Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1893-1895, 1894-06-05
BULLETIN NO. Q.
OF the Marion Ooun-y Fruit Growers
Union.

OHlon-
SALEM, June 5, 1894.
Usually, o month passes after late
frost, before we can determine the ex-
tent Of damage done. Our severe
frosts early in May, It is now definitely
known, injured some varities OF iruit'
from 40 to so per cent. Yet we have
the promise of the heaviest yield. In
the aggregate, ever known, owing to
increased acreage; an increase that will
be repeated each year for years to come
until the annual output from our sec
tion will be enormous. Preparations
are now being made on every hand to
saye and market the berry crop.
GOoseberries have been plentiful on
the streets of Salem for week past,
starting at 2Oc per gallon, declining to l5
cents. Yet the main harvest will not
be on before the 11th. The crop Is
full 100 per cent, and the acreage
quite large.
Strawberries are not yet plentiful, but
will be by the 9th. The first home
grown we could learn of, were brought
In by Prof. M. w. Smith, of Polk coun-
ty, on May 26th; variety, Sharpless.
Toe crop is but so per cent, and very
otted. Our Minneapolis correspond
ents report the Minnesota crop killed.
and hoped for shipments from Oregon.
The floods are preventing the Hood
River Union from shipping. On the
81, the U. P. tried to reach them by
boat, but failed. Another effort Is be-
Ing made today. Heretofore they have
8 tipped their strawberries to Kansas
City and Denver. Much depends with
US on the early resumption of traffic. AS
1t il, the market over the Northern Pa
cfic is cut off, as we'll as oyer the U. P.
Black Cap raspberries: The acreage
Is considerable and the crop heavy.
The local demand will cut but email
figure and should we not be able to OBJ
tain q market abroad growers will do
we'll to prepare for drying them.
Ordinarily 25 cents wholesale is paid
for them. Last gear number Of our
growers tested them and found a profit
at Is cents or even less. They dry away
to one-third and dry easily and cheap.
ly. Dealers pronounce our product finer
than the Eastern and superior to
canned berries. One pound dried will
make a gallon Ofsauce so that at 25 cents
per pound they are cheaper than most
fruits.
Prunes: Oar Petite crop is fully 100
per cent, ana greatly increased acreage.
The Italian suffered by prolonged cold
wet weather from time of blooming.
Tne frosts in May did them con-
derable damage also. The crop will
not exceed Al per cent, we believe.
Cherries, apples and pears, with the
exception of few varieties, promise a
full crop. The time for spraying for
G ,dIin moth is near at hand, and mus
be done If apples are to be merchan-
table.
The California fruit bulletin reports
light crop of prunes. Peaches are the
heaviest crop they have ever.known.
Eastern reports say the damage by
frosts were greatly exaggerated, excel t
in the south. Their app crop is large.
A CALL OF BERRY MEN.
By request of number of growers Of
raspberries, strawberries and goose
berries, we issue an invitation to all
berry men to meet at the Office of the
Union In the Insurance block on Satur-
day the 9th at 10 a. M, TO discuss the
situation. All the information possible
will be gathered and presented to the
meeting, The possibility of canning
aud drying will be discussed. The box
aud crate question will also come up.
There should be full attendance. No
grower will be barred ont.
Executive COMMITTEE.