Tiik Fruit Industry in California.— According to the latest reports from Cali fornia abundance of rain had fallen dur ing the month of March in every part of the State, and appearances pointed to a prosperous season for fruitgrowers, there being a certainty of good crops. Dis couraging statements had been made as to an overstocked condition of tho market, but it is found that the facts are tho other way, and responsible dealers arc united in the statement that good fruit, carefully handled and packed, will always bring a good price, although efforts have been made by interested persons to force down prices for dried apricots and peaches, but the demand for a choice article in these lines was greater than, the supply. It is believed that irrigation is bound to receive a groat stimulus during the present sea son, news coming from all directions of the formation of districts for construction of comprehensive systems of irrigation, and should these be carried out the result will be to at least double the area of lauds under cultivation in the State. It is con sidered that the recent large sales of nmall farms in the central part of tho State are a good omen. The era of speculation has passed, and in its stead has come a period of solid development. Hundreds, if not thousands, of settlers are going upon these 20 and 40-acro tracts, and are earnestly at work making homes thereon and planting vineyards and orchards. Tho develop ment in orchard culturo of various kinds is larger than in any previous season, showing tha*; the popular mind is not easily impressed when interested parties prate about over-production.
