Success With California Hardpan 



ARLINGTON HEIGHTS FRUIT COMPANY. 



RIVERSIDE, CAL., December 16, 1911. 

 Gentlemen : 



Some ten years ago we began shooting in our orchards where hardpan 

 conditions existed. You will appreciate that in most districts in California the 

 hardpan exists to a greater or less extent. With us it is not found to any great 

 extent, but rather in deposits here and there. Where found, whether near the 

 surface or deeper down, it is a great detriment to the proper and rapid devel- 

 opment of the trees, and their profitable production when grown. 



For this reason we determined upon shattering the hardpan, and at first 

 it was an expensive matter, for we used the dynamite and then, in order to make 

 a very thorough job, blew the hole afterwards with from one-half to a full keg 

 of black powder. At times we shattered the ground for a radius of from ten 

 to twelve feet and blew the soil and hardpan out of the immediate vicinity of 

 the charge. The hole, thus made, we filled with manure, using a considerable 

 quantity. We were satisfied very soon after the first work was done some ten 

 years ago that whatever the cost, it was well worth the doing. 



We have continued doing this work and at all times have been well repaid 

 for the expense. Our success here with this work led us to shoot the ground 

 where hardpan conditions showed up when planting the orchard, and our suc- 

 cess with that has led us to shoot the soil wherever it could not be easily pene- 

 trated by the root system of the young trees. 



Fifteen cents spent in this way in heavy soil, prior to planting of a young 

 orchard and a larger sum used wherever hardpan conditions exist, will many 

 times over repay the cost whether in an old grove or in the planting of a young 

 grove. 



In an old grove it opens the soil and permits the water to go in in larger 

 quantities, much larger quantities. It makes the root system of the trees pene- 

 trate to greater distances from the trees and to greater depths. In the young 

 orchards it gives greater field for the young trees to spread out their feelers. 

 The water will penetrate and distribute itself much more freely and much more 

 effectively and in much greater quantities. 



I do not hesitate in advising always, everywhere, to examine the subsoil 

 conditions in any area about to be planted, in order to determine what condi- 

 tions are to be met and how to meet them. As a general thing, hardpan is not 

 a detriment, it is easily shattered and the conditions easily controlled under our 

 present methods of agricultural procedure. Do not hesitate to use powder 

 Dupont's as you can find nothing better. 



Yours truly, 



JAMES MILLS, Superintendent. 



French Prunes Do Well in Blasted Holes 



SARATOGA, CAL., Sept. 17, 1911. 

 Gentlemen : 



My experience with dynamite in an orchard has been confined to remov- 

 ing diseased and dead trees and opening holes to plant new trees. I have 

 found this method much more rapid and hence much cheaper than by digging. 

 It also leaves the soil in idea! condition for planting the new tree. 



There was a block of five trees that had been replanted each year for 

 four years, without getting one to grow. Last fall the holes were dug as 

 usual and in the bottom of each hole we exploded a stick of Hercules No. 2 

 (40%) Dynamite. The trees (French prune) that were planted in these holes 

 last winter are the strongest testimonials to the value of this process that 

 could be offered, sending out new shoots six and eight feet long. In plant- 

 ing young trees in virgin soil the same results have followed, as it so 

 thoroughly loosens up the hard ground that the young roots have every op- 

 portunity to start, causing the tree to make a vigorous growth the first year, 

 which is most essential to the value of the tree. 



Yours truly, 



GUY U. SMITH, 

 State Assemblyman, 36th District. 



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