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STATE BOARD OF HORTICULTURE. 



In 1893 the writer gave to the public the result of experiments 

 to develop large olives by frequent irrigation. No sooner was 

 mention made by the public press of the results attained than 

 criticisms began to appear against irrigation, based on the 

 theory that the tree did not require it. Specimens of fruit 

 taken from young trees grown without irrigation were brought 

 to meetings. The writer then said that the trees from 

 which the fruit was taken were small and took but little 

 moisture to nourish them, but as they would grow older would 

 cease to bear fruit in paying quantities unless irrigated. What 



An orchard planted on poor soil; did not withstand the drought of 1898-9. 



was the result ? The trees on becoming large, required the 

 necessary moisture to develop their growth, which had now 

 assumed immense proportions. The soil could not furnish the 

 requirements of the trees, and in the summer they lost the larger 

 portion of their leaves. They remained in this semi-dormant 

 condition until the rainy season set in, or moisture in the soil 

 began to rise. Most of the fruit dropped, and what did not fall 

 did not attain a size suitable for pickling. This condition 

 of affairs continued until the growers resolved to apply water. 

 After a season or more of demonstration, they found irrigation 

 to be one of the essential means through which a crop of fruit 

 can be assured. 



