WINTER IRRIGATION. 71 



baking, the proper entrance of air would be largely pre- 

 vented. 



The experience of Californians is against any such ar- 

 rangement of soil and water. Except in such soils as 

 have already been described as working well by seepage 

 systems, surface application of water followed by thor- 

 ough surface cultivation produces, as a rule, the best com- 

 bination of moisture, heat, aeration, and rapid root-exten- 

 sion, which pushes the plant to its utmost in rapid and 

 satisfactory growth. 



WINTER IRRIGATION. 



Winter irrigation is increasing in California as a surety 

 that the year's water supply will be above a certain 

 minimum. Deciduous trees and vines, on soil that is 

 fairly retentive, can be carried through a satisfactory 

 year's growth and fruiting, with good cultivation, by ar- 

 tificially soaking the soil in winter. In this way injury 

 to the trees or vines by a year of scant rainfall is avoided. 

 The practice has not the same value in garden practice, 

 because there still will remain the demand for summer 

 irrigation if succession of fresh vegetables is to be se- 

 cured. But for ample crops of staple field vegetables 

 which are usually grown without summer irrigation, the 

 winter-soaking method is of the same importance that it 

 is with fruit trees it insures ample moisture every year. 



Fall and winter irrigation are very important in gar- 

 dening in regions of uncertain rainfall, because they 

 bring the soil into condition for the early planting which 

 is often the secret of satisfaction and success. In south- 

 ern California, and the interior of the central regions of 

 the State as well, he who waits for rainfall to start his 

 gardening often loses half the season's producing capac- 

 ity. In these parts of the State the rain at its maximum 

 is seldom excessive, consequently one incurs no danger 

 but invites every benefit by wetting the soil well and 

 going to work at least with the hardier vegetables while 

 the autumn sunshine still imparts warmth to the soil. 



