UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PUBLICATIONS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS' CROP MANUAL BY J. ELIOT COIT AND WALTER E. PACKARD BULLETIN No. 210 (Berkeley, Cal., January, 1911) BERKELEY THE UNIVERSITY PRESS 1911 Benj. Ide Wheeler, Ph.D., LL.D., President of the University. EXPERIMENT STATION STAFF. E. J. Wickson, M.A., Director and Horticulturist. E. W. Hilgard, Ph.D., LL.D., Chemist (Emeritus). W. A. Setchell, Ph.D., Botanist. Elwood Mead, M.S., C.E., Irrigation Engineer. (Absent on leave.) Lerov Anderson, Ph.D., Dairy Industry and Superintendent University Farm Schools. M. E. Jaffa, M.S., Nutrition Expert, in charge of the Poultry Station. R. H. Loughridge, Ph.D., Soil Chemist and Physicist (Emeritus). C. W. Woodworth, M.S., Entomologist. Ralph E. Smith, B.S., Plant Pathologist and Superintendent of Southern California Patho- logical Laboratory and Experiment Station. G. W. Shaw, M.A., Ph.D., Experimental Agronomist and Agricultural Technologist, in charge of Cereal Stations. E. W. Major, B.Agr., Animal Industry, Farm Manager, University Farm, Davis. F. T. Bioletti, B.S., Viticulturist. George E. Colby, M.S., Chemist (Fruits, Waters and Insecticides), in charge of Chem. Lab. H. J. Quayle, A.B., Assistant Entomologist, Plant Disease Laboratory, Whittier. W. T. Clarke, B.S., Assistant Horticulturist and Superintendent of University Extension in Agriculture. H. M. Hall, Ph.D., Assistant Botanist. C. M. Haring, D.V.M., Assistant Veterinarian and Bacteriologist. John S. Burd, B.S., Chemist, in charge of Fertilizer Control. E. B. Babcock, B.S., Assistant Agricultural Education. H. A. Hopper, M.S. A., Dairy Industry, University Farm, Davis. W. B. Herms, M.A., Assistant Entomologist. J. H. Norton, M.S., Assistant Chemist, in charge of Citrus Experiment Station, Riverside. W. T. Horne, B.S., Assistant Plant Pathologist. J. E. Coit, Ph.D., Assistant Pomologist, Plant Disease Laboratory, Whittier. C. B. Lipman, Ph.D., Assistant in Soil Bacteriology. R. E. Mansell, Assistant in Horticulture, in charge of Central Station grounds. A. J. Gaumnitz, M.S., Assistant in Cereal Investigations, University Farm, Davis. E. H. Hagemann, Assistant in Dairying, Davis. B. S. Brown, B.S.A., Assistant in Horticulture, University Farm, Davis. F. D. Hawk, B.S.A., Assistant in Animal Industry. J. I. Thompson, B.S., Assistant in Animal Industry, Davis. R. M. Roberts, B.S.A., Field Assistant in Viticulture, University Farm, Davis. J. C. Bridwell, B.S., Assistant Entomologist. C. H. McCharles, B.S., Assistant in Agricultural Chemical Laboratory. J. C. Roper, Patron University Forestry Station, Chico. Mrs. D. L. Bunnell, Secretary to the Director. E. C. Miller, Foreman University Forestry Station, Chico. N. D. Ingham, B.S., Assistant in Sylviculture, Santa Monica. John T. Bearss, Foreman Kearney Park Station, Fresno. E. H. Smith, M.S., Assistant Plant Pathologist. T. F. Hunt, B.S., Assistant Plant Pathologist. C. O. Smith, M.S., Assistant Plant Pathologist, Plant Disease Laboratory, Whittier. M. E. Stover, B.S., Assistant in Agricultural Chemical Laboratory. P. L. McCreary, B.S., Laboratory Assistant in Fertilizer Control. F. L. Ykaw, B.S., Assistant Plant Pathologist, Vacaville. F. E. Johnson, B.L., M.S., Assistant in Soil Laboratory. Charles FUCHS, Curator Entomological Museum. P. L. Hibbard, B.S., Assistant Fertilizer Control Laboratory. W. H. Volck, Field Assistant in Entomology, Watsonville. E. L. Morris, B.S., Field Assistant in Entomology, San Jose. J. S. Hunter, Field Assistant in Entomology, San Mateo. L. M. Davis, B.S., Assistant in Dairy Husbandry, University Farm, Davis. L. Bonnet, Assistant in Viticulture. S. S. ROGUEBS, B.S., Assistant Plant Pathologist, Plant Disease Laboratory, Whittier. B. A. Madson, B.S.A., Assistant in Cereal Laboratory. Walter E. Packard, M.S., Field Assistant Imperial Valley Investigation, El Centre E. E. Thomas, B.S., Assistant Chemist, Plant Disease Laboratory, Whittier. CONTENTS. Introduction, 139. The Weather Conditions, 142. Soils of Imperial Valley, 147. The Use of Water in Irrigation, 156. Insect Pests and Diseases, 163. Varieties Best Adapted to the Valley, 164. Discussion of Crops arranged Alphabetically: Alfalfa, 165; Almond, 169; Apple, 169; Apricot, 170; Artichoke, 172; Aspar- agus, 172; Avocado, 174; Banana, 174; Barley, 193; Beans, 174; Beets, 176; Berseem, 3 77; Blackberry, 177; Broom Corn, 234; Buckwheat, 177; Cabbage, 177; Cantaloupe, 216; Carrot, 178; Cassava, 178; Castor Bean, 178; Cauliflower, 179; Celery, 179; Cherry, 179; Citron, 179; Clovers, 180; Corn, 180; Cotton, 181; Cowpeas, 185; Cucumber, 185; Currant, 185; Dates, 185; Dewberry, 188; Eggplant, 188; Eucalypts, 189; Figs, 192; Flax, 193; Gooseberry, 193; Grains, 193; Grape, 194; Grasses, 211; Guava, 213; Hemp, 213; Jujube, 213; Kafir Corn, 234; Kumquats, 213; Lemons, 214; Lettuce, 215; Licorice, 215; Lime, 215; Loquat, 215; Mulberries, 215; Muskmelon, 216; Oats, 193; Olives, 218; Onion, 221; Orange, 222; Peach, 226; Peanut, 226; Pear, 227; Peas, 228; Pecan, 228; Pepper, 228; Per- simmons, 229; Pineapple, 229; Plums, 229; Prunes, 229; Pomegranate, 230; Pomelo, 231; Potato, 232; Pumpkin, 232; Quince, 232; Eadish, 233; Easpberries, 233; Khubarb, 233; Eice, 233; Eoselle, 233; Salt Bush, 233; Sesbania, 234; Sorghums, 234; Spinach, 237; Squash, 237; Strawberries, 237; Sugar Cane, 239; Sweet Potatoes, 239; Tobacco, 240; Tomatoes, 240; Turnips, 241 ; Vetch, 241 ; Walnuts, 241 ; Watermelon, 241 ; Wheat, 193. The Weeds of Imperial Valley, 242 ; Herbicides, 245. Plants for Ornament and Comfort: Lawns, 246 ; Shade Trees, 247 ; Shrubs, 249 ; Vines, 251 ; Eoses, 252 ; Perennial Flowers, 253; Annual Flowers, 253. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. We wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to the large number of residents of the valley for their kindly co-operation and assistance and for furnishing much of the data contained in this publication. We wish to especially thank Mr. Francis Heiny, Horticultural Com- missioner W. E. Wilsie, Dr. E. W. Hilgard, Mr. N. D. Ingham, Dr. C. B. Lipman, Dr. G. W. Shaw, and Mr. H. G. Whiting for valuable suggestions, proof reading, etc. Mr. H. Egge of El Centro kindly furnished data in regard to sugar beet tests made by him. We are especially indebted to Prof. F. T. Bioletti for kindly consenting to write the entire article on "Grape Culture in Imperial Valley.' ' IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS' CROP MANUAL BY J. ELIOT COIT and WALTER E. PACKARD INTRODUCTION. The Imperial Valley is indeed a new country, for it has been the abode of man for but little more than ten years. In 1900 this great Valley was an uninhabited solitude with scant vegetation. Typical desert plant life was fairly well distributed over the total area but the native flora consisted of a remarkably small number of species. The valley floor was studded here and there with clumps of the crea- sote bush (Larrea tridentata) , the mesquite ( Prosopis juliflora), and shad scale (Atriplex canescens). On alkali spots the saltwort (Sua- eda torreyana) predominated, while along the beds of dry water courses the arrow weed (Pluchea sericea) and some poplars were to be found. The absence of water and the pitiless sun made this coun- try very difficult of exploration and it had long been regarded by many as absolutely worthless. In March, 1902, however, water for irriga- tion purposes was first turned into the Valley from the Colorado River and as large numbers of hardy pioneer settlers began to arrive, there immediately began one of the most rapid and altogether aston- ishing transformations which has ever come over a landscape. "From Desert to Garden, " " From Worthlessness to Wealth, " " A Submarine Empire Where the Mirage has been Materialized, ' ' — these are some of the expressions used by different men to indicate the extent and qual- ity of the transformation. As in other newly settled irrigated areas, the first crops grown were those which would yield a quick harvest and bring fair returns. Thus during the first few years the leading crops were barley, milo maize, wheat, kafir corn, and sorghum. As soon as a quantity of feed was produced cattle and hogs were brought in and the dairy industry be- gan to develop. The almost continuous growth and satisfactory yields of alfalfa made it a very popular crop and within five years the area in alfalfa increased to over fifty-five thousand acres. 140 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA — EXPERIMENT STATION. With the completion of the railroad from Imperial Junction to Calexico on the International line it became practicable to raise more perishable crops for shipment to eastern markets. The soil and cli- mate were found to be well suited for producing early cantaloupes. At first the profits were large and the area devoted to this crop in- creased rapidly until in 1908 nearly 10,000 acres were planted. This proved to be too much with the methods of marketing then in vogue and while a fine crop of melons was produced, much money was lost. Subsequent crops being smaller in amount were better handled and have paid well. Fig. 1. — The Valley floor before irrigation began. By the winter of 1908 a large number of different crops were being experimented with by various ranchers and it became more and more evident that on account of the fact that this great inland valley pos- sessed climatic and soil conditions unique in American agriculture, that it was imperative that a public experiment station, supported by the state, be established in the valley in order that the life history, adaptation, and methods of culture of all crops might be studied scien- tifieally and the results published for the benefit of all the residents in the valley and especially for settlers newly arrived from the east. Accordingly the following bill was prepared and passed the State Legislature early in 1908: "An Act making an appropriation for the investigation of agri- cultural and horticultural problems and conditions in Imperial Valley BULLETIN 210. IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS' CROP MANUAL. 