AGKICULTURE. 167 



how dry or barren the soil, and grows up in a dense mass of 

 thick leaves, six feet high and from five to ten feet wide. It 

 is covered with thorns, and is feared by all large animals, but 

 spermophiles and gophers are fond of burrowing under it, 

 for it protects them against their enemies, and its leaves fur- 

 nish them with food. 



Several machines have been made to cut ditches through the 

 tules, and throw the dirt up as an embankment on one side, 

 but none of them have been very successful ; and the spade is 

 still considered the best instrument for making fences in the 

 tules. 



§ 135. Jiarley. — The soil and climate of California appear to 

 be particularly favorable to the growth of barley, which forms 

 a larger proportion of agricultural produce here than in any 

 other part of the world. It is a hardy grain, preferring a sandy 

 or gravelly soil, and dry weather. Three kinds are grown in 

 California — the common, the Nepaul, and the chevalier. Only 

 a few acres of the Xepaul have been raised, as an experiment ; 

 the chevaUer is cultivated to a small extent, and chiefly for 

 pearl-barley, of which a little is made in the country. The 

 ^deld of the chevalier is from ten to twenty per cent, less than 

 that of the common barlev. 



The sowing commences with the first heavy rain, which 

 comes in some years as early as the first of November, and 

 continues to the first of April. The ground used for small 

 grain bakes hard during the heat and drought of summer and 

 autumn ; and ploughing is not possible until the rain comes, 

 and rain enough to wet the earth thoroughly, at least six 

 inches deep. The ploughs are then set to work immediately, 

 running from four to eight inches deep. One ploughing is 

 usually considered sufficient. The grain is sown according to 

 convenience, soon after the ploughing, or after the lapse of 

 weeks, and is immediately harrowed in. The amount of seed 

 sown to the acre varies from a bushel and a half to two bush- 

 els. The sowing is usually done broadcast, but some farmers 

 prefer the drill. Early sowing gives the best yield, if the winter 



