24 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



readily than any other tree-fruit grown. Yet the Bartlett, 

 which is one of the choicest varieties known, only reaches per- 

 fection in certain districts. Ifc requires a deep, moist, and rich 

 soil with a warm climate. There are several varieties grown 

 here, each presenting some quality which makes it desirable. 

 The Pear here commences to bear the third year, but is not in 

 full bearing until the seventh. The choicest Pear-growing dis- 

 tricts are the silty lands along the watercourses, and where 

 water can be had for irrigation. Only the best varieties, with 

 the most favourable surroundings, produce the largest crops ; 

 but with the best conditions Pears produce crops worth from 

 £20 to £200 an acre, depending upon the market and on the 

 variety grown. The price per ton varies. This year Pears were 

 in great demand at £6 per ton. The chief varieties grown here 

 are Bartlett, Cornice, Yicar of Wakefield,* Glou Morceau, Winter 

 Nelis, and Easter Beurre. 



Olive growing is one of the most profitable industries, but 

 the greatest returns are secured by manufacturing the Olives 

 into Olive oil, and that requires improved machinery and 

 technical knowledge. The trees do not bear heavily until 

 several years of age. They are long-lived, however, and will in 

 the future be more extensively grown. The price of pure oil is 

 now 36s. a gallon, and the gross income per acre ranges from 

 £15 to £200, according to variety and age of trees. 



Grapes may be grown in nearly any part of the county. 

 Table Grapes like a heavy loam, while other varieties acquire a 

 better flavour on the red gravelly and chalky soil of the foot- 

 hills. Ordinary varieties are not very profitable, as the area in 

 which they may be grown in California is so extensive. The 

 shipment of choice table Grapes in refrigerator cars to the East 

 is profitable, but fruit trees bring greater returns. 



Strawberries here yield prolifically, especially along the bay 

 and in the artesian district, which is one of the choicest Straw- 

 berry-growing lands in the United States. The yield is usually 

 from £40 to £150 an acre gross. 



Blackberries yield well also, and thrive over an extended 

 area. In the artesian basin, north and north-west of San Jose, 

 however, they bear through a more extended period, and return 

 larger crops than in any other locality. The profits do not 

 * So called in America; in England, Vicar of Winkfield. 



