THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



489 



Many of these improvements may be brought about by the general 

 adoption by all growers of the methods now used by the most expert 

 and progressive. Other and continued improvements are attainable by 

 properly conducted experiment work and research. Great improve- 

 ments in our vineyards are possible by more intelligent attention to the 

 choice and preparation of the land; by a better selection of varieties 

 and planting stock ; by better methods of the cultivation and training of 

 young vines ; by more skillful pruning of bearing vines and, in general, 

 by better work in all details of cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, con- 

 trol of diseases and the handling of grapes and grape products. 



Grape growing and raisin making require intelligence, study and 

 skill of a higli order. Our raisin men have the intelligence, and all they 

 need is the opportunity to study in order to quickly acquire the neces- 

 sary skill. 



In affording this opportunity the Viticultural Division of the College 

 of Agriculture has done all for which it has had the means. Much 

 more,^ however, should be done. The work of the college is known by 

 only a very small proportion of those who could and would utilize it. 

 We require more men and more means to bring to the mass of the 

 growers that technical knowledge which they lack. We need more men 

 and more means to solve those innumerable cultural and technical prob- 

 lems on which the improvement and future development of the industry 



depend. 



For the last four years the State has made an appropriation of $7,500 

 a year for viticultural research. This has enabled us to establish small 

 experiment vineyards at Davis, Kearney and Imperial, and to keep 

 three or four investigators at work on some of the more pressing prob- 

 lems. We have published, during this time, three reports on special 

 topics concerning the growing of grapes and three on topics concerning 

 the handling of the product. Much of the work commenced is still 

 unfinished, or of such a nature that definite results can be obtained only 

 after several years. 



This work should be continued and expanded. A reasonable increase 

 of the state viticultural appropriation is necessary to provide for the 

 continuance of the work commenced and its gradual expansion. Besides 

 this, certain lines of work, which have been almost neglected, should be 

 prosecuted vigorously.- The most pressing need at present is an estab- 

 lishment where the correct handling of grape products could be taught 

 to students and farmers, and where investigations into improved 

 methods of packing and shipping table grapes, drying and handling 

 raisins and the manufacture of grape juice, vinegar and other grape 

 products could be carried out. Such an establishment would be most 

 usefully situated at Davis, though a similar establishment adapted to 

 handling somewhat different problems should be later placed in the San 

 Joacpiin Valley, probably at Kearney. 



The building and equipment of such an establishment would cost 

 between $10,000 and $15,000, and would require about $2,500 a year 



