The weekly Arizonian., 1859-06-23
Arizona as a Farming Country.


 paragraphs in reference to the abundance and excellent quality of the farming lands of Arizo- ma, and their capacity for settlements we feel called upon to state few facts in referenceto the agricultural capacity of this Territory We are not one of those who would by false or un- fair staten snts delude people from comfortable homes and the attributes of civilization, into a long and perilous journey to country whose actual condition is so little known to the pub lie. We leave such disreputable business to small politicians and mendacious speculators
 Arizona is eminently a land of minerals. - Her wealth and resources will never consist of fertile fields broad farms, and population of thrifty husbandmen, but in precious metals,a gold silver, copper-the hidden treasures of the earth, with which her mountains and hills are SO richly stored. Leaving out the country along the Rio Grande, which is capable of sus :. taining limited agricultural population-and the farming portion ofthe Territory, Especially that which is available on account of lndians,) is extremely contracted. A few little vallies where there is water for irrigating make up the total of tillable land which can be farned at present with any sort of security. TAe mar row valley of the Sonoita, and the Santa Cruz valley have each as much if not more land un- der cultivation than there is water for. There is no stream within the bodnlaries of Arizona over two miles in length that is permanent.-- They are, including the Gla semi-subterra- mean, and during the dry season sink in places, often for months in succession. The San Pc dro possesses this characteristic to such an ex- tent that it is extremely doubtful whether there can ever be more than three or four farms in it's valley The Gila country is difficult of ac- cess, but little known, and overrun by Apaches. Around Mount Graham there is said to be good land, plenty of water, and some timber; and there should Government establish an exten- sive reservation fora portion, at least of the Apache tribe. 2as ,lie ea 49t ie
 There is much more land in this great region of country than there is water for. Rain falls very seldom-generally for six or eight months of the year there is none, and often is the rainy season failure. There is no dew. The air is warm and dry most of the year. All crops must be irrigated or they burn up. The farmer from the States coming to Arizona has much to learn before he meets with success He finds digging ditches, making dams and ace ouias expensive and tedious business. Farm ing by irrigation is only suited to Chinese, Mex icans and people who have been accustomed to it. The soil of the valleys in this country is remarkably productive Where there is abun- dance of water two crops can be raised each year, although during the early part of spring severe frosts are common. The farmer who has good tract of we'll watered land in Ari zona has a fine fortune if he works his farm with industry and skill, as there is ready market and good prices for all his produce.
 Arizona is fine country for stock-raising where ever permanent water can be secured r Were it not for Indian depredations and Mex ican thieving, the raising of cattle, sheep, anc mules would be lucrative business, and whel those evils are abated the immense pastures o this Territory will be covered with stock; fo the streams that do not furnish sufficient wate for irrigatng purposes will water thousands o oattIe and the hills which cannot he cultivated