141 and providing for the establishment in said county of a branch agri- cultural experiment station for the purpose of prosecuting said work. "The people of the State of California, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows : "Section 1. The regents of the University of California are hereby directed to cause to be prosecuted, through the Southern California Pathological Laboratory and branch agricultural experi- ment station, investigations on the conditions and problems attending the culture of crops in the region known as the Imperial Valley and similar adjacent sections. "Sec. 2. Such investigations shall be particularly directed to- ward the solution of various difficulties and problems affecting the growing of crops, which have arisen in said region on account of the unique natural conditions obtaining in that portion of the State. "Sec. 3. The regents of the University of California are hereby authorized to establish at some suitable point in Imperial county a branch agricultural experiment station for the purpose of carrying on the work herein provided for; provided the necessary land therefor is obtained without cost to the State. "Sec. 4. The sum of six thousand dollars (6,000) is hereby appropriated out of any money in the State Treasury not otherwise appropriated to be expended by the regents of the University of California in carrying out the purposes of this act, and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his warrant for the same, payable to the regents of the University of California, and the treasurer of the State is hereby directed to pay such warrant." Accordingly a public hearing was held in El Centro in September, 1909, to which everyone interested in the establishment of the station was invited. The consensus of opinion at this hearing seemed to be that the amount of money appropriated was insufficient to fully es- tablish a station according to Section 3 of the law and that it should be used in securing one or more men to carry on cooperative experi- ments and to make a general survey of the conditions and needs in regard to experimental work; the work conforming to the require- ments of Section 1 of the law. This has been carried out and the present publication is offered as the result of a study of the plant life history of the region with particular reference to the adaptations of the different crops. The information presented herewith has been drawn from many sources. Some field experiments have been carried out even in the short time which has elapsed since the work was begun. The authors 142 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. have visited and sent letters to hundreds of ranchers in all parts of the valley in the work of collecting together the results of private ex- perimentation. This information has been sifted, analyzed and ar- ranged in order. Considerable data was obtained from the older irri- gated Coachella Valley and adapted to the conditions in Imperial Valley. The findings of the branch station of the Arizona Experi- ment Station at Yuma in the Colorado River Valley have been given Fig. 2. — Scene on Whiting Ranch after eight years of irrigation. due consideration, for this region has much in common with the Im- perial Valley. After exhausting all available sources of information, there of course still remained a number of crops concerning which but little definite data could be gained. This bulletin represents, therefore, to a certain extent, a digest of indications as well as actual experimental results, and we hope that in as much as it is intended primarily for newly arrived settlers who may be largely ignorant of local conditions, that it will be received with charity by those older residents of the valley who have gained by costly experience much of the information we would disseminate. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. On account of the short time during which the Imperial Valley has been settled the available weather records are very meagre and frag- mentary. They do not extend back through a sufficient number of years to constitute a body of data from which reliable averages may Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' CROP manual. 143 be computed. In studying the relation between climate and crops, however, the extremes are much more important than the means and constitute in most cases the factor which determines the possibilities of growth. In common with other inland arid regions the weather of the Im- perial Valley is noted for its extremes. It is characterized by changes and variations both in temperatures, wind velocity and humidity which are often very sudden. Being hemmed in by mountains on the east, north and west, the valley is denied the great regulating in- fluence of a large and deep body of water. Variations in temperature within each twenty-four hours are usually great, and sometimes amount to as much as fifty degrees. Throughout a large part of the year the relative humidity of the atmosphere is very low and conse- quently the days are relatively warmer and the nights relatively cooler than in humid and coast regions in the same latitude. A large amount of moisture in the air acts as a blanket in retarding the pene- tration and radiation of heat, and consequently where this is largely lacking the rapid heating of the air at sunrise and cooling off at sun- set is very noticeable. On account of the dry air and the consequent rapid evaporation of moisture from the body the high temperatures of summer are not unbearable and do not seem nearly so high as the dry bulb thermometer may indicate. During a part of July and August when the relative humidity is increased by the proximity of thunder storms the weather is very unpleasant. During the winter months the climate is usually dry, crisp, and sunny, and is considered by all to be both delightful and invigorating. Weekly Maximum and Minimum Temperatures and Weekly Averages of Eelative Humidity. Taken at El Centro by Capt. Allen Kelly, Av. Relative Av. Relative 1909 Max. Min. Humidity 1909 Max. Min. Humidity Jan. 7 70 40 28 8 91 49 9 14 78 42 27 15 91 50 25 21 78 46 28 22 91 51 35 28 74 36 32 29 96 53 30 Feb. 4 70 38 28 May 6 100 55 18 11 69 39 27 13 97 56 35 18 75 40 19 20 94 55 25 25 80 41 11 27 101 60 25 Mar. 4 79 42 22 June 3 112 56 30 11 78 44 17 10 109 62 21 18 77 38 21 17 108 62 19 25 71 39 27 24 ' 108 68 24 Apr. 1 82 51 15 July 1 114 72 27 144 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. Av. Relative 1909 Max. Min. Humidity July 8 108 66 23 15 113 66 18 22 114 74 31 29 110 64 21 Aug. 5 110 70 31 12 114 73 30 19 102 70 37 26 108 81 26 Sept. 2 110 74 31 9 107 72 52 16 106 64 23 105 62 30 100 58 Av. Relative 1909 Max. Min. Humidity Oct. 7 96 52 3 14 98 56 21 95 52 28 102 52 Nov. 4 96 45 11 92 46 18 80 37 9 25 86 39 17 Dec. 2 78 34 9 9 64 48 16 74 35 23 59 27 30 68 32 Daily Relative Humidity Records for 1909 Taken by U. S. Weather Bureau at Brawley, Cal. Time of Observations 5 p.m. Day of Month Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 1 41 36 31 17 6 9 13 13 42 19 15 45 2 43 33 34 12 10 8 24 18 18 38 16 42 3 45 83 33 13 10 21 34 25 27 25 17 • 17 4 46 43 26 30 11 21 23 32 35 22 24 21 5 44 42 23 20 10 9 10 77 47 24 19 30 6 46 64 40 24 13 6 14 34 48 15 23 42 7 49 56 19 16 15 17 17 24 41 21 22 43 8 44 34 21 18 12 14 9 33 23 18 25 43 9 54 50 29 14 18 9 10 18 15 13 33 72 10 46 51 16 13 15 9 9 17 26 14 35 50 11 31 55 30 29 8 9 12 14 11 26 49 24 12 46 66 18 16 22 9 12 36 14 26 43 26 13 57 43 19 13 35 9 14 37 10 26 32 26 14 60 26 16 16 14 11 22 50 14 22 51 25 15 57 39 18 29 15 8 31 52 19 23 33 33 16 39 25 25 19 12 11 30 91 17 40 22 28 17 37 39 20 23 12 14 26 56 14 33 27 19 18 42 31 36 32 16 27 26 42 14 29 31 24 19 42 23 22 29 26 14 24 33 16 17 44 19 20 49 37 40 20 18 9 13 24 12 27 25 93 21 46 44 31 30 25 10 12 22 25 22 52 65 22 50 14 82 11 25 14 43 20 22 22 39 87 23 55 15 52 14 25 10 25 29 24 14 46 75 24 34 32 42 17 11 17 33 39 23 24 42 49 25 63 34 33 15 9 16. 22 34 24 15 51 52 26 58 33 85 15 9 28 13 35 23 18 94 47 27 68 31 39 10 16 20 8 27 53 28 40 50 28 51 31 36 21 19 23 6 27 12 16 29 49 29 34 36 12 10 18 11 29 15 29 31 49 30 33 13 7 8 13 22 89 21 24 38 33 :;i 44 15 8 16 58 23 88 Av. 16.9 39.3 31.6 18.5 14.9 13.8 18.8 36.6 23.5 23.6 34.9 44.1 Bulletin 210. IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS CROP MANUAL. 145 The average wind movement for the year is from five to six miles an hour and the usual direction is from the south and southwest. About every two or three weeks in the spring, however, and with longer in- termissions in the summer and fall there arises a sudden strong wind which blows from one to four days at from fifteen to thirty-five miles per hour, usually from the northwest, but sometimes from the south- west. These winds are known locally as dust storms and carry suffi- cient impalpable dust to obscure completely at times the mountain ranges to the north and west. These winds have resulted in the piling **J£BHit i$h- ■ .~4flhj > J||Vifa||| jWa jJ^Bft JKLjEmmML A - -^ffm i^^'^'liP^ Fig. 3. — Typical hummock of wind-blown sand. up along the northeastern side of the valley of sand dunes of consid- erable height and extent. The thunder storms so common during July and August in central Arizona are much less common in Im- perial Valley, but during these months there is a marked increase in the relative humidity. In view of the frequency of winds it is highly desirable that for the good of the orchards and the greater comfort of the home that the rate of tree planting in the valley be greatly increased. Tall wind- breaks of eucalyptus or cottonwood running north and south at fre- quent intervals would do much to lessen the damage and discomfort due to these winds. WIND VELOCITY. Average Monthly Movement at BRxYwley, Cal. (U. S. Weather Bureau). In Miles Per Hour. —1909 — Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Av. monthly mov't 7.9 9.0 8.7 6.8 6.4 5.9 5.4 4.9 Max. for 5 min. 34 36 38 28 44 28 24 — 1910 — Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. A 5.4 4.7 4.5 5.8 6 36 27 39 35 33 146 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. So far as the growth of crops is concerned the natural rainfall amounts to very little and cannot be depended on. Much of the pre- cipitation comes in light showers and soon evaporates again into the air. The weather records of precipitation in the valley are so meagre as to be worth little. At Indio, however, near the northern end of the valley, the U. S. Weather Bureau has kept records of rainfall for thirty-two years and it is likely that the rainfall there is practically the same as in the Imperial Valley. Monthly and An: STUAL '. Precipitation at '. Indio, Eiverside Counts ", Cal Ele vation 20 feet. Year July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June Annual 1877 1.98 0.10 1.10 1878 1.00 0.60 0.30 1.30 1879 0.40 0.70 1880 0.70 3.45 0.50 3.95 1881 1.50 2.50 1882 1.00 0.80 1.13 0.11 2.96 1883 0.06 0.86 3.16 0.62 0.44 0.46 5.38 1884 0.70 0.10 1.00 1885 0.90 0.12 1886 0.12 0.93 0.30 1.43 1887 T 0.05 0.15 0.75 2.96 1888 1.10 1.11 0.57 1.05 6.47 1889 0.95 0.60 0.01 3.29 0.65 0.06 1.23 1890 0.10 0.20 0.22 1.90 3.31 1891 1.16 0.25 2.00 0.43 0.22 0.04 0.14 2.83 1892 0.03 1.60 2.64 1893 0.05 0.75 0.07 0.14 T T 1894 T 6.01 T 6.01 1895 0.92 0.92 1896 1.10 0.19 3.39 1897' 2.10 0.10 0.30 1.70 1898 0.30 1.00 0.40 1.30 1899 0.10 0.60 0.20 1.00 0.30 0.15 T 2.74 1900 0.08 1.04 0.17 0.29 1.46 1.75 1901 0.40 0.20 2.00 1902 0.10 0.50 0.80 0.20 0.75 1.58 1903 0.10 0.12 0.41 0.87 0.35 0.20 T 2.43 1904 T 0.33 0.80 0.19 0.41 0.87 2.00 1.30 T 5.37 1905 T T 1.06 0.14 T 0.97 2.06 0.47 7.10 1906 T 1.07 0.04 T 0.60 1.89 0.59 0.63 0.96 0.05 3.88 1907 1.60 0.05 T 0.95 0.57 0.01 3.64 1908 T 0.45 1.60 0.06 0.28 0.29 0.45 Av. 0.17 0.14 0.11 0.22 0.42 0.76 0.46 0.31 0.07 0.02 2.70 BULLETIN 210. IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS' CROP MANUAL. 147 But not only has the Imperial Valley in common with other parts of the arid southwest, the lowest rainfall and lowest relative hu- midity, but it also has a greater amount of sunshine and a greater number of clear days in the year than any other area on the continent. Mr. E. F. Chumard, located two miles east of Heber, has furnished the Weather Bureau the following record of clear and cloudy days. Sunshine Eecord in Days at Heber, Gal. Year Clear Partly Cloudy Cloudy 1906 290 38 37 1907 302 42 21 1908 308 37 20 1909 315 23 27 Fig. 4. — Cracking of new-formed soil in ditch bottom. SOILS OF THE IMPERIAL VALLEY. In general, the Imperial Valley is a constructional depression caused by the subsidence of a number of faulted strips. 