26 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES 



cially in Southern California, the interest has quickened and the ac- 

 complishment has shown that the old idea that only special, narrow 

 areas were suited to garden locations, was a misconception. In- 

 stances are ample to show not only that proper practice brings 

 ample success almost everywhere, but such practice, coupled with 

 intelligent planning, yields such variety of delicious esculents as 

 only a semi-tropical climate allows. This is one of the distinctive 

 advantages of California and it favors the development of small 

 farms of mixed husbandry as well as those devoted to specialties. 

 Of course there are limitations and locations should be selected 

 with discrimination for either mixed or special farming. The 

 mixed farm in an ever-growing climate makes requirements it is 

 true but it also bestows compensations. As the forces ministering 

 to growth are continuously active, the full use of them bespeaks 

 corresponding activity on the part of man. There must be a de- 

 termination to make almost every moment tell in some .useful 

 effort. There will be play for the sharpest ingenuity in devising 

 means and methods for time-saving and ceaseless study to make 

 the soil bear the burden of the table to the fullest degree. Small 

 farming requires genius, devotion, and a spirit of content. Its 

 work, when one acquires or is born with a liking for it, is full of 

 cheer and enjoyment. Its varied nature is itself a charm. The 

 trees, vines, plants, and domestic animals will rise almost to the 

 plane of companionship. Man, wife and children will join in the 

 spirit of the enterprise they are carrying on with united heart and 

 hand, and love for home will grow and blossom forth as it seldom 

 does in mansions or on princely estates. Thus the modest calling 

 has its compensations. 



The influence of such homes upon the state is most salutary. 

 Sound ideas of economy become prevalent; honor and honesty 

 are qualities which win popular approval. Thus, the state be- 

 comes really prosperous and sound at the core. The crowning 

 need of California agriculture is to build up enterprises which 

 will stand alone. We have been leaning too long on the shoulders 

 of bankers and commission merchants and commanders of coun- 

 try stores. Without them it is true much that has been done could 

 not have been accomplished, but it is also true that many losing- 

 efforts which have been vainly put forth, would never have been 

 attempted, and those who have made these efforts would be the 

 better for it. Who can tell how many would have attained mod- 



