, 1863-03-14
Farming in walla walla valley.


to the mines will always be heavy; operating as a
bounty upon the production of provisions here
l state what every man conversant with the soils
cf this valley knows to be true, that their powers
or production-the ease with which they can be
cutiyated-the excellence of our climate are all
superior to those of the soils, and the climate OF
the Willamette valley.
True, Walla Walla valley has its disadvantages
but these are of a character that can in good
measure be overcome, and to do something to-
wards efFecting this obect-to make this valley
productive, popuous and wealthy region-so as
to become powerful auxiliary in the development
of the mineral riches of the upper country and to
make the city of Walla Walla what her citizens
desire and expeet-should combine the energies
of all our people.
As an humble means to accomplish some good,
propose, hereafter, as l may have leisure, in
some short articles to address the farmers of this
valley, on the various subjects connected with its
agriculture and if can have their attention, l
shall be well rewarded for my labor @ f
af FENCING IN wALLA wALLA VALLEY.
1t has been remarked that in portions of Ore
gon the character of the improvements created
the impression that the people only designed to
be temporary residents of the country Whether
this be so not it is very certain that few emf
grants to this coast, will ever leave it for per-
manent residence in the East. 1aa
A reorior, lita of 81, IL
once settled and improved, will never be aban-
doned. Good improvements here will add their
cost to the value of the farm. Hence we should,
if possible make improvements that will last
that will add to the profits of farming and to the
farmers comforts. Those who make farms,
should make homes of them homes to love and
enjoy. af .s.Ha u.sn 80. eu .a4u
In looking over this valley the first thing that
strikes the attention of the stranger, is the want
of timber, There is really no good timber in the
valley. Some trees of cotton wood and alder,
and smaller growth, fringe the streams; but we
seek in vain for good timber for fences. If we
want that, we must so to the mountains, some
ten or fifteen miles; the cutting and hauling of
which must be done at great cost.
Some farmers have made fences of the cotton
wood and alder, but it is entirely inadequate to
their necessities. Others have enclosed their lands
with bitches and embankments; these will an
swer purpose for time, but the soil is too light
TO render them permanent What our farmers
need is strong, lasting fence, to be made at mod
crate cost Can the material for such fence be
had \? a. ...-......-
In some examinations on the affluents of the
Walla Walla river, noticed large numbers of
thorn trees, young and old, which l believe, with
proper culture, would furnish cheap and most
effective live fence or hedge. There was ten
grew large number of branches. The wood of
this thorn, while young, seems to be Of quick
growth and at the end of four years, from the first
setting of the plants for a hedge, believe it
would form an impossible barrier against all
species of stock. cannot have a doubt of the
correctness of these conclusions. r.f 81 hs
OF coarse a hedge cannot oe obtained without
labor The haws seeds. should he eatla~aa ;a
the fall, and thrown into 'rot heap" where they
will ferment and heat but this should not be
permitted to proceed so far as to destroy the Vi
tally Of the seeds. To prevent this, the heap
should often be stirred. The seeds of the tLorn
will not germinate in less than two years. unless
subjected to this process. -.f.55a
The seeds must be planted in drills-the drills
must be about ten inches apar,--and when the
plants show themselves, and through the summer,
they should be cultivated as beets or garden
vegetables.
The second spring, the plants should be trans
planted to the grounds where they are intended
to stand. The grounds should be we'll prepared
the plants placed ten Or twelve inches apart
in straight line. So soon as necessary land |
do not understand the habits of this plant enough
to state at what tme) the plants should be head
ed down, SO as to encourage a broad base and
compact growth and, aferward, the pruning
should be such as to give the hedge the proper
shape. --..... ..-.....i,. ,..r.,.f
| consider it very fortunate for the farmers of
this country, that Mr. Philip Ritz an experienced
and energetic nurseryman, has settled here.
understand he is making arrangements for the es-
tablishment of an extensive nursery. Doubtless
if there shall be demand for thorn plants for
hedges, he will provide them. Ia ....roa
respectfully recommend the subject of this
article to the consideration fthe farmers of w ALA
Walia county. 3 500 7sra. Ga Iarls su
There are some small orchards planted out in
this valley, Their growth, SO far, shows that
apple, pear, plum, peach, cherry and ounce trees,
will find here congenial home. 1t is fortunate
for our farmers that they can now provide them
selves with nursery trees, at fair prices.
1t would be folly in me to make long argu-
msnt in favor of growing fruit in this valley. will
say however, that an orchard increases the value
of farm many more times than its cost-that
fruit saves doctors bills in families and fills the
farmers purse with money There can be no
danger for years in having an over supply of fruit
here. would have it SO cheap and abundant that
every one could enjoy it at moderate cost
The season has has now arrived for planting
out fruit trees. Farmers who have means to
purchase them, should not let the spring season
pass without planting out an orchard. If they are
not able to purchase one hundred trees let them
buy fifty; if not fifty, then purchase twenty five
or ten-accommodating the state of the farmers
pocket.
Farmers! if you design to plant out trees this
snrino there IL no time 70 he lost