RUN THROUGH THE MUSTARD. In late spring, wild mustard grew on thick stalks, the tallest up to six feet. And the mustard grew in such abundance throughout Southern California that, even when the yellow bloom was gone, the dry stalks could conceal cattle. Ranchers would arrange a “run through the mustard” – a two or three day search to track down strays. C. H. Brinley, manager of Rancho Los Alamitos, wrote of inviting other rancheros to participate: “The Temples,, Manuel Dominguez, and the Coyotes will be there sure, and most likely a sufficient number of people will be brought together to effect some good.” San Diego Reader
2 comments:
Mustard is an "introduced species". In school we were taught that the Mission padres spread the seed along the El Camino Real as they moved from mission to mission as feed for animals. Today it seems to be such a part of the landscape. Of course, the ubiquitous eucalyptus, we were taught, was introduced from Australia to provide material for fuel and ties along the railroad right-of-ways. Palm trees are also introduced. Yet, today each is part of the landscape iconic to Southen California. Quick, someone tell the Center for Biological Diversity so we can eradicate these species.
Mustard is an "introduced species". In school we were taught that the Mission padres spread the seed along the El Camino Real as they moved from mission to mission as feed for animals. Today it seems to be such a part of the landscape. Of course, the ubiquitous eucalyptus, we were taught, was introduced from Australia to provide material for fuel and ties along the railroad right-of-ways. Palm trees are also introduced. Yet, today each is part of the landscape iconic to Southen California. Quick, someone tell the Center for Biological Diversity so we can eradicate these species.
Post a Comment