The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-14

fact that oranges, for instance, thrive in
certain regions of California which are
visited by snow. This and many other
strange anomalous conditions require an
explanation, for they all show a radical
departure from the behavior of vegetation
in other countries where the climatic con-
ditions are apparently the same.
The mystery of it all appears to reside
principally in quality, as well as the
abundance of the sunshine which visits
the State. OF course the value of this
quality is augmented by the abundance.
Hence, therefore, if the sunshine has a
peculiarly beneicent quality, the more
sunshine the better. What, then, is this
popularity of the sunshineP
The experience of photographers has
made a step toward its explanation, but a
scientific analysis of the light would be
better. We might suggest, however, a
simple explanation. Stocked, the Los
Angeles photographer who makes so Won
derful pictures, refuses to come to San
Francisco because, as he says, the light IS
not so good for the finest Photographic
results as that of Los Angeles. This means
that because of the clearer air of Los An
geles the peculiar quality of CALIFORNIA;
sunlight is more intense. Vastly more in
tense still is this quality on the Colorado
Desert. A Photographic sensitized plate
which would be 'quick" at San Francisco
is very quick at Los Angeles and incon-
ceivably quick on the desert. That is, the
air of the desert is the clearest in Califor-
MIA, and hence the peculiar quality of the
sunshine is more powerful. The sunlight
of the desert is the despair of photogra-
pliers, and one who stands out under its
full effect feels that it is acting upon him
with force that is wholly independent OF
its heat. 1t is like wine in the blood.
Other conditions being equally favorable,
the California fruits, flowers and nuts
which are grown in the regions where this
quality of the sunshine is most abundant
are richest in those qualities which make
them most valuable.
Now, it is a matter of easy observation
that the sunlight of California is less bril-
liant than yellow. Why it should be so is
less important than the fact that it is; and
that it is rather yellow than brilliant not
only deprives it of harshness and makes it
mellow and pleasant, but explains broadly
its wonderfully benefieent effect on living
things to which such a kind of light is
agreeable.
Photographers will explain that this
light is rich in actinism, or that quality
which produces active chemical changes in
all things susceptible to its influence.
That is why ordinarily "slow'' sensitized
plates are exceedingly "quick" in most
parts of California. And the photographer,
who has highly sensitive perceptions, will
say that although on a given day the light
may seem dull, yet he ''knows by his
feelings" that it is excessively actinic, and
that he therefore must use slow plate
and his smallest "stop," for this soft,
gentle light has the strength of giant.
1t is not necessary to pursue the inquiry
into technical scientific fields; it is suffi
cient that the grand principle of it is I'M
derstood, however imperfectly, and amply
sufficient that experience has armed us
with all needful knowledge. 1t is in order,
therefore, hereafter to speak of the sun
shine of California instead of its climate.
For it is the sunshine that stands above
all other things that help to make the
State a place in which human effort may
be conducted with the most pleasure and
the best results. 1t is well for Californians
to understand the great value of this
possession. Human vigor requires for its
highest development as much of this sun
shine as can be possibly appropriated, and
its effect upon the health, strength and
working capacity of persons is fully as
marked as that upon our fruits and flowers.
Houses should be so constructed as to
admit the sunshine most abundantly, and
a daily sunbath whether on the street or
in sunny window, is the most beneficial
of all possible tonics. In the summer,
when there is no danger of discomfort from
rains, we should go camping in the country
and pitch our tents where the generous
yellow shine may food them; for this is a
sunshine that makes the spirit as well as
the body strong and wholesome, and it ex-
plains the sturdiness of outdoor men and
the matchless beauty of the women who
have the wisdom to appropriate its bless
ings.