1 Erosion played no part in its formation, as can be readily seen from the fact that the bed of the valley is far below sea level and therefore below any possible erosive action. At the time of this subsidence an arm of the ocean filled the valley thus formed, extending probably 200 miles north to San Gorgonio Pass. The Colorado River emptying into this gulf rapidly formed a massive delta which gradually reached across the gulf, coalescing with the small amount of aluvium and talus from i U. S. G. S. Water Supply Paper No. 225, by W. C. Mendenhall. 148 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. the peninsula range. The river at that time probaliy carried as much material as at present, which, according- to calculations by Forbes, would in one year cover one square mile with dry earth to a depth of fifty-three feet. The continuation of this process resulted in the formation of a barrier, leaving the northern end of the gulf an inland sea. The deposition of silt continued, the river following various courses across the delta, discharging both into the gulf and into what is now called the Salton Sink. This great inland sea, although prob- ably refilled at various times by receiving the entire flow of the river, was gradually diminished by evaporation until the present floor of the valley was left dry. Upon the northern slope of the delta thus formed lies the Im- perial Valley. The main mass of soils were deposited in the quiet water which formerly filled the basin. On this account the floor of the valley is covered largely with a fine laminated silt, which is broken in places by more sandy areas deposited in the slowly moving water of the varying delta channels or blown in by the wind. The outer edges of the valley are covered by coarser silts and sands, some of which have been deposited by the wind and others by the intermittent torrential streams from the surrounding mountains. The accompany- ing cross section, taken from the logs of wells bored at various points between the towns of Holtville and El Centro shows the alternating soil strata so characteristic of the valley. The drainage area of the Colorado River covers more than 225,000 square miles, including parts of Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, California and all of Arizona. The soil formed by the disintegration and decomposition of the varied rocks of so large an area would naturally be expected to contain a plentiful supply of mineral plant food elements. The aridity of the climate which pre- vents the excessive leaching of soluble salts tends to maintain the initial fertility of such soils. The content of nitrogen, however, would presumably be low, as in most desert soils where humus forming vege- tation is largely lacking. These facts are borne out by analyses made by the California Experiment Station. Not only are the essential plant food elements, potassium and phos- phorous, present in sufficient quantities, but the amount of carbonate of lime present is such that these elements should be made readily available. There is enough potash in the samples tested to render the soils permanently fertile in respect to this element. With the yearly addition of both potassium and phosphorous in the irrigation sediments the necessity of applying commercial fertilizers containing those ele- mehts may never arise. The proper physical condition must be main- Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' CROP MANUAL. 149 Sffl LevfL, loo' £00 iSfencT;*'. C/a/ 3oo 4oo 5 0o ££&<&£ C/ ^;f, • Fig. 39. — Mission olive tree three years old. hampered by the ravages of the black scale, but there is no black scale in the Imperial Valley at present and for various reasons it is not likely that this scale will ever gain a foothold. Olive trees are there- fore clean and healthy and of course require no expensive spray in o- or fumigation. 220 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. The olive has another advantage in that the crop is harvested and manufactured into pickles and oil during the delightful fall and winter months, when labor is easier to secure than at any other time of year. Then also the cotton industry will attract large numbers of cotton pickers into the valley in the late summer and early fall who will be available for olive picking during the winter. In every arid country dependent upon irrigation from canals the water supply is occasionally subject to possible interruptions. In the case of citrus or deciduous orchards this may result in the death of the trees and thus the work of many years may be lost. In the case of olives, however, the fruit falls but the trees remain alive even for several years awaiting the return of irrigation water, when they will again produce profitable crops. Olive trees are very long lived. There are old orchards in Italy which continue to produce profitable crops at an age of several hundred years. The outlook for the increased demand for olive products is becoming brighter as the country gradually recovers from the effects of the wholesale deception and fraud used before the pure food laws went into effect. If the markets of the eastern United States could be educated up to ripe pickles, the consuming public would use pickled olives as a food rather than as a condiment and the consumption would be increased enormously. All varieties of olives will grow well in Imperial Valley, but some varieties have been found more profitable than others. Some varieties are best for oil and others for pickles, but it has been found good business policy to operate a pickling plant in conjunction with each oil mill, in order that there may be no waste. The best general purpose variety is the Mission, originated at the San Diego Mission, California, which is away ahead of any other variety ever tested in the arid southwest. Other varieties highly satisfactory for oil making are Correggiola, Pendulina, Razza, and Nevadillo. The Manzanillo ripens early and is a good pickling olive, but it cannot be used for oil unless it is mixed with a large percentage of the oil of other varieties. This is due to the fact that Manzanillo oil becomes turbid at 75° F., and semi-solid at 50-60° F., thus giving to certain persons the impres- sion that it is impure. Every farm home in the Imperial Valley should have two or three Mission olive trees from which to make sufficient ripe pickles for home consumption. Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' crop manual. 221 ONIONS. Onions are very successfully grown in the Imperial Valley as a winter crop. Seed is planted in seed beds in August and September and the small plants with tops and roots trimmed are transplanted in November and harvested in March and April. Soft soil which has been in alfalfa for some time is much the most desirable. The Fig. 40. — Field of winter onions. crop is grown on flat ridges from three to four feet wide from center to center with two rows on the ridge. Water is applied plentifully during the growing season, but is gradually withheld as the harvest approaches, in order to secure a firmer better shipping onion. Culti- vation should be frequent and thorough. The crop is packed in crates holding 50 pounds each and should be shipped to market as soon as possible after harvest. It has been found that more skill is required to market the crop successfully than to produce it. The crop is easy to grow, from three to four hundred crates per acre being a common yield. The market, however, has been so unstable and variable that some years the growers realize good profits and in other years they lose money after producing good crops of onions. It is hoped that some system of marketing may be devised which will place onion culture on a more satisfactory and stable basis. 222 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION, White Bermuda is the variety most generally planted, while Crystal White Wax does well, but is not quite such a good shipper. The most serious pest yet encountered is a species of thrips found on the young plants, although some years there is little damage done. Spraying with kerosene emulsion or a soap or tobacco solution is the only remedy known for this pest. Fig. 41. — Harvesting onions grown between grape vines. OEANGE. The question as to whether Imperial County will take its place among the important orange producing counties of California is a much discussed and very important one. There is no doubt about the desirability of planting sufficient orange trees about the home grounds to produce fruit for domestic use. The question arises as to whether the amount of risk involved in planting large commercial orchards and bringing them into bearing is balanced by the likelihood of profit. Experience in Imperial Valley as well as in the Coachella and Salt River Valleys has shown that the Navel orange growing in the dry air and bright sunshine of these localities has a distinct advantage in that it sweetens earlier and has a deeper red color than when grown in other parts of California. Early, sweet, high colored fruit is in active demand at very good prices. This marked advantage is not Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' CROP manual. 223 held by the Valencia Late orange and it is doubtful whether the culture of this variety would be sufficiently profitable to warrant its extensive planting. Another advantage held by the Navel orange is that being picked and shipped early, the fruit would not have to run the risk of being frosted during the winter. There is considerable evidence which goes to show that orange trees make a very satisfactory growth and produce well under the climatic conditions of Imperial Valley wherever they are given intelligent care. It is, of course, important to plant them on land which takes Fig. 42. — Second summer's growth of orange trees near Imperial. water readily to a considerable depth, for the orange is quite depend- ent upon an abundant and regular water supply. The tree trunks should be given artificial protection from the sun in summer and the frost in winter for the first year or two, and headed low so that the foliage may continue this protection as the trees grow larger. The humus content of the soil should be increased by plowing under cover crops, spoiled alfalfa hay, manure or other organic refuse. A high humus content seems especially desirable for orange trees. One of the most important points to be considered in connection with orange culture is the liability of each locality to destructive frosts. In regards to this, we cannot give any conclusive data for the reason that the country is so new that Government Weather Rec- ords have not been taken for a sufficient number of years to give an accurate idea of the risk. There is no doubt that the degree of frosti- ness varies considerably in different parts of the valley. It has been 224 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. reported that in certain localities along the New and Alamo Rivers that tomato vines have grown continuously for several years, thus proving the absence of frost. On the other hand, there has been a report from low grounds in the vicinity of Cameron Lake near the International line of a temperature of 13° F. occurring on January 2d, 1901. From this it will be seen that the comparative frostiness of each locality should be investigated before large sums are invested Fig. 43. — Old orange orchard near Yuma, showing weeds used as a mid-summer cover crop. in citrus culture. For purposes of comparison the annual minimum temperatures taken by the Government observers at Imperial, Heber, and Calexico are given in the following table : The figures for River- side are included for the sake of comparison. 