. THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 130 



initi(>ral pl;int fond added. The (nudity of fruit of the different 

 varieties ^i^rown when produced on proper soils and at the right alti- 

 tude, with proper irrigation and care in this belt, is unsurpassed, as 

 is shown by the numerous awards given every year at the various 

 county and state fairs and land sliows. 



The intiuenee of the high sunnner heat has a marked effect upon 

 the different exposures over the entire foothills belt. The soils on the 

 northern and eastern slopes in practically all places, if not too steep, 

 contain more humus, support a denser vegetation, retain moisture 

 longer and are generally considered more suitable for fruit culture 

 than those with western or southern slopes. The slopes protected from 

 the direct rays of the sun hold back the blooming period, thus lessening 

 the danger from early freezes, and the trees generally are more vigor- 

 ous and healthy. If the slopes are steep and shady, however, trees are 

 likely to become willowy, shy in bearing and unsatisfactory. Scmthern 

 and western slopes, where not too steep, and soils with only a moderate 

 amount of hunuis, generally i)roduce fruit of sujierior tiavor. except 

 for the varieties which reach their highest quality without too much 

 sunshine. In areas of very gentle slope to nearly level, at an altitude 

 2.000 feet or more, in years of normal rainfall and with adjoining 

 hitrher hills which permit of seepage waters working downward, the 

 growing of fruit is (piite successfully carried on without irrigation. 



A sufficient number of tests have now been made to determine the 

 varieties of fruits which may be expected to do best on the soils of this 

 belt, and specializati<»n in future fruit culture will be confined to soil 

 belts and climatic zones best suited to each specialty. Certain regions, 

 like those of sufficient elevation in JMariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras and 

 Amador counties, apparently should concentrate on apple and pear 

 culture if the best harmony of soils and fruits is obtained. El Dorado. 

 Placer, Nevada and other areas of granitic soils will do well to con- 

 centrate on peaches, plums, pears, apricots, cherries, etc. Other impor- 

 tant regions, such as Paradise Ridge, Brown's Valley. Cohasset and 

 numerous other small coves, and gently sloping, well located areas, are 

 also very important and each will, in time, be especially noted for some 

 particular variety or varieties of fruit; specialization according to 

 market demands, where soil and climatic requirements are favorable 

 will be the rule. 



Nursery stock should be grown on soils in each belt or area similar 

 to those on which the trees are to be placed in the orchard, in order 

 that the young trees when transferred to their permanent home will 

 not have to suffer a readjustment to an alien soil. 



To this end the Division of Soil Technology of the University of 

 California is planning to study and map the soils of this important 

 belt as soon as possible, in order that a reliable foundation may be 

 obtained as a basis for work which will follow on the adaptation of 

 plant varieties to soil types. With such information available, farmers, 

 and especially those unfamiliar with local soil conditions, will be able 

 to place the different varieties of fruit and other crops on soils to which 

 they are best suited and thereby avoid many of the mistakes and 

 failures of the past. 



