TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS IN CALIFORNIA. 333 



produced, demonstrating, at least, that Mango culture is not an im- 

 possibility here. Locations in the foothill regions, which experience a 

 high degree of heat throughout the summer, have proved to be best 

 suited to the Mango, the climate along the coast being too cool during 

 the summer to ripen the fruit perfectly. 



The Department of Agriculture is now conducting co-operative 

 experiments in several localities thought to be suited to Mango culture, 

 about forty varieties being on trial. Many of these were introduced 

 from Saharanpur, Bombay, and other sections of India famous for 

 their Mangos, and are the best Indian varieties. 



The Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). 



The Loquat has been grown in this State for forty years, with 

 considerable attention recently given to its improvement. Seven or 

 eight named varieties are now offered by the trade. The climate in 

 some parts of the State seems particularly suited to it, and the fruit 

 develops to large size. 



Loquat culture is most prominent in Orange county, the largest 

 single plantation being about forty acres in extent. Early in the 

 season the fruit sells at 10 to 15 cents a pound, and many tons are 

 marketed each year. 



Propagation is by budding, seedling Loquat s being generally used 

 as stocks. Wnen budded on quince the trees are dwarfed. 



The best varieties of local origin are 'Advance,' 'Premier,' and 

 ' Champagne.' A variety introduced from Japan some years ago 

 under the name of ' Giant,' but seemingly synonymous with ' Tanaka,' 

 is later in ripening than the local varieties, but of large size and 

 excellent quality. 



The Guavas (genus Psidium). 



The only species at all common is P. Cattleianum Sabine, which goes 

 under the name of Strawberry Guava, and is found in backyards and 

 gardens throughout the southern part of the State. The fruit is a 

 favourite for jelly-making, and is widely sold in the markets. A yellow- 

 fruited form of this species, P. lucidum of horticulture, is much less 

 common, but fully as valuable. 



P. Guajava Linn., of which there are here, as elsewhere, a number 

 of more or less distinct varieties, is not infrequently seen, and is hardy 

 enough to be successfully grown in many localities. It is difficult to 

 explain why it has not become more popular, since the fruit is preferable 

 for jelly-making to that of the Strawberry Guava. 



Several other species are occasionally seen. One somewhat similar 

 in general appearance to P. Cattleianum was introduced from Florida 

 under the name of P. Araga Raddi, and is likely to become popular, as 

 the fruit is of good size and flavour. Another species introduced from 

 Florida is listed as P. guineense Sw., but it is certainly not this species, 

 and is so similar in every characteristic to P. Guajava that it can 

 probably be referred to a horticultural form of that species. 



