THE SOILS OF CALIFORNIA 37 



depths of six to eight feet below the surface. In 

 studying the soil,, it is necessary to consider at least 

 a six-foot section,, instead of the usual three-foot 

 section of the humid regions. The climatic condi- 

 tions of the region and the mode of formation of 

 the soils have brought about many features that are 

 not common to the soils of a humid region. Owing 

 to the deficiency of rain, the soils have never been 

 subject to any great degree of leaching and most 

 of the soluble materials have been left in the soil 

 mass. 



"These transported soils fall into two groups the 

 recent transported soils and the old transported soils. 

 The recent soils form about three-fifths of the arable 

 lands of the state and represent the best and most 

 desirable soils. The soil mass is usually quite deep, 

 and uniform in general character. Nearly two-thirds 

 of these soils have excellent textures, ranging from 

 sandy loams to clay loams. These soils are easy to 

 work and take irrigation water readily, making them 

 very desirable for almost any type of farming. 

 About 10 per cent of these soils are of a sand or 

 gravelly nature, loose and open, and of a Peachy' 

 character. Because of the low rainfall and conse- 

 quent lack of leaching, however, the sands are much 

 more productive than are similar soils in a humid 

 region. Properly farmed, these sandy soils prove 

 very productive and desirable. 



"Less than 3 per cent of the recent transported 

 soils are heavy in texture clays and clay adobes. 

 The term 'adobe' does not indicate a specific kind of 