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 ]909 Lowest Temperature F. Eeached at Riverside Imperial Calexico Heber 24 26 27 28 26 22 29 26 24 32 25 24 26 32 28 27 30 32 26 25 26 21 Brawley 24 Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' crop manual. 225 The figures in this table should not be taken too seriously, for the amount of cold an orange tree may endure without injury cannot be determined by a thermometer alone but should be taken in connection with the degree of dormancy of the tree at the time of the freeze, the condition of the weather just preceding the freeze, and the number of minutes or hours during which the very low temperatures continue. It is the writer's observation that, considering their condition, the scattering orange trees in the Imperial Valley, taken as a whole, came through the cold snap of 1910 fully as well as trees of the same age and size in the older orange sections of Riverside and Redlands. It has sometimes happened that citrus trees have the fruit dis- figured by the severity of the winds. It is therefore advisable to pro- tect orange orchards by windbreaks of eucalyptus or other trees. In old orchards the windbreaks are not so necessary, as the injury is con- fined largely to the outside rows. The young trees are often badly whipped by the wind, however, and some protection is very desirable. At the present time there are no citrus scale insects in the Imperial Valley, and the County Horticultural Commission is charged with the responsibility of preventing any such pests from gaining a foothold. This, of course, means that no costly fumigation or washing and brush- ing of fruit is necessary, and one of the heavy expenses connected with the production or oranges in many other parts of the State is entirely obviated. About the only serious orange insect pest in the valley is the thrips. These small insects scratch the surface of the young and ten- der fruit and leaves, causing unsightly scars which tend to reduce their selling value. Much investigation work is at present being done by specialists looking toward a remedy for this pest. As stated above, the Washington Navel (with some of its forms, such as the Navelencia), is the most promising variety for commercial planting. Many other varieties, however, may be grown in gardens for home use, such as Sweet Seedlings, Valencia, Mediterranean Sweet, Paper Bind, St. Michael, Ruby Blood, Jaffa, Pineapple, and others. In the coldest localities in the Valley the Bigarade or Sour Orange may be grown as an ornamental. A large number of trees of sour oranges grown in the yards in the towns would add a distinct attrac- tion and act as a suggestion of the orange orchards in the more favored localities. In conclusion, we may state that the Imperial Valley offers to ex- perienced citrus growers with considerable capital an attractive field for the cultivation of Navel oranges. We would not, however, advise 226 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. a new settler unacquainted with the business and with limited capital, to stake his all on a venture of this nature where at present both the prospects of profit and the uncertainties involved seem large. PEACH. From the data available, it is clear that up to the present time peaches have not been a great success in the Imperial Valley. Some peaches are grown for home use, but a great many failures have been reported. It seems that as a rule those varieties which put out leaves and bloom very early are most successful. The trees grow vigorously enough and seem to endure the climatic conditions well, the chief complaint being that they bear very little fruit. The early blooming varieties are more susceptible to frost injury, but they usually bear more fruit than those which bloom later, when the air is so dry and hot that pollination is interfered with. Such varieties often produce quantities of very small, inferior, and often double fruits which have abortive pits. The trees suffer more or less from sunburn of the trunks, unless headed very low and pruned to thick compact heads. Crown gall of the roots has also been reported from several sources and there is at present no very satisfactory cure for this trouble. It is, therefore, a question which will have to be answered in the future, as to whether commercial peach culture for shipment out of the valley will ever be a paying industry. It is quite likely, however, that the country will produce sufficient peaches for home consump- tion. A large number of varieties should be tested out in the valley by the Experiment Station. It is also likely that the raising and testing of peach seedlings in the valley may yield new varieties far better adapted to the conditions than any of the older kinds. It is quite likely that some varieties of the honey peach of Florida or some of their seedlings would prove successful. Much experimentation is yet to be done with peaches before their true adaptation to the Imperial Valley is known. PEANUT. Peanuts are well adapted to this section, but so far have not been planted on any large commercial scale. They make a vigorous growth in the spring and summer, maturing in about five months. The yield in Imperial Valley has not been measured but will undoubtedly equal that of other good peanut sections where the yield varies from 18 to 100 bushels per acre. Any variety will do well.- The most common varieties are Virginia Red, a Tennesee white variety and Jumbo. The Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' CROP manual. 227 tops make good hay which is well relished by stock and is good feed for hogs. Being a legume, the plant improves the soil by adding nitrogen. On this account peanuts may prove to be a valuable intercallary crop. Seed is usually planted in March after all danger of frost has passed. Care must be taken not to break the inner coating of the peanut when shelling it. The seed is planted either in ridges or in hills, usually the former, the furrows being 24 to 26 inches apart. The seed is covered about 2 inches deep and irrigated well to keep up a good growth, the frequency of irrigation depending largely upon the nature of the soil. The field should be cultivated after each irrigation until the vines are too large. When the young shoots begin to go downward, some earth should be shoveled onto the center of the plant to hold the stems close to the ground. If this is not done the crop is often a failure. Light sandy or medium soils are best adapted for peanuts. PEAR. The data which has been collected in regard to pears in Imperial Valley is very conflicting and it is therefore difficult to form a reliable judgment in regard to the future of this fruit. Wherever proper care has been given the trees, the reports are encouraging. In general, pears seem to endure well the climatic conditions and make a rather slow but healthy growth. The blossoms are seldom killed by spring frosts and the trees bear young and set full of fruit wherever the proper varieties have been planted together and cross pollination insured. While a large number of varieties bear fruit of excellent quality, interest centers chiefly on the Bartlett variety, which is the great pear of commerce. Eeports of successes and fail- ures with the Bartlett are about evenly divided. Bartlett trees may begin to bear fruit the second summer. Some trees were observed to bear from six to thirty pears the third summer. There is a marked tendency for the Bartlett to bloom continually during the spring and summer months, fruit being found on some trees in all stages, from blossoms to ripe fruit as late as October 10th. Some trees, said to be of the Winter Bartlett variety, bear well, the fruit being ready to harvest the middle of December. The Made- line and Clapp's Favorite are summer varieties too soft for shipment but very desirable for home use. The Keiffer and LeConte ripen in July and August and may be expected to bear well. The variety which has proved more generally satisfactory than any other shipping pear in the Colorado and Salt River Valleys of Arizona is the Winter Nelis. Trees of this variety grow to be of large 228 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. size and produce regularly. The fruit ships well and coming at a time where there are few pears on the market usually brings good prices. There have been no reports of pear blight in the Valley up to date, although it would not be safe to say that it does not exist there. It is to be expected, however, that on account of the dryness of the air and the brightness of the sunlight, this disease which is so destructive in moister regions will cause relatively little loss in Imperial Valley. PEAS. Garden peas do very well during the cooler parts of the year, but do not endure the heat of late spring or summer. The seed can be planted any time after the first of September until February, the best time being September or October, when green peas can be had by November or early December. A good many of the plantings were killed or injured last year (1909) during the coldest weather. They should receive plenty of water, the usual practice being to irrigate every ten days to two weeks, the amount of water applied depending a good deal upon the physical nature of the soil. The medium soft soil produces the best results. The seeds are usually planted in rows from 2 to 3% feet apart ; sometimes two rows being planted on one ridge. The Yorkshire Hero is the most commonly planted, although Tele- phone, Stratagem, Gradis, and Champion of England all give good results. It is possible that the raising of winter peas for shipment north and east and even for canning may assume large proportions in future. PECAN. The pecan is native to the moist alluvial lands along the river bottoms of southern States. While it is distinctly out of place in Imperial Valley, dooryard trees may be grown and a good quality of nuts produced, provided an abundance of water is supplied. On account of the cost of land and water it is quite out of the question to attempt to grow pecans for sale and thus compete with the cheap wild lands of the south. Seedling trees seem to make a better growth than grafted trees, although the reason for this is not obvious and the question has not been subjected to an accurate test. PEPPER. Red Peppers or Chili are well adapted to Imperial Valley, but up to date not enough have been produced in the Valley to supply local markets. Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers ' crop manual. 