The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-09-12

prunes in al. those countries of Europe
producing them is less than one-half the
average, and the astonishing TACT exists
that California, Oregon and Washing Ton,
the three States that grow prunes, will ex-
port to France, Germany and Turkey and
her depenpencies the deficiency caused by
short crops.
The normal output of France is rs, 000.-
600 pounds, and her estimated production
this year is but 100000 pounds. The
advices from all the growing coun-
tries of Europe are of the same unfavor-
able nature.
For the past three months buyers from
Europe have been exceedingly active in all
the prune markets. 1t is said that the
port of Hambu will absorb immense
quantities of our product.
The crop of prunes in the United States
for the present year is expected to reach
80, 900, 600 pounds. of which California will
supply all but $1,000, 900 pounds. The crop
OF this State will require $500 cars to trans
port it.
To what extent the local crop has been
contracted only an approximate estimate
is possible. 1t IS not believed that over
one-half is now beyo nd the control OF the
orchardist. Santa Clara County, which
produces five-sixths of all the prunes
grown in the State, it is said, will not reap
the full benefit of the advance, owing to
were entered into by the agent OF the
Santa Clara Fruit Exchange, Colonel
Hersey, who has had no confidence that
the high prices now prevailing would be
reached. The exchange, so it is stated by
local jobbers, has been full seller and
recently contracted several hundred car
load at a price below three cents, with
commissions and brokerage to be de-
Quoted. The great advance IN prices has
caused a great dissatisfaction among those
whose product was disposed OF before the
advance. Among jobbers the present
high prices are regarded as permanent
and dealings are cautiously entertained.
A late circular of Castle Brothers sums up
the prevailing tone of this market:
All that needs to be said in confirmation of
our strong views on this article is TO infor m
the trade through our representatives that
we have within the past few days succeeded
in selling considerable quantity of the three
large sizes, 4O-60s, to Paris importers at 81,
81 and AZ cents in 25's f. o. b. for Santa
Clara STOCK. Germany, England and other
European countries have been liberal buyers
OF California prunes since it became apI aren't
that big shortage existed on the other side.
France, now being in line for our product, is,
in our judgment. the most bullish factor to
the situation, and We are personally backing
our views by buying literally at full market
rates.
The short interests on Santa Clara prunes
are doing their utmost to bear the market by
pointing out that our crop is large and by
stating that present prices are unwarranted.
Although not admitting it publicly. no one
appreciates more than themselves the fact
that W it'll SO many new marke is opened up to us
together with the general improvement in
United States trade conditions, even allowing
that this years crop is larger than that of the
past season, it will surely be found entirely
insufficient TO meet the demand coming from
SO many sources
Among the brokers and commission
men dealing largely in dried fruits sew
eral are said to have sold heavily previ-
GUS TO the late sensational advance.