Arizona republican., 1893-04-11

81. What does it cost to prepare land
| for irrigation? Owing to the fact
that the lands OF the valley are nearly
level, having only 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.
%. Is any special treatment Of
ground or crop required? Deep, thor
ough and frequent tillage only. No
fertilizers required.
90, What is the cost per acre per
year for wster2 1925 per miners inch,
or $1.25 per acre per year.
"a. How is the water obtained for ir-
rigation? The water is diverted from
the Salt river below the junction OF the
Verde river (these two rivers having o
watershed OF $1,000 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
wafer where needed to be used.
%. Are the csers 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.
an the country, from the canals and
IRON wells.
q. How do Salt River valley oranges
compare with the best California fruit ?
The Riverside Press, OF Riverside Cali
fornia, said ". L. brown returned
from the ella Bend country last night.
He brought back with him a 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. 4"
Office OF the Director General,
Worlds Columbian Exposition.
Chicago, December 26, 1917
NV 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
thoughtfnlness and kindness please ac-
cept my cordial thanks.
Very TRULY yours,
GEORGE A. DAVIS.
%. Is experience neededin the grow
ing OF iruts2 Yes, but it can be easily
and rapidly acquired.
30. Are orange trees in Salt River
/ n Ia h..l dr.
Of the atmosphere is a safeguard.
80. What are the leading and most
| profitable varieties OF deciduous fruits :?
Apricots. peaches, figs almonds and
rslsln grapes.
81 What other fruits are also raised
Oranges, olives, pomegranates, wine and
table grapes, dates, bananas, nectarines,
prunes, ounces, apples, pears and all
kinds OF berries.
80. 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 culti-
waited? Table grapes for local and ex-
port use, wine and raisin grapes.
a. Is raisin growing profitable?
Raisins return from 500 to 5000 per
acre.
35. Is the raisin crop during curing
| liable TO damage from rains! One Of
the peculiar advantages Of the dry
climate OF the Salt River valley is the
absence Of daws and logs, 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 large acreage OF
alfalfa, wheat and barley.
81. What do the various grains yield
per acre? Wheat from l,500 to $500
lb-.. and barley from 1000 to 3 1000 bs.,
per acre, according to cultivation.
SO. What hay crops are raised? Bar
| ley and oats are largely grown Tor hay,
and cut while the grain is in the milk.
Alfalfa, however, lie the leading crop for
hay.
80. What is the yield Of alfalfa per
acre? From | to tons per cnting.
1t is cut from A TO 6 times per year, thus
yielding from to IL tons per acre per
annum.
40. What IS the value OF such hay?
From IS. 90 10 $1,000 per ton, baled, ac-
cording to the season.
Al. Does alfalfa make good meadow
or pastures? Alfalfa is unsurpassed as
a forage plant, and is equally valuable
for hay or pasture. One acre Of alfalfa
pasture supports, in prime condition,
two head of stock, and this ali the year