The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-05-21

city. The prices realized by Mr., Stephens
nave been marvellous, and yet there are
plenty OF other vineyards that would
doubtless pay as we'll if the same care
ana close selection was given in packing
them for Eastern shipment Mr.. Stephens
realizes small fortune every wear from
twenty acres planted to the celebrated
Tokay and Cornichon grapes. Among
other varieties grown here are the Mus
cat, Black Prince, Morocco and Emperor.
Grapes of all kinds do remarkably well
on the plains lands, the most wonderful
instance of this being found at Florin.
The vines are irrigated very easily and
cheaply by means of windmillS lifting
the water which is found in abundance at
a depth of about ten feet. At Natoma. in
Sacramento county, may be found the
largest vineyard of table grapes in the
State. They are mostly of the Tokay
variety and always bring fancy prices in
the East.
AMONG OTHER PRODUCTIONS
The fig is commencing to play an import
ant part in the crops of Sacramento
County. On the banks of the rivers this
tree attains great size and is remark
ably productive. The common black flo
requires absolutely no care or attention.
The fig grows like the oak and is equally
vigorous, and when covered with its
large green leaves and rich, handsome
fruit is very beautiful sight. The first
crop is usually sold green; but the sec
ond is allowed to fall to the ground, and
when sufficiently dried the figs are
thrown into sacks and readily command
from three to i've cents per pound. The
better varieties of the fig of commerce are
now being introduced, and will doubtless
soon take the place completely of the
common black fig.
Almonds do remarkably we'll and are
very profitable. Among other products
OF this county are hops. According to one
OF the leading hop-groWers OF the State,
and recognized authority, Daniel Flint
Sacramento County is unsurpassed for
hop culture. He says that crop of from
LOCO to- 600 pounds per acre may be had
the first year that roots or sets are planted,
and 1t is common thing to grow 1000 or
or3,0OO, and sometime 1000 pounds per
acre from well-deyeloped vines.
THE VEGETABLE BUSINESS
is also leading feature among the in
dustrleS of this county. Hundreds of
carloads are shipped every year of cab
bage, onions and potatoes. l think the
growing of these crops can be very
greatly increased with great profit to the
growers. Beans of various kinds are
very profitable on the Sacramento River
lands and are grown in very large guam
titles.
think the opportunities for successful
investments of large sums of money are
uneXcelled in Sacramento County
Plenty of land can be found that is
adapted to the successful culture of all
the above named fruits and vegetables;
and better than all else. there is first
class market for it when grown.
Fifteen years ago it cost 81 200 to get a
carload of fruit through to New York in
ten days time. Since then every year
the railroads have improved to some ex-
tent the service on Eastern shipments. 1t
IS fashionable thing to assail the rail-
road companies and to blame them for all
that may appear to be wrong in the bust
ness of handling fruit, but L think it is
only talr and IN justice to the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company to say that it's
managers have always shown great in
terest Ia the fruit transportation question
As above stated, there has been some
Improvement either in rates or train
service made every year, and for the
present season We are promised a daily
fruit train service from Sacramento CITY
to all Eastern cities, to be run at freight
train rates, and on schedule time equal
to what was formerly the passenger train
time. In other words, the service that
originally cost us 81 200 per car will now
be performed by the railroads for $500 per
car. We will thus be enabled to deliver
fruit in New \ Ork City in eight DAYS
from the time it leaves Sacramento, and
at cost OF Il cents per pound for freight
charges. If the Southern Pacific Com
pany, which has made splendid time to
ogden, can arrange, as / understand thew
are now trying to do with Eastern con-
Meeting lines, this favorable rate and
time will be made and with the result
OF incalculable benefit to Sacramento
County. ta2