The hydraulic press., 1859-08-06
MOUNTAIN AGRICULTURE.


The question of the agricultural and gra-
zing capacity of the mountain regions of this
State is one of much Importance, for upon
the abundant existence of such capacity will
depend the continued settlement and genuine
prosperity of a very large area. The adapt
ability of the foot hills to tillage and pastu-
rage has long been known, and we are be-
ginning to have more adequate acquaiht-
ance with the elevated country lying above
them. The worth of the mountain valleys
and hill-sidcs for horticultural, 'poih illogical
and grazing purposes IS already practically
appreciated by many. Now that we see
number of the mohntaih towns supplied with
fruit and vegetables iproduced in their own
vicinity and in their very midst-now that
we see extensive vineyards being planted,
and apple orchards set out-and visitors to
Eastern homes flocking eagerly back to the
incompatible climate of our lofty ridges
we grow hopeful and believe that ultimately
the mineral regions Of California Will be as
blest as any others, instead of being pointed
toi.s morally the worst part of the State
In which light some even yet view them
For .he fixed abodes ofhumanity no mount
ain COUNTRY on earth is so admirably fitted.
IF the Swiss can live and prosper, and make
noble history amidst the rugged and wintry
Alps, why cahhot the Anglo-Saxon do as
much, with more true pleasure to himself
while he is about it, In the valleys and on
the slopes of the Sierra Nevada?
In Switzerland the ground is cultivated in
terraces with a southern exposure, which are
all walled up on the lower side with stone
and lime. These terraces are commonly
from ten to fifty feet wide, and incline at a
considerable angle. They ascend up the
side of mountain, writes recent traveller,
from five hundred to eight hundred feet, and
are reached by stone steps, up which the
manure and everything else is carried in
baskets. These terraced lands, when good,
can seldom be had for less than $4,000 to
$1,000 per acre! They are principally en-
ployed for the grape culture. The vines are
kept low and trained to stakes about four
feet high. Six or eight hundred gallons of
wine is the usual product per acre! This
Try, and sells when new for from twenty to
thirty cents gallon Lands not terraced
are used forp pasturage, and though only used
about three months In The year and SEEM
ingly lying at an angle of f0rty-fve degrees,
command from 500 to $500 per acre. These
pasture lands lie close to the line Of perpet-
ual snow and are accessible to herds and
herdsmen only BY steep and cfrchft6tsp paths.
How would the Swiss exuft in the superb
or advantages afforded by the mountains of
California Here the arabic land is abund-
ant, cheap and prolific, needs mo costly ter
racing and walling, and below the line of
winter SHOWS can be cultivated for various
purposes all through the year. The vine
yields double, or more than double, what it
does in any other country, and wine is made
VI quailty 81 eAoeienI Ih'C IL 10 ohe"oJ III
demand for expectation. The pasturage for
sheep is extensive and fasting, and for cattle
during the summer season very rich and
easy of access. Above all we have climate
which rivals that of the plains of Italy
These facts warrant the belief that if every
gold field was exhausted, there Would still
be in the Sierra Nevada attractions sufficient
to draw thousands in search of homes, and
advantages great enough to hold them here
contented.