PHYSICAL AND CLIMATIC SETTING 15 



are supplemented by the influence of much less north 

 latitude. 



The orange has been chosen as an exponent of cli- 

 matic characters that prevail over most parts of Cali- 

 fornia, not alone for its own sake but because of its 

 demonstration of an all-the-year salubrity which 

 meets the requirements of many plants in several 

 ways. It demonstrates a winter temperature which 

 can go but few degrees below freezing nor stay there 

 long and that indicates suitability for winter growth 

 of most vegetables, grains, grasses, and other ever- 

 green fruits which resemble the orange in temperature 

 requirements. It testifies to a long continuance of 

 adequate summer heat, indicating a long frostless 

 growing season which favors the fullest development 

 of tender summer vegetables, grains, forage plants, 

 as well as of fruits of deciduous trees. 



It has also been demonstrated that climatic con- 

 ditions favoring continuous or long seasonal growth 

 of plants are suitable also to the earliest and fullest 

 development of domestic animals and the largest 

 yields of products from them with the least expendi- 

 ture of money for their adequate shelter from stormy 

 weather and the least time required for winter feed- 

 ing and care. 



For a general understanding of California cli- 

 mate, it is necessary to recognize the following facts : 



1. The climate of California is insular or ma- 

 rine and not continental, except as interior influences 

 may touch the high plateaux which constitute the 

 northeast borders of the State. It is stated on au- 



