FRUIT GROWING IN CALIFORNIA. 



17 



in January. The rainfall during this month seldom equals 2 in . 

 The weather grows a little warmer, the mean temperature rising 

 to 48*2 deg., with 35*5 deg. and 60*8 deg. as the extremes. A 

 few orchardists still prune, but the work should end with the 

 month, preferably sooner. There are usually a number of 

 warm, sunshiny days, and these cause a few almond trees to 

 blossom. 



March is still warmer, and almonds, peaches, plums, and 

 cherries bloom profusely. The mean temperature is 52*3 deg., 

 and the extremes 40*7 deg. and 63*9 deg. In this month the 

 winds are variable, and more rain falls than in any month except 

 December. The average rainfall for March is 3*77, but the rain 

 is warm, and trees, vines, and vegetables grow with increased 

 and remarkable vigour. 



When April comes every orchard is a sea of flowers, and the 

 air is full of perfume. Wild flowers tint the hillsides, birds fill 

 the air with melody, and gentle breezes go laughing o'er the 

 wheat. The average rainfall for the month is 1*85 in., and the 

 mean temperature 50*1 deg. The thermometer has indicated as 

 low as 37*4 deg., and as high as 64*8 deg. in April. As April 

 passes away spring is preparing to leave and summer is ap- 

 proaching. Strawberries are here, and will be seen in the 

 markets until the latter part of November. Cherries, red and 

 ripe, hang thick upon the trees, and every field is brilliant with 

 wild flowers. 



In May there is usually very little rain. The average for this 

 month is '53 of an inch. Haying commences in this month, and 

 as a rule there is very little danger of injury from rain. The 

 average daily temperature is 57'9 deg., the lowest being 42*2 deg., 

 and the highest 73*6 deg. 



June is one of the warmest months in the year, the average 

 daily temperature being 58*7 deg., with a mean minimum of 

 41-4 deg., and a mean maximum of 76 deg. During this month 

 the thermometer upon rare occasions registers 85, 90, or 95 deg. 

 The highest figure reached during the past ten years was 104 

 deg. Apricots now come into the market. A few ripen in May, 

 but now they are plentiful. The earlier varieties of peaches are 

 ripe, and prunes are ripening ; raspberries and currants are 

 ripe, and it is the height of the cherry season. Strawberries and 

 all kinds of vegetables are plentiful. The sun shines almost 



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