229 The seed is planted in hotbeds in January and as soon as danger of frosts is past the seedlings are transplanted into permanent rows in the field. The pepper requires much water and during mid-summer should be irrigated weekly. Picking begins the latter part of June and continues until frost kills the plants in the fall. Medium soft soil comparatively free from alkali is best, for the pepper plant is quite sensitive to alkali. No insects or diseases have so far been reported. PERSIMMONS. Information concerning persimmons in the Imperial Valley is very meagre, very few trees having ever been planted. It is the opin- ion of the writer, unsupported by data, that most of the cultivated varieties of American persimmons, such as the Josephine, Miller, and Lonestar, will succeed fairly well, provided plenty of water and rea- sonable care is given them. Mr. F. Heiny of Brawley has tested two of the Japanese varieties, the Tane Nashi and Hashia, and reports that both do well, producing abundant fruit of good size and fine flavor. PINEAPPLE. The pineapple succeeds best in a tropical and sea-coast climate, where the air is laden with moisture from the sea and frosts are absent or very light. It would seem, therefore, that the pineapple would be decidedly out of place in the dry air and hot sunshine of the Imperial Valley. It is very doubtful as to whether the plants can thrive and fruit in the open ground. It may be possible to construct shelters covered on the top and sides with muslin which may screen out part of the light and withhold a part of the moisture evaporating from the soil. Under such artificial conditions it may be possible to grow the plants to fruiting. It is most probable, however, that the cost of the crop grown under such conditions would far exceed its market value. PLUMS AND PRUNES. The different species of plums, and even in some cases the different varieties, react very differently to the climatic conditions and environ- ment of Imperial Valley. Very much work in testing varieties and new seedlings has yet to be done before anything approaching a com- plete report can be made. The remarks following should be taken as a summary of indications based on such evidence as is available at the present time. 230 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. As a rule, the varieties derived from American and Asiatic species and hybrids between these species succeed much better than the European varieties. Such varieties as Lombard, Bradshaw and the various prunes either fail entirely or produce so little fruit as to be unprofitable. On the other hand, a number of American and Japanese plums succeed admirably and produce heavy crops. The variety which has been observed to succeed best is the Mari- anna, which is a hybrid of Myrobalan and Chickasaw. This is a small red plum ripening in early May, which is especially suitable for jellies and preserves. It grows readily from cuttings. Other promis- ing varieties which are suggested for trial as likely to be profitable are : Red June, Satsuma, Doris, Gonzales, McCartney, El Paso, Wild- goose, Wickson, Climax, Chalco, Burbank and Chabot. All plum trees in Imperial Valley should be headed low and pruned so as to provide shade for the trunks and main branches. The two great foes of the plum in the eastern states, the curculio and brown rot, are not known in Imperial. The roots are subject to crown gall disease, though not to a serious degree. Plum culture in the Imperial Valley appears to us as an inviting field for experi- ment. POMEGEANATE. The pomegranate, coming as it does from Palestine and northern Africa, finds a congenial home in the Imperial Valley. The plant thrives wonderfully and fruits heavily, not being over particular as to soil or a moderate amount of alkali. It will live without water for a considerable time, but fruits best when well irrigated. No especial pests of this plant have been reported, about the only trouble encount- ered being a cracking and splitting of the fruit just before maturing. All varieties succeed, but the variety called "Wonderful" is the most handsome and prolific known by the writer. The plants strike root readily from cuttings and are therefore very easily propagated. Americans do not seem to appreciate this delicious and refreshing fruit as the Mexicans do, and it is as yet hardly known in the northern markets. It is quite likely that with a little enterprise shown in packing and marketing, that this fruit would find a market at least for purposes of decoration. They would reach general consumption later as the people grew to know them. However, be this as it may, it is certain that any family living in Imperial Valley and failing to grow a few pomegranates for home use is missing one of the oppor- tunities of the country. BULLETIN 210. IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS' CROP MANUAL. 231 POMELO {Grape Fruit.) What was said in regard to the growth of oranges will apply almost equally to pomelos. There are a number of thrifty and productive dooryard trees bearing fruit in the valley, but no commercial orchards Fig. 44. — Pomelo tree in fourth summer. Date seedlings in the foreground. have been planted. So far as known, pomelo trees in Imperial Valley have no serious insect pests. The fruit ripens rather early, is of fair quality and could no doubt be disposed of to advantage in the north- western markets. Desirable varieties are Marsh's Seedless, Duncan and Triumph. 232 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. POTATO (Irish Potato.) As yet, most of the Irish potatoes consumed in Imperial Valley are shipped in from the coast, for the climate is not well adapted to the culture of this crop. The potato plant being sensitive both to the cold of winter and the heat of summer has a very short season in which to mature. They may be grown either in the spring or fall, spring being preferable. Soft soil is of course best, but a fair quality of tubers may be pro- duced on the heavy soils. The seed is planted about the first of February in soil still moist from previous irrigation. The ground is watered soon after planting and again after the plants appear. Plenty of water is given during the growth of the vines, but it is gradually withheld as the plants near maturity. It is practically impossible to keep potatoes for seed over the winter; in fact, the crop should be harvested and consumed as soon after maturity as possible to prevent loss from rapid decay. The yield is usually light as compared with other regions, but some heavy crops have been reported. The varieties commonly grown are Burpee's Extra Early, Early White Rose, Triumph and Salinas. PEUNES (See under Plums.) PUMPKIN. Although but little grown, the pumpkin is well adapted to the country. If planted in June or July the vines will grow throughout the summer and mature fruit before frost. We are unable to secure data on varieties as the pumpkins grown in the valley were not grown under name. They are used chiefly as a supplementary food for milch cows. QUINCE. Quinces flourish and produce heavily in Imperial Valley whenever they are given sufficient water. They withstand admirably the heat of summer provided they are headed low and so pruned as to pro- vide shade for the trunk. Quinces are not overly particular as to the quality of soil and are quite resistant to alkali. So far as known, quinces have never been injured by the cold of winter and it is very rare that their blossoms are killed by spring frosts. Owing to the fact that they are used almost exclusively for .jellies and preserves, there is not a great demand for the fruit on the open market. Abundant fruit for local markets and home use may, however, be produced with ease. Varieties suggested are Orange, Champion, Smyrna, Meeeirs Prolific, Rea's Mammoth and Pineapple. Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' crop manual. 233 EADDISH. All kinds of radishes so far tested seem to do exceedingly well when grown during the cool part of the year. Seed may be sown in succession from late August till April. Fair yields are usually secured and no particular skill is required to grow the crop. Soft soil is, of course, most desirable. EASPBEEEIES. Easpberries are native to cool countries with a humid atmosphere. They are very difficult to grow in the Imperial Valley and all attempts to grow them, so far reported, have failed. EHUBAEB. Rhubarb makes a fair growth in winter but the plants die out in summer unless considerable expense is incurred to shade and protect them from the hot sun. In fact, rhubarb is so out of place in Imperial Valley that it is not worth while to attempt to grow it. EICE. In 1904 some rice was grown in Imperial Valley as an experiment and seemed to be a partial success. The rice plant will endure the climatic conditions very well but it requires large amounts of water. Whether rice culture will ever amount to anything will depend largely on the economic conditions. EOSELLE. This is a plant long cultivated in India for its fiber, but recently introduced into this country and cultivated for the red fleshy calyces which are used in making a fine quality of jellies and jams. Sauce made from it may displace cranberry sauce. It is an annual plant, somewhat resembling cotton in size and manner of growth. It is well suited to the conditions in Imperial and has been reported as making a very satisfactory growth and producing well. No pests are at present known and the plant deserves a wider planting. Seed should be sown in beds under cover and the plants set out as early as danger from frosts is over. The product is harvested in October, November and until the plants are killed by hard frosts. SALT BUSH. The Australian Salt Bush (Atriplex semibaccata) is well adapted to the climate and has produced well wherever tried. It is fairly drouth resistant, but its special value lies in its resistance to alkali. 234 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. It will grow well on lands which are too salty for alfalfa. As a forage crop it is of course inferior to alfalfa, but is fairly well relished by sheep and by stock when mixed with alfalfa or other hay. It is not recommended, however, as a desirable crop on good soil. SESBANIA. Colorado Hemp (Sesbania macrocarpa) is a plant native in marshy land from Pennsylvania through Texas, Arizona, and Mexico to Panama. The conditions along the Colorado River are unusually good for this plant and almost impenetrable jungles of it cover large areas of the delta lands. It grows ten or more feet high and, being a legume, bears large nodules on its roots. It requires a great deal of water. Several attempts have been made to utilize the strong fibre in the stems but perhaps on account of the lack of effective decorticating machinery these attempts failed. This plant should be tried as an orchard cover crop. Although it makes a very tall growth the stalks are easily reduced to fineness by a drag and disc harrow. Seed should be sown in July. SORGHUMS Broom Corn Durras Kafir Corn Sweet Sorghums The sorghums are all well adapted to Imperial Valley and are grown to a considerable extent. Unlike Indian corn, they thrive best during the hot summer months and do well on all soils, unless alkali is unusually strong. The medium loam gives the best results. Frost prevents growth in the late fall or winter. The seeds germinate from the first of April until November and can be planted any time after the daily temperature reaches 85° or above until the last of July. If forage only is desired, August would not be too late. The middle of June is the most common time for planting. Sorghums often follow a spring crop such as barley or cantaloupes. The yield varies from one to four tons of fodder per acre, or from 1,000 to 2,500 pounds of grain. When unthreshed the yield is from one to one and three- fourths tons per acre. Sorghum fodder is inferior to alfalfa hay but is an excellent sub- stitute for it during the hot summer months. The cost of raising this crop is slight as it needs little attention. Proper care, however, pays in larger and better yields. Two or three cultivations with less fre- quent irrigations would improve results, although the cost of labor during the summer months may prohibit such practice. The cost Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' crop manual. 