Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1899-09-20
SANTEE, CALIFORNIA. Sent. 5

SANTEE, CALIFORNIA, Sept. 3
FRIEND MUNSoN:-Our long and
most delightful summer is on the de-
cline, as indicated by shortning DAYS,
and after a couple of months more we
expect the changes that come with the
rains. Though our summers are long
n marked by few changes, yet there
is not the atmospheric sameness n
would imagine. There are many pleas
ing variations, but nom that are harsh.
Back from the coast it is sometimes
hot the sun coming down with peculiar
scorching heat, but not oppressive. and
never causing sun-stroke, while shade
anf ocean breeze are always found cool
and refreshing. Nights are uniformly
cool and restful. Early mornings are
sometimes overcast by high fogs that
roll IN from the ocean and lift as they
move inland. Changes in atmosphere
produce many pleasing effects. At
times the most distant mountains ap-
pear but a few miles away, and rocks
and other rugged features ordinarily hid
by distance are plainly seen. The very
sky seems nearer to earth. Then again
the mountains are wrapt in haze, draped
as it We're in finest gauze, subduing all
~ruggedness, and throwing outlines dim
ly against the distant sky. And the
sunsets are unsurpassed in grandeur and
beauty. When there are cloads, eachis
brilliant with hues and tints of D
ing loneliness. And when all the val
ley is in the shadow of evening the
mountain peaks are gilt with lingering
rays of sunshine.
The seasons fruit crop is not album
dant, but quality and prices &c to make
up the deficiency. Grape picking is at
hand and as there are some three thous-
and acres of raisin grapes in the valley
it lively times for a while. In
dams and Mexicans are gathering from
the surrounding hill country and going
into camp in readiness for picking.
Their camps hardly deserve the name.
as they consist in the most cases of a
few old blankets and some cooking
utensils. Shelter is not necessity here
at this time of the year. Some, how
ever, pitch tents and live in better
shape. A good many 'tAmericanos''
also find employment in vineyards, but
picking is hard work and poor pay and
they don't take to it very kindly. Vines
run on the ground and the constant
stopping is not enjoyable exercise. Raj
sins will probably bring good prices. In
fact this is assured by the Raisin Grow
ers Association, a combine including
about ninety five per cent of the growers
of the state, and practically controlling
the whole industry. Each member
places the ~unreserved control of his crop
in the hands of the association, thus eff
fectually shutting out competitive buy
ers, dispensing with ordinary commits
sion men, and enabling the producers
to have their rightful say in the matter
of prices. 1t did not succeed in getting
full swing until a year ago, but is Civ
ing such satisfaction in the regulation
of prices that it has doubtless come to
stay. True, a similar association of
manufacturers would be called a trust, "
and afford target practice for certain
calibred politicians, but that only goes
to show what a difference a little differ
makes.
Bryan is in the state now, but maybe
he won't catch on to this trust, " as he
just comes owe to tell us we have nc
use for the Philippines, and not to be
away with inperialism-alias
McKinleyism. But this is your off a
in politics, a well as ours, and | would
not disturb the needed rest.
Very truly yours,
p T LAYNE