State Agricultural Society. 319 



to that of Malaga in dryness of the atmosphere during the Summer 

 months. There winds blowing from the ocean, at times stimulate the 

 effect of vegetation — storms do not occur in the Summer months until 

 some time in August, when they fall heavy, bursting the grapes open, and 

 are difficult to dry. The same effect, in our State, was experienced last 

 Fall, when tons were lost in the vine and many partially dried. They 

 prune in December; plant in January; fruit flower in April, and ripen 

 in August. 



The subject of curing raisins is drawing the attention of the culturist, 

 and acquiring considerable discussion, whether raisins can be cured 

 wholly by the fruit dryers. It will be fully tested this year. Many 

 are of the opinion that both art and nature are requisite to perfect them. 

 Fruit dryers are making a large inroad in our State; some fifteen or 

 more were in operation last year, of the Alden process — saving thou- 

 sands of dollars of fruit that would have perished had they not been in 

 operation. The future looks bright, and California may be proud of her 

 productive soil as well as her golden mines. 



