28 FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910. 



perhaps 30 inches is avaihible for phiiit roots, except on slopes or in 

 small areas where a slight wash has accumulated a deeper covering. 



The type occurs in the southwestern part of the area in several ex- 

 tensive bodies. Some of the largest occur as the points of several 

 ridges jutting into the area from the west. There are also large 

 bodies east of Corning and Kirkwood, rising in elevation above all 

 the surrounding soils. The surface is usually sharply rolling, eroded 

 by small streams, and marked by a hog-walloAv surface. Because of 

 its elevated position it presents marked contrasts to the flatter types 

 of the surrounding series. It is usually bounded by rather abrupt 

 slopes or terraces, and occasional blutis occur along stream ways. 



The Corning gravelly loam has a general surface favoring good 

 drainage, but the many small depressions collect much water which 

 does not readily escape through the dense subsurface layers. A little 

 leveling will, however, make the soil fairly well drained, except dur- 

 ing periods of greatest rainfall. The areas are practically devoid of 

 trees and brush. 



This type is derived fi-om material constituting the Red Blull 

 formation. Its nearest counterpart in the soils having a similar ori- 

 gins is the Redding loam. It lacks the clay-iron hardpan of the 

 latter soil and possesses a greater depth and a slightly higher agri- 

 cultural value. 



The Corning gravelly loam is at this time utilized mainly for 

 grazing. It is not capable of development without irrigation. A 

 general knowledge of climatic conditions, with attention to the gen- 

 eral character of this type, should coiivince anyone of the futility of 

 fruit culture without water. Numerous abandoned orchards bear 

 evidence of a hopeless endeavor. A little irrigation by pumping is 

 practiced near Corning, but the type can be very meagerly developed 

 in this manner, because of the scarcity of undergi-ound water. It is 

 not at all probable that the underground water of this and adjoining 

 types is sufficient to furnish much irrigation on the Corning gravelly 

 loam. Its future extensive development depends on water from other 

 sources. Such elevated portions as can not be covered by gravity 

 systems can perhaps be brought under water by pumping from canals. 

 It may at some time be watered in part by pumjiing from the Sacra- 

 mento River, but the expense seems prohibitive at present. 



"Witli irrigation a limited range of crops is possil)le. A citrus-fruit 

 industry is more likely to be developed upon this tjqie than any other 

 of the area because of air drainage features. Such trials as have been 

 made show fruit of good quality. The climatic conditions are rather 

 adverse, however, for citrus fruits, and tlie yields are low. Peaches, 

 almonds, grapes, olives, and figs will yield well with w^ater and show 

 a profit if the cost of supplying water does not prove excessive. It 



