212 THE RAISIN INDUSTRY. 



most excellently packed. The labels used are very fine and are manu- 

 factured to order in France. The principal brand packed is "Butler's 

 Cluster Raisins." 



Mr. Butler acquired much experience in Spain, where he spent con- 

 siderable time studying the raisin business. The output of the vineyard 

 has been as high as one hundred thousand boxes per year. Similar to 

 the other vineyards in this district, the soil of the Butler vineyard is 

 among the very best in the county, all now subirri gated. Mr. Butler is 

 the largest packer in the State, and his raisins have gained a continental 

 reputation. As regards Spanish methods of packing, Mr. Butler is 

 better posted than any other packer in the State. An interesting essay 

 on Mr. Butler's experiences in California and in Spain^is~publis1ietr-iiT 

 monthly California for March, 1890. The crop this year promises to 

 be of extra quality. 



WILLIAM FORSYTH. 



The owner of the Forsyth vineyard and the producer of one of the 

 two finest brands of raisins in this State arrived in Fresno in 1881, and 

 planted his present vineyard of one hundred and sixty acres in 1882 

 and 1883. The vineyard is situated in the sink of Red Bank creek, 

 some four miles east of Fresno, and consists of heavy reddish or 

 chocolate-colored soil of unusual richness. The vines used are almost 

 entirely the Gordo Blanco variety, with a few Sultanas. The land is all 

 leveled, was irrigated the first year only, and is now subirrigated and 

 drained, requiring no further irrigation of any kind. The vines, set 

 eight by eight feet, are pruned low, and given short spurs. The out- 

 buildings consist of a packing-house, and equalizing or sweating house 

 combined, thirty-five by one hundred and seventy feet. A dryer of late 

 pattern, with steam boilers and flues, has a capacity of forty tons at a 

 charge. The houses for the laboring men as well as the Colonel's 

 dwelling-house are most elegant and complete, and show the care end 

 refined taste of the owner. Over fifty thousand trays for drying the 

 raisins are used in curing, the trays being three feet square, large 

 enough to hold thirty pounds of grapes. The grove of palms, orna- 

 mental and shade trees, the flowers and shrubbery surrounding the 

 Colonel's home in the center of the vineyard, are all models of beauty 

 and testify to the culture and prosperity of one of our foremost raisin - 

 growers. 



The vineyard produces yearly from fifty to sixty thousand boxes of 

 twenty pounds each, of the highest quality of raisins. The raisins arc 

 remarkable for their high grade and even packing. The brands arc : 

 ^Forsyth's Imperial Clusters, the "Tiger" brand and the "Forget-me- 

 not" brand. During the packing and picking season some two hun- 

 dred and fifty hands are employed daily in the various departments, all 

 under the direct supervision of Colonel Forsyth himself, who has 

 gained his experience both by practical work in California and by visits 

 to the raisin districts of Spain. During the latter he has gained mncli 

 experience about foreign methods, which he has not been slow to apply 

 in his own business. As regards location, the Forsyth vineyard is not 

 surpassed by any, and as regards appointments it is the most complete 

 and handsome establishment that can be found anywhere. The For- 

 syth raisins excel in quality of berry, grade, uniformity of size and 



