PROCEEDINGS OF TWENTY-SIXTH FRUIT-GROWERS' CONVENTION. 147 



has transformed them into spots of beauty, only comparable to those 

 pictured in the '^Arabian Nights " and " The Wonderful Adventures of 

 Aladdin." The fruit-grower has done his part in helping to bring 

 prosperity to California and comfort to the people. But his work is 

 as yet only in its incipiency; it is his task to make beautiful the waste 

 places and to fill the land with smiling homes, with fruits and flowers. 

 What more beautiful than a country filled with well-kept orchards? 

 Here nestle the vine-embowered cottages of the people. Around, spread 

 orchards and vineyards, olive plantations and orange groves; in spring, 

 a world of blossoms of the most variegated hues cover the trees; the 

 whole country side is a mass of bloom freighted with the hopes of a 

 fruitful autumn. There, as it were, a summer that promises to be per- 

 petual breathes through the land, followed by the fruitage and the 

 brilliant sky of autumn. 



Every man engaged in fruit-growing should love his vocation; other- 

 wise, he has missed it. He should be a lover of the beautiful and the 

 useful combined; he should be an enthusiast by nature, and give all 

 possible attention to matters of climate, soil, and description of fruit, 

 suited to all various conditions that environ it; he should know that 

 fruit trees of different kinds affect widely differing locations and sur- 

 roundings. Like individuals, they have their peculiarities, and will not 

 flourish amidst uncongenial surroundings. 



Apricots do best in the country around the Bay of San Francisco; 

 they need the salt air. Peaches do not do so well in the same section; 

 they require the warm air of the valleys; and so on of others. The 

 mountains and the foothills raise the best apples. The warm sheltered 

 valleys from the borders of Oregon to those of Arizona are the homes of 

 the citrus fruits. How beautiful are the trees, especially the fruit trees, 

 now the glory of the land. In all ages mankind has loved the trees, 

 their blossoms, fruit, and foliage. " Let me see the trees; I love the 

 trees, they are so beautiful," were among the last wishes of the dying 

 President. 



The orchard is California's heritage, and every man in the State 

 should speak on all occasions of the beauty, variety, and superior 

 quality of our fruits; especially should this be done when we have the 

 stranger within our gates; and the East is sending forth its people by 

 thousands to learn of the practical opportunities of life in California. 

 By proper study of climate and soil, of varieties and their proper treat- 

 ment, of marketing and producing none but the best, we shall treble 

 the present demand for California fruits. 



The orchardist should study soil and climate well. He should pro- 

 cure the best varieties, and cultivate none other. He should study the 

 best methods of packing and preparing for market. There is always a 

 demand for the very best kinds of fruit, no matter how large the produc- 



