306 THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



In recent years many seedling dates have fruited in Salt River 

 Valley, some of which have produced fruit of good quality and fair 

 size. 



With the exception of a few plants imported by the Government 

 and distributed in 1890-91 to various places in New Mexico, Arizona, 

 and California, the dates grown in this country are see 1 1 ings. It is 

 not to be expected that all seedlings will produce desirable fruit. 



On the other hand many will produce fruit totally unlit to eat, 

 while only a small percentage will be of special merit. That seed- 

 lings have done so well argues much for the future of the date 

 industry in Southern Arizona. 



At most, the portions of the United States suitable for growing 

 dates is confined to narrow limits. It is not likely that dates will be 

 profitably grown outside of the irrigable regions of Southern Arizona 

 and Southeastern California. The industry is in its infancy, 

 approved varieties have not as yet been imported, and the quantity 

 of fruit grown has not reached sufficient magnitude to give to it a 

 commercial rating. 



NO ROYAL ROAD. 

 There is no royal roa.1 to God! 

 The humblest clod 

 Who kneels him down and dares 

 Send one or maybe many prayers 

 Up to the heart that waits 

 At mercy's open gates 

 Treads it, aye, as the elect have trod! 



There is no royal road to God! 



The chastening- rod 



Of conscience has a sting. 



Alike for beggar and for king, 



And if each soul obey 



What, then, can lead'them far astray, 



Though one be bare of foot and one most richly shod 



There is no royal road to God! 



The common sod 



Are we, though on a throne 



Or born low down to grieve and moan. 



All our inheritance is this 



A thoroughfare to eternal bliss 



That, if our eyes but see, is smooth and broad. 



Edward Wilbur Mason 



