H-'D • \ THE GIFT OF IlU Oua>LAA^.,OjAecial ackncwledgement is due iSIr. S. O. -Jayne. irrigation expert of the United States depamnent of agriculture, for valuable data suj)- T'lied in preparing the map of irrigated and irrigable lands which :? published herewith. THE IRRIGATED LANDS OF WASHINGTON Generally speaking, the bulk of the irrigated lands of the state lies along the valleys of the streams which find their sources in the eastern slopes of the Cascade mountains. These rivers, chief among which are the Yakima, Wenatchee, Entiat, Methow and Salmon, traverse a series of valleys, once a waste of arid sagebrush lands. Now these same lands present in many places the aspect of one continuous garden and orchard, reaching for miles up and down the streams. The proximity of these extensive arid sections to the mountain streams and the swift descent of the latter from their places of origin in the Cascades to their respective points of confluence with the Colum- bia river present a combination of natural conditions highly favorable to the development of extensive irrigation enterprises. LANDS WATERED. Not only the low lands immediately adjacent to the streams are thus brought within reach of gravity water flow, but the higher levels or bench lands are also irrigated in the same manner, the canals and flumes reaching such lands, often being visible, clinging to the cliffs several hundred feet above the stream level. To accomplish the water- ing of the high lands, it has been necessary to build immense reservoirs for impounding flood waters, to tunnel mountains in search of proper grades for carrying the canals, and to overcome many other obstacles requiring expert engineering skill. In addition to the lands immediately tributary to the above men- tioned streams, there are considerable irrigated areas located at var- ious points along the Columbia river and in the country lying east of that stream, as well as vastly larger tracts that still remain unre- claimed. To a small extent irrigation is also practiced in western Washington. All of the above sections are treated elsewhere and in detail in this report. METHODS OP IRRIGATION. Various methods of irrigation have been devised where conditions were such as to preclude the possibility of securing gravity water. Pumping plants operated by electricity or gasoline are employed quite extensively. Such plants are common along the Columbia river and are also in frequent use at points away from the streams where well water is available reasonably close to the surface. On some of the streams, current wheels have also been found a useful and economical means of irrigating, where a small lift only is required. Irrigation Washington Irrigated Lands by pumping bids fair to be undertaken on an extensive scale with tlie development of ijlants for the conversion of availaljle water power into electrical energy. CAPITAL REQUIRED. The amount of ready money required to insure success to a iierson locating on irrigated lands depends largely upon the individual, the number of acres he desires to secure, Iris willingness to endure tem- porary hardships and his ability to support himself and family while his lands are non-producing. The development of a tract of irrigated land is not what is usually termed "a poor man's ])roposition." Raw land under ditch and ready for improvement will cost $200.00 and up- wards per acre. Usually it may be purchased on terms extending over a period of several years, but the man without means to make the first two or three payments will need to draw heavil.\' on his aliility as a "hustler" if he succeeds in meeting his ol)ligations as they mature. He must count also on the expense of clearing and planting his land, building a house, cost of fai-ni implements, a horse or team and wagon, and when these are provided, he must look forward to a considei'able period during which he will receive practicall.v no direct returns from his land. Some men, it is true, have started in practically without ready resources, save an abundance of pluck, and ability to turn every opportunity to account, and have succeeded Ijeyond their expectations; but they are in the minority. An available capital of |2,000.00 is none too much to start with, and the settler's prospects of success will be augumented in proportion as his cash resources are greater. SPECIAL ADVANTAGES. As an offset to the somewhat onerous conditions enumerated above, the man who locates on Washington irrigated land enjoys certain ad- vantages to which the average farmer is a stranger. If he has exer- cised ordinary judgment in tire selection of his land, the element of chance is largely eliminated from his field of operations. His rela- tion to his land may be likened to that of a manufacturer to his plant. His raw materials are in the soil and in the moisture supply which is independent of natural preciijitaticn and available for use at a moment's notice. In the warm sunshine, continuing at times for six months without interruption, he finds the motive force necessary for trans- forming his raw material into the manufactured article. His crop ready for shipment represents his finished product, the selling qualities of which are largely governed by the skill and energy he applies in its growth and the preparation for market. If his soil lacks any of the essential elements that make for fertility and productiveness, he can call to his aid the expeiience of state and federal experts, who will advise him as to the best method of meeting his particular problem. The same advantage holds good with reference to the garden and orchard pests he will encounter. Remedies have been Washington Irrigated Lands 11 found for practically all of them, and the proper authorities will instruct him in their application. If he possess initiative and a desire to experiment, he may originate improved methods and economies which will work to his financial betterment. In any event, his work will provide him a constant mental stimulus as well as a field for physical effort, and all the advantages will accrue to him that are inherent in a life of out-door activity. To the foregoing should be added the fact that the irrigated sec- tions within a few years become thickly settled. Twenty acres con- stitute a large holding, and the tendency is in the direction of five- and ten-acre tracts to the family. Neighbors, in consequence, are close at hand, rural mail delivery is generally established, good roadways are constructed, improved railroad facilities induced, while schools and churches are always readily accessible. In short, the social side of life, throughout the irrigated districts, will be found developed on a sane, wholesome basis. SELECTING A LOCATION. The best suggestion that can be given upon the above point is for each person to make an investigation for himself and find a location that will best suit his particular requirements or purposes. It is not safe, under any circumstances, to buy land without having first seen it, or, in any event, without having a report from some person of good judgment and established reliability. Inferior tracts may be found in the best districts, and the only way to make sure of avoiding such lo- cations is to secure first-hand information before purchasing. There are a number of companies developing fruit lands in the state that undertake to plant the tracts they sell and care for same until the bearing period is reached. Where the responsibility of the company is fully established and the land is known to be adapted to the purpose, this plan of securing land may be profitably followed. The chief advantage lies in the fact that the purchaser may continue at his customary vocation during the period his land is non-productive. SOIL. The soil of the irrigated districts is in the main similar to that which is characteristic of eastern Washington as a whole. It is com- posed largely of a mixture of ash or dust of volcanic origin, sedimentary deposits washed down from the mountains and surrounding hills, and disintegrated basaltic rocks which through the ages have undergone a pulverizing process. Combined with accretions of decayed organic matter in varying quantities, it possesses great fertility, is remarkable for its moisture-retaining qualities, and is easily and readily tilled. It occurs in different depths, ranging from three feet to sixty feet, and there is often found an underlying strata of gravel providing ready drainage. In response to the application of water, it yields prolifically of all manner of products common to temperate and semi-tropical climates. o Washington Irrigated Lands 13 CLIMATE. Inasmuch as different i)oints in the section of the state under con- sideration vary widely in altitude, it is difficult to generalize Avith reference to climatic conditions. The characteristics are dry, hot summers and moderately cold winters, Avith a snowfall varying from a few inches to several feet. At times extremes both of heat and cold are experienced. The absence of moisture from the atmosphere operates against excessive discomfort from the heat, and the summer nights usually bring a pleasing coolness. The spring and autumn seasons are delightful, the only annoying feature being the prevailing w^inds, which lose much of their unpleasantness, however, as the area of orchards increases. The accompanying tabulations from reports of the United States weather bureau present detailed climatic data covering numerous points in the district: FROST DATA FOR EASTERN WASHINGTON. (From Report of U. S. Weather Bureau). Average date first killing frost in autumn Average date i last killing ! frost In j spring Earliest date killing frost in autumn Latest date killing I frost in I spring Okanogan Country- - ConconuUy Colville Country— Colville Republic Spokane Country- Crescent Spokane Cbelan Country— Lakeside "Wenatcliee (near) Big Bend Country— Waterville Wilbur Palouse Country— Colfax Rosalia Walla Walla and Snake River Country— WaUa Walla Zindel Yakima Valley— CleElum EUensburg Moxee Sunnyside Upper Columbia Val.