20 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES. 



conceivable that, under certain conditions, the farmer had 

 better buy food supplies rather than produce them, con- 

 sequently the general denunciation of the unthrift of the 

 California farmer, which is often indulged in by those who 

 know little of the local situation and conditions, is really 

 unwarranted. California conditions, both in nature and 

 in farm policy, are so varied that criticisms and upbraid- 

 ings are often misplaced. And yet it is perfectly true that 

 vegetables should be grown on farms in California much 

 more generally and in far greater variety than they have 

 been hitherto. It is not the intention of the writer to urge 

 this improvement upon sentimental considerations nor to 

 claim, as many seem inclined to do, that it is possible to 

 compass it by the fiat method. Too many of our critics 

 seem to hold that all the farmer has to do is to declare that 

 there shall be a garden and one will spring up around his 

 footsteps with ideal succulence, richness and deliciousness. 

 It will be better to attempt to show that there is an oppor- 

 tunity, providing its requirements be duly met, and that 

 there are really fewer difficulties in the way and greater 

 rewards for prompt and intelligent effort than many of 

 our farmers imagine. And this can be shown without 

 elaborate argument. A more striking demonstration will 

 probably lie in showing to the many the success of the few, 

 in order that they may draw therefrom lessons and ex- 

 hortations for their own incitement and success. This ser- 

 vice will be constantly held in view as this work proceeds. 



Essentials to Success in Gardening. There are three re- 

 quisites to success in gardening and they may be arranged 

 in alliteration thus, Will, Water, Work. They also stand 

 in the order of their relative importance in California. 

 Without a strong impulse In the will it is vain to expect 

 work and water to do their best. If the will is born of 

 taste, liking, enthusiasm, the task will be delightful and 

 the results grand in every way. Unless one has some joy 

 in the rich, moist earth as it yields its fragrance to the 

 touch of his tools; unless he can glory in the quick, re- 



