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A history of California's products would be incomplete without a
reference to him who is called the "Wonder Worker of Santa Rosa."
"Magician! Conjurer!" are terms frequently applied to Mr. Luther
Burbank, the man who is acknowledged by the scientists of the world to
have done more with fruits and flowers than any other man. Mr. Burbank
waves his wand, and the native poppy turns to deepest crimson, the white
of the calla lily becomes a gorgeous yellow, rose and blackberry lose
their thorns, the cactus its spines. The meat of the walnut and almond
become richer in quality, while their shells diminish to the thinness of
a knife blade.
Yet in these seeming miracles there is nothing of "black art" or sleight
of hand. The experiments of this wonderful man, the surprising results
he gains, are obtained, first by a close study of the laws of nature,
then, where he desires change and improvement, by assisting her process,
often through years of closest application and unceasing toil. He is a
man of whom it is truthfully said, "He has led a life of hardships, has
sacrificed self at every point, that he might glorify and make more
beautiful the world around him.
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