102 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. 



CHLCO FORESTRY SUBSTATION. 



(Situated one mile east of Chico, near the Sierra foothills; elevation, 230 feet.) 



In previous reports the history of this substation has been given, and 

 need not be repeated. Three years' further experience with the location 

 only makes more evident its great value as regards soil, climate, and 

 facilities for the cheap and rapid production of fine forest trees, or for 

 any agricultural experiments. 



Five acres as yet unplanted remain at the western end of the tract, 

 and the soil there is extremely rich. The vacant land at the upper or 

 eastern end of the tract is more sandy, though still excellent for tree 

 growth. 



Since 1898 the substation has been carried on at a reduced expense, 

 using the Rancho Chico teams and labor and paying merely the actual 

 cost. A workman has occupied the small house on the grounds and has 

 kept the place in order, working elsewhere when not needed at the sub- 

 station. In 1901, Mr. T. L. Bohlender, formerly in charge of the Chico 

 nursery and later the ranch foreman, made an agreement by which he 

 gives a portion of his time to supervision of the work at the substation, 

 and this arrangement continues. 



The substation, however, needs the entire time of some competent 

 person, as at Santa Monica, or it might with advantage be developed 

 hereafter into a substation fully equal in importance to that near 

 Pomona, for not less than five acres of its area can be devoted to agri- 

 cultural experiments without seriously infringing upon its forestal 

 value. Besides, it is probable that a larger area can be secured when 

 needed for strictly forestry work. At all events, the foundation for a 

 most useful Sacramento Valley substation exists at Chico, where also 

 sufficient trees can be easily and cheaply grown to cover the entire 

 eastern or hill portion of the University tract at Berkeley. 



There have been no other changes in local management. Mr. V. C. 

 Richards, editor of the Chico " Record/' appointed Patron in 1897, 

 still holds that office. Colonel C. C. Royce, manager of Rancho Chico, 

 and Mrs. Bidwell, the owner of that famous place, have continued their 

 interest -in the station. 



Eucalyptus Planting. The most important extension planned for is 

 that of the eucalypts at the eastern end of the tract. About four 

 thousand trees of E. rostrata and other hardy species are being grown 

 for planting here in the autumn of 1902. They are now in seed-boxes 

 and will be set out with the first rains. 



CLIMATIC CONDITIONS. 



There is very little difference in climate between the town of Chico 

 and the substation. Some seasons the cold is less at the latter place, 

 but severe frosts are about the same everywhere along the creek. In 



