THE POTATO 417 



little stock kept in the valley except for work. Of 

 course, range cattle are kept in the hills. It is 

 essentially a special crop valley, but some day 

 fertilization will be given more attention. 



The authors are indebted to T. L. Harris, L. F. 

 Shanklin, A. G. Balaam, Secretary Chamber of 

 Commerce, and others for valuable information 

 and many courtesies shown during a visit to 

 Lompoc. 



THE SALINAS VALLEY 



In many ways the Salinas Valley is very similar 

 to Lompoc. It is on the coast, between Lompoc 

 and San Francisco. 



The maximum temperature is about 91, the min- 

 imum 28, or a little lower. Citrus fruits are not 

 grown commercially. 



The principal crops are potatoes, sugar-beets, 

 deciduous fruits, and dairy cow feed. 



The methods of cultivation and harvesting are 

 not as good as at Lompoc. 



Seed is imported from Oregon every third year 

 by many growers. The seed stock is best the 

 second year, or that following its introduction. 

 The Burbank variety is grown exclusively. 



The potatoes grown at Salinas are as smooth as 

 eggs — average from four to twelve ounces in size, 

 and have a beautiful, clear, netted skin. 



The best soil is a sort of sandy loam, very mellow 

 and easily worked. There are but a few hundred 

 acres of this character, however, the balance being 

 heavier. 



When potatoes are not grown continuously on 

 the land, the system is, grain, potatoes, sugar- 

 beets. No fertilizing is done, and cover crops are 

 not used. 



