Near Glen Ellen in Sonoma County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Jack London experimented

by growing spineless cactus for livestock feed

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 29, 2017

1. Jack London experimented Marker

Caption: (right) Jack London (right) and Luther Burbank respected each other's agricultural efforts. Recalling the famous author's visits to his gardens, Burbank wrote: "Jack London was a big healthy boy with a taste for serious things, but never cynical, never bitter, always good-humored and humorous, as I saw him, and with fingers and heart equally sensitive when he was in my gardens."

Inscription. Jack London saw fine, fat cattle in Hawaii living well on spined cactus and wanted to duplicate the success of Hawaiian ranchers. He planted this field with Spineless Prickly Pear Cactus, Opuntia avalon, developed by renowned horticulturalist Luther Burbank. Between 1907 and 1913, Burbank promoted it as cattle feed.
This experiment failed. Spineless cactus needed irrigation for rapid growth, and some plants grew back their spines. Alfalfa and other crops continued to be preferred. They produced greater yields and more nutritious dry fodder, and were easily handled by machinery.
The cactus was removed soon after London's death in 1916. This demonstration patch, planted in 2001, uses cuttings from Luther Burbank Home and Gardens in Santa Rosa.

Erected by California State Department of Parks and Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 38° 21.318′ N, 122° 32.8′ W. Marker is near Glen Ellen, California, in Sonoma County. Marker can be reached from London Ranch Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24, Glen Ellen CA 95442, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jack and Charmian London Entertained Here (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Winery

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(within shouting distance of this marker); "We live in a beautiful part of the country." (within shouting distance of this marker); Eucalyptus - The Cash Crop that Failed (within shouting distance of this marker); Jack London Had A Dream (within shouting distance of this marker); Horse Power and Manure (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jack London's Terraces Shaped the Land for Preservation (about 400 feet away); Jack London Ranch (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Ellen.

More about this marker. This marker is located at Beauty Ranch in Jack London State Historic Park. The Park is at the end of London Ranch Road.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 29, 2017

2. Jack London experimented Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 362 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 8, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.