— Keanewick Lyle Yrs 9 September 21 September 7 September 3 September 22 October 14 October 19 October 21 September 20 September 6 September 10 September 14 November 3 October 29 September 7 September 21 September 21 October 8 October 15 October 18 May IS June 5 June 15 May 23 March 26 April 10 April 30 May 31 June 23 ' May 25 June 1 April 1 April 14 June 9 May 23 May 23 May 7 Aoril 28 April 23 September 10 June 23 I August 21 August 26 September 11 September 7 September 25 October 1 I I August 26 ; August 17 I August 26 i August 26 September 28 October 19 August 12 September 6 September 6 September 25 September 25 September 21 July 20 July 29 June ; June May May : June 25 July 30 July 26 June 24 May 3 May 21 July 26 June 6 June 14 June 2 May 25 May 18 Washington Irrigated Lands 15 < tJ tH H M H a O h ^ P* o H Li O ra Z p- ffi ^ r(l < ^ ^ c/^ ?^ p Cd o a ^ H o r/j <: H d cd Tl o OJ h n. «504 r o (O c-J lO a; o CM -CIoO CO -C^iOoQOi P, bD . p. CI p.r'-r' n ■ • p. n cfl<3 - (/I :/■; c/j I-; h-5 re : I:/];/} . OOOOhjQOOSoC^S a O :=) • O O 3 =2 l-sO .'-3 -OOHsS - CD OC O ■n CO S^l iM (M 0(M <;0 CI CO yD Oi r- o L( -CICOrriOtOlOCOOlOr-- I OJ (D OJ O I ■ I'll Highest . Annual mean. Length of record, yrs Elevation, feet.. COi-iCOCCOJCQC-lMC^ ■ CO C CO CDtD CN n Ol CO 1-1 -j3 CO CO T-1 c lO-^OoocoocoyDccz; — -coio-^ aj 0- a> (D D (U dj I [iH [i [iH [JH fl< fe fe ' t> >v >-. >) ;-i t-- >) >-, >1 [>! - OJ oi ao -1 CO 00 c- CO = CO -* ■ CO Ol CC CO rc:c;coi=>oc--oc;-rc2io , 'i~-T-TTr;3.-i-nOcio— . - CJ C^ a^ O- Oi tC Tf 3 CD ■-■ I-- -' -1 .— ' ^' i-( i-i' c^i .-T ' O rt c3 O i P.,- lip O t/J W > c/1 O :3 rt « - Old a° , C3 « T3 =« ■ ■ S =3 OJ ^ 1^ rf ryj fe += -5 7^ ^ " > -J - C'^ -^ t: — -ri tc 1= ^o-- bci5 ■;2 M'-n ;a cJ ooSgSs ■Cts • . o P 34 J ■ ~ -^ "^ ■ ^ : o) -, H," ^ ■ ■ a |i^£>§^S5S55g=SSMta=aM£i;„oc' 5SSo o o «=! 0.5 p.'i;-^ =« ^23 o o 3 0) 3 o.a ast^ " ° a a; oj r 'sfci c^ Oj c op- -rt .r s -1 fi C11 & a cu s I-, c d a> sv. ?.9 c =^'^ ■J. D y? ■c^% o-C >, cc ■a j:-a R-^ a ^.n c . G -TT OJ Sgf£ s ri rl ^r > iJ c c d ' ' M cu P r1 k-i U. 43 t a QJ ViKWs 'IX Tin; <_;>-" "■'■"''' '• »MIHW» lW rt> F>OX-NV VaMO ItlSTRICT, Kl-7rTT.K FaLLS YAI.LMV,, S IKVKX.S Cur.N I'Y. Okanogan County 27 tracts. It Is still possible, however, to secure a quarter section in a single tract, and an occasional relinquishment of a homesteader's right is offered for sale. A number of individuals, companies and associations of land owners have constructed irrigation ditches to water their lands, and others are making similar preparations. Such lands may be purchased under a variety of conditions. They may be bought outright for cash, or on installments, or by part payment of cash and the balance extending over a period of years. Some of the companies for an additional fee undertake to clear the land, plant it to trees and care for them until of bearing age. Where the purchaser does not wish to move im- mediately on the land, this plan is very satisfactory and has many advantages, provided full assurance of the responsibility of the com- pany has been obtained. It has been estimated that there are not less than thirty thousand acres of irrigable land in the valley, of which probably fifteen thousand acres are now being watered. Much of this is good fruit land, and thousands of apple trees have been planted during the past season. Domestic orchards have been producing in the valley for many years, and its fruitgrowing possibilities have been thoroughly established. There will always be a diversity of occupations in this valley, how- ever, and its prestige as a producer of fat beef, alfalfa, corn and ether products is not likely to diminish. Pkices of Lamis. There is considerable range in the values of lands in this valley. Raw tracts without water may be found at $00.00 to $75.00 per acre, but generally the prices range higher. For lands under ditch, with a water-right, the prices vary from $250.00 to $350.00 iier acre. By reason of the desire on the part of many of the older settlers to realize on their holdings and seek a newer environment, land may be purchased at times, under exceptionally favorable conditions. TeANSI'OKT.JiTIOX. The IMethow valley has suffered from a lack of transportation fa- cilities, and there is as yet no definite information as to when this difficulty will be overcome. All traffic at present is by stage and freight team from Pateros, which is reached Ijy the Columbia river steamers from Wenatchee, and is also the present southern terminus of the railway now building from Oroville. A railroad up the valley is a crying need and one almost certain to be supplied ere long. One of the principal state roads extends up the valley and is the highway over which the bulk of the traffic at present is borne. IkHTGATIOX PisO.I K(TS. At the mouth of the river and touching also along the bank of the Columbia is a tract of 360 acres irrigated hy the Pateros Water Ditch Okanogan County 29 Company. This land has been under ditch for nearly six years, and is almost entirely in fruit. The Larrabee ditch supplies about 200 acres of land lying along the Methow from tour to eight miles above Pateros. Construction work on this project is about completed. Opposite the Larrabee holdings is the Vroman ditch, watering a small tract of land. At Black canyon and Squaw creek tracts of about 75 acres each are being irrigated. Near the village of Methow is the Bolinger ditch, carrying double the amount of water necessary to irrigate the 400 acres it supplies. This ditch is built on permanent lines throughout its entire length of five miles. The property is being cut up into tracts at prices ranging from $250,00 to $300.00 per acre. The Methow Canal Company irrigates 4,000 acres of land lying on both sides of the river below the town of Twisp, The main canal receives its water supply from the Twisp river at a point several miles above the town and follows the west side of the Methow. Some dis- tance below Twisp a portion of the water is diverted through a pipe line and carried across the river to irrigate the lands on the east side. Practically all of this company's lands are under ditch and are being sold in small orchard tracts. A plan for the development and dis- tribution of electric lights and power is under consideration by the company. Adjoining Ecaver creek, which enters the Methow from the east about twenty-eight miles above its mouth, there are nearly two thousand acres of land under irrigation. The lands lie on both sides of the creek and the water is supplied from a reservoir and canal built at the joint expense of the interested laud-owners. Probably not to exceed two-thirds of the land irrigated is as yet under cultivation, and there is a limited additional acreage not yet watered. Along Benson creek, a few miles below Beaver, there are several hundred acres of bench land under ditch and generally cultivated. A few miles above Twisp is the Barclay project, comprising about 1,200 acres of land, of which approximately one-half is watered. The lands are located on the east side of the river and the point of water diversion is about six miles north of Twisp. Along the Twisp river there are four hundred acres watered, with an additional six hundred acres that will be irrigated later on. The Upper Methow Country. Above Twisp, the valley broadens considerably, and, following the main stream from Winthrop northwest for a distance of 20 miles, the first flat averages a mile in width. The Foghorn ditch, constructed some seven years ago, waters about 600 acres of land, beginning near Winthrop and extending several miles down stream. Beginning at a point three miles above Winthrop, there are three small canals, each with a capacity for watering about 100 acres. Views in thio I'.i sim;ss Skction- oj- tmk City of Spokank. Okanogan County 31 From Wolf creek, water has been diverted through seveial ditches for watering a total of 500 acres of private holdings. Eight miles above Winthrop is the Rock View ditch, a neighbor- liood enterprise which supplies about 300 acres, with a capacity for double that amount. In a similar manner, 200 acres are watered some four miles nearer Winthrop. On the North Fork, about nine miles from Winthrop, is the Sky Line project, designed to water 1,500 acres. When completed it will represent an expenditure of $25,000.00. The Fulton ditch, taking water from the Ncrth Fork, waters 220 acres of land, devoted chiefly to alfalfa. Land to the extent of 1,300 acres will be watered by the Chiwak Canal Company's ditch, which is one of the important newer projects. The point of water diversion is eight miles above Winthrop, and the main canal attains a length of eleven miles. There are a number of additional smaller ditches along the river which increase the total irrigated area in this section by several hundred acres. THE BREWSTER FLATS, Extending north from the town of Brewster a distance of several miles, and reaching back from the Columbia and Okanogan rivers toward the foothills, lie the Brewster flats. These lands, compris- ing about 15,000 acres, present extremely favorable conditions for de- velopment under irrigation. With other areas lying contiguous to the Okanogan, Columbia and Methow rivers, they combine to make a total approximating 35,000 acres, all of which will undoubtedly be reclaimed within the next few years. The Brewster flats, proper, formerly were a part of the state's school land, the bulk of them having passed into private ownership within the past two years. They consist of comparatively level bunchgrass benches, paralleling the river at elevations varying from a few feet to 500 feet above the river level. A plan was formulated several years ago for reclaiming this whole district, but has not as yet been carried through to completion. It is proposed to construct a. diversion weir in the Methow near the town of Twisp, where a supply of water is available sufficient to reach every part of the district with a gravity flow. W'hen a practical plan for completing the project has been develojied and financed, this section will advance very rapidly. At present there are some 2,000 acres watered, a large proportion of which is already in orchard. The soil is a sandy loam, liberally mixed with the volcanic ash characteristic of the region. A strata of gravel generally underlies the top soil at a depth ranging from two feet to eight feet, affording excellent drainage. Bkewstkk Or.f ii.