54 CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW THEM 



whole of northeast Asia, not only in the supply of semi-tropical 

 fruits, but in early ripening of hardy fruits as well. 



California does not grow tropical fruits, as has already been con- 

 ceded in Chapter I. They must come from the islands and the trop- 

 ical south coast countries. Semi-tropical fruits are, however, vastly 

 more important in commerce than tropical, and a region which suc- 

 cessfully combines northern orchard fruits with the whole semi- 

 tropical class commands the fruit trade of all accessible populous 

 regions which have limited fruit capabilities. 



Prophets, far-seeing in world courses, declare that the Pacific 

 ocean is to be the arena for commerce greater than the world has 

 yet seen, and the Pacific coast countries are to contain the greater 

 part of the world's population. This greatest quartosphere with its 

 superlative opportunities and activities will have California as its 

 treasure house of fruits and fruit products. During the long winter 

 the citrus fruits will afford tonic and refreshment, and before hardy 

 fruits bloom in northern climes the same fruits will appear from the 

 early ripening districts of California. In this traffic California will 

 not only be practically without a competitor, but, sitting beside the 

 sea, there will also be every advantage of water transportation and 

 the sustaining ocean temperatures of the fruits in transit. California 

 dried and canned fruits will render acceptable diet even through 

 the most Arctic stretches along which development may advance 

 in North America and North Asia, while a succession of fresh fruits 

 will flow to all Pacific ports throughout the year. California, too, 

 will be the winter residence for all the North Pacific millionaires 

 and the haven of rest and recuperation for all who are worn by 

 Arctic cold or tropic heat throughout the great circle of the Pacific 

 ocean. Here the arts will flourish, education attain its highest 

 achievements and culture prevail. Then fruit growing both as a 

 commercial enterprise and as a home delight will attain value, 

 volume and perfection, of which present achievements are but a 

 faint foreshadowing. 



