Hints Worth Remembering: 
TUality of Seeds. The germinating vitality of our California grown seeds is from five to thirty pen- 
cent liigher tlian the best European or Eastern grown seeds. This important tact is due to the peculiar 
climatic and soil conditions existing in California which give every seed from the earliest to the latest an 
opportunity to perfectly mature. Our sweet pea seeds may be mentioned as a remarlcable illustration, theii- 
vitality being from forty to si.xty per cent higher than the finest English grown seed. 
When seeds fail to grow it is as a rule neither their fault or ours. Too deep or too sliallow planting, 
poorly prepared or cold, water-soaked soil is much oftener the cause. 
Trees and Plants Will Grow. But intelligent care must be exercised. Oi)en the packages in the 
shade and be careful not to expose the roots of the newly arrived plants to the air for more than a few min- 
utes. Have the soil thoroughly prepared and plant them the same depth as they stood in the nurserv. Firm 
the ground well around the roots. See that they do not dry out and keep the soil finely pulverized about 
them. 
Thorough Cultivation. In California thorough cultivation is the key-note of success. Your ground 
cannot be plowed or dug too deep nor kept too loose and fine on the surface. The Planet Jr. wheel lioes and 
cultivators are the most useful garden labor-saving implements in the world. 
Application of Water. There is a good rule that applies to the application of water, whether by ir- 
rigation ditch or the watering can. Never apply water to trees or plants unless it is actually needed. Wa- 
ter should be applied only to a.ssist nature in perfect development, and not to force artificial production, 
which will eventually deteriorate the quality of your soil or product-;. 
Fertilizers. If the soil be ordinarily good, youngtrees and plants do not require any fertilizer until they 
have made a good start; even then it should not be given luiless there is some apparent need, or crops are 
taken ofi which impoverish the .soil. Over feeding is as bad for plants as it is for children. IJaru yard 
manure .should only be applied in the early Winter and then plowed under as soon iis possible, .so that it 
may decay before dry weather sets in. 
For lawns and gardens superphosphates, bone meals etc., are cheaper, cleaner and in every way better 
than stable manure. If the ground is hard, a little sand or thoroughly rotted manure will improve its me- 
chanical condition. 
Fighting Insects. A good dusting of "Hammond's Slug Shot" will kill most any kind of insects; leaf 
eating worms and bugs can also be destroyed by sponging the foliage with a weak solution of paris green, a 
solution of Fir Tree oil is also an e.xcellent remedy; and tobacco soap will dispo.se of green fly (aphis). Mealy 
bugs can be exterminated by touching the insects and affected parts with the tip of a feather dipped in coal 
oil. Whale oil soap is also a well-known remedy. For .scale upon fruit trees the .standard remedies should 
be applied. An application of Sulphur or Bordeaux mixture is a mo.st effective i)reventative and destroyer of 
mildew. 
