283 AMERICAN GRAPE GROWING 



in Europe, there would be more satisfaction in the result. 

 Cultivation, irrigation, local climate, kind of soil, and 

 exposure to sun, all have an influence in modifying the 

 characteristics of any one variety. Virgin soil and vigor 

 of vine may make the seeds fuller, as it does in the cereals, 

 but it should not, other things being equal, make the 

 skins thicker, but the contrary. 



"As a soil for raisins, a rich, sandy loam is preferred; 

 the climate should be warm; the soil moist; winter irri- 

 gation in average years is quite as important as summer 

 in our dry valleys. For safety against many kinds of 

 insect pests, the phylloxera especially, a location is desir- 

 able where water is plenty and evenness of land surface 

 permits winter submersion. In such favorable locations 

 a larger berry, thinner skin, better yield, etc., will be the 

 result. The vines are planted eight by eight feet in many 

 locations, but growers of the greatest experience prefer a 

 greater distance apart; some plant eight feet by ten feet, 

 some ten by ten feet, thus giving greater vigor to each 

 vine, enabling it to resist enemies of all kinds more surely. 



" Many hundred tons of shipping grapes are sent East 

 from this district to all principal markets in the United 

 States. The Emperor, Tokay, Black Morocco, and Mus- 

 cat family are most liked for the Eastern market. 



" Irrigation is a very important factor in the success of 

 the fruit grower, but if the situation is good in other 

 respects, and no ditch water can be secured, it is found 

 that in many parts of the State an unfailing supply lies 

 but a small way beneath the surface in gravel ridges. 

 Former watercourses having been filled with gravel, the 

 surface stream diverted sometimes many miles away, leave 

 quite a large flow of water in the gravel. This being 

 tapped by a well, the only equipment needed is a straw- 

 burner engine and rotary pump, and one hundred or more 

 acres can be irrigated with economy, insuring a good 

 profit and a pleasant home. 



