The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1889-02-07
LAND FOR FRUIT CULTURE.
What Is Expected Of Irrigation In East.
em Yakima.
One Hundred Squar. Niles Il magnificent Soil
Which Water win Transform Int One
Vast orchard Or Garden.

Across the Columbia river-reaching
southwark from the Yakima to the Co
lumbia river where It flows westward to
the sea, Is strip Of comparatively level
bottom land, probably twenty miles long
by five wide, that now, because Of the
lack Of water, is comparatively valueless.
The soil Is Of fine loamy nature, gener-
ally black in color, and all covered with a
dense growth Of sage brush. Wherever
water has been obtained and used upon
growing vegetation, the yield has been
most astonishing. Whenever a vine or
fruit tree has been planted, and water APP
piled, the growth has been somewhat
miraculous.
With the knowledge Of the latent fer
tility Of this vast body Of land possessing
them, the people not only Of the imme-
diate region named, but Of the
country all about, have long de-
hated the project Of supplying that re-
gion with water sufficient for irrigation
purposes for the entire tract. Expert
snce In fruit raising in the vicinity Of
Pasco, where the soil possesses identical
features with that across the river. de-
monstrates beyond doubt that fruit will
thrive most luxuriantly and produce
abundantly, If only sufficient moisture is
provided.
The altitude is but S55 feet above the
sea, while that Of Walla Walla is 900 feet,
and her ability to produce fruits and ber-
ries Of the finest quality is beyond dis
pute. The agitation Of the water supply
for this well-nigh arid region gives prom
Use Of definite results, for It has been an
nounced, and il is believed authoritative
ly that strong company has been organ
ized to take water from the Yakima some
where near Prosser falls, and to convey
the same in inexhaustible quantities to
and over the land in question, which will
make this rather inhospitable tract to
blossom ~ the rose.
Il Ia said by those whose liie's work
has fitted them TO know that the region
named is, not only from the character Of
its soil, but from its altitude, particularly
adapted to the successful growth Of fruit
and vegetables, and it is mainly to the
attainment Of that desirable end that the
recent move 10 establish an irrigation
ditch Of 10 great proportions has been
made. 1t is with the same idea in view
that the very many entries Of desert land
have 30 lately and seemingly 40 anxiously
been made ut the land office in this city.
The Northern Pacific Railroad Com
pany have for long timc had in contem-
plation the extending Of one large ditch
down the north side Of the Yakima
through the famous Sunnyside region,
and Mr.. raul s,hulEe told the writer 4
little more than year ago that the open
ing OF that fine section to high cultivation
was not only In contemplation but was
almost an assured fact. Il may be, there
fore, that the present move on the part uf
the New York company il through the
direct influence Of this ambitious and per
severing officer. At any rate, II the
schedule Is carried through, vast
breadth Of hitherto comparatively value
less country will add its share to the
marvellous productions Of VIII m WASH
ington territory has already Shown itself
capable, rs well as popping section
now almost devoid Of Inhabitants.
Fruit culture is m industry that can
hardly be oyerdone anywhere, much less
in the great Northwest. When 1t Is re-