1930] Prac Curture IN CALIFORNIA 
only where the annual rainfall can be adequately supplemented with 
irrigation water. 
Soil for Peaches—The best soil for the peach is a deep fertile loam, 
easily worked, and well drained. Large sections of land in parts of 
the state are totally unsuited to peach growing because of too shallow 
soil. Tt is unwise to buy land without determining the nature of the 
subsoil. A soil auger is an excellent means of determining the physical 
conditions of the subsoil, as regards texture and moisture, to a depth 
of six or eight feet. A peach soil must be free from excess of alkali 
salts, as the peach is sensitive to alkali. 
Excessive irrigation has sometimes resulted in the rise of the 
water table causing injury to the orchards. A high water table not 
only seriously limits the root development of the peach, but it may 
become a factor in the rise and accumulation of alkali in the upper soil 
layers, where most of the roots are found. The water table should not 
be within six or eight feet of the surface. Drainage to remove excess 
water may be feasible in some cases, although expensive. Land that 
requires drainage may be more satisfactorily utilized for the growing 
of other erops that withstand more moisture and alkali than does the 
peach. 
VARIETIES OF PEACHES FOR THE ORCHARD 
Choice of Varieties—There are three important considerations in 
choosing varieties of peaches for the orchard; namely, (1) adaptabil- 
ity to the local conditions; (2) suitability for the purpose for which 
they are grown; and (3) time and sequence of ripening. The value of 
a variety in a particular locality can be best determined by the 
experience of growers. 
Groups of Peach Varieties—Some authors divide the peaches into 
five groups—(1) Peen-to or Saucer; (2) Honey: (3) Svanish; (4) 
Chinese Cling; and (5) Persian. 
The varieties in the Peen-to (Saucer) group are flat, usually with 
juicy, white flesh, mottled with red. The pit is small and round 
without pronounced corrugations. The tree frequently holds its 
leaves throughout the winter. While not of general commercial value, 
varieties of this race can be planted for home use in the very mild 
sections because they are not troubled with delayed foliation. 
The fruit of the Honey group has a deep suture and a pronounced 
beak. It has a sweet honey-like flavor, but does not keep well. The 
tree tends to hold. its leaves over winter. The typical varieties are: 
Honey, Florida, Gem and Pallas. These varieties like those of the 
Peen-to group do not appear to be troubled by delayed foliation.