Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1893-03-11

Tor lrrlgatlonI OWING 10 the Iact
that the lands OF the valley are nearly
level, having only a slight fall to the
west or sonth sufficient to carry the
water, there is no cost for leveling or
preparing the land for irrigation. In
southern California the leveling of the
land alone costs often as high as $40 per
acre.
22. Is any special treatment of
ground or crop required? Deep, thor
ough and frequent tillage only. No
fertilizers required.
%, What is the cost per acre per
year for water? 1925 per miners inch,
or 81 % per acre per year.
"a. How is the water obtained for ir-
rigation2 The water is diverted from
the Salt river below the junction Of the
Verde river (these two rivers having O
watershed of $4,000 square miles by
means of dams, and carried to the lands
to be irrigated through large canals,
which in turn supply the smaller
bitches or laterals which conduct the
water where needed to be used.
%. Are the users of water liable for
assessments or repairs on the canals
No; the canal company bears all such
expenses.
26. How is the water obtained for
domestic uses? In the city of Phoenix,
from the water-works and from wells.
IN the country, from the canals and
from wells.
81. How do Salt River valley oranges
compare with the best California fruit?
The Riverside Press, of Riverside Cali
fornia, said ~. Il. brown returned
from the Gila Bend country last night.
He brought back with him box of
Navel oranges grown about eleven
miles from Phoenix, in the Salt River
valley. These oranges are magnificent
specimens-good size. rich color, very
sweet and finely favored. They ripen
in November, a couple of months
earlier than here in Riverside. 1t
has been fully demonstrated that
fine oranges can be raised in Arizona.
Office OF the Director General,
Worlds Columbian Exposition,
Chicago, December 20, 1884,
Ny dear Mr.. Coates:
The box OF Salt River valley oranges,
which you were so kind to send me,
came yesterday, just in time to be
opened on Christmas morning. We
found them very fine. For your
thoughtfulness and kindness please &C.
cept my cordial thanks.
Very TRULY yours,
GEORGE A. DAVIS.
2S. Is experience neededin the grow
ing of fruits? Yes, but it can be easily
and rapidly acquired.
20. Are orange trees in Salt River
valley liable 10 scale? No; the drYness
OF the atmosphere is safeguard.
30. What are the leading and most
profitable varieties of deciduous fruits?
Apricots, peaches, figs almonds and
raisin grapes.
81. What other fruits are also raised Z?
Oranges, olives. pomegranates, wine and
table grapes, dates. bananas, nectarines,
prunes, ounces, apples, pears and all
kinds OF berries.
so. How are they disposed of? The
local market OF surrounding mining and
cattle districts consume the greater part
of the fresh fruits. The surplus is ship
ped in refrigerator cars, or dried or
canned for the eastern markets.
33. What kind OF grapes are Guilt
waited? Table grapes for local and ex-
pOIL ubt, MlhC anu kihPtbs
"a. Is raisin growing profitable?
Rsisins return from 500 to 5000 per
acre.
So. Is the raisin crop during curing
liable to damage from rainsl One OF
the peculiar advantages OF the dry
climate Of the Salt River valley is the
absence OF dews and fogs, and the fact
that no rainfall need be expected dur
ing curing period. Indeed, so great is
this advantage that California grapes
have been shipped into Arizona to be
cured.
SO. Are fruits the only product OF the
soil? No; there is a large acreage Of
alfalfa, wheat and barley.
81. What do the various grains yield
per acre? Wheat from 800 to $500 |
lbs., and barley from 1000 to 5000 lbs,
per acre, according to cultivation.
3S. What hay crops are raised? Bar
ley and oats are largely grown for hay, |
and cut while the grain is in the milk. |
Alfalfa, however, is the leading crop for |
nay.
80. What is the yield of alfalfa per
It is cut from to 6times per year, thus
!ltlulHB ltOh o W IL luis per acre per |
lnnum.
40. What is the value OF such hay? |
From $500 to $1,000 per ton, baled, ac-
,ording to the season.
Al. Does alfalfa make good meadow
,r pastures? Alfalfa is unsurpassed IS
! forage plant, and is equally valuable
or hay or pasture. One acre OF alfalfa
pasture supports, in prime condition,
wo head of stock, and this ali the year
'ound
AZ. Is the Salt River valley a good
ocality Tor live stock? Horses, cattle,
heep or hogs are matured on alfalfa
pastures without ever being housed or
ed one pound of grain. The mild
climate and luxuriant pastures are at
racting attention to this valley as a
avorabe locality for the breeding of
inc pedigreed stock.
43. 1t is profitable business to buy
took cattle to feed? Yes; the sur
mountain cattle ranges fur
lish immense quantities of stockers,
which the farmer can buy at reasonable
prices.
Al. II farmer has not the necessary
money to put into cattle, can he dispose
II his surplus pasture after cutting the
ast crop of hayP Yes; the price of