235 of harvesting the seed is sometimes excessive, as the heads have to be cut by hand and on this account it is coming to be used more for fod- der than for grain. The seed is usually drilled in rows 3 feet to 3% feet apart and from 6 inches to 18 inches in the rows, when grown for grain. It is sown broadcast or drilled when the fodder is to be cut or when the field is to be pastured. The seed can be planted with the ordinary grain drill when a thick stand is desired by stopping up the alternate holes. From 3 to 6 pounds of seed are used when drilled and from 6 to 15 when broadcasted. The seed bed should be well prepared by plowing and thorough discing, although seed is often planted on old barley land by simply discing the seed in after broadcasting. Irrigation usually proceeds and follows seeding and whenever the plants show a need thereafter. It is well to keep the soil well moist- ened during the first month of growth, as the sorghums all start slowly. Three thorough irrigations, given when' the plants are young and again when they head out, have proved satisfactory on sandy loam where the moisture has been well conserved. On other soils irrigations come every ten days to two weeks. Too much irrigation often induces too much growth of stalk. The sorghums will stand some drouth and will start growth immediately on the application of water. The best growth and yield comes when the growth is uniform throughout the season. The plants will endure much more alkali than alfalfa. The crop responds, however, to good soil and to good treatment. Small black flea beetles often attack the young plants and do some damage at that time. No remedy is known at present. Blackbirds and turtledoves take a good deal of the grain of the White Egyptian Corn. Broom Corn. — Broom corn has been grown here in a number of small patches and has made a strong growth of head and produced a good yield when properly handled. Both the dwarf and the standard varieties have proved successful. The expense of producing and marketing it in the face of uncertain prices has been the main factor in preventing its culture on a large commercial scale. An average yield of 400 pounds of brush has been secured from the dwarf corn. Kafir Com. — The White, Red and Black-hulled Kafir corns are all grown here, but the Red predominates. It furnishes the best crop of all non-saccharine sorghums for fodder, as the leaves are large and numerous and the grain yields well. The seed matures in 12 to 14 weeks but the stalks remain green much longer, which gives it an ad- vantage over the Durras or the saccharine sorghums for fodder. The 236 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. field should be cut when the grain is ripening and allowed to cure to get the best fodder. The kafirs are seldom cut for the grain. Ten to twelve pounds of seed are usually broadcasted and harrowed in. When drilled three to six pounds are sufficient. Sweet Sorghums. — The early Orange and the Early Amber are the most common of the Saccharine Sorghums. Any of the six or eight varieties will do well, however. Good syrup can be made but most of the sorghum is used for pasture, soiling or forage. The heads are not generally harvested for the grain as the seeds are small and the percentage of hulls to grain is rather large and the hulls are some- what astringent. "When used for soiling, the best results are obtained by cutting when almost mature. The second growth sorghum (if at all stunted) is apt to poison stock on account of the relatively high con- tent of prussic acid. The poisoning does not generally occur if the sorghum is in good growing condition. Injury to land for future plantings of barley is often reported. The reason for this injury is not definitely known, but is probably due to shallow plowing before planting the barley. The numerous surface roots of the sorghum decay slowly and may possibly have a poisonous effect. Alfalfa is not injured in the least, in fact, sorghum is considered a good crop to precede a planting of alfalfa. Durras. — The yellow or dwarf Milo Maize, White Durra or Egyp- tian Corn and the Brown Durra all do well and are generally grown for grain rather than for forage. The heads are larger and the seeds larger and softer than those of kafir corn or sorghum, but the stalks are less leafy and more mature and dry when the seed ripens than are the stalks of kafir or sorghum. Twenty pounds of alfalfa and eight to nine pounds of corn form a splendid feed for dairy cows. The heads of the Durras are pendent which makes harvesting rather diffi- cult. The stover is of little value. The Dwarf Milo is the most popu- lar, as the heads are lower and more easily cut ; the seed does not shatter and the yield of seed is good. The unevenness of the height of stalks in thin planting makes harvesting difficult. This condition can be partially remedied by thick planting, which makes the stand more uniform and the percentage of pendent heads less. The heads are usually fed unthreshed. The White Durra or Egyptian yields the best and the grains are larger and better liked than the Milo Maize, but the easy shattering of the seeds and the amount lost through at- tacks by birds, especially the blackbirds and turtledoves, make it less desirable than Milo. The Brown Durra is little grown. Bulletin 210. imperial VALLEY settlers' CROP MANUAL. 237 SPINACH. This delicious vegetable may be grown during fall, winter and early spring with the greatest ease. It does best on soft land which has been well manured. Seed may be planted from early September to February. It requires an abundance of water. All varieties do well. SQUASH. The squashes are quite tender to frost but resistant to heat. Both the bush and running varieties may be planted in late February or early March. They require soft, rich land with plenty of water for best development. Growth is checked somewhat by the dry hot weather of June and July, but some kinds, especially the running varieties, will live over the summer and produce a second crop in the fall. The summer squashes, such as Yellow Crookneck and Mam- moth "White Bush, do much better than the winter squashes commonly grown in the north. STKAWBERKIES. Successful strawberry culture in the Imperial Valley is beset with difficulties and a great deal of skill is required to produce berries on a commercial scale at a profit. Those who acquire the necessary skill, however, may grow good crops of strawberries of high quality. There is not so great an incentive to grow strawberries in Imperial as there is in the Salt River Valley of Arizona, for the reason that large quantities are shipped in from the coast and sold at very reasonable prices. Still fresh, plump, home-grown berries command a consider- able premium over the coast grown product. In most situations there are too many frosts to permit of winter berries and the regular spring crop does not ripen very much earlier than the crop on the coast. The strawberry plant grows thriftily throughout the winter, but it is always difficult to carry young plants through the heated summer season. February is the best time to set young plants. One of the most important requirements is a constant water supply. Strawberries should be irrigated at least once a week and, if possible, every four or six days. After the plants are well established they will continue to bear well for four or five years. It is also very important to select varieties which have been found to do well in the region. Such varieties are very few in number. The Arizona Experiment Station made an exhaustive test of straw- berry varieties and the experience so far gained by Imperial Valley growers shows that the Arizona findings are in the main correct and 238 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA — EXPERIMENT STATION. -2 ggjBj. "OJ& Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' crop manual. 239 applicable to Imperial conditions. Perhaps the most generally satis- factory variety is the Arizona Everbearing, which may be harvested from January to May. The Lady Thompson is good but the picking season lasts but three to four weeks. Other desirable varieties are Michel's Early, Texas and Excelsior. Growers report that such varie- ties as the Brandywine grown so largely on the coast die out entirely during the first summer. It will be seen from the above discussion that it is extremely un- likely that strawberries will ever be grown for shipment out of the Valley, and there will probably not be very many grown for local markets. Those who insist on growing strawberries in the Imperial valley, and there will probably not be very many grown for local and develop sufficient skill in watering and handling the crop. SUGAE CANE. Sugar cane, or ribbon cane, has been tried on a small scale and has proved quite satisfactory. No large area has been planted on a commercial scale as yet, partly on account of the existing economic conditions, but there is little doubt but that it would pay in a small way if a market for the fresh cane was near. The Florida cane is the only kind planted so far. Sugar cane is very successfully propagated by planting the eyes or joints, as is done in the south. The sugar content is reported high and some excellent home-made syrup has been produced. Sugar cane stands considerable alkali and does well on both medium hard and medium soft soils. The irrigation of sugar cane is practically the same as for sorghum. SWEET POTATOES. Sweet Potatoes grow exceedingly well in Imperial Valley ; so well, in fact, that they are considered as weeds by some people. The roots often live over in the soil for several years and continue to grow until they assume tremendous proportions and are fit subjects to cause won- derment at any county fair. Such holdovers are woody, however, and unfit for food. It sometimes happens that the small potatoes left in the soil sprout up continually from year to year and are difficult to eradicate from gardens and along ditches. The seed potatoes are planted in subheated beds in February and set out into the field when the slips are large enough. Soft land is much the best, as hard soil causes the potatoes to be very rough and misshapen. No serious pests have been reported so far. All varieties seem to succeed. Those commonly grown are White Vineless Yam, Southern Queen, Shanghai, Jersey Red, Yellow Jersey and others. 