, 1869-09-10

lula, wv. I. about $50 P. NJ, and the
next morning, early July ny, we took
stage for Walla Walla. 1t was a warm
and very dusty ride, through 8 country
now parched, but in which there Is
much excellent farming land. This Wal.
la Walla Valley, learn, is about eighty
by forty miles in extent; and, although
in 46 deg. north latitude, il is capable
of producing all the grains and fruits Of
the temperate zone. have read care>
fully q little pamphlet>letter, by Philip
Ritz, on "the agricultural and mineral
resources of the N. W. Territories" and
my own observation enables me 10 con-
firm its statements in reference to this
valley. Peaches, sweet potatoes, and
grapes ofkinds which, near Philadelphia,
require hot house culture, are here raised
without especial pains. The trees and
vines bear fruit 10 two. or three years
after planting; and saw 10 Mr.. Ritz's
and in Mr.. Roberts's orchards numbers
of trees breaking down under their bur-
dens of clustering fruit. 100 peach
trees were, 10 bearing, on one farm.
These fruits are sent to the mining re-
gions, where they command large prices.
GARDENING AND FRUIr RAISING.
We spent several days in Walla Walla,
during which we made careful and ex>
tensive inquiries as to the resources and
capabilities of these egions, and of the
whole country laying north and west of
this valley. We made it point to learn
facts as to climate, the SHOWS of winter
the effect of the summer dryness, the
general health of the inhabitants, etc.
The result of these Investigations will
be given fully in Mr.. Roberts's report.
One fact indelibly impressed on me, is
this: that out of the seeming aridness
and baroness of these sage-bearing
plains, judicious culture can develop
astonishing fertility. Mr.. Ritz has a
most beautiful gardeu.farm, with every
variety oftrees aud vegetables, and these
prolific beyond almost anything l had
ever seen in the East; aud this made ont
of what, at first sight, might have been
thought q prairie of sand and ashes,
capable only of nourishing sage-bush
or stunted grass. He had availed him.
sell, indeed, Of the pure streams which
flow so copiously out of the mountains,
using them for purposes OF irrigation.
But even without this artificial supply
of water, there seems to be, either in
the the soil or the air Tor in both), that
which stimulates healthy growth, so as
to reward abundantly the labors of the
husbandman. | visited a field about IL
or Is miles north of WaIla Walla, that
had been broken mp and planted this
spring for the first time. There had
been no irrigation used, and no rain ex.
cept very slight shower, had fallen on
it since the day it was planted. walked
through the finely pulverized soils as if
through ashes. Yet | saw full crop of
beans on the vines. saw locust trees
lS to "a inches in height, raised this
year from the seed. saw young apple
trees, grape vines, &C., &C., all doing
remarkably we'll; and must confess that
| was astonished at the sight. If in a
drought, with out irrigation-iu this ex.
ceptional season-there is such growth,
what must It be when the winter SHOWS
10 the mountains and the spring rains
afford the usual moisture7 saw 10 Mr..
Ritss ground poplars, etc. 40 feet in
height which had been planted from the
slip only four years aud very large locust
trees Of about the same age.
Leaving Walla Walla on Tuesday, July
Goth, reached Waitsburg Tor Delta), in the
Touchet Valley, that afternoon. They were
in the midst oi their wheat harvest, and
finer grain never expect to see. Mr.. Per-
kins brought me some heads Of wheat that
surprised me greatly by their beanty and
their tOeight. He expected the FIELD in which
1t grew to yield so or 60 bushels to the acre
weighing 60 lbs. to the busheI. This field
had had the bene6et OF irrigation.
On Wednesday, the 2lst Joined party
fora ride 70 TOucanon creek, 20 miles north
east. We formed quite d carvan; Six"North
Pacific men on horseback; Mr.. kiz and
Mr.. Dugan In two-hotse carriages; seven
pack mules, and halEa dozen others. inclu
ding Coolies, etc., etc., all mounted, We
assembled and descended high hills (almost
mountains). seeing vast extent of country
admirably fitted for grazing; some Of il.
doubtless, capable Of Becoming good wheat
land. In all the dAy's ride we had not
passed house, nor q traveller. The coun.
try Is all waiting to be opened for settle
ment.
Ny frstevening and nights experience
in 'eamping out" was to me very pleas.
ant. ! have already given you my reas.
ons fof deciding to return home, instead
Of going through With the partF, That