The herald., 1893-11-25

Judge Tilden stated that there was
much discussion among the farmers of
the Alameda section as to the advisa-
bility OF irrigation. The land is laid off
in blocks and plowed and the water is
then run on and the ground is then
thoroughly soaked. The object being to
put on six or eight miners inches OF
water. This ia done in the winter.
When the land is gotten into good con.
dition the cultivation is then begun.
We get very fine crops by this means.
Some Of the growers also irrigate to
greater or less degree during the sum-
mer. The methods pursued were then
treated and some OF his experiences
given. He declared, however, that he
was in favor Of irrigating except when
there was wet winter.
Mr.. Sprague asked what was the result
OF irrigation in Central California.
Prof. r. G. Kells told of the expert
ence of Mr.. Hatch in Santa Clara county
and in grey granite soil. Mr.. Hatch
is the largest deciduous fruit grower in
California and perhaps the world and he
produces good fruit and heavy crops
without irrigation. He does it by
thorough cultivation. The rainfall was
about 15 to Is inches.
The speaker thought that the second
cultivation should 60 deeper than the
first.
Mr.. Sprague then asked whether their
last question could not be determined
upon. Some persons had not favored
this last statement. He wanted to
know il the experimental station could
not investigate the matter and definitely
settle it. 1t was a most important ques-
tion to fruit growers.
A discussion was held in which
Messrs. Berry. Keller, Berwick and
Sprague took part. The latter was pos
tive in his desire that the experimental
stations investigate the matter thor
oughly. They should not take what
the growers had experienced because
different people had had different expe-
riences. They could do the work
themselves and form their conclusions
from their work.
Alter the concluding of this subject
the matter of the determination of
g0phers was discussed. Various poi.
sons were suggested and experiences
with them given. Other queries were
also read and answered.
After short general discussion Mr..
Blanchard OF the committee on resolu-
tions presented the following, which
was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of this con-
vention are especially due to the citizens
OF Los Angeles, through their reception
committee, of which the Hon. G. J.
Griffith is chairman, for the most COM
plete and well arranged plans for the
reception of the visiting fruit growers,
and for the crowning effort for their
pleasure in the way of a carriage excur-
sion through the cities of Los Angeles,
Pasadena, and portions of the San
Gabriel valley, giving a view of the
costly public buildings and beautiful
residences, as we'll as the luxuriant
groves OF citrus trees just now growing,
giving promise for abundant harvest.
Resolved. That the thanks of the con-
vention be rendered to The daily papers
of Los Angeles who have go faithfully
and accurately reported the interesting
proceedings Of the sessions; to the Cali
fornia club for courtesies extended; to
the Southern Pacific company for free
excursion TO Port Los Angeles and the
offer of greatly reduced rates to Indio;
also to the Santa Fe company for the
tender of an excursion around the kite
shaped track, and also to the Mt. Lowe
railroad company for the tender OF an
excursion over this remarkable road.
Resolved, That to the Hon. Ellwood
Cooper who, in spite OF feeble health, SO
ably performed the duties of president,
and to the two local vice presidents,
Hon. Abbott Kinney and G.. j. Griffith,
hereby be also rendered thanks for the
able and courteous manner in which
they discharged their duties as chair
men of the convention during the alb
sence OF President Cooper; also to A.. t.
Perkins and Mrs. Jones for important
services rendered as secretaries. M2
The chair suggested that thanks be
extended the various gentlemen who
read papers before the convention. This
was unanimously done.
Mr.. Berwick of Monterey always up
about the naturalization of railways now
thanked the convention, and assured
them they would hear more of the rail-
ways at the next meeting.
On motion of Judge Tilden the con-
vention adjourned sine die.