1919] EDITORIAL. . 405 



upon the cultural phases of the industry and the protection of vines 

 from insects and fungus diseases, much of this work being directly 

 applicable to the table grape and raisin industry, and making the 

 studies of the grape and its products among the most comprehensive 

 undertaken anywhere. 



Another popular demand led to extensive variety testing of olives 

 and to a less degree of numerous other fruits. In 1893 no fewer than 

 1,158 varieties of tree fruits were under observation at Berkeley 

 and the various substations. The results of these tests, however, were 

 very disappointing as regards the discovery of improved sorts, and 

 Professor Wickson concludes his summary of these tests as follows : "It 

 seems, therefore, wise that the station investigators in more recent 

 years have directed effort toward fundamental problems which are 

 less susceptible of solution by practical experience than are the adapt- 

 ability and serviceability of varieties. If it could have been foi-e- 

 seen thirty years ago that varietal effort should be directed toward 

 securing the best forms and performances of varieties already demon- 

 strated to be suitable, rather than to find substitutes for them, more 

 profound horticultural philosophy would have been disclosed and 

 greater public service rendered." 



In entomology and plant pathology progress was retarded for 

 many years by financial inability to provide specialists. For more 

 than a decade the institution had no trained entomologist, and in 

 1891 when funds became available the selection of candidates was 

 decided, we are told, by the fact that the successful aspirant had 

 also listened to a lecture course on fungi and bacteria. None-the- 

 less, considerable had been accomplished along both these lines. 

 Tests of Millardet's "copper-lime" fungicidal discovery (Bordeaux 

 mixture) were undertaken in 1886. A year later analyses of in- 

 secticides were made and warnings given as to adulterations ; spray- 

 ing for codling moth under California conditions was done; and 

 the feasibility of hydrocyanic acid gas for the fumigation of citrus 

 trees was demonstrated. Numerous more technical investigations 

 were begun as State funds became available. In 1907 the plant 

 pathologist who came to California alone four years previously 

 had twelve field and laboratory assistants, with two laboratories in 

 Southern California as well as laboratory headquarters at tilie 

 college. 



Although there was little popular interest in fertilizers for many 

 years, analyses were begun in 1877. Fertilizer control legislation 

 was advocated in 1877, and after long agitation a law requiring 

 labeling to show both the content and source of the material was 

 enacted in 1903. This law not only accomplished its primary pur- 

 pose, but proved of much assistance to the station as a source of 

 revenue, which was still sorely needed. 



Research in animal industry was practically precluded by the lack 

 of a station farm and other facilities until the acquisition of the 



