PREFACE 



In using the data contained in these pages, one should constantly 

 bear in mind the following facts. 



(1) The statements covering the requirements for crop production 

 and the methods employed are statements of present practice in commercial 

 production. They are not designed to indicate what' should be done, but 

 rather what is being done by men specializing in these crops. 



(2) The statement of methods is included primarily to illuminate 

 the cost data by shov/ing the means employed to produce the crop v/hich results 

 in costs as given. 



(3) As commercial production is largely confined to an environ- 

 ment well adapted to the crop, the statement of soil, climate and water tends 

 to approach the best possible conditions available in the State, or at least 

 conditions v/hich past experience on the part of grov/ers has indicated as 

 specially suited to the crop under discussion. 



(4) The cost data is a general estimate of ' present costs, secured 

 by a wide inquiry into operations and expense. The cost data is not the re- 

 sult of a detailed survey. 



(5) The facts and figures presented are offered merely as a poss- 

 ible guide to the prospective inexperienced farmer who needs a starting point. 

 It will give some idea of possible returns' and capital required to carry on 



a given business under usual conditions where the crop is grown commercially. 



(6) One should understand fully that no one set of figures will 

 apply to all conditions and tliiese can only be taken as indicatire. 



(7) The data is confined entirely to California conditions. 



(8) The classification of yields into good and usual indicates 

 v/hat it is possible to obtain. The average is not given since it conveys 

 but little real information. It should be understood, however, that of 100 

 growers producing commercially, probably not more than 7 or 8 will secure 

 good yields year in and year out. Thirty to 50 will fall into the usual 

 class. The remaining produce yields either better than good or less than 

 the usual . 



(9) The cost data includes use of implements. It does not include 

 depreciation of stock, improvements, or equipment, or cost of management. 