^rds Comp.\ny. The Brewster Orchards Comjiany is the owner cf a tiact of 144 acres, all of which has been planted to standard winter apples. The land adjoins the townsite of Brewster, lying between it and the river. Al.r.U.rA KIKI.L. AM. ;ij Altitude. The general characteristics of the districts included within the Yakima valley are largely similar. There is. however, a wide varia- tion in altitude, and the resultant differences in climatic conditions affect the growing period in the several locations. On the Benton project the altitude is about 500 feet. At Xorth Yakima it is 1,067 feet, Kittitas Countjj 57 and from there a gradual rise ensues until a maximum altitude is reached at about 2,100 feet above sea level. The lower lands are gen- erally considered as being better adapted to hay, grain and vegetables, while the best fruit districts are on the bench lands in the different parts of the valley. The season is noticeably early in the vicinity of the Columbia river, strawberries ripening here several weeks in ad- vance of other sections. KITTITAS COUNTY. Prior to the entry of the federal reclamation service into the Yakima valley, private interests, as is noted above, had already under- taken more or less extensive irrigation enterprises. This condition was common to the several counties in the valley, particularly as re- gards Kittitas and Yakima counties. In Kittitas county there are at the present time under irrigation between 50,000 and 75,000 acres of land in private ownership. The bulk of these lands is contained within tlie Kittitas valley, the first large area of arable land lying east of the Cascade mountains. The location of this valley with reference to the Yakima river and its tributaries is such that practically the entire acreage, double that now under ditch, is readily susceptible of irrigation. The valley is treeless, except for small growths along the streams, and the soil, largely of sedimentary origin and rich in the elements that make for prolific plant growth, responds splendidly to the appli- cation cf moisture. The annual precipitation averages about 11 inches, and the mean temperature at Ellensburg, the county seat, is 48 degrees Farenheit. Products. Fcr many years hay has been a leading crop of the countj', and the Kittitas product is held as a standard throughout the northwest. Oats hold an important place in the production of cereals. Potatoes yield from 200 to 400 bushels per acre, and other vegetables are equally pro- ductive. The adaptability of the soil to the grasses has created a great dairying industry, and herds of sleek cattle attest their nutritive value. While well suited to raising many classes of fruit, the county has de- veloped only slowly along this line, owing largely to the fact that land holdings are usually large and have been devoted mainly to the in- dustries noted above. The tendency now is toward a division of such lands into orchard tracts, and fruitraising is receiving constantly grow- ing attention. The development of the government irrigation project will stimulate the production of fruit, as much of the acreage to be thus reclaimed is counted as first-class fruit lands. The final surveys for this project have been completed and accepted and the date of the beginning of actual construction may be announced at any time. Advantages. There are certain special advantages appertaining to Kittitas county which should be noted. By virtue of its location in the first tier of Yakima County 59 counties east of the Cascade mountains, it enjoys easy access to the growing markets on Puget Sound. This is an asset of first importance and one whicli will increase in value with the demand for agricultural products in the coast cities. Moreover, the Kittitas valley is traversed by the main line of two great railway systems, the Northern Pacific, and Chicago, Milwaukee & Puget Sound adding to the above the factor of competitive rail transportation. The Northern Pacific Railway Com- pany is now constructing a cutoff line from Ritzville to Ellenshurg, which will materially reduce the overland running time of that road. Land in the Kittitas valley is comparatively cheap, notwithstanding the important advantages mentioned above. Opportunities are pre- sented here for newcomers to engage in a wide variety of profitable oc- cupations both of an agricultural and commercial nature. Ellenshurg, the chief town of the valley and county seat of Kittitas county, has a population approaching 6,000 people. It has excellent possibilities for growth with the rapid settlement of the districts of which it is the distributing center. YAKIMA COUNTY. In Yakima county there are under irrigation at the present time approximately 150,000 acres of land, including Indian reservation lands. This is equal to about one-third of the total irrigated area of the state, and easily places the county in a pre-eminent position from an irrigation standpoint. SUNNYSIDE C.iNAL. The original entry of the government reclamation service into the state occurred in 1906, when the Sunnyside canal, in Yakima county, was taken over and the development and extension of that system begun. The main canal is sixty miles in length, and extends from the in- take about eight miles below North Yakima down through the valley and well into Benton county. When completed in accordance with government plans, this canal will water 90,000 acres of land, practically the whole of which is held in private ownership. When the govern- ment secured the canal, the lands irrigated amounted to about 40,000 acres. During the four years that have elapsed since then the acreage has been greatly increased. A single extension ot the Sunnyside canal conveys water to 10,000 acres of land in the vicinity of Mabton, the water being carried to the lands through a syphon constructed under the Yakima river. Other large areas will be reclaimed under this system and the canal will be increased in water-carrying capacity accordingly. TiiK TiETOX Project. The lands to be watered under this important government project comprise a district of 3-5,000 acres lying a few miles westward from the city of North Yakima. Construction work was begun on the main canal Yakima County 61 in 1907, and the first unit of the project, 11,000 acres, was opened in June, 1910. The diversion weir and headgate are located in the upper Tieton canyon, twenty miles ahove the town ol; Naches. The main canal itself is twelve miles in length, and is lined with concrete, originally cast in forms eight feet in diameter and four inches in thickness. These forms closely joined constitute in their entirety a continuous and watertight conduit. More than two miles of tunnels were involved in the con- struction, and the work of driving them was one of the most difficult features of the whole undertaking. The tunnels, of which there are six, vary in length from 100 feet to 3,800 feet. The distribution of the water to the project is accomplished through a network of main and sub-lateral ditches totaling 78 miles in length. Work on the second unit is in progress and will be completed in part during the present year. The lands under the Tieton project are, in the main, held in private ownership, and ordinarily may be pur- chased on terms covering a period of several years. Private Peojects. In addition to the government projects above mentioned, there are numerous private companies supplying water to lands in Yakima county. The splendid fruit district centering about the city of North Yakima has been developed under private ditches, and, in addition to the waters of the Yakima river proper, many small creeks have been utilized for irrigation purposes. Artesian water has also been found in the Moxee valley, and is successfully used in supplying an extensive acreage. Products and Lakds. A summary of the products of the Yakima county irrigated lands includes a wide range, extending from such tender fruits as peaches, apricots and grapes to winter apples of unsurpassed color and flavor. With these are to be included potatoes and all other classes of vege- tables, grains, hops, beef-cattle, mutton, wool, dairy and poultry pro- ducts, honey, and the output of the several fruit and vegetable can- neries. An unofficial estimate places the value of the above products in the county at $8,000 000 annually. Yakima county, with its immense acreage of lands under ditch and its still larger area of lands that are susceptible of irrigation, offers the widest possible scope for choice to the landseeker. He may make his selection from river bottom, valley or bench land, according to the particular line of farming activity in which he wishes to engage, and he enjoys a further advantage of being able to establish a home at almost any altitude he may elect. Prices of lands, as elsewhere, hinge upon location, soil, surface contour, condition of water-rights, and more particularly upon the stage of improvement and development. Benton County 63 Trakspoktatiok. The main line of the Northern Pacific railway passes through the •county and the North Coast system is now building. A branch of the first named road reaches into the Sunnyside district, having its ter- minal at Grandview. A network of electric lines centering about North Yakima will ultimately bring all the neighboring valleys within the reach of the city. In fact, the transportation problem of the entire county Is being worked out on a basis that will bring shipping facilities to every one of its various farming and fruitgrowing districts. Urban Growth. Coincident with the development of its irrigated lands, a remarkable growth has been enjoyed by the cities and towns located in the county. North Yakima, the seat of government and metropolis of the county, is a thriving, enterprising community of 14,082 people, enjoying all modern advantages and conveniences. It commands a splendid and growing trade with the surrounding sections, and its business district has been built up on a basis commensurate with its prosperity. Paved streets, a fine court house, substantial school and church edifices, and many handsome residences reflect the spirit of progress everywhere ap- parent in the city. Other growing communities in the county are