These processes by which success was achieved can now become the property of all, and a safe guide to even the most inexperienced beginners. The methods advocated here are the result of practical experience of the author, as well as of the most successful raisin-growers of this State.
For the benefit of those of our readers who now study the raisin industry at a distance, but whose steps may in the future be directed to this Coast, a descriptive tour through the raisin districts of our State has been added in order that they may see what our country is like,--the country of the raisin and the fig; the country of almonds, olives, oranges and prunes; the country where health, profit and enjoyment are more than anywhere else derived from horticultural pursuits. It is for these prospective readers, that the short biographical sketches of our principal raisin-men are intended,--short records of the pioneers of the raisin industry,--men who have broken the way which is now easy to travel, and through whose experience and perseverance others are now being benefited.
Various Kinds of Raisins 10 --Muscatels; Currants; Belvideres; Black Smyrnas; California Malagas; California Sun-dried Sultanas; Seedless Muscatels; Thompson Seedless; Dried Grapes; Lexias; California Dipped; Smyrnas; Faros; Huascos.
The Malaga District 12 --Extent and Age; Climate; Soil; location of the Vineyard; Varieties of Grapes; Characteristics of the Raisins; Yield of Grapes; Distances of the Vines; Pruning; Manuring and Fertilizing; Drying Floors or Sequeros; Drying and Curing; Packing; Labor.
Valencia and Denia 15 --Extent of the District; Soils and Appearance of the District; Climate; Irrigation; Quality of the Raisins; Planting and Care; Dipping and Scalding; Drying and Curing; Packing and Disposing of the Crop; Export and Production.
Corinth and Currants 22 --Historical and Geographical Notes; Characteristics and Quality; Soil and Irrigation; Preparation of the Land; Distances of the Currant Vines; Care of Cuttings; Planting and Grafting; Pruning the Vines; Care of the Vineyard; Ringing the Branches; Drying and Curing; Cost of Currant Vineyards in Greece; Consumption and Production.
Smyrna Raisins 30 --Districts in Smyrna; Climate; Care of the Vines; Dipping, Drying and Curing; Production and Export; Cost of Vineyards in Smyrna; Other Varieties of Raisins.