Los Angeles herald., 1892-01-31
THE RANCHES.
Typical Facts About South
ern California Farms.
How to Move Old Orange
Trees Successfully.
Interesting Statements About the
Oranges of Japan.
The Prunus Simoni-More Lessons on
Planting Tomato Shipments.
Other Matters Pertaining
to Ranching.

In the Orange Belt, G. 81. Lathrop
tells of successful experiment he had
in taking up old orange trees and NOV
ing them to another location. He
moved nearly fifty trees, ranging from
to 10 years old, some of which were
inches through and Is feet in height.
During warm spell in May he cut
them back to 6 feet in height. The
lateral branches were also cut back SO
as to leave somewhat symmetrical
head, although mostly composed of bare
stubs. Holes were then made to receive
the old trees, which were from to 6
feet across and about feet deep,
and furrow plowed alongside for the
water when needed. After the holes
had been dug circular trench was dug
around the tree about three feet from
the trunk, and the roots, whether large
or small, were severed with saw or
shears as fast as they were uncovered.
When sufficient quantity of earth had
been removed, the tree would careen to
one side so that the tap root could be
cut and the tree would be ready to
move. After covering the roots with a
blanket TO protect them from sun and
wind, they were drawn to the holes
prepared for them, and let down
which we consider little low
er than they originally stood.
They were then moved into line with
the other trees and the holes filled
about two thirds full of dirt and q
stream of water turned IN to settle the
earth firmly about the roots. Two or
three days after this the holes were
filled nearly full of earth, the water
turned in again, and with occasional
irrigations and civilizations they soon
began to put forth sprouts and pro-
duced canes several feet in length the
first season. The next season some of
them produced a few fine specimen
oranges. The proportion of loss was
very small.
NOTES ON PLANTING.
Miss Sessions, in the San Diego Union,
says:
Growing in all open, uncultivated and
neglected places about our city is plant
belonging to the tobacco family, by name
nicotiana glauca, and native of South
America. 1t is of slender growth, with
glaucus and blush green foliage, slender,
tubular yellow flowers, rather inconspic-
uous and borne in large clusters. 1t is
not seen in abundance on the open
mesas, but is confined to the limits of
the town.
Its vigor of growth in almost any situ-
alton, regardless of rain, wind, warm or
cool weather is remarkable; propagating
itself by seed, which is produced at all
| saooopo of tho uoor II, b,r6opoo Tn,
any well-kept yard it is indeed pest,
but very easily destroyed.
At the back of the premises high
and substantial hedge has been grown,
the success of which no doubt encour-
aged the owner to grow lower one along
the sides and front OF his property. The
plants show no signs of cultivation be-
yOnd trimming and no signs of having
been watered.
There are many who live beyond the
line of the city water mains that would
find such hedge better than no hedge
at all. Others whose means do not al
low them to purchase lumber for fence
could enjoy such a protection about
their humble home without expense and
very little labor. Those owning seaside
cottages, where little or no attempt is
made at cultivating the grounds, could
add to the attraction OF the place by
growing the plants for shade in clumps
or as a hedge.
Possibly, in time our mesas and hill
slopes may be brought into cultivation
by means of this plant-using it as a
protection for young trees, as the native
lupine serves in San Francisco That
little shrub held the shifting sands of
the Golden Gate park in place and pro-
tected the young forest trees until they
obtained good foothold, and today the
beauty and exceptional growth of twenty
years is a monument, as it were, to its
usefulness, though but weed in the
eyes OF the general public. The native
and naturalized plants of any region are
worthy of more attention and study
than they generally receive.
PRUNUs sIMoNI.
One of the most promising fruits for
profit is the Simoni prune (prunus Simo-
ni). 1t has combination of fine quail
ties to recommend it. 1t is early, being
ready for shipment about the middle of
June. 1t is then rich apricot yellow,
but even in this immature state is sweet,
aromatic and palatable. From this stage
it ripens to dark, rich red. Shipped in
lu5 yCliOW 5bhtC IL - ipchr, lAhO tIO Doi uiOoV
pear, in transit, and arrives in New York
or Chicago in prime condition. 1t has
been successfully shipped to the cities
named, and to Liverpool by grower in
Tulare county. The fruit is of large
size with very small pit. The flesh is
deep yellow and has a rich aromatic
flavor peculiar to itself and suggestive
of pineapple. Mr.. Motheral, who hap
pened in as we write, says: Il have
seen it ripen here and l consider it the
most delicious of all the prune family"
Professor Wickson, author of California
Fruits, told the writer that he thinks it
the best early prune we have. The
prunes that reached Chicago last season
brought almost fabulous prices. An
early plum OF such excellence and SO
superior shipper cannot fail to capture
the eastern market and the high prices
always paid for first fruit. Selma En-
for .sr,