The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-02-10

In 1875 Riverside had t61 900 orange trees
planted in orchard, and in 1894 the Horticul-
tural commission f.r Riverside county reports
l,0I6,4S7 orange trees planted in orchard in
that county, OF which 373,452 are In bearing.
paratively new, with the exception of River
side it would probably be a fair estimate to
place the output of fruit from that locality at
an equivalent of 100000 bearing trees which,
given them at least 1000 carloads OF fruit for
shipment in 1884. Upon the same basis the
mia, having over 5,5oO,o00 orange trees
planted, of which about one-third are in bear
ing, should now be shipping some $4,000 cat
loads instead OF 5000 or 7OO0-the present es-
timated crop.
What are the reasons for this discrepancy :?
and what the remedy?
!. We think that both in Florida and Call
fornia, thousands of orange trees have been
planted in localities and under conditions I'M
favorable to the best development of the tree,
both in regard to its growth and its fruitful
ness.
The great profits realized by the earlier
planter, and consequent high prices for land
thought to be suita be-and the groves also
led to the planting of larger areas as matter
OF speculation without thoughtful considera-
ton OF the requisites necessary for success.
We have also been slow to learn that fruit trees
may grow to fair proportion and live for many
years without yieldi ng any returns notable
instance of this kind is the olive trees at Quito
in South America, said to have attained the
2. The inexperience of the great majority Of
fruit growers In the irrigation, cultivation and
fertiiizing of the orange tree has lead to and is
yet the cause of great losses OF fruit and much
injury and ruin of trees. No fruit tree that
we Know of will stand 80 much neglect and ill
treatment as the orange and i've and none re-
sponds more quickly in growth and fruitful.
ness to genial soil and conditions, and TO
genial and intelligent treatment.
The remedy is simple and effective, viz: dis
courage at once aud decidedly the further
planting of tho orange trees in unfavorable
localities and soils, and study and apply the
correct principles and methods In the cultiva-
ton, irrigation and fertilizing Of the orchards,
and the results are certain to be altogether
different, and much more favorable than those
given in the foregoing reports.
With these improved methods and increased
fruitfulness the standard OF Italy may be
reached and IL it should there is no danger of
over production. On the contrary, the demand
for really good fruit, and that is the only kind
that should be produced, will increase with
the area OF extending markets and the growth
OF population.
II Is reasonable to expect that with exper-
fence will come improved methods OF pick ting,
packing and distribution to the markets OF the
country, and through increased facilities,
material reduction of the expenses OF trans
portation and distribution as they now exist.
Even with reduced, yet reasonable prices,
the intelligent orange grower under favorable
conditions may expect through reduction OF
his expenses a fair margin OF profit.
Not that of the earlier days OF the industry
in this state, when the claim was frequently
made OF $500, $1,000. and even y 800 per acre
for q single crop, but certain reliable income
exceeding that OF all other fruit except that of
the lemon and the olive.