hen we come to consider the products of the soil of Redlands the orange, of course, stands first and foremost. It must be remembered that the orange industry is comparatively new here, that groves more than ten years old are rare, and that a vast majority of the trees have not be in bearing more than five years. But the fruit speaks for itself. With all respect for other orange districts in Southern California, the judgment of the best authorities, both in California and abroad, is that the Redlands navel orange is certainly not excelled, if equaled in all the elements that go to make the perfect orange. This excellence, as explained by competent judges, results from the comparative freedom from frosts and fogs, the peculiarly favorable conditions of the climate, the abundance of the water supply and the incomparable quality of the soil for the growth of citrus fruits. In addition to these natural advantages, it is but just to the Redlands orange growers to say that they have given an unusual share of their time and money in the scientific study of orange culture and in experimental effort to attain the best results. As showing the enormous increase in the production of this fruit, it is interesting to note, that the first car from this locality was shipped January 21, 1885; that the shipments for the next six years aggregated about 260 cars; for the next four about 2,700 cars; and a conservative estimate for the coming season is 950 cars.

As will be seen by the census report, apricots come next in the amount of acreage planted out, with peaches a close third and lemons not far behind the latter. Apricot and peach trees make a wonderful growth, too rank in fact, and only severe pruning prevents a total ruination of trees from branches too heavy to be sustained by the comparatively young and small trunks. Then, also, the crops are unusually large and the branches bend to the ground with the superabundant fruit. With the generality of trees, props are a necessity. The product is of fine flavor, large size and inimitable coloring. Local dryers and outside canneries have heretofore prepared these crops for the market, but a home factory, finely equipped with the best and latest machinery, has this year been built, and Redlands preserved fruits will soon be an unexcelled product in the marts of the world. Our lemons are rapidly growing in favor, as the quality of the fruit deserves. The crop is prolific and of high standard.

Olive culture has within the few years, attracted much attention, but only recently have large tracts been planted out within the limits of Redlands. Consequently this fruit is in the experimental stage. Certain it is the trees make a fine growth and those which were early planted, more especially as ornaments, produce an abundant crop. It is thought that the dryness of the air would be especially beneficial in warding and keeping off the scale, the great pest of olive culture.

Grapefruit is also receiving considerable attention, and there is no doubt that the young orchards recently started will in time make heavy returns on the investment, and produce unexcelled fruit. A number of trees now in bearing point conclusively to this result.

Grapevines grow luxuriantly, produce abundantly superior bunches of luscious fruit, but the margin of profit is so very small, that, in the near future, acreage only sufficient to meet the local demand will be cultivated.

Guavas, with their luxuriant foliage and rich product, are seen about almost every home. The fig and persimmon flourish, as does almost every variety of semitropical fruit, but all these receive scant attention in a place, where the orange is the superlative product.

Small fruits are prolific; the strawberry almost perennial, but the berries which appear in the market in the winter months are inferior in flavor and coloring to those which ripen under a warmer sun. Small fruits, as a rule, however, are only produced in sufficient quantity to meet home use and the local trade.

Apples, pears, plums and cherries are not in favor as producers, but Redlands finds a magnificent and rich supply in the canons of the nearby mountains, which furnish fruit exceptionally free from worms.

Of vegetables there is a never-ending supply. Summer and winter the markets are bountifully supplied with all varieties, raised within the city limits or in neighboring localities, and they are cheap. Rarely does the mercury drop to the freezing point, and even this temperature is made less destructive by the warmth of the soil.

The flora of Redlands generally speaking, both wild and cultivated, is exceptionally rich in variety, beauty and vigor of growth. There is not time in the year when beautiful wild flowers may not be gathered on lands that have not yet been cultivated. The yellow poppy, or gold cup, as it is more fittingly named in Spanish - copa oro, grows prolifically in the wild state, and it justly commands the distinction of Queen of the Wild Flowers of California. Any attempt to fairly and fully describe the cultivated flora of Redlands would involve the writing of a book. To catalogue the varieties alone would require a many-paged pamphlet. Homage must be specially paid, however, to the multiform and multicolored rose, which under the genial skies of Redlands changes from the eastern pot-plant almost to the dimensions of a tree. In many varieties it covers verandahs, climbs to the tops of houses, borders walks and forms hedges. The chrysanthemum, national flower of Japan, where it bears the pretty name "Kikii," flourish here in many varieties and the tender, delicate heliotrope tells the whole story of climatic perfection by blossoming all the year.

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 4)

When most plenty fresh eggs sell at retail at 12 ½ cents per dozen in Redlands. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 7)

One and one-half boxes per tree is a conservative estimate of the product this season of the 5 year-old navel orange orchard, a view of which can be seen on another page. The trees are planted 90 to an area. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 16)

Twenty tons of apricots were gathered the past season from the three-year-old orchard of 14 acres in Lugonia, which is pictured on another page of this volume. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 18)

Songbirds increase in number and variety as the cultivated area is extended. The mocking bird is a native of the country. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 38)

Rose geraniums, started from a slip a foot long, will attain a height of five feet and a girth of ten feet, if properly cared for, in two years in Redlands. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 45)

In the height of the season the largest and finest melons sell for ten cents. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 47)

The first car of deciduous fruits (peaches) shipped from Redlands and vicinity was forwarded August 4, 1886. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 51)

In the '80's the nurseries sold orange trees for $1 to $1.50 each. An offer of the larger price for 10,000 trees was refused by a prominent firm. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 51)

On December 1, 1893, the first whole car of lemons was shipped from Redlands. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 55)

Fruits, flowers, sunshine, Redlands - a glorious quartette. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 63)