The Delta independent., 1895-08-14
FRUIT GROWERS OF DELTA.
Land Where the Delicious Harvest is Un.
failins-A Remarkable Plant
ing Record.

DELTA, Colo. Aug. ito her Colora-
do sister counties and to Colorado's sis
ter states Delta county sends in the
summer of 1895. lucious greeting Of fruit
tree and vine full laden. Constituting
choice portion OF the famous orchard
and vine lands OF the Western Slope of
Colorado, Delta county presents an ag-
gregation Of factors fortunate to fruit
culture unsurpassed in continental trav-
crse. A sun which alike strongly ripens
and delica'ely natures, giving at once
rapidity OF growth and perfection Of
quality: rich and virgin soil; net
work Of rushing mountain streams
whose eXhaustless waters are OF the
readiest irrigation utilization: excellent
railway transportation facilities. and a
harvest schedule including apples,
peaches. pears, plums, cherries. apricots,
nectarines. walnuts, almonds, all the
berries, and the grape, both wine and
raisin. form a productive and CONNER
cial combina ion which must speedily
advance this latest Colorado and West
ern fruit bearing region to the first
rank of impc rtance and prosperity.
Fairly initiated six years ago, the fruit
culture OF the county has known no
harvest failure and has rapidly and
steadily extended its orchard area. pro.
duction and excellence, the present year
already alone recording the planting OF
5000 new acres. or over 10000 addi.
tional trees. the growing orchards being
the best varieties OF latest improved
western nursery product. To the above
figures can be added about ], 900 acres,
or 10000 trees which are TO be planted
between now and the coming winter.
The Delta fruit output for 1894 was
2ooo.ooo pounds. while that OF 1895 will
reach 100000 pounds. The product
is OF finest flavor aroma. free from blem-
tions OF handling and shipment.
Denver. Colorado Springs and Saiida
capital and work are materially assist
ing in the development of Delta county
fruit interests, while a steady and swell
ing general immigration has set in.
From every state horticultural fair
Delta county has brought home ma
jority of the prizes, while at the Worlds
Fair she proudly carried off four OF the
six awards bestowed upon Colorado for
stone fruits and apples and pears, facts
which explain why Delta fruit in the
open market commands prices above
the average
Up to the present year the Delta fruit
output has been largely consumed in the
adjacent Colorado mining centers. but
from this on will enter the general mar
ket, canning factories and drying pro-
ccsses being used preparing portion of
the crop for sale and shipment.
The lands Of the county. comprising
tho bottoms and benches OF the many
streams and the more or less elevated
mesas OF the divides, are all fully eligi-
BILE to fruit culture, though immense
crops OF grains potatoes, garden vegeta-
bles and alfalfa are also produced. The
alfalfa crop is mostly consumed in the
splendid market fattening of excellent
home bred cattle. Honey production is
large and OF tho finest quality. while
poultry and eggs are shipped out in
great quantities. The cattle interests
both Of range and milk train-are mag
niticent and creamery would be most
profitable Delta investment The butter
OF the average American family is al
ways larger than it's bread bill. The
eastern portion Of the county is scanned
with yet undevcloped anthracite and bi
luminous coal. Three coal mines are
now open. Large and small game
abound in the county, while the streams
are alive with the finest trout. Tho
county is vcritahle natural sanitarium
for all pulmonary complaints.
The soil OF Delta county is largely
pormeated with potash, lava disintegra
ton and volcanic ash, the clements
which are alike found in the grape and
peach districts OF Mount Vesuvius aud