Ahtanum, Cowichee, Naches, Selah, Yakima City, Moxee, Wapato, Toppenish, Parker, Zillah, Granger, Outlook, Sunnyside, Grandview, and Mabton. These towns are trading and distributing centers for the districts immediately sur- rounding them, and several of them are rapidly developing into sub- stantial communities. BENTON COUNTY. Benton county constitutes the lower portion of the Yakima valley, and is bounded on three sides by the Columbia river, into which the Yakima river flows, the point of confluence being near the center of the eastern border of the county. By reason of its location with reference to these rivers and other available sources of water supply, nearly the whole of Benton county, with the exception of certain of the more rugged sections, is classified as irrigable land. The districts which already have been brought under irrigation in- clude, in addition to the lands tributary to the government Sunnyside canal, a number of large private projects taking water for their lands either from the Yakima or Columbia rivers. Lands Around Prosser, Prosser, the county seat, is located in the western section of the county, in the center of an important irrigation district, watered by the government Sunnyside canal. All the facts brought out with refer- ence to the Sunnyside lands in Yakima county have equal application A Kittitas County Apple Tree. Benton County 65 in respect to this district. Tlie products extend all the \vu,\- I'l cm early- maturing berries to winter apples, which have proven exceptionally profitable. Splendid opportunities are offered here, both on account of the adaptability of the soil and climate to maximum crop production, and by reason of the added fact that lands may still be purchased at ex- ceptionally reasonable prices. A new syphon is now under construction at Prosser, designed to water lands on the south side of the river, which at present are supplied by a large pumping plant. One of the important enterprises undertaken in this district is a 340-acre orchard located near Prosser, owned and in process of development by the officials of the Northern Pacific railway. A six-acre orchard tract originally developed by E. Ij. Stewart, of Prosser, is a striking example of the possibilities offered for fruit cul- ture. During 11 years of production, Mr. Stewart received 125,364.00 from the fruit grown on this tract. This tract was subsequently sold for a consideration of $10,000.00. The present owners estimate the gross receipts for the current year from the six acres at $7,000.00. On the lower lands alfalfa is grown, and runs from six to eight tons to the acre, three cuttings usually being made. Potatoes are a staple crop, producing from 300 to 500 bushels per acre. Corn of excellent quality and heavy yield is raised, but not extensively, owing to the fact that other crops are more profitable. HAKFOED PKO.JECT. The lands watered under the above project are located in the north- eastern portion of the county, and comprise a total of 16,000 acres. The immediate plans of the company contemplate the irrigation of an additional area of equal size to the above, while vastly larger tracts in the same locality remain to be reclaimed in future years. The water is pumped from the Columbia river, power for this pur- pose being developed at Priest Rapids. The pumping plant has a ca- pacity of 83,000,000 gallons per day. The main canal which delivers the water to the lands is eight feet wide on the bottom, twenty-four feet wide at the top, and attains a total length of nineteen miles. The soil is a sandy loam with an under strata of gravel, and pro- duces abundant crops of fruits, vegetables and alfalfa. Prices of lands range from $150.00 to $300.00 per acre, terms covering a period of five years being given if desired. Kennewick District. One of the leading irrigated districts in Benton county is that which centers about the growing little city of Kennewick. The lands here are watered under the project developed by the Northern Pacific Irrigation Company. The Yakima river is the source of water supply, and forty miles of canals have been constructed, capable of irrigating 20,000 acres of land. Walla Walla County 67 This district, including lands lying farther south along the Columbia river and a number of islands in that stream, has long been famous for its early-ripening strawberries, which are marliieted as early as April. Peaches, apricots, grapes and melons are extensively produced, and, in fact, for the growth of the more tender fruits this section is unexcelled. The canal of the Northern Pacific Irrigation Company also irrigates a portion of the Yakima valley surrounding the town of Kiona, situated seventeen miles east of Pressor, on the Northern Pacific railroad. A private project in this section will also irrigate land tributary to Benton City, a new town recently started about a mile west of Kiona. The Richland District, above Kennewick, is also partly irrigated by the Northern Pacific Irrigation Company, as well as by a private project. Benton county as a whole Is well provided with transportation facilities, and is rapidly developing under the stimulus of the irrigation enterprises above described, and others which are reclaiming lands in ■different portions of the county. WALLA WALLA COUNTY. Walla Walla county is located in the southeastern section of the state, its southern border forming a portion of the boundary line be- tween Washington and Oregon. Walla Walla city, with a population of 20.000 people, one of the wealthiest and most enterprising of the smaller cities of the state, is the county seat and the commercial and distributing center for a large district. Including a number of large irrigation projects and the smaller holdings of a great number of individual owners who water their lands from sources immediately available, it is estimated that there are more than 50.000 acres of land now irrigated or in process of being reclaimed in the county. Blalock Oechaed Teacts. One of the most interesting irrigation enterprises in the state is -the project known as the Blalock Orchard Tracts, comprising 1.500 acres of land adjoining the city of Walla Walla. The water is supplied from artesian wells, of which there are twelve on the tract. One of these wells, eight inches in diameter, is 585 feet in depth and has a pressure of 62 pounds to the square inch. When the opening of the well is reduced to one and one-half inches, the water is thrown to a height 112 feet above the surface. The flow from this well is 2,224 gallons per minute. The average flow from each of the 12 wells, when all are in operation, is about 1,200 gallons per minute. By reason of close proximity to the city of Walla Walla, these lands are being laid out in suburban orchard and garden tracts, ranging in size from two to ten acres. Each well is designed to provide water for Walla Walla County 69 125 acres of land, and purchasers, in addition to tlieir land deed, are given a pro rata right in the ai'tesian well and pipe line system. Streets are being graded through these tracts and a system of domestic water supply installed. An electric railway provides transportation to the city. During the season of 1910, 60,000 apple trees were planted on these tracts, comprising the following varieties: Rome Beauty, Winesaps, Jonathans, Yellow Newtown Pippins, and Delicious. Prices of land in this district range from $500.00 to fSOO.OO per acre, depending upon the location and state of improvement. BURBAXK PeO.JECT. Near the point of confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers, in the extreme western section of the county, lands to the extent of 13,500 acres are being developed by the Burbank Power & Water Com- pany. The tract is made up of sagebrush bench lands, lying at an ele- vation of 75 feet above the rivers. The soil is of good depth and of the character common to the Columbia river basin. The water is obtained from the Snake river, a water power being developed for this purpose. At this point a fall in the river of eleven feet in one mile has been utilized for power purposes, including power canal one and one-half miles long, 50 feet in width on the bottom and about 30 feet deep. The machinery consists of two units, each com- posed of one twin horizontal turbine, direct-connected to one cyclodial rotary pump, operating under two lifts of 55 and 85 feet respectively. The capacity of the pumping plant is 113 cubic feet per second. Transportation facilities are furnished by the Northern Pacific and 0. R. & N. systems, which pass through the project, while no portion of the lands is more than two miles from a railroad station. In addition, steamboat navigation on the Columbia and Snake rivers is successful during the greater portion of the year. About 500 acres of this land is now under cultivation. Water rights provide for 32 inches of water during the season, beginning April 1st and terminating November 1st. Land values range from $200.00 to $300.00 per acre, with an annual maintenance fee of $3.50 per acre. GARDENA. Fifteen miles southwest of the city of Walla Walla, a tract of 7,000 acres, known as the Gardena Contoured Tracts, is being developed by the Walla Walla Irrigation Company. The land lies 150 feet above the valley of the Walla Walla river, from which stream the water for irri- gation purposes is obtained. An open ditch twenty miles in length carries the water to the tract, while an additional supply, sufficient to irrigate 2,000 acres, is obtained from the surplusage of the water system which serves the city of Walla Walla. A concrete conduit delivers this latter supply to the main irrigation canal. The size of the different sub-divisions in the tract is governed by the contour lines, on the theory that irrigation is thus facilitated and Asotin County 71 the amount of unutilized land reduced to a minimum, streets and sub- ditches for carrying off the surplus water being placed on the lower levels. Three thousand acres of land are now under cultivation, most of which is planted to Winesap apples. Alfalfa is a staple crop here, four cuttings frequently being made annually. During the season of 1909, products to the amount of 600 carloads were shipped from this dis- trict over the 0. R & N. Company's lines. The North Coast system will reach Gardena, and surveys for an electric line to Walla Walla have been made. In addition to the foregoing, several other important projects are being developed in the county, notably near Attalia, where several thousand acres have already been reclaimed. ASOTIN COUNTY. Asotin county occupies tlie extreme southeastern corner of the state, its eastern and southern borders coinciding with the Idaho and Oregon boundary lines respectively. THE CLARKSTOX DISTRICT. There are some ten thousand acres of irrigated lands in this county, of which eight thousand acres, comprising what is known as the Clarkston irrigation project, lie adjacent to the towns of Clarkston and Asotin, the latter being the county seat. The irrigation system for supplying the land is constructed on the most substantial and approved lines. The headworks and dams on Asotin creek, from which the water is derived, are of concrete, and the water is delivered to the project through a steel-bound stave conduit forty-eight inches in diameter. Thence it is distributed to the individual tracts through pipes of smaller dimension. Soil axd Climate. The soil here is a fine loam of good depth, with some sand and gravel in places. Regarding the climate, Prof. O. L. Waller reports as follows: or "The "lean annual temperature is 53.2° F.; the average for January o5.9 ; the average for July 73.6°; the average latest killing frost in spring IS April 9; the average date of earliest killing frost in fall is November 4. Any damage by late spring frosts is minimized by smudging. The average annual rainfall for the past seven years has been la. 83 inches, most of which came from November to Apri'l." Cherries and peaches were leading products until within the last few years, during which time apple orchards have been extensively planted, the chief varieties being the Spitzenberg, Newtown Pippin, Winesap, and Jonathan. Grapes also are grown quite extensively! FiVK i"EAii-(ii.u Arpi.E TuEC Grown in Spokane County. Other Eastern Washington Lands 73 CLOVBRLAND. About 12 miles west from the town of Asotin is the district known as Cloverland. Irrigation was first undei'talien here some eight years ago, when a portion of the waters of George creelv, a stream having its source in the Blue mountains, was diverted and brought to Cloverland by means of flumes, trestles and ditches, totaling some eight miles in length. The lands are located on a plateau about 2,500 feet above sea level, having a general slope toward Snake river and Asotin creek. The soil is of a loam character, having a high percentage of mineral ele- ments. Much of the land is planted to orchards, including cherries, plums, prunes and pears. TRANSPORTATION. Transportation for Asotin county is provided by the Northern Pacific and O. R. & N. railway companies, and also by navigation on the Snake and Columbia rivers. With the completion of the Dalles-Celilo canal within two or three years by the U. S. government, the county will have through navigation to the Pacific ocean for steamboats of three hundred to tour hundred tons. OTHER EASTERN WASHINGTON LANDS. LANDS AROUND PASCO. In the vicinity of Pasco, the county seat of Franklin county, the Pasco Reclamation Company is developing a project comprising a total of 10,000 acres. The water is taken from the Snake river by electric- ally operated turbine pumps and is delivered to the project through a pipe line twenty inches in length and from thirty-two to thirty-six Inches in diameter. Only two miles of open ditch are used in the system. During the season of 1910, water sufficient to cover 5,000 acres was delivered to the project. The soil here is a sandy loam, and is highly praised by government experts for its depth and high plant food content. The lands are of a gently rolling character, sloping toward the Columbia river. The climate gives a growing period of unusual length, strawberries and vegetables maturing several weeks in advance of other sections. Land values range from $200.00 to |350.00 per acre, payments being arranged to extend over a period of several years. Transportation fa- cilities are excellent, the district being reached by the main line of the Northern Pacific and the Spokane, Portland & Seattle railways. A branch of the first named system extends into Walla Walla county. Irrigation in Western Washington 75 TOUCHET VALLEY. In the valley of the Touchet river, In Columbia county, lands origi- nally embraced in wheat farms are now being brought under irrigation and planted to orchards, or utilized for various branches of intensive farming. The possibilities of this section were first demonstrated by Mr. J. L. Dumas, who developed a tract of 100 acres located four miles be- low the town of Dayton. The net profits from the operation of this tract during a period of three years amounted to $56,000.00. There is an abundance of water in this valley for irrigation purposes, and addi- tional lands are rapidly being placed under ditch. The total irrigated area of the county at present is placed at 1,000 acres. LANDS IN LINCOLN COUNTY. In the northern part of Lincoln county, occupying advantageous loca- tions bordering on the Columbia river, irrigated farms are found at frequent intervals. Near the little village of Peach, several hundred acres of land have been reclaimed and plans tor enlarging the area Irrigated are maturing. When this section is supplied with adequate transportation facilities, it will develop rapidly. SNAKE RIVER LANDS. Along the Snake river, bordering on Whitman county, are numerous tracts of sandy bottom lands which are irrigated largely by means of pumping plants. These tracts are usually the holdings of individual farmers, and produce fine yields of early vegetables and fruits. IRRIGATION IN WESTERN WASHINGTON. Climatic conditions in western Washington are such that as yet very little attention has been paid to the possibility or desirability of farming under irrigation. In nearly all parts of this section of the state there is a heavy rain precipitation, sufficient for the maturing of all crops. There are some portions of western Washington, however, which by reason of advantageous location and a somewhat slight rain- fall are well suited to development under systems of artificial water supply. In a section of Clallam county, which county faces the Pacific ocean on the west and the Straits of Juan de Fuca on the north, conditions have been found particularly favorable, and a total of five thousand acres has been brought under irrigation ditches. The lands thus watered are located on and near the Dungeness river and are within four or five miles of salt water. The village of Sequim is the trading point of the district, which is commonly spoken of as Sequim prairie. Inioation iu Western WasJdns'fo?i The town of Dungeness and the boat landing at Port 'Williams are only a few miles away. These prairie lands, set down in the midst of a great timbered sec- tion, were for many years undeveloped, owing to the light rainfall, which averages about twenty inches annually. This condition is ex- plained by the proximity of the Olympic mountains, which range at- tracts and holds in the form of snow the bulk of the moisture carried by the winds from the Pacific ocean. SOIL AND PRODUCTS. The soil is made up of silt deposits, with some gravel, is of good depth, and improves rapidly under tilling. The irrigated lands produce splendid crops of clover and timothy, while alfalfa to a limited extent has been successfully raised. Records of seven tons of timothy hay to the acre have been reported. Wheat, oats, potatoes and onions are also leading crops. Yields of potatoes reaching 400 bushels to the acre are common, v\-hile oats run often as high as 110 bushels or more. Small fruits are raised in abundance, including strawberries, rasp- berries, blackberries, loganberries, gooseberries, currants, etc., while several bearing orchards attest the adaptability of the district to the production of tree fruits. At present the chief industry is dairying, and the lands are given over principally to hay and grain or are used for pastures. Poultry- raising as an adjunct to dairying is also commanding increasing atten- tion, A ready market is available for both dairy and poultry products, local creameries and produce dealers absorbing the total output. IRRIG.\TIOX PROJECTS, There are three irrigation projects in operation, known as the Se- quim. Eureka and Independent ditches. All three were constructed through cooperative efforts on the part of the landowners interested. Xo difficult engineer problems were encountered, and, as the lands are comparatively close to the source of water supply, the cost of construc- tion per acre was exceptionally light. The annual maintenance fee rarely exceeds fifty cents per acre. A water-right has been taken out for a fourth project, upon which It is stated construction work will soon be under way. Practically all the prairie lands have already been brought under irrigation, but there still remains a considerable area of logged-offl timber lands which, when cleared, are equally good for agricultural purposes. These lands will be developed as conditions warrant. TRANSPORT ATIOX. This section has no rail transportation, but steamers calling regu- larly at Port Wiliams and Dungeness furnish ready means of communi- cation with Seattle and ether Puget Sound ports. An excellent system of roads enables the farmers to reach the various shipping points of the county with ease and comfort. Irrigation in Western Washington 79 PIERCE COUNTY. South of the city of Tacoma, in Pierce county, there is an exten- sive prairie section similar in some respects to the Clallam county lands above described. There are thousands of acres of these lands entirely open in places, and elsewhere covered with a scant growth of scrub oak and other small timber. Until very recently this section has been considered practically valueless for agricultural purposes. The soil is gravelly and of a depth ranging from 10 inches to two feet. In summer time the country presents a parched, arid appearance. Within the last two years, how- ever, it has been shown that under irrigation and proper cultivation profitable