Omaha daily bee., 1892-03-06

commencing at Lewiston, and would be
almost its entire length were it not for its
swiftness, its gigantic falls and its COM
preston at intervals between narrow canons,
There are probably 5000, 600 acres of irriga-
BILE land Of exceptional richness yet remain
ing in Idaho unclaimed or untouched.
That portion Of the state which occupies
the west center and of which BOISE Is the
pride, while rich in mineral and agriculture,
is especially favored rs fruit region. The
readiness and cheapness with which the ex-
tensve areas of sage-bush lands can be con-
verted to fruit farms have laid the founda-
tions of great fruit growing industry.
Apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots,
plums, prunes and grapes are grown in the
greatest abundance and are shipped to tho
neigh boring states. Within the past few
years the industry has so grown that some
of the fruit has found a market at Chi
than the California fruit Straw Straw
berries, blackberries, raspberries and
dewberrles are commencing to be extensively
cultivated Immense tracts of land peculi-
arly adapted to fruit culture have never been
touched but nestle along the streams, shell
tered by the mountains. There are eight
regular nurseries In the state, all, doing a
thriving business. Speaking generally, the
soil and climate of Idaho is so rich and di-
versihed that almost every product of the
farm can be cultivated successfully and pros
perously. Over 100000 bushels OF faxseed
were produced in two counties of north
Idaho, Latah and Nez Perce, last year.
The cattle and stock industry is profitable,
and while the latest census as shown in a
bulletin prepared by MIR. Whitehead and
issued under the direction Of Superintendent
Porter, September l6, 1891, places Idaho
among the first states in the number of its
stock on ranges the field is scarcely touched
There are somewhere between 5000. 0o0 and
10000, 600 acres of good grazing land in the
state which supported 35,0S4 cattle, l0i,5S3
horses and s5Z6ao sheep in 1889
Whs Without nqmSsy npy could TO the be 5e as
ing industry. To be sure almost every
farmer has few head in addition to the
large bands which run upon the ranges. The
ordinary loss OF stock from all causes is about
per cent per aEnum
land producing white and yellow pine, fir
cedar, spruce and tamarack and some oak
With the exception of Washington 1t is
doubtful II any state produces such mag
nificent timber as Idaho. 1t is habitually
tall, large and ofdense growth and easily got
ten to market. Allowing Ior the destructive
use OF timber in the United States, but hav-
Ing regard also to the competition of other
I Industries, localities and materials it is evi-
dent that the lumber interests of idaho will
AFFORD employ for all that choose to turn
to them, for great number of years more
years tha~ need be scanned by this genera
tion.
Mining reluctantly yields the first place to
to tho present time this comparatively un-
known and unDrospected portion of our great
country has given to the world in silver and
gold, with which to carry on its business, the
enormous sum of $3.50, 100000 These precious
minerals have been washed off of the bed
rock and dug out of the grim hills. New
mines are discovered every day, and in addi-
ton to gold and silver there are enormous
fields OF copper, lead, limestone and other
minerals. The mining capabilities of Idaho
cannot even be surmised. 1t is the opinion
of mining experts who have followed mining
over the Pacific coast that Idano will soon
rank first among the mining states. The
| latest census shows that 9,445 ounces OF
gold, value g, 055, 70S, ana B 43i, 33l ounces of
silver value a, 4,440,347, were produced in
| 1882 While the lead industry has
| sprung into prominence in the state
during the past few years, up to
| which time more was produced to
| speak OF. Idaho now ranks third as lead
producer, being surpassed by Colorado and
| Michigan only. The output In 1889 was 23, l72
short tons worth about S200o,0U0. Many
rich mines are IN full operation, giving en-
ployment to thousands OF hardy and exem-
| plary citizens at good wages, and stimulating z
every other industry aud affording aproft-