The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-29

If their imperfect mode of culture secured satsfac
tory returns, 1t ia reasonable TO presume that a
more perfect system would produce much greater
results. There is abundant evidence to prove that,
in the rich allnvial valleys, wheat and barley have
produced from forty TO sixty bushels from one
bushel of seed, without irrigation
Irish potatoes, turnips, onions, in fact all the
edible roots known and cultivated in the Atlantic
States, are produced in great perfection In all
the valleys east Of the coast range Of hills the cl-
mate is sufficiently warm to mature crops OF In
dian corn, rice, and probably tobacco
The cultivation OF the grape has attracted much
attention at the missions, among the residents Of
towns, and the rural population and been attended
with much success wherever IL has been attempted.
The dry season secures the fruit from those diseases
which are 80 fatal in the Atlantic States, and il at
tains very great perfection
The wine made from it is of excellent quality,
very palatable, and can be produced in any guam
tity. The grapes are delicious, and produced with
very little labor. When taken from the vines in
lunches and suspended in dry room, by the stems,
they become partially dry, retain their flavor, and
remain several weeks, perhaps months, without
decay.
Apples, pears, and peaches, are cultivated with
facility and there s no reason to doubt that all the
fruits of the Atlantic States can be produced in
great plenty and perfection.
The grasses very luxuriant and nutritious,
afording excellent pasture. The oats, which spring
up the whole length of the coast and from forty
to sixty miles inland render the cultivation OF that
crop entirely unnecessary, and yield very great
quantity Of nutritious food for horses, cattle, and
sheep. The dry season natures, and may say,
cures these grasses and OATS SO that they remain in
an excellent state of preservation during the sum
mer and autumn, and afford an ample supply of
forage. While the whole surface Of the country
appears parched, andvegetation destroyed, the nu-
merous hocks and herds, which roam over it, con-
tinue in excellent condition.
Although the mildness of the winter months and
the fertility of the soil California very de-
cided agricultural advantages, it is admitted that
irrigation would be OF very great importance, and
ty and variety, during the greater part of the dry
season. 1t should therefore be encouraged by gov
ernment, in the survey and disposition of the pub
lie lands, as far as practicable.
The farmer derives some very important benefits
from the dry season. His crops in harvest time
never injured by rain he can with perfect conf
dence permit them to remain in his fields as long
after they have been gathered his convenience
may require; he has no fears that they will be in
jured by wet or unfavorable weather. Hence it is
that many who have long been accustomed to that
climate, prefer it to the changeable weather east of
the Rocky mountains.
As already stated, the forests of California, south
of latitude 39o and of the foot hills of the Ser
Nevada, limited to detached, scattering
groves of oak in the valleys, and Of redwood on
the ridges and on the gorges of the hills.
II can be of no practical use to speculate on the
causes which have denuded so large extent of
country further than to ascertain whether the soil
is is not favorable to the growth of forest trees
When the dry season sets in, the entire surface is
covered with luxuriant growth Of grass and oats,
which, as the summer advances, become perfectly
dry. The remains of all dead trees and shrubs
also become dry. These materials, therefore,
are very combustible, and usually take fire in the
latter part OF summer and beginning of autumn,
which commonly passes over the whole country,
destroying, in Its course, the young shrubs and
trees. In fact, it seems TO be the same process
which has destroyed or prevented the growth Of
forest trees on the praires Of the western States,
and not any quality in the soil unfrendly to their
growth.
rr,t-- &
the dry season are apt TO be regarded by farmers,
on first going into the country, irremediable de-
fects, and presenting obstacles, almost insur-
mountable, 10 the successful progress of agricul-
ture. A little experience viii modify these opin-
ions.
II is soon ascertained that the soil will produce
abundantly without manure that locks and herds
sustain themselves through the winter without be-
ing fed at the farm yard, and, consequently nc
labor is necessary to provide forage for them that
bitches are easily dug, which present very good
barriers for the protection Of crops until live fences
can be planted, and have time to grow. Forest
trees may be planted with little labor, and in very
few years attain a sufficient size for building and
fencing purposes. Time may be usefully employed
in sowing various grain and root crops, during
the wet or winter season. There Is no weather
cold enough 70 destroy root crops, and therefore,
il is not necessary 10 gather them. They can be
used or sold from the field where they grow. The
labor, therefore, required in most Of the old States
TO fell the forests clear the land OF rubbish and pre-
jects.
All these things together with the perfect security of
all crops, IN harvest fims, from injury By ioe toeaer,
are probably sufficient 20 meet any expense which
may be incurred in irrigation, caused for a time
by scanty supply Of timber.
In the northern part Of the Territory, above lati
tude 3s and the hills which rise from the great
plain Of the Sacramento and San joaquin, to the
loot Of the Sierra Nevada, the forests Of timber
beautiful and extensive, and would IL brought into
use, be sufficiently productive 70 supply the wants
Of the southern and western portions Of the State
have spoken Of the agricultural products and
resources Of the country without reference ~ the
remarkable state Of things caused by the discovery
Of gold, which IL is probable will postpone for an
indefinite time all Efforts 10 improve the soil As
long as laborers earn fifteen dollars or more
per day, IN collecting gold, they very well az
ford TO import their supplies from countries where
the wages Of labor are not more than from fifty
cents TO dollar per day. II s not, therefore, 70
be supposed that the soil will be cultivated more
than the production Of vegetables fruts and other
articles 20 pershabe in their nature that they
not be brought from great distance, will require.
To secure this important market for the products
and manufactures Of the States cast Of the Rocky
Mountains Is undoubtedly an object Of the greatest
importance. IL will be considered in its proper
place.
PUBLIC DOMAIN.
The extent and value Of the public lands, suitable
for Agricultural purposes in California cannot be
ascertained with any degree OF accuracy until some
very important preliminary questions shall have
been settled.
II 10 not known whether The Jesuits who founded
the mission, their SUCCESSORS, the Franciscans,
did, do now bold any title from the Spanish
crown 10 the lands which they occupied Nor has
any investigation been made 20 ascertain how far
those titles, " they existed, have been invnl
idaed by the acts Of the priests the DEGREES Of
the Mexican government
A superficial view Of the matter would be very
apt 20 lead 10 the supposition that the Jesuits 80
celebrated for wisdom and cunning, would not fail
10 secure that which, at that time, would probably
have been obtained by merely asking for it-a royal
decree, granting TO them all the lands they might
require in that remote country for ecclesiastical
purposes. There have been some intimations to
that effect, but nothing is distinctly known. These
missions embrace within their limits some Of the
most valuable lands in the Territory and il s very
important that il should be ascertained whether
they belong 10 the Government, or may be Justly
claimed by individuals.
Most Of the land, ht for cultivation, south Of lat-
tude 39o, and west Of the valley Of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin, is claimed under what purport
10 be, grants from the Mexican government
On most Of these grants the minerals and metals
are reserved 10 the government-conditions were
coupled with many Of them which have not been
complied with. In others, the boundaries de.
scribed embrace two or three times az much land
az the grant conveys.