*** Source: History and Business Directory of Humboldt County, Lillie E. Hamm, November 1890, Eureka, Cal. *** ---page 201--- [ad] Books and Stationery 10,000 Songs and Song Books Curiosities of All Kinds J. E. Mathews [ad] HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 201 A noticeable feature in Mr. Stewart's care and management deserves special mention. He never grafts upon roots or shoots. Mr. Stewart works every plant on whole or seedling stock. Only perfect, sound and vigorous plants are permitted to leave his nurseries. This established rule is never violated, since he superintends every departure of plants personally. Purchasers can unhesitatingly rely upon his judgement and integrity. He offers the largest and most complete assortment of fruit trees on the Pacific Coast. We would call special attention to his extra fine stock of Apricots, French Prunes, Apples, Almond, Pear and Cherry trees, grown without irrigation. As a man of energy and enterprise Mr. Stewart gained the esteem of his fellow-men and merits success. THE JOHN VANCE ORCHARD A Pomological Society was founded fifty years ago, not only to unite the fruitgrowers of the county socially, but to be of practical utility in collecting and classifying the knowledge of different fruits gained in the separate localities. In Southern Alabama the fig is grown to perfection and yields enormously. In Florida the cultivation of the citrus fruits is the absorbing industry. Every variety of orange is at homes. But California with its diversified climate leads the van in horticulture. This is not merely a beautiful compliment to the Golden State, but practical results have fully demonstrated the fact presented. Humboldt county is swinging into line as one of the leading fruit-growing districts in California. Until sixteen years ago the Hon. John Vance supposed that after the redwood timber had been removed from the land in Humboldt county it would be abandoned and return to its original wildness. Many others supposed the same thing. Exceptional parties are even now met with who boldly exclaim, "remove the redwood and the bottom will drop out of Humboldt." Happily a brighter and more promising future is dawning for this county. Fifteen years ago Mayor Vance planted about 100 acres in solid orchard with the choicest and most select fruit plants of various kinds. His experience has been vast and scientific. The orchard lies about ten miles inland from the coast shore on Mad river. The location is protected from the trade winds and yet the air is vigorous in sufficient quantity to grow the most delicious flavored and perfect apples, peaches, pears and silver prunes in the world. For grapes, oranges, figs and limes Mr. Vance says Southern Humboldt and the hills are better suited for their growth. Mr. Vance never expected any beneficial result from his investment, but the experiment has proven a practical success. He feels gratified in having the early impression of the counties unfruitfulness (excepting redwood) removed. The knowledge that Humboldt is favored with the prospect of fruit-raising industry is to Mr. Vance a liberal recompense for his experimental indulgence. Mr. Orth, the Superintendent of Mr. Vance's orchard, a practical and educated horticulturist, claims a very promising fruit-growing future for Humboldt. It will be an industry that the man of small means can engage in, and by following in the line of early [ad] Gibbard & Lever, Funeral Directors and Embalmers Undertaking Parlors 3rd & H Sts., Pioneer Bdg.,Eureka [ad] ---end---