THE FRUIT INDUSTRIES OF CALIFORNIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1506, 14 March 1887, Page 3

THE FRUIT INDUSTRIES OF CALIFORNIA.

("Australasian and South American.")

The dried fruit industry, m California, has taken great en ward strides during the past twelve months. The production of prunes increased by 000,000 pounds, of raisins by 4,500,000 pounds, and of honey by the same quantity Most of the fruit is Bun-dried, and maintains its flavor better than that which is evnporated! The fruit hoe found a ready mnrket, and prices have been eatisfactory, those realised for apricots being exceptionally high. This year's pack of raieins amounted to 700,000 boxes /of twenty pounds each, or a total of 14,000,000 .pounds of fruit In 1885 the pack was 475,000 boxes, or 9,500,000 pounds. The quulity of the pack is improving each succeeding year, and this season's fruit him realised as high prices m the eastern market ns similar grades of Malaga raisins.

The fruit canning business m 1886 showed a large increase, the pack amounting to 6G0,000 cases of fruit, besides 200,000 cases of vegetables. The principal fruits packed are apricots, penches, and pears, which amounted to 450.000 cases, as compared with 258,000 cases m 1885. The high quality of the Californion canned fruit has been maintained, and prices have been satisfactory, especially for the well-known brands.