The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-25

this article q great number Of horses and
mules will be required. These can be pas
tured among the orchards, in ravines, on
slopes where it would be too difficult to get
the fruit, and on the orchard margins,
without injury to the trees; hence, neigh
borhoods engaged in the culture would be
saved the expense of fencing. l have
been assured by neighboring olive-growers
that they allow their horses to roam in
fields adjoining unfenced orchards, and
that in no case have the trees been injured.
This absence of fences would be large
margin of profit as compared with other
fruits.
The climatic conditions necessary for
successful olive growing in California have
not been fully determined. 1t is believed
that the tree will thrive and produce
fruit in nearly every part of the State. In
localities where the thermometer, Fahren-
heit, would fall below 20 degrees, or in
regions where the heat is very great and
continuous during the summer season, it
would be we'll to experiment before ex-
tensive planting. have read that in the
tropics the olive will not bear fruit. On
the coast it is claimed that the tree will
grow more rapidly and bear more abund-
antly; and while this is conceded, those
inland claim an equal advantage in less
trouble from insect pests and fungoid dis
eases.
Regarding the variety of olive to plant
for profit, opinions are very much at
variance. Formerly the mission was the
only variety planted. Some claim that
there were several mission varieties, while
others claim that all came from the same
original stock first brought here by the
mission fathers, and that while there are
different types it is the result of climatic
conditions or location. l am inclined to
this latter opinion because there is an ap-
parent difference in the size and shape of
the fruits in different locations, while all
of them reproduced in the same orchard
show no difference. The cuttings I
planted were from the missions of Santa
Barbara, San Fernando and San Diego,
and from the Taiiuas ranch. In recent
years many different varieties have been
brought from Europe and are on sale at
the different nurseries under vari-
Gus names. I have no controversy
with those parties who claim superiority
of special named varieties. but until
they are proven by experience to produce
more fruit or better fruit or better oil
and better pickles, shall plant only the
mission variety. There is too much con-
fusion and uncertainty, since different
authors have different names for the same
variety. New varieties have been planted
and are fruiting, so that the question OF
their relative values will soon be deter
mined by the experience Of olive-growers
in California. Many things are to be con-
sidered in selecting varieties. A rapid
growing tree easily shaped is very i'm
portant feature. as it gives good bearing
capacity. Some varieties grow unshapely
and are with difficulty kept from break
ing. Different locations may require
different varieties, but above all other con.
siderations is the quality of oil produced
The varieties that will make the best oil
should in all cases be selected provided the
quantity is fair average to given acre.
age planted. This rule will be applicable
as well for picking, unless the fruit is Toe
small for economic handling. The guam.
tity and quality of the oil contained in the
fruit gives the value to the pickles.
Making olive oil is simple process
still it is necessary that the maker should
know how. The quality will depend on
the care exercised from the picking of the
fruit through every different stage of the
manufacture until it is tightly corked in