238 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



Dr. J. M. Frey, one of the pioneer orchardists of Newcastle, has a large 

 and rare collection of the finest oranges upon the Pacific Coast. 



W. J. Wilson, one of Newcastle's leading fruit shipping merchants, has 

 a large number of the leading varieties of orange trees. He has some of 

 the oldest, largest, and best producing trees in Central California upon his 

 place, some of which, growing about and shading his residence, he keeps 

 constantly insured against loss by fire at a good figure. In case of his 

 residence being burned down, some of his large trees would be destroyed, 

 hence the precaution. 



C. M. Silva & Son no doubt have as large and fine a collection of orange 

 trees as can be found in Northern and Central California. Their trees are 

 thrifty and productive. Their varieties embrace the Konah, Acapulco, 

 Wolfskill, Washington Navel, Australian Navel, Mediterranean Sweet, 

 Wilson's Best, St. Michael, Malta Blood, Mandarin, Emperor Mandarin, 

 San Gabriel, Mission, Queen, Seedling, Florida Sweet, Florida Gem, Sac- 

 ramento Seedling, Bitter, Du Roi, and Bergamot. 



The young grove of the Auburn Orange Growers' Association, four miles 

 southeast of Newcastle and six miles from Auburn, bids fair to become one 

 of the most valuable pieces of property in this part of the State. This 

 association selected and began setting out trees just after the close of the 

 first Citrus Fair, in January, 1886, being encouraged thereto by Placer's 

 splendid showing at that time. They first set out five hundred trees, out 

 of which there was a loss of only fourteen. This average could hardly be 

 equaled by planting the same number of any supposed better growing 

 kind of trees or vines. ' So well did the trees thrive, so satisfactory the 

 results, and so encouraging the prospect, that the association have twice, 

 since starting, made additional purchases of land, now owning about 

 ninety acres. During the spring of 1887 they planted thirteen hundred 

 more trees, and it is reported that they will increase their grove this year 

 by setting out upwards of two thousand more. Up to the beginning of the 

 present year (1887), unimproved land could be purchased in the neigh- 

 borhood of this grove at $25 per acre, but at one jump the price seemed to 

 be advanced by all holders to $50 per acre. Within a few weeks land in 

 this vicinity has been sold at $75 per acre, and one transaction on sixty 

 acres within a few days has been reported at $100 per acre. 



PLANTING TREES. 



It may be proper in this connection to mention a few of those who will 

 this year set out orange trees. W. J. Wilson will increase his grove, as will 

 also Geo. D. Kellogg, C. M. Silva & Son, Charles Gross, F. J. Lewis, and in 

 fact nearly every fruit producer in the district, prominent among whom are 

 the following: F. L. Matthews expects to set out two thousand (2,000) 

 trees. H. S.Kirk will plant twelve hundred (1,200) trees. John C. Boggs 

 intends planting five hundred (500) trees, and many others, whom want of 

 space will not permit to mention, will join in swelling the grand total. 



The town of Ophir, about one and one half miles north of Newcastle, 

 also claims some attention. There is hardly a dooryard in this place but 

 what has some fine trees, while upon the farms of Benjamin Hawkins, J. 

 F. Curts, M. Bauman, and others, will be found many handsome specimens. 



The town of Auburn, four miles east of Newcastle, next claims recogni- 

 tion at our hands. Here, as at other places throughout the county, orange 

 trees were first planted for beautifying the garden or lawn, and upon the 

 grounds surrounding many of the residences of the town, may be seen the 

 trees in bearing. No extensive planting in this line has as yet been en- 



