62 



The seed is drilled with machines rented from the factories. These seeders 

 plant either four or eight rows at a time at distances varying from 18 to 28 

 inches, the 22 inch and 24 inch sizes being most popular. 



Cultivation starts as soon as the rows can be seen and is repeated as con- 

 ditions demand until the crop is laid by. When the plants have four true leaves 

 they are thinned to distances which leave the remaining plants at from eight to 

 twenty-four inches apart, the distance depending on the strength of the soil and 

 the available moisture the most common distance being ten to fourteen inches. 



Irrigation is given to supply ample moisture during the growing periods 

 with a lessening amount at time of maturing. Some lands need but a single 

 irrigation previous to seeding to carry the crop through, while others require 

 several applications during the growing period of the plants. 



When the leaves turn yellow and a test indicates a satisfactory degree of 

 maturity the beets are ready for digging. Specially designed plows loosen either 

 one, two or more rows at a time, when the beets are pulled, several rows thrown 

 together, topped, at the junction of the green top with the creamy yellow root 

 and hauled or shipped at once to the factory. 



The work qf thinning, hoeing weeds, cleaning ditches, pulling, topping and 

 loading the beets is ordinarily done by Japanese, Hindus, or Mexicans working 

 on a day or contract basis the sliding scale contract based on tonnage pro- 

 duced with bonus provision as a rule giving the best mutual satisfaction. The 

 contract price ranges from 85 cents to over $2 per ton, according to the yield 

 per acre, with a general average price of perhaps $1.25. 



The beets are delivered to the factory under a contract drawn up previous 

 to planting, under the terms of which, among other things, the factory agrees 

 to accept all beets coming up to a certain standard usually set at a minimum 

 of 12 per cent sugar content and 80 per cent purity, with a maximum weight 

 limit of four pounds. These beets are paid for on either a tonnage basis or 

 on the sugar content at prices designated at the time the contract is drawn. 



Each factory employs the service of a thoroughly trained agriculturist who 

 stands ready to advise and assist all growers in every way possible. 



WALNUT CULTURE 

 By RALPH E. SMITH, Professor of Plant Pathology 



Soil and Climate. Fairly heavy soil is needed and walnut culture is not 

 advisable on that which is sandy, dry, shallow, or "alkaline." The best soils 

 are dark colored, muddy when wet (but not of stiff clay), six feet or more in 

 depth to water, hardpan, sand, or other unfavorable strata, and well drained. 



Climatic disadvantages are late spring frosts and extreme summer heat. 

 Different varieties are adapted to various conditions in these respects, if not 

 too extreme. Walnuts require a considerable amount of water. They can 

 be grown without irrigation in some places, but it is usually better to have 

 water. 



Districts. The principal walnut groves of the state are located between 

 Santa Barbara and Santa Ana. The industry is now developing in some of the 

 northern counties. Whittier and Santa Barbara are important centers of pro- 

 duction, while San Jose, Walnut Creek, Stockton, and Santa Rosa represent the 

 northern districts. 



