24 CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW THEM 



it. If this moisture comes from rainfall, it descends at the time of 

 the year when the tree is least active, consequently is least retarded 

 by a clouded sky and moisture-laden air, and least affected by atmos- 

 pheric disturbances. Strong storm winds find the tree with reefed 

 sails, and able to endure pressure which would tear it to pieces if 

 they came upon its grand spread of foliage on branches heavy with 

 fruit. It is a priceless horticultural endowment that no tornado can 

 pierce our protecting mountain-barriers, and that it is exceedingly 

 rare that our local winds disturb the confident swaying of the 

 branches and leaf movement beyond the activity which ministers to 

 the sap flow. And if the adequate moisture is not from rainstorms, 

 but by irrigation, the same facts remain, for the water reaches the 

 tree without interrupting its aerial activity. Temperature is main- 

 tained, light is unobstructed, and the tree is refreshed with moisture 

 without the chill and cloud-shade which favor fungoid parasites. Of 

 all the ways by which moisture could come to soils supporting fruit 

 tree or vine, the natural by its time, and the artificial by its method, 

 endow California with the best. 



The characteristics of the California climate which have been 

 especially pointed out in this sketch are not propitious to fruit 

 culture when they exist to excessive degree, as in some interior or 

 continental climates. Local conditions of altitude, distance from the 

 sea, and exposure to the sweep of arctic winds, induce sudden and 

 great weather changes which are serious in their effects. Excess- 

 ively low percentage of atmospheric humidity, in connection with 

 desiccating wind, often produce greater evaporation from the leaves 

 than the roots can supply. Excessively dry air admits a parching 

 sun heat at one time, and at another facilitates radiation of heat, 

 until the rapid decline in temperature makes killing frosts frequent. 

 It is evident that California has these agencies constantly held in 

 check by her insular situation and protecting environment, and owes 

 her wonderful adaptation to growth of tree and perfection of fruit 

 not more to the possession of certain conditions than to the fact of 

 their existence in moderation. 



