Why Our Fruit Falls Short in Seattle

While in Seattle this week, F. J. Bonn and the editor of this newspaper went down among the commission houses on Western Avenue to see how the fruit and vegetables from this valley arrived. They are not very proud of the comparison. With the exception of some Lamberts from Miss Knaub’s ranch at Vernita, none of the cherries from this valley were in the same class as those from Grandview. The fruit was smaller, its color and size uneven, and in almost every case there was a certain amount of deformed and spoiled fruit. There was also a distinct difference in the pack. While the cherries from this valley were dumped in loose into large cherry lugs and peach boxes, the Grandview cherries were packed in special boxes 14 inches square and 5 inches high, and were faced at the top, adding much to the attractiveness of the package. Buyers were passing up the cherries from this valley that were offered at 8 to 11 cents, and buying those from Grandview at 18 and 20 cents. It is not only the cherries—too little attention is being given all the fruit sent out from here. If the growers want to get the top prices, they must put out an attractive package. Buyers will always pay a premium for good stuff put up in an appetizing way.