THE RAISIN INDUSTRY. 47 



have them planted closer one way than the other, say five by ten or six 

 by twelve feet. The vines begin to bear the second and third years, 

 and if planted on proper soil should pay the fourth year and give 

 an income the fifth year. Some vines have been known to pay the 

 third year, there being much difference in this respect. Both cuttings 

 and rooted vines are used, rooted vines having been preferred during 

 the last few years. The ground is plowed in various ways in the 

 winter time, according to the ideas of the owner. Cross-plowing is 

 sometimes practiced. The general rule is to first plow one way, and 

 then to cross -cultivate repeatedly until the soil is level and the weeds 

 are destroyed. In wet places, the cultivation is kept up until July, but 

 in proper places the working of the soil is finished in the early part of 

 June. 



Pruning and Other Operations. The heads of the vines are kept 

 low, from six to sixteen inches above the ground. The canes are cut 

 to two or three eyes, and the number of canes left vary from five to 

 fifteen or more. The pruning is done between December and February. 

 Summer pruning is practiced by some, but not by all growers, there 

 being considerable difference of opinion as to the value of this opera- 

 tion. Sulphuring is practiced by all growers, some sulphuring only 

 once, but the best vineyards are sulphured three or more times. 

 Oidium or mildew never appears in sulphured vineyards. Some few 

 growers sulphur with great success against the colure or dropping of 

 the grapes. Leaf-hoppers are common, but do no great harm. Grass- 

 hoppers and grape caterpillars were troublesome one or two seasons, but 

 have not reappeared of late. Black-knot is common in many places. 



The Crop. The grapes begin to ripen in the middle of August, or 

 from the middle of August to the first of September, and at the latter 

 date the first boxes of cured and packed raisins are generally heralded 

 through the press. The first grapes dry in from seven to ten days, but 

 the later grapes require three weeks or more. The drying continues 

 through September, and for the second crop through October and even 

 in November, or until the rains set in. The grapes are dried on trays 

 two by three or three by three feet. The sweatboxes are generally two 

 by three feet and from six to eight inches high. A large number of 

 brands are packed, such as Imperial Clusters, Dehesas, Layers, Loose 

 and Seedless. The common price for raisins in sweatboxes is from three 

 and a half to six cents, five and five and a half cents being the average 

 for good layers. Good land for raisin purposes can be had for one hun- 

 dred dollars per acre, but nearer the town of Fresno is held higher. 

 Bearing raisin vineyards have changed hands at as high as $i,oooper 

 acre. From one hundred to two hundred and fifty boxes of raisins are 

 realized per acre, and the profits vary from sevent3^-five to two hundred 

 and fifty dollars per acre, according to location, soil, management, etc. 

 From thirty to fifty dollars per acre is spent yearly in many vineyards. 

 Few dipped raisins are produced. Some dipped Sultanas have brought 

 seven cents in the San Francisco market. Last season about four hun- 

 dred and seventy -five thousand boxes were produced in the Fresno 

 district, and some twenty thousand boxes more in the other parts of 

 the San Joaquin valley. 



