SUGGESTIVE EXPERIENCES. 317 



favored localities, they can't be grown to profit without this es- 

 sential. I know that the plants are planted on each side of a 

 small ridge, previously thrown up for the purpose. The vines 

 along the ridge stand twelve to fifteen inches apart. The space 

 between the ridges allows three and a half feet for cultivation 

 and water. The water is allowed to run between these ridges, 

 and, of course, wets the roots effectually. It will be perceived 

 that the ground must be nearly level. I cannot tell how often 

 these rows are watered, but frequently. The proper season for 

 planting is as early in the winter as the ground can be put in 

 order — from November ist, all winter — the earlier the better. 

 If planted early, a fair crop of berries may be expected the next 

 summer. For many years the Longwood's Prolific and Pea- 

 body Seedhng were the varieties generally grown. Recently 

 some other varieties have been introduced, but are mostly con- 

 fined to the hands of amateurs. The Monarch of the West has, 

 however, certainly secured a strong foothold among the large 

 growers. This berry commanded a much larger price in the 

 market than the old varieties. I just remark respecting irriga- 

 tion that, of course, as you will see, the object of planting upon 

 ridges is to place the vines so high that when the water is let in, 

 the berries will be above its reach. Nearly all our large grow- 

 ers let their fields to Chinamen, who do all the work, boarding 

 themselves, for half the net proceeds. 



San Jos^, Cal. 

 " In answer to your letter, asking about irrigation, I would 

 state that in the first place we grade the land, after first plow- 

 ing and harrowing it. We do not like to do too much grading. 

 If the land is very uneven, we make the rows conform to it, 

 bringing the water on the highest portions, and cutting escape 

 ditches through the low parts, so that the water can run off 

 readily. The rows are made three feet apart, and every alter- 

 nate row is shovelled or plowed out to make a shallow ditch 

 about three or four inches deep. Soil is thrown on or between 

 the alternate rows, making the ground look like small beds. 

 The plants are set in rows about six inches from the edge of 

 the ditches. We are now ready for the water, which is nearly 



