Olive Culture. 225 



it grew. Society grew, institutions grew, governments grew. It was wrong 

 to t^uppose that the wise fathers of a hundred years ago created — made — the 

 constitution. It grew. The germ was formed in European oppression and 

 came to this country. 



The lecture was an exhaustive consideration of evolution, and at 

 its conclusion was warmly applauded. 



President Earle — As a rule, I am not favorable to votes of 

 thanks, but if ever this Society was placed under obligations to any 

 person for contributing to its entertainment, it certainly is now to 

 Dr. Ridpath for his scholarly and entertaining lecture. This is 

 certainly one of the richest literary treats which I have ever en- 

 joyed. The Society, by a unanimous vote, extended its thanks to 

 Dr. Ridpath for his lecture. 



Treasurer Evans, of Missouri, presented W. H. Ragan a purse 

 of .$160 in gold, the gift of members of the Society, in acknowledg- 

 ment of his long and faithful services as Secretary. 



The following paper (slightly abridged), by one of California's 

 most extensive olive-growers, was presented, and, for want of time, 

 referred for publication without reading. 



OLIVE CULTURE. 



BY HON. ELLWOOD COOPER, OP SANTA BARBARA, CAL. 



The common method of propagaticg the olive is to plant cuttings from 

 three quarters of an inch in diameter to one and a half inches, and from 

 fourteen to sixteen inches long. These cuttings should be taken from the 

 trees during the months of December and January. They should be planted 

 in permanent sites in February or March, depending upon the season. In 

 Santa Barbara, near the coast, no irrigation is necessary, but very frequent 

 stirring of the top soil with hoe or rake for a considerable distance around 

 the cuttings is necessary during the spring and summer. About three- 

 fourths of all that are well planted will grow. My plan is to set them twenty 

 feet apart each way, and pUice them in the ground at an angle of about 

 forty-five degrees, the top to the north. By planting them obliquely the 

 bottom end will be from ten inches to one foot below the surface. In Europe 

 the trees are planted from twenty-seven to thirty-three feet apart. The cut- 

 ting will throw up numerous shoots or sprouts, all of which should be left 

 to grow the first year. It will be advisable, however, where there are two or 

 more vigorous shoots of about equal size and height, to pinch the tops of all 

 excepting the one to be left for the future tree. In the following spring. 



