The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-07-03
GOOD WORDS FOR UTAH.

"If you ever had an idea that Utah was
a barren waste of sand, get rid of it at
once, for i. Is one of the most fertile spots
on earth" The pioneers who entered these
valleys forty four years ago and looked
out upon the barren prospect before them,
and began their struggle for existence,
could scarcely have expected that such
remark as the above would have been made
within their lifetime, or even in the life
time of their children of the first genera
ton; but here it is made while some of
them are still amongst US: and how cheer
ing it must be 10 their worn hearts thus to
see the fruits of their labors acknowl
edged. Few are so fortunate as this: and
surely in some considerable degree it must
repay them for that dreary march across
the plains and the years Of all but hope
less struggle for lie in these regions to see
city such as Salt Lake, and a common
wealth such as Utah come into existence
as the fruit OF their tolls.
The remark is the more valuable, too, as
it comes from gentleman competent to ex-
press an opinion; from one who at the time
OF making it has just returned from the al
most matchless grape-growIng state of
California. This was Mr.. DAVID LEBCaER,
of Arkon, Ohio, who is extensively inter
ested in the Kelly island grape culture, and
who has wide experience in the cultivation
of grapes Mr. LEBCHER has just returned
10 his home in Arkon from six months
trip through the west, the principal object
of which was an examination of California
methods of grape culture and comparison
of those followed in the middle states.
During his trip he spent some time in Utah,
being the guest while in Salt Lake city of
his daughter, Mrs. GEORGE ARBoGAsT.
While In our territory he made careful
and critical examination Of the soil and
climate of Utah with view TO forming an
opinion as to the future of the
grape industry in our territory.
That he was fsyorably impressed with
our Utah in general way will appear from
his remarks already quoted, which are
taken from an interview with him in re-
cent issue of the Daily Beacon and Repitb-
Hcan, published in Akron. ''Salt Lake
city, said he to the reporter, sis a delight
full city of 80, 200 inhabitants and bids fair
in five years to treble Its population. Capt.
tai and brains are working great trans
formations in that old time city OF the
Mormons. Blocks are yearly going up
which in some instances cost 81, 900, 900.
The great Mormon temple, now in process
of erection, will undoubtedly be the won
der OF the west 1t has already cost
81 900 and will cost much more by the
time il is completed. The present tortoise
shaped tabernacle in which the Mormon
church worships is an immense structure,
easily seating Il. 0O0, and is crowded every
Sunday"
Though Mr.. LEBcHER is somewhat astray
IS to the cost of the Mormon temple, he is
right as to the rest, especially in his hope
ful view of the future of our city. Con-
unuine his remarks as to the resources OF
Utah. especially as TO our capabilities OF
producing grapes and other fruits, he
said:
SIN mineral wealth il is inferior TO no
state in the union. visited its immense
silver mines and was astonisheds at the
magnitude Of their product A large por-
ton of its soil is suitable for cultivation
and the magnificent system of irrigation
makes it nearly all tillable. But it is
especially adapted TO the growth of fruit,
and in that line will rapidly advance to the
front. The bench lands are perfectly
adapted to the growth of fruits of the
temperate zone, and especially to the Gull