58 
SUNSET SEED AND PLANT COMPANY. 
Fruit Department. 
California is to-day the greatest fruit-producing district in the world, and the average intelligence of the 
growers is much higher than that of any other rural population. Nevertheless there are many avoidable mis- 
takes made each year in the selection of locations and varieties. , , . .o . 1 • 
Every fruit-grower should have a Model Orchard, and there is no difficulty about it if a systematic begin- 
ing •^"j'^^j toward failure is to purchase trees from irresponsible tree agents or nurseries. Trees should 
never be purchased from other than the most reliable nurserymen who have a reputation at stake, and can not 
afford to send out stock untrue to name or infested with insect pests. . •<■ 
The location of land to be planted, its relation to the railroad, the character of the soil and of the water, il 
irrigation is to be used, should all be carefully considered, and varieties selected which will not only thrive, but 
can be made profitable for drying, canning or shipping green as may seem most practicable. 
Few varieties should be planted, and not those which the grower fancies, but those that will pay, tiJiB is 
oneof the secrets of success in commercial orchards. , „ • * . 
Where several varieties are to be planted, they should be selected so that they will not all ripen at once, and 
thus demoralize your working force. , , . , , , , • j .1 • ' u u 
Home orchards are planted for the pleasure to be derived from the fruits, and the varieties should be se- 
lected to ripen in rotation and for superiority of flavor. , , . , , , 1. 1 ^ 
The ground should be so deeply plowed and so well levelled and pulverized that very large holes to receive 
the roots of the trees will be unnecessary. The square system of planting is best, and the rows should be per- 
fectly straight. , , , l 
Give the trees plenty of room and do not plant crops between. ... m. . • * 
Keep the ground free from weeds and thoroughly pulverized by frequent cultivations. This is a stage secret, 
and some of the fruit growers know the lines so well that they cultivate as often as ten times a season . 
Plantin.' can be done from November to March, according to the season, but orders should be placed early. 
Trees when received from the nursery, should at once be opened and heeled in until wanted for planting, 
care being taken not to expose the roots. Keep the ground around the roots well moistened. 
Young, thrifty trees are the best. 
Apples 
Throughout the mountainous district of California as fine apples are produced as can be found anywhere. 
In the valleys late varieties show a tendency to earliness and lack keeping qualities. They will thrive in almost 
any weU drained soil except stiff clay or very light land. Plant at least 30 feet apart, cut back young trees 
to 18 to 24 inches and branch low. Will bear in three years. 
Price one and two years, 15 cents each; $1.50 per doz; $14 per 100. 
Summer 
Bed Astrakhan. Very large, crimson, juicy and acid; tree a good bearer; early. 
Red .luiie. Small, bright red; a beautiful early apple; bears young. j j *i,<. 
Wravenstein. Large, striped, rather flattened in shape; very fine flavor; tree prolific and a good grower; the 
best late summer apple, fine for drying. 
Autumn 
Alexander. Very large and handsome, nearly covered with bright red stripes; flesh tender and juicy; valua- 
ble for market. , , . , , , ^ r a 
Kinir of Thomokins. A magnificent apple, bright red, and of very fine flavor. , 
Srer. La"ge, rather flatt^ed, very deep' crimson, coarse grained, but good flavor; its deep color makes it 
extremely valuable in the market; succeeds best in the bay counties. 
Winter 
Yellow BcUflower. Large, ohlong, pale yellow; very fine qualityi trees vigorous and of drooping habit. 
Roxbury Knsset. Medium, rough, russety skin; rich ; should be in every collection. 
I«l»nd (jreeninff. Large, green ; tree a good bearer ; a general tavonte. 
Kbo Cium yelTo^ ground, striped'and dotted with red ; tender, crisp and of excellent quality. 
Tonnthnn Medium almost covered with bright red ; very valuable market sort. 
iarshallVor Re Very large.'deep crimson, shaped like Yellow Bellflower. of fine quality; 
Baldwfnr^lTrgrroundish oblong, bright red; of fine quality, and tree very prolific. 
Rail Genet. Large, striped ; of fine quality ; tree a good bearer, 
fvlnesap" Medium,'bright r^d ; a great favorite. and valuable for the table or market. 
Ben Davis. Very large and handsome, striped with bright red : quality good. 
Nortlicrn Spy. Large, round; a beautiful apple, delicately marked with red. 
Swaar. Large, golden yellow, crisp, and of peculiarly fine flavor. 
Palms are the most desirable plants for House Decoration. 
