1820 April 4 Cowans' Ranch, 5 miles east of Woodland, Yolo Co., Cal. Treatise on Agriculture by L. Smith A treatise of the culture of the principal crops of this state and their management as applied to the soil and climate of California. By L. Smith. Published at San Francisco, 1864. Price $2.00. I have read the above work with great interest. It is a very complete treatise on agriculture, embracing all the branches of that science. The author has had extensive practical experience in farming, and his views are based upon long observation and careful experimentation. He gives full directions for the cultivation of every crop grown in California, including wheat, barley, oats, corn, potatoes, beans, peas, clover, alfalfa, orchard fruits, vineyards, etc. His remarks on soil preparation, manuring, irrigation, drainage, pruning, grafting, budding, insect pests, diseases, etc., are most valuable. He also treats of stock raising—cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, poultry—and mentions the different breeds suitable for each section of the state. A chapter is devoted to dairy products, showing how cheese, butter, and milk may be profitably manufactured from common materials found anywhere throughout the country. Another section contains information about bees, silk worms, canaries, pigeons, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, parrots, macaws, cockatoos, &c., &c., showing how they should be managed and fed so as to produce good results. There is also an appendix containing tables of prices paid for various articles used in agriculture during the past ten years (1854–63), together with statistics relative to production of grain, wool, hops, wine, fruit, vegetables, hay, &c., within this period. These tables will prove highly useful to those engaged in agricultural pursuits. In conclusion, I would say that this book deserves the attention of every farmer throughout California; indeed, it ought to be placed in the hands of all persons wishing to become acquainted with modern methods of cultivating land. It is written clearly and concisely, without any unnecessary technicalities or scientific jargon, making it accessible even to beginners. I cannot recommend it too highly.