FRUIT GROWING IN CALIFORNIA. 
21 
the snows of the Sierra. Under the lee of the high ranges 
which form a barrier in Santa Clara County a warm temperature 
prevails. The cool winds, which are deflected toward the lower 
end of San Francisco Bay and into the valley, are moderated 
and greatly softened by the warmer air that rises from inter¬ 
vening vales. Thus we have higher summer and higher winter 
temperature than some localities not fifty miles distant. 
The chief characteristics of the Santa Clara Valley climate 
are, first, freedom from extremes of low temperature; second, 
an abundance of sunshine; and third, an atmosphere with a 
low percentage of humidity. All these are favourable to fruit 
growing, as it has been shown that perfect development of fruit 
depends upon heat, light, and a certain dryness of atmosphere, 
combined with a proper moisture of soil. In fruit growing a 
temperature above a certain minimum is found necessary for 
germination, another for chemical modification, a third for 
flowering, a fourth for ripening of seeds, a fifth for the elaboration 
of the saccharine juices, and a sixth for the development of 
aroma. Not only is heat a requisite, but long-continued 
sunshine as well. Without light there can be no fructification, 
though heat be given. The actinic rays are necessary to 
produce chemical changes. The cloudless skies and almost 
uninterrupted sunshine which prevail here are important factors 
in the development of fruit. The absence of clouds insures 
sunshine, and sunshine insures a higher and more uniform 
temperature. Uniformity is desirable. Extreme temperatures 
are fatal. 
In the east the percentage of humidity of atmosphere is high 
in summer. In Santa Clara County it is low. Dry air favours 
both the access and the action of light and heat. Sheets of 
vapour are in a great measure absorbent of both. The average 
cloudiness in the east is more than twice as much as in the 
Santa Clara Valley. The heat, continuous sunshine, and ary 
air with the extreme length of our growing season, combined 
with a rich soil, insure the characteristic excellence of our fruit. 
We have other marked advantages. Shipping * facilities are 
unexcelled. In the first place, San Jose (the county town) is a 
terminal point. Again it is only forty-eight miles from San 
* The word is used in America to include transit by land as well as 
by sea. 
