The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1912-06-14
'1HE INFLUENCE OF
UNR|PE FRUIT ON
|. THE CITRUS FRUIT
MARKET.
!, n. p. Burton, Florida Citrus
Exchange.

The discussion or this subject is
4, .csssarily a discussion of cause and
. .sect as there is no effect without
cause. There is no subject in the
-,,nds of the citrus growers of Flor
Ia today so vital to the growers as
H. influence of immature citrus
,rdts in the markets of the country,
4 II effects directly the income of
&very citrus grower, not only in Flor
la. but in California.
The growing of citrus fruits is one
Y the most fascinating. If properly
brown and marketed, there is no 9TH
q fruit grown in this country that
tsys more handsomely, and the own
|nr and handling of a citrus grove,
side from its intrinsic value, is one
.hat appeals to the fancy. In con-
dering the influence of immature
trult on the citrus market, We must
take into account the fact that we
Ire al human and are actuated pri-
narily by the same instincts. If we
VII bring the matter home to our.
selyes. consult our wives and fami-
Is. we will find that any class of
Erults or vegetables are bought and
laced before the family for consump-
lon with one idea alone in view
bat OF presenting something that is
ot only pleasant to the eye, but pal
table and wholesome. A well-ma-
bred. highly-colored, bright Florida
range is very inviting to the eye
Ind, when eaten. very delicious to
/e palate. When once eaten, de-
3 re Is created for another. If they
De kept continuously before the peo-
Il who buy oranges and eat them,
beg will be recommended by those
no 30 eat them to others, and they
scome an advertisement of them
yes for themselves. On the con-
ary, a green, unsightly, sour Flor
h orange is repulsive to the eye,
pelling rather than attracting pur-
Aasers II is generally known in a
rge section of the United States that
large part of the Florida crop of
trns fruits are russets. Prior to
e New Year, there is a universal
emand for bright Florida oranges;
ssets and goldens are not desired.
be brights are sold for the reason
at they look good to eat; the rus
s and goldens are not desired, be-
nEe they do not look to be good to
Prior 10 the great freeze of 1894,
oFida made her reputation for the
lality Of her fruits. There was very
pie OF this fruit shipped out of the
aie that had not reached a suffi-
ent state Of maturity to appeal not
~ TO the eye. but to the palate.
here had been built up in this coun-
a widespread and universal de-
and for Florida oranges. Grapefruit
q not become a factor. The freeze
February, 1895, practically wiped
the citrus industry in this state.
here was gradual increase from
az TO year, but the factors that had
zen engaged in marketing prior to
q freeze. for lack of business, had
'her left the state or engaged in
per enterprises. A new set came
70 prominence with the growth of
industry, having at their hands,
Aay made. an insistent demand for
orida oranges, which was many
pes In excess of the supply. Much
THIS demand was from territory
" was not discriminating as to
aliiy or maturity. They wanted
oranges for Christmas, and ear
This demand was taken care OF
gely by small shipments through
express company, many of its
ents operating as the distributors.
e limited quantity of fruit could
taken care of in this way, and no
ious harm was done. as there was
mig 10 follow to feel the lief
Is AS the output increased in vol
and these small markets were
piled. others had to be found.
ny OF these had forgotten about
rlda oranges and, when they be-
TO buy an effort was made to
p u all out of the state before the
OF January. resulting in ship
MS Of immature fruits to most
fkets. a large number of which
aid buy but once. and the opinion
ame prevalent that Florida could
good oranges no more. For
hoer OF years in the territory west
flttsburg, dealers had arrived at
conclusion, and so expressed
mselves. that Florida oranges were
longer worth handling; that Flor
could not produce a good orange,
she formerly did. The shipments
green. immature oranges out OF
state had been carried to such
extent that this became fixed
y not only in the minds of the
iers, but of the consumers. The
cars that were bought by the
oiesalers were for the purpose of
ne in between California valen-
and navels. The statement was
saently made by these wholesale
dealers that after they had dis
oted a few cars of Florida or