crops of many kinds can be produced. Thus far no project has been carried out for irrigating these lands on an extensive scale, although a plan for developing a gravity system from the Nisqually river is being considered. A few individual owners are watering their holdings from wells, and it is through their efforts chiefly that the possibilities of the section have been demonstrated. A short distance from Cosgrove station, on the Northern Pacific Railroad, an irrigation farmer of long experience in the "sTakima valley, Mr. C. L. Fisher, is developing a tract of twenty acres. Water is ob- tained from a well 39 feet In depth and is raised to the surface by a six-horse-power gasoline engine and pump. The cost of fuel for operating the pump is 6 cents per hour. The water is conveyed to the lands in wooden flumes, from which it is distributed through furrows averaging about 300 feet in length. Two irrigations to the season are considered sufficient for potatoes, and the pump running steadily for three days lifts sufficient water to Irrigate four acres of land. Fruit trees are irrigated three times during the season. The principal crops raised by Mr. Fisher for 1910 include potatoes, of which 12 acres were planted; sugar beets, one-half acre; snrall fruits, one and one-half acres, and garden truck of different varieties grown on a considerable area. There are four hundred fruit trees on the tract. The potatoes yielded between five and six tons to the acre, and other vegetables gave equally satisfactory results. Blackberry vines set out in April, 1910, exhibited a growth of ten feet when examined in October. The fruit trees are thrifty, showing a new growth during the season of three feet. From the results already obtained it is anticipated that fruit-growing as a commercial enterprise will soon be developed in this district, cherries and pears appearing the best adapted to meet all the conditions. The proximity of these lands to the city of Tacoma as a marketing center and the added fact that transportation both by steam and electric railway is already established are considerations of first im- portance in estimating the advantages offered. In Thurston county there are several thousand acres of similar lands ■which present equally attractive opportunities for irrigation. Oni': of Twklye UuKi-iErts on tiiI'3 Blalock Orctiard Tracts Walt.a Walla County. EARNING A LIVING BEFORE ORCHARDS COME INTO BEARING. The problem suggested in the above title gives the average home- seeker in the irrigated districts much concern, and more especially if the bulk of his funds has been expended in the purchase of his land. If he settles on an undeveloped tract with the intention of planting an orchard, a period of several years must elapse before his trees will bring him a revenue, and in the meantime he must make a living as best he may. How this difficulty has been met and overcome by a great many individuals is set forth in the following reports of their respective experiences: Jos. W. Life, Clarkston: My place (one acre) was planted when I purchased it. I made a good living by raising garden truck between the trees until they came into bearing, and continue to do so, as I had to replace many of the trees on account of inferiority of the fruit. Part of the acre is in chicken yards, and gives profitable returns. Every incn is in use, and I want to say that it takes time, work and patience to make it a success. I am perfectly happy and would not live any- where but on my "one-acre farm." H. C. Larson, Clarkston: A man can make a living before trees come into bearing if he takes hold of it in the right way. Part of his tract should be planted in early garden, and between the trees he can raise dewberries and strawberries. This year's strawberries (one acre) netted me $157.00. Last year's dewberries (one acre) netted $111.00. Besides the above, we raise beans, peas and tomatoes, which bring a good price. The main thing is to get the right varieties of trees and small fruit. A man who is willing to work can make a good living, and a little beside, in this section while his trees are coming into bearing. Peter Spohn, Clarlvston: I would advise to plant vegetables, if not too large a tract; also melons, if not too tar from railroad to sliip. If too far to ship, would plant clover, alfalfa, corn and peas, and raise hogs. Would leave space of four feet between rows of trees and crops to give room for good clean cultivation, and as trees get older and require more room would plow under clover and other crops as fertilizer for the orchard. H "W. Desgrakces, Kennewick: "Where settlers go upon the land, a splendid living may be made out of chickens the first year, and by planting strawberries between the tree rows, enough can be realized from them to pay for the land by the time the orchard comes into bear- ing Land is sold on easy payments, but the beginner must have suffi- cient means to bear the expense of improving the land and plantrng it to trees and berries. This requires a capital of from $50 to $75 per acre and this should serve as a scale to measure the number of acres one is to handle The above amount he should have m his pocket after he has made the first payment on the land. It does not require a Fortune to start in on irrigated land, as some seem to think, but it does require some money, and with a little capital success is certain. —6 An English Walnut Thek at Clarkston, Asotin Colntv. Individual Experiences 83 G. L. Fi_\i.EY, Kicna: The iicwccmer must either have funds suffi- cient to meet his living expenses fcr two years or he will have to worlc for wages, which can always he obtained at $2.50 and upwards per day. The third year he should have sufficient income from his berries and garden truck to keep him going until his trees come into bearing. Straw- berry growing is one of the best paying industries. On the ri,ght kind of soil $400.00 is about the average return. Potatoes are also a |)roflt- able crop, as we have an excellent home market and the price is never less than $15.00 per ton. Two years ago I got $40.00 per ton for mine that I held over until spring. The most essential thing for success here is "sand." O.M.\R W. Rich, Kennewick: Strawberries, asparagus, alfalfa and garden truck are grown between the trees to help pay the living ex- penses. A few cows, chickens and bees are good if intelligently man- aged. The cows are the surest paying of anything, as we grow ten tons of alfalfa to the acre, have mild winters, and milk and butter are always in great demand at good prices. The alfalfa is also a great benefit to the land as a fertilizer. My crop this year is as follows: Strawberries, Clark Seedlings, 100 crates sold for $250 00 Bins and Roval j^nne cherries, 100 crates sold lor.... 200 00 Elberta peaches, estimated 500 boxes 250 00 Bartlett pears, estimated 200 boxes 300 00 Tokav grapes, estimated fiOO boxes 300 00 Apricots, apples, prunes, other berries, estimated 100 00 Potatoes, garden, alfalfa, estimated 100 00 Total $1,500 00 Size of tract, five acres, W. M. ScoTT, Klona: If the soil is suitable for potatoes, few better crops can be grown between the young trees. Not all the soil here, however, is adapted to potatoes or will produce them successfully. In such cases, strawberries are as good as anything, and are nearly always quite profitable. It is, however, considered by many experienced horti- culturists that an orchard is better off if nothing is grown in it but the trees, unless it is some legume crop that can be plowed under at least part of the time to enrich the soil. In following out this plan, it would be a good plan to keep a few good dairy cows. They will bring in ready money all the time and will greatly aid in building up and maintaining the fertility of the soil. In my own case, I engaged in dairying for some years and found it both profitable and congenial until failing health compelled me to give it up. T. B. Kendall, Kiona: We have eight acres under ditch, all in alfalfa and fruit. One year, from three-fourths of an acre of straw- berries planted between iieach trees we picked 175 crates of berries, which sold in Seattle at $4.50 and $5.00 per crate. The following year the frost injured the berries, and we got only 75 crates. Then I set out another three-quarter acre tract in berries, and this year got 243 crates. I also raise garden truck to sell, and the garden pays all my store bills. I manage to lay by more or lets money each year. S. E. Makical, Entiat: In regard to making a living on land until trees bear, will say that we grow all kinds of truck between the trees, such as m'elons, corn, tomatoes— in fact all kinds of vegetables, which hnd a good and ready market. Geo. B. Spencer, Farris: I have lived in this part of the country for sixteen years and have done fairly well. If a man has any get-up to him, he can make a good living by raising strawberries or garden truck until his trees come to bearing. Fruit trees come on quickly here. My trees that were five years' old last year averaged eight or Bine boxes to the tree. I took second prize on Winter Bananas at the i*^^ Individual Experiences Spokane apple show last year, and that would indicate this to be a good place in which to raise fruit, .1. L. Dumas, Touchet Valley (near Dayton): My land (100 acres) was settled in 1856, and was farmed in wheat and other crops con- tinuously until planted in orchard. My chief crop between the trees was potatoes. In the five years that I raised potatoes (1898-1903) prices averaged nearly one dollar per sack, and the yield was from 60 to 100 sacks per acre. Other paying crops were onions, corn and nursery stock, but at least 90 per cent, of the cost of maintaining the orchard came from the potatoes. S. W. Usher, P. 0., Wenatchee: I make my living by improving land for others. Some of my friends grow vegetables, melons or cantaloupes between tree rows. This being a newly developed section, not many have an opportunity to do this, as the first consideration is the trees. J. W. Bkoyles, Pomeroy: In 1909, we had off of about OVo acres in berries, potatoes and onions a little over $2,000.00. There was I14 acres of strawberries, from which we got 213 crates, and sold at an average of $2.59 per crate. From about three-fourths of an acre in blackberries and red raspberries we got 140 crates, which brought an average of $2.25 per crate. Our whole berry crop brought over $850.00. I would suggest that a man starting in on a new place should plant his orchard tract to potatoes and onions, as there is money in both crops, and the land cannot be put in too good shape for trees. .T. D. Reaed, Ephrata: I am growing vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet corn, beans, carrots, watermelons, garden peas and other garden truck, at a good profit above all expenses of the orchard. I am irri- gating from a well, and pump all the water at an expense of $4.00 per acre each year. I consider this better than gravity water. .1. P. Plynn, Ellensburg: A living may be made by raising straw- berries, potatoes, onions, etc., between the rows. Potatoes give from 200 to 400 bushels to the acre. A small piece of ground, about 25 feet by 35 feet, produced this season $36.80 worth of strawberries, besides suffi- cient to supply a family of five persons. Pears, apples, prunes and black- berries are all fine producers. Prank Garber, Okanogan City: In the irrigated districts which have transportation facilities a living may be made upon land planted to fruit trees before they come into bearing, by growing between the rows of trees such crops as potatoes, cantaloupes, watermelons, toma- toes, corn, etc. Where such crops thrive as they do in the Okanogan section, this can be done without injury to the growing trees. Markets have been rather uncertain here, owing to the lack of transportation, but the railroad now building will solve this problem. Some who plant only small orchards and do not care to crop between trees work for others the greater part of the time and make their living in this way. As the land here when growing young trees and properly tilled requires but two irrigations in a season, all of one's time is not required in caring for a small tract. B. E. Hendrick, Omak: A living may be made from land planted in trees, by raising potatoes, onions, beans and all kinds of garden truck. Also strawberries can be grown at a great profit, as they yield very heavily and ripen about May 15tli to 20th. They require only a small amount of capital for plants and will bear within one year after planting. L. B. McLean, Brewster: A good living may be made by raising truck between the tree rows. Almost anything will grow here that is cared for. I raised corn, mostly, on my land in 1909; raised plenty on I ndiridiiiil Exjxyicnccts 87 seven acres for five head of stock, fattened llirfe hogs, and have corn enough left to fatten three more. On one-halt of an acre I raised 85 sacks of potatoes, and other vegetables did well. One can raise any kind of berries in a young orchard. I received as wages, $1.00 an hour for self and four-horse team, and single hands demand $2.00 to $3.00 per day, without board. Tliere is much work to be done. Gko. p. Bloop, Spokane Bridge: Have tried crops Ijetween trees for three seasons. For the first year averaged $50.00 per acre from potatoes. The second year was a failure, owing to lack of water supply. Third year, beans on three acres Ijrought $30 per acre; one acre of early potatoes brought $80 net; one acre of tcmatces brought $175 net profit; two acres in blackberries and dewberries, first-year l^earing, brought $50. This year have taken care of twenty acres besides our own and work team outside wherever possible, or put land in shape for trees for other parties. It pays better than crops between trees and saves fertility of soil. Have averaged over $100 per month, besides caring for my own tract. II. H.VM.v, Spokane Bridge: It is net difheult to make a living in this district, the Spokane valley. It was impossible to do the labor and team work here last season; also the work of taking care of tracts for non-residents. All berries do well here, as all vegetaliles. From this season on there will be plenty of work, spring and fall, thinning and pickin,g apples. If a man has the price of his tract, he can make it; but if he expects to pay for the land from the crops, I would not advise him to buy here or in any other section where raw tracts are high-priced. A. W. Tui!>;i:i!. Fruitland: In reference to mal-ing a living before fruit comes into bearing, gardening pays well. Good money is made in raising strawberries, tomatces, etc., and, liesides, there is generally lots of work in the immediate vicinity, where one can put in an oc- casional day for cash. .loH.x Mel/.eh. Two Rivers: I am engaged in raising i)oultry and gardening, and have made a comfortalile living. I had no cash when I started and had to work for others, hence could not give all my time to my land. I do not believe there is any reason why a man cannot make a living on irrigated land. Cultivation is the main thing. i\Iy potatoes run eight to twenty-seven to the hill without fertilizing. My whole crop has been marketed. There is an abundance of land to be had here, either with or without water. S. A. Feeeel, R. F. D. No. 5, Walla AValla: A living may be made from truck gardening while the trees are small. I find that berries are pretty hard on the soil with young trees, but the trees will grow some, and good money can be made in that way. I find that corn or potatoes between the rows are as good for the young trees as clean cultivation. .I.\s. Be.vke. AVallula: In my pailicular locality you can raise almost everything — potatoes, squash, beans, peas, peanuts, radishes, turnips, etc. I get my supply of water from a well with a gasoline engine and pump. Turkeys are a good side line here. Out of 72 hatched, I have 62 living and thrifty. Hahry K. Sp.m.dixg, Sunnyside: The best small fruits to grow be- tween the young trees are strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cur- rants and gooseberries. I prefer the strawberries, as they are highly profitable and easily cared for. The strawljerry is very beneficial in another way, as it thrives best under good cultivation, which is a benefit to the young trees. Such crops as potatoes, onions and musk- melons and watermelons are also grown in young orchards to good Individual Experiences 89 advantage. Some growers have made a success of grapes among young trees for a few years. Wjr. H. Abeamsky, Selah; Potatoes and truck may Ije raised on fruit land, but I should advise newcomers to come with enough money to carry them along. In addition to his land, there is the expense of a house, team, barn, cistern, wagon, tools, etc. One should not be carried away by glowing reports of rearing an orchard without work, as it is work from morning to night. Care should be taken in selecting the soil to see that it has depth and good gravel drainage. Ernest C. Hill, Selah: I purchased my place (20 acres) in 1908, and have had no experience in raising a young orchard. In this sec- tion the ranchers raise potatoes, onions, alfalfa and small fruits until their trees come in bearing. I paid $6-50.00 per acre in the month of March, 1908, and now bearing orchards around here are selling at $1,000.00 per acre. Have only been in this business two years, and last year won third on sweepstakes and second on carload lots at the Spokane Apple show. Geo. M. Chase, Grandview: If a man is a good gardener and in- tends to live on his ranch, he can make money farming between the rows, but if he hires his place taken care of he should confine himself to trees only. I consider alfalfa the surest crop. Herbert Powell, Mabton: A living may be made on fruit lands before the trees come into bearing by raising berries, potatoes, corn or other crops between the tree rows. Alfalfa can also be grown very successfully. iVIy way of planting is to grow berries between the trees and have a part of the land in alfalfa and keep cows and chickens. In this way I build up the land all the time. If the land is managed as it should be, there will be a handsome profit after the first year. Dk. F. C. .Jones, Sunnyside: I think that on the level lands one can do as well with root crops or truck as with trees. I would advise those coming to this valley to decide first one of three things. Do you want to raise alfalfa? Then buy an alfalfa ranch. If you want to raise truck, then get level land close to market, and if you wish to raise apples, buy good orchard land. It is difficult to make truck gardening pay on land planted to trees, but one can start in at once with truck and make it pay from the first. Gkakville Lowthee, North Yakima: The best small fruit crop is strawberries, that will yield one year from the time of planting and will often make $300.00 per acre. The most profitable crop is to- matoes, if blight can be prevented, and many claim to have overcome this by planting in hills, thus avoiding transplanting, and by watering at night, rather than permitting the water to run when the sun shines. Onions, asparagus, cabbage, beans, peas, carrots, etc., all do well. A good gardener will make a living from five acres. A poor gardener may need ten acres. Paul Killian. Mabton: A living may be made by growing straw- berries or other small fruits between the rows or by raising vegetables. Strawberries will yield from 100 to 250 crates per acre, and will sell from $1.00 to $3.60 per crate. It will cost about 75 cents per crate to have them picked, packed and cost of crate ready to ship. The average price is $2.00 per crate. Chickens and other poultry pay well. Eggs seldom sell for less than 25 cents per dozen, and up to 50 cents. Spring chickens bring from 18 to 35 cents per pound; old chickens sell at 12 and 16 cents per ijound; turkeys, geese and ducks bring 16 to 20 cents per pound. if; ^ HI f^Mp \ WBk #l;.S^^i^^:--- ^Hmb'I^bWIIIH /'■■'I' ^■■' fX 1 h^HhhL'1 i i i 1 ]> M ■< ' 1 ■Is li:-. ' 4 i i »4 lWtf-»7--''.-«K »■ '■■■■ . ■■■:-'-yf tr''--^ ■'■'■■» M s !^ ^ 1 ■%■ ■-;■:/. ■ ■■ tt^^^K" K'^^^^iaH^^ 1 Sir%i^^!^wB -i.