240 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION TOBACCO. Tobacco has been tried in a small experimental way in Imperial Valley, but it has not been grown sufficiently to warrant commercial plantings. In the tests made Sumatra and Cuban made a fair growth and produced a leaf of fine quality. Great damage is done by the wind in whipping the leaves to pieces. TOMATOES. The spring and fall climate of Imperial Valley is well suited to the growing of tomatoes; although the plants are sensitive to the intense heat of July and August they will live through this period and start a fresh growth in the fall. The plants are also sensitive to cold, but will not be killed except by temperatures below 32°. Dwarf Champion and Stone are the varieties chiefly grown. The Earliana is apt to sunburn; the Bulgaria has not given very good results. Tomatoes are generally started in covered seed beds in well pre- pared soft soil, but are sometimes planted directly in the field. In Arizona this proved to be the best practice, as the transplanted toma- toes lose all they gain in the early growth due to the check following transplanting. They are usually planted in the early spring, some- times as early as February and usually before the first of May. If started in seed beds transplanting takes place in a month or six weeks, when the plants are six to eight inches high. They should be allowed to grow rather large, so that the stems will be slightly woody before transplanting. The plants are set out in rows from four to six feet .apart and from eighteen inches to two feet in the row. Tomatoes should receive plenty of water to insure a vigorous growth, but care should be taken not to scald the young plants on hot days. Damping off is uncommon. If plants go too much to vine it is well to partially cut off the water to make them start fruit buds. If planted early, tomatoes begin to set fruit in the first part of the summer, the first tomatoes ripening about the middle of May and continuing well into July, when the hot weather precludes further growth until the latter part of August. The fall blossoms appear the latter part of September and picking can begin about December first and continue on through the winter or until the vines are killed by the frost. Soft sandy soil is best adapted for tomatoes, although good growth is made on medium hard soil. The corn ear worm does some damage and the large tomato worm does considerable injury to the plants. Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' CROP manual. 241 TUKNIP. Turnips easily endure the cold of winter, but are killed by the heat of summer. They are therefore very easily grown during the cool part of the year, their culture being very simple. Seed is planted at any time from October to March, either in rows and watered through furrows or broadcasted and flooded. They require an abund- ance of water in order to grow rapidly and produce crisp tender roots. No serious pests have been reported. All varieties succeed. VELVET BEAN (See under Bean.) VETCH. Common vetch (Vicia sativa) has been tried in the valley with variable results. Some report success and others a failure. As the plant is killed by very hot weather it should, of course, be grown dur- ing the winter, being planted in October or early November. Much experimentation is yet to be done with this plant. If it can be made to grow it will be a valuable addition to the list of winter leguminous cover crops for orchards. WALNUTS. English walnuts are very poorly adapted to the Imperial climate. They thrive best near the Coast where the sea breezes are damp and cool. A few specimens of the English walnut have been planted in the valley and they seen to be making some growth, although the foliage sunburns badly. It is likely that when the trees begin to fruit the nuts will also sunburn and the meats turn dark. Sunburn causes the hulls to adhere so closely to the nuts that they have to be hulled by hand. It is likely that trees of the native Arizona black walnut (Juglans rupestris) may be grown fairly successfully for ornament and shade. WATEEMELON. Watermelons are well suited to the Imperial Valley. The vines grow vigorously and produce abundantly of high quality melons. Seed is planted in March after all danger of frost is past, the subsequent treatment being much the same as for cantaloupes, (which see). Watermelons are grown extensively for home use and local markets, but commercial shipments out of the valley are limited to the earliest markets. The first shipments are usually made during the last week in June. 242 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. The quality of the melons is very good at first, but deteriorates during the very hot weather of July. Sometimes the vines are cut back in August, the land cultivated, refurrowed and irrigated, after which a new growth will start and melons of good quality will ripen in October and November. A large list of varieties are grown, among which may be men- tioned Kleckley Sweet, Florida Favorite and Sweetheart. WHEAT (See under Grain.) THE WEEDS OF IMPERIAL VALLEY. Weeds have been introduced into the valley largely through the irrigation water and by importing impure seeds. In spite of the strictest regulations regarding the inspection of seed and the cleaning of ditch banks, these sources of weed infestation cannot be entirely controlled, at least until the land is more intensively cultivated. It is only through careful co-operation among all of the land owners of the valley that the work of exterminating the obnoxious weeds will be at all satisfactory, as the weeds quickly spread from the badly infested farms to the neighboring clean land. The County Horticul- tural Commission has declared the following weeds a public nuisance and injurious to the agricultural and horticultural interests of the county: Johnson Grass, Dodder, Wild Morning Glory, Cocklebur, Wild Asparagus or Spring Aster, and Wild Sunflower. The following summary gives the best methods of eradicating these and other pestiferous weeds found in the valley : Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense) should be cut before bloom- ing, the earlier the better, to prevent seeding and the formation of any strong new root stocks which would form the main root stocks for the succeeding year. The old root stock dies each year so that by carefully keeping the grass cut down or eaten off, the plants can be exterminated in two or three years' time. Infrequent cultivation spreads the root stocks and causes more harm than good, but thorough and constant cultivation to keep down any growth that may appear will prove successful. Close pasturing with hogs or cattle will eventu- ally kill out this grass. Wild Morning Glory (Convolvulus incanus), sometimes known as bind weed, can best be eradicated by hoeing up the plants and then either burning or drying them in the sun. As soon as new growth BULLETIN 210. IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS' CROP MANUAL. 243 appears is should be cut out as soon as possible. Thorough cultivation after that will prove beneficial, but cultivation before the hand hoeing is apt to spread the vines and cause a wider distribution of the pest. Deep plowing helps but little. Pig Weeds (Amaranthus sp.) are hard to eradicate because of their rapid growth and because seeds from distant sources are carried onto the fields by irrigation water. The only way to keep them down is by cutting or pulling the young plants before they bloom, thus preventing the formation and spread of seed. This must be done every year, however, because the land is apt to be reseeded through the irrigation water. Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) can be killed out by thorough cultivation and summer fallowing where the land is not subirrigated. Where the land is subirrigated the eradication of this grass is ex- pensive and very tedious. Dodder (Cuscuta epithytum) can best be killed 'out by burning. Fig. 46. — Cocklebur from side of road which germinated, grew and matured three seeds, the soil having been once slightly wet with waste water. Fig. 47. — Eunning Malva. 244 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. An easy way is to pile dry hay on the spot and set it on fire. This should be done as soon as the dodder appears, as it spreads rapidly. Cocklebur (Xanthium canadense) must be prevented from seeding and to do this considerable watchfulness is necessary, as the plants grow rapidly and produce seed when very young. This is especially true in the fall when the cockleburs are apt to come up and go to seed unnoticed. They should be pulled up as soon as seen and if seed have formed they should be burned. Two years of thorough work is often needed, as the seeds are long lived. Rotation of crops and clean culture is one of the best methods of combating the cocklebur. Running malva (Sphaeralcea augustifolia) or snuffle weed, as it is sometimes called, is a pernicious weed to eradicate, which requires considerable patience. The seeds mature quickly and continually and constant and thorough cultivation is necessary to prevent reseeding. The easier way is to cultivate the plants out while still young before coming into bloom. Wild asparagus or Spiny aster (Aster spinosus) spreads both by Fig. 48. — Wild asparagus or spiny aster. Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' crop manual. 245 seed and by underground root stocks, hence the method of fighting it must be similar to that recommended for Johnson grass. Plowing a field will kill some of the plants, but to exterminate the pest, the tops must be kept down, so that no green shows above ground and no food can be stored in the roots to sustain life for further growth. The process of cutting down this weed as often as it appears above ground is a very tedious one, but if conscientiously followed will be success- ful. The easiest and cheapest way, perhaps, is to plant alfalfa and cut hay two years. This will reduce the hand work to the wild aspara- gus along the ditches and under the fences. Wild Sunflower (Helianthus annus). This is easier to fight than any of the other weeds mentioned, as it is more easily prevented from going to seed if ordinary care is used. Foxtail (Hordeum jobatum). Rotation of crops is perhaps the best method of combating the foxtail. There is no other successful and economical way of getting rid of this pest when once established in an alfalfa field. By cutting the first crops before the foxtail ripens, good feed may be secured. If cut after ripening the awns of the foxtail work into the gums of stock and cause much sore mouth. Star thistle (Centaurea melitensis) . Thorough cultivation and rotation of crops will kill out this weed. The young plants should not be allowed to go to seed. Other weeds which are sometimes troublesome in the southwest and which should be guarded against, are : Pignut, Caesalpina falcaria pringlei. Velvet weed, Gaura parviflora. Knot grass, Paspalum distichum. Switch grass, Festuca fascicularis. Nut grass, Cyperus escidentus. Smart-weed, Polygonum lapathifolium. Skeleton weed, Eriogonum deflexum. Salt weed, Suaeda torreyana. Tumble weed, Amaranthus albus. Horehound, Marrubium vulgare. Devil-claws, Martynia fragrans. Horse nettle, Solanum elaeagnifolium. Jimson weed, Datura meteloides. Morning glory, Ipomea Mexicana. Small tumble weed, Krynitskia crassisepala. Beggar's lice, Echinospermum redowskii occidentale. 