and keep adding to the ship
ments year by year. VIII the railroad COM
panies assist the grower so that be as well
as they may have a fair return on his in
yestment and his skill and labor? That
the companies can reduce their charges by
at least % per cent few bat those who
are sei1shly interested will dispute. An
apparent falling of in receipts by reduction
or rates would in time be compensated for
by increase of business. II must be Temem-
bered also that brisk foreign demand
would stimulate the home market. IS hich
in Itself is susceptible of enormous expan-
sim il rates are lowered to a moderate
figure, Our vegetables as well as our fruit
would be welcomed in the East and even
abroad. Asparagus, green peas, celery and
artichOkes are not obIainable at any price
in some OF The worlds capitals during a
considerable portion of the year. Had il
the facilities California could rectfy this
famine Of deiicacies for New York, London
and Paris. 1t pays the English to grow
rhubarb in hottouses. Not long ago ship
ment Of ten tons was sent to the United
States from Yorkshire. Surely California
can beat that?
Al this moment a cargo of oranges from
the southern counties OF California has ar
rived in England and has been disposed of
for an average of IS 30 box The oranges
are described as The finest ever i'm ported, d
compliment OF no little value L sincere, as
The golden fruit p0urs into Britain from
every quarter of the globe. Three weeks
were occupied in the transit Florida has
sent oranges to London by specially char
tered steamer. and now California has made
an effort. Hundreds OF carloads might be
dispatched both from the northern and
southern counties if the railroad companies
will but give their friendly assistance, but
when under present conditions the oils
come to be footed by the grower and dealer
it wiil BE- = wonder If there is much margin
Gu the profit SHE. But no one can doubi
that better day will come for the pro-
Queer,