- v-;-gB. ;;■■*;;: - , : if '-■fc: ftf^^ 1 ;-04« ^ HB Ind'tv'uhuil E^vpirtcnces 91 M. AsHTON' Gore. Selah: From my observation ami exiierience, it is impossible for one to make a living on irrigated fruit lands before the trees come into bearing. But by having small tract (say ten acres) one can cultivate his trees and have a team and do outside work — that is, work for others. AVages here are good — $2.00 and $2.25 jier day and $4.50 and $5.50 for a man with a team. PROFITS FROM IRRIGATED LANDS- While a great many motives may be cited as contributing to induce men to seek a change in their home location, undoubtedly the final de- cision is influenced in nearly every instance by the possibilities ahead for financial betterment. There is small object for any person to migrate across a continent unless he may anticipate with reasonable certainty an improvement in his material welfare. Such advantages as a desirable climate, beautiful scenery, opportunities for hunting and fishing, educational and social opportunities, etc., all make their appeal, but the question, "Can I better my condition?" must be satis- factorily answered in behalf ot any section that is seriously desirous of adding to its home-making population. Fortunately for those who will inquire deeply into this ]ihase of the situation, farming by irrigation is not a new or untried industry in this state. Back in territorial days, men were acquiring competences through the application of water to the arid valley lands of eastern Washington, and in the interim that has elapsed since that time many of them have attained comfortable fortunes. The experiences of those who pioneered the way are available to the newcomer, and in the light of such experiences he may determine to some extent, at least, the possibilities for success that await his own efforts. The essential difference between the early days and the present time is found in the fact that reclamation work is now proceeding on a vastly larger scale. Land is being brought under ditch and made avail- able for cultivation by tens of thousands of acres and is lying now, fat and fallow, waiting the coming of the industrious husbandman. In the meantime, some idea of what is being accomplished by men who have already brought their lands to a producing basis may be gleaned from the following I'eports, supplied on request, l)y individual irrigation farmers and orchardists. INDIVIDUAL REPORTS. H. C. Larson, near Vineland, in Asotin county: Size of tract, five acres; planted to grapes, strawberries, dewberries and peaches. For the season of 1909 the above tract yielded 990 boxes of peaches and 1,000 crates of grapes; the total expenses for the season amounting to $550.00 and the net profits were $1,341.00. Individual Experiences 93 J. B. LoREn, owner and Peteb Spohn, operator, of seven-acre tract, located near Clarkston, Asotin county: The tract is cropped in vege- tables, and during the past tour years 800 loads ot manure have been spread over the seven acres. For the season of 1909 the total sales from the above tract amounted to $5,340.00; the total expenses, includ- ing water, taxes, feed, express, boxes, sacks, labor and commissions amounted to $2,125.00, and the net profits were $3,225.00. H. W. Desoeanges, near Kennewick, Benton county: Size of tract, ten acres; planted to alfalfa. For the season of 1910 the above tract yielded a net profit of $540 over and above expenses. Omak W. Rich, Kennewick, Benton county: Size of tract, five acres; planted to cherry, peach and pear trees; the trees, of which there are 400 in the tract, are six years' old. For the season of 1910, Mr. Rich marketed 1,300 boxes of fruit, at a total expense of $500.00; his net profits for the season were $1,000.00. G. L. PiRLEY, Kiona, Benton county: Size of tract, three acres; planted to apples, peaches and pear trees. There are 325 trees in the tract, only a portion of which, however, are bearing, as some of them were put in two years ago. For the season of 1908 Mr. Finley sold 400 boxes of apples from 45 trees, which brought him a net profit of $200.00. S. E. MoKiCAL, Entiat, Chelan county: Size of tract, two acres; planted to a general variety of winter apples. There are 200 ten-year- old trees in the tract. For the season of 1908 the yield from the tract amounted to 1,800 boxes; the total expenses amounted to $450.00, and the net profits were $1,800.00. J. H. Blake, Wenatchee, Chelan county; Size of tract, one acre; planted to Winesap apples. There are 96 trees in the tract, which was planted ten years ago. For the season of 1909 Mr. Blake sold 960 boxes of apples from his one acre at an average price of $2.40 per box. He estimates his expenses for the season at $600.00 and his net profits slightly over $1,700.00. Blackman Brothers, near Wenatchee, Chelan county: Size of tract, 36 acres; planted to apples. The trees, of which there are 2,880 in the tract, are eight years' old. For the season ot 1909 the yield from the above tract amounted to 18,000 boxes; the expenses for the season were $6,000.00, and the net profits $21,500. In common with other fruitgrowers, Blackman Brothers report 1909 to have been de- cidedly an "off" year. Geo. Spencer, location on the Entiat river, 7 miles from the Colum- bia: Size of tract, twelve acres; planted to apples and peaches; apples include Winesaps, Winter Bananas and Spitzenbergs. There are 800 six-year-old trees in the tract. For the season of 1909, when the trees came into bearing, Mr. Spencer marketed 700 boxes of apples at a net profit of $650.00. John N. Johnson, near Wenatchee, Chelan county: Size of tract, seven acres; planted to apple trees not yet bearing. Timothy, clover and alfalfa grown between the trees yielded at first cutting for season of 1910, 14 tons, which brought $19.00 per ton exclusive of hauling. Two additional cuttings were made, but returns not reported. J. L. Dumas, Touchet valley, Columbia county; Size of tract, one hundred acres; planted to winter apples; number of trees in tract, 7,500. For the season of 1907, the above tract yielded 24,000 boxes of apples, giving net profits of $24,000; for 1908, the yield was 35,000 boxes, with net returns of $20,000; in 1909 (a poor fruit year), the yield amounted to 17,000 boxes, with a net profit of $12,000. Mr. 9'i Individual E '^xj>ericncc.0 I'iowiug, harrowing and seodinc. . 4(1 Seci] . ; 13 Tliresliiug ,•■" Halt. 11; -""• Hauling ■ ■ ■ 2I0 Slacking and harvesting • ■ -'"'J Total expenses ^1.310 Net profits $2,420 Net to owner, $l,.50.j ; not to operator, ,$S.olJ. ludhtdudl K.vpcrioiccx MnciiELL Stevens, near Ellensbui-g, Kittitas county: Size of tract, 39 acres; planted to timcthy and mixed timothy and alfalfa. For the season of 1909, the yield from the above tract amounted to HO tons of hay, selling at $19.00 in the stack, and 16 tons which bi'ought .$12.00 per ton. The total returns amounted to $2,282.00. A. C. Linuv, Methow valley, Okanogan county: Came to the valley in the fall of 1888 — myself, wife and three babies. Filed on ICO acres of land in the Methow valley where Libby creek joins the Methow river. Have cleared up ray ranch, and to last spring (before the time of its sale) put 120 acres under irrigation — of this amount aljout GO acres into alfalfa, about three cr four acres into bearing orchard; the balance of the ranch given up to growing grain and some corn. Our first apple tree was planted twenty-one years ago this fall, and since the year it first came into bearing has had a good crop of apples ever.^' yeai'. There never has been a year when the tree has produced below a normal yield from any cause whatever. The greater part of our orchard was planted twelve to fifteen years ago. The yield as well as the quality of apples grown compares favorably with anything I have ever seen in the Wenatchee countr,v. My experience of twenty-two years in the Methow valley leads me to believe it is destined to be one of the greatest apple-growing sections in the world. I cut three crops of alfalfa hay each year, averaging from five to six tons per acre; corn yields from 40 to GO bushels; cats, about CO to 75 bushels per acre; wheat, from 30 to 40 bushels per acre. Climatic conditions in this part of cur state are ideal; practically no winds at any season of the year; winters are mild, with plenty of snow to Insure a sufficient amount of water during the entire irrigation season. Outside of a small strip of land along the valley, the greater portion of this section is included in forest reserve. This insures us unlimited fuel, as well as timber for pests and building purposes for the next generation. There is plenty of room for men who desire to engage in general farming, stockraising or fruitgrowing. S. A. Feerel, 12 fiiiles east of Walla Walla: Size of tract, 10 acres; planted to apple trees; varieties, Newtown Pippins, Ben Davis, Spitzen- berg, Rome Beauties, and Jonathans. There are 1,000 trees in the tract, averaging twelve years in age. During the past three seasons, 5,680 boxes of apples were marketed from the tract, 1h° total expenses lor the period being $1,800 and the net profits $3,400.o!.. C. M. Radeh, Lowden, near Walla Walla; Size of tract, 150 acres; principally in alfalfa and pasture. The farm is rented on half shares, and tor the season of 1909 the net returns for one-half share, exclusive of interest and taxes, amounted to $1,831.50. Eknest C. Hill, tract of 20 acres located near Selah: Planted to apples, peaches, pears, cherries and prunes; varieties of apples as fol- lows: Spitzenberg, 300; Arkansas Blacks, 100; Ben Davis, 100; Graven- steins, 100; Kings, 100; also seme Xewtowns. Age of trees 14 years For the season of 1909, Mr. Hill sold 2,000 boxes of fruit; his total ex- penses amounted to $1,542.33, and his net profits from the season's operations were $2,892.20. His carload of Spitzenbergs exhibited at the Spokane apple show was awarded second prize. E. C. Van Bkumjt. Fruitvale, two miles west of North Yakima- Size of tract, 40 acres; planted to apples, peaches and grapes- SOO bearing apple trees and 1,000 bearing peach trees; the apple trees YaL \l° -"I ^''^^'■^' °^^ ^^^ '^^^ peaches 4 to 10 years. For the season of 1908 Mr. Van Brundt marketed e,300 boxes of apples, 9,400 boxes of peaches and 3,000 baskets of grapes. His total expenses for the season |~00 ' """^ '''* "'"^^^ °^'' """"^ ^'^°^^ expenses of 96 Individual Experiences o o < g < J Oh o o o o o < Q S H .. < w ^3 aR a ^ & & ^ C5 ; « a c o o o g re. « ti a "Ep. :i. 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