246 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. Herbicides. — Thorough cultivation, short rotations and prevention of seeding are the best methods of fighting weeds. Still in some cases chemicals may be used to advantage, especially under fences and in places where it makes no difference if nothing grows. Some of the herbicides not only kill the weeds, but poison the soil to such an extent that nothing will grow. This would make no difference in the case of fence rows, walks, roadsides, etc. Salt (dry or in concentrated solution) acts the same as other alkalis. Blue vitriol is a good herbicide but is too costly for ordinary use. Kerosene. — This is rather weak in efficiency and sometimes dangerous. Carbolic acid. — This is one of the best herbicides, as it acts quickly and the crude acid is cheap. Sulfuric acid. — Effective, but not generally recommended. Caustic soda. — Used for deep rooted or woody plants. Arsenical compounds. — These are lasting and very effective. (White arsenic, 1 pound, washing soda, 2 pounds; water, 3 to 9 gallons). Distillate. — This has been reported as being very effective, and as it may be secured cheaply, it may prove one of the best. PLANTS FOR ORNAMENT AND COMFORT. Plants for Lawns. Lawns are unusually desirable in Imperial Valley on account of the dust and reflected heat from bare ground. "We are somewhat limited in our choice of plants, however, on account of the fact that the blue grass chiefly used in the east does very poorly and requires more skill to start and maintain than most people care to give. A few persons have succeeded with a mixture of blue grass and white clover, but such cases are exceptions. Bermuda grass thrives wonderfully and makes a very good lawn, but it is so pernicious in its tendency to spread and appropriate every inch of space intended for flowers and other plants, and it is so feared by farmers that it has but few friends in the valley. In the city lots of the Salt River Valley of Arizona, under similar conditions, Bermuda is largely used for summer lawns. In the fall Australian Rye Grass (or Italian Rye Grass), an annual, is sown with the Bermuda and furnishes a soft velvety lawn all winter, dying down with the approach of hot weather and the renewed growth of the Bermuda. BULLETIN 210. IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS' CROP MANUAL. 247 A new lawn plant which is coming into quite general use in Imperial is the Lippia no.di flora. This is not a grass, but a plant allied to Heliotrope and Verbena. It spreads rapidly by runners, yet is no1 hard to eradicate when desired. It lies flat on the ground, making a good carpet and is covered with small green leaves all the year and with small white or pinkish flowers most of the summer. Fig. 49. — A Lippia lawn. A very satisfactory lawn for country places may be secured by planting small pieces of the runners about a foot apart each way and watering well until the plants have grown together and form a solid mat. SHADE TEEES. The following deciduous shade trees are recommended for planting : Cottonwood, — some persons object to cottonwood on account of the disagreeable cotton which is shed, but if male or staminate trees, which produce no cotton, are selected from which to take the cuttings, this objection will be obviated. Arizona Ash is a desirable and satisfactory avenue tree. China Umbrella Tree is quick growing, hardy and pro- duces a dense shade. It is liable to be broken to pieces by the winds unless carefully pruned each winter. The true China tree produces little shade and is not nearly so satisfactory as the umbrella variety of the China Tree. Mexican Elder is a small tree which puts out fresh green leaves very early in spring and is covered with white 248 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. blossoms in summer. Honey Locust grows well and is useful for variety sake. The various kinds of Mulberry succeed admirably, although some persons object to the litter made by the falling fruit. Among evergreen trees the following are suggested : Pepper tree, — this is one of the most beautiful and generally satisfactory ornamental Fig. 50. — Cottonwood tree, a very rapid grower. evergreen trees available for Imperial planting. Several kinds of Eucalyptus (see under Eucalypts). Sterculia diver si folia or Aus- tralian bottle tree, Monterey Cypress, Chinese Arbor Vitae, Mission Olive, Washington, Canary and Date Palms. Other trees, such as the Carob or St. John's Bread, Live Oaks, Pecans, etc., are being experi- mented with and may prove valuable. Bagote trees thrive in the region and are beautiful and interesting, although they furnish very little shade. Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' CROP manual. 249 SHRUBS. Shrubbery is very useful for planting at the sides of the house and for banking along the borders of the front lawn as a boundary and to act as a background for the flowers. Pomegranate, Euonymus Japonica, and the Japan privet Ligustrum Japonicum, are especially Fig. 51. — Old-fashioned China tree, the kind to avoid. suitable for this purpose. Quick growing shrubs are also useful in screening ugly outbuildings or undesirable views. The giant reed Arundo donax, and castor bean are very quick growers, and both thrive in the climate. With these two plants available and so easily grown, there is really no excuse for such things as the cow lot, pig pen, etc., being in view from the dining room or living room windows. The oleander in many varieties makes excellent growth and blooms 250 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. Fig. 52. — The Umbrella variety of China tree. A vigorous grower and dense shade tree, but short lived and easily broken by the wind. Fig. 51 -Four-year-old pepper trees. Quite satisfactory for ornament and shade. Bulletin 210. IMPERIAL VALLEY SETTLERS' CROP MANUAL. 251 profusely in Imperial Valley. About the only objection to it is that it is poisonous to stock. It is also poisonous when eaten by children, but this rarely happens, as the leaves and flowers are exceedingly bitter. Several tamarisks have also been observed to grow well, espe- cially Tamarix hispida var. aestivalis. A large number of kinds of Cactus and Yuccas from the desert are, of course, available to those who fancy this type of ornamentals. The Squaw Bush, Lycium graci- lipes, is well suited to the country and makes a good growth, as do also several of the salt bushes. Sweet Myrtle, Myrtis communas, grows very well and is valuable either as a hedge 'plant or as a lawn specimen, where it bears beautiful white flowers and attractive dark blue ber- ries. The Tuna, Opuntia tuna, grows well, of course, and may be used both for a hedge and for its fruit. Fig. 54. — Shade trees and vines in the Imperial Valley often constitute the chief difference between a house and a home. VINES. There are several kinds of annual vines which will thrive and cover an arbor or porch, but the perennial vines are, as a rule, much more desirable. If these are deciduous they will not only keep the sun out during summer, but will let the sun in during winter. The Virginia creeper is one of the best known climbers in the United States and it thrives fairly well in Imperial Valley. One of 252 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENT STATION. its valuable features is its brilliant red autumnal coloration. The silk vine, Periploca graeca, is a rapid and vigorous grower with bright shining green leaves and is fairly resistant to alkali. Various grapes may be used for covering arbors, the wild grape of Arizona, Vitis Arizonica, being one of the most drouth resistant. Hall's Honeysuckle is also a very desirable vine which is almost evergreen and is attractive on account of the fragrance of its flowers. The trumpet creeper, Tecoma radicans, is rather a diffuse grower and is adapted as an orna- mental rather than as a sun shield. It bears large red flowers all summer. (Tecoma grandiflora also has attractive flowers). Other desirable vines are Bignonia tweediana, Clematis paniculata, Parth- enocissus tricuspidata (the Boston Ivy), and the Bougainvillea. This latter is rather tender to frost and needs some protection on frosty nights when grown in exposed situations. In the warmest places it may be possible to grow the beautiful Solanum wendlandii, which bears a profusion of large blue flowers. The most desirable vines for covering an arbor and making a sun screen here mentioned are : Silk Vine, Bignonia tweediana, and Arizona wild grape. EOSES. Many roses do very well in Imperial Valley and the total number which have been tested is large. The following are among those which have been reported as giving satisfaction : White Kaiserine August Victoria, a good white climber ; Lamarque, white climber, good ; Crim- son Rambler, red climber, very good; Etoile de France, crimson, very good ; Gruss an Teplitz, deep red, ever bloomer, very good j Governor Wood, red, very good summer bloomer ; Black Prince, red, very good ; Papa Gontier, brilliant carmine, very good ; Baby Rambler, deep pink, good; Caroline Testout, Captain Christy, General Arthur, Geo. Per- net, pink, good; Safrano, deep fawn; Madame de Watteville, salmon white, good ; Perle von Godesburg, deep yellow, good ; Sunset, Dorothy Perkins, Catherine Mermet, Helen Gould, Marie van Houtte, Golden Gate, Bridesmaid, Rainbow, M. P. Wilder, Mary J. Lang, and many others. The Mannetti stock thrives exceedingly in the soil of Imperial and most roses will do well if budded upon it. It frequently happens, however, that the great vigor of the Mannetti causes it to sucker and if the suckers are not continually cut out they will soon entirely choke out the scion. Bulletin 210. imperial valley settlers' CROP manual. 253 Perennial Flowers. One of the most satisfactory plants for permanent borders for walks and for low hedges is Santolina incana, commonly known as Lavender Cotton. This is a beautiful plant with silvery leaves and brilliant yellow flowers. It seems to be quite resistant to alkali, heat and dryness. Other perennial flowers are Chrysanthemums, Iris or blue flag, Canna, and Perriwinkle. True Lavender and Asparagus Fig. 55. — A new house near Calexieo, where a splendid start has been made toward an attractive home. are also useful for filling in for mass effects. Globe Artichoke is also very useful for this purpose. So little has been done along floricul- tural lines in the Imperial Valley that any list given at this time must necessarily be regarded as only a partial one. Annual Flowers. The following partial list of annual flowers is recommended : Sweet Pea, Corn Flower, Poppy, Yellow Oxalis, Petunia, Verbena, Ten Week Stocks, Sweet William, Snapdragon, Wall Flower, Wild Mari- gold (Bailey a multiradiata) and Gaillardia. For making a show of color in spring and early summer the following four can hardly be excelled. Petunia, Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Ten Week Stocks and Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus). The seed should be planted in a partly shaded bed in late September or early October and the little plants protected and watered in the bed all winter. Trans- plant in late January to permanent location. With good care they will come into bloom about April first. 155.9 8