The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-04-26

Miller Freeman. editor OF the Ranche
and Range. the only publication in the
state OF Washington devoted exclusively
10 the interests announced in its title. has
been in the city for several days past in
attendance upon the meetings of the Wen
atchee fruit growers. the result OF which
is matter of great Importance 10 the Sec
ton OF the state from which Mr.. Freeman
halls. and in which his creditable journal
Is issued.
Editor Freeman registered himself from
North Yakima. and he is first-ciass type
of the hustfng young business man that
has made the central part OF this great
commonwealth an important factor in the
commercial world. The Rancho and
Range has only reached Its third number
of its first volume. but il is a promising
youngster. and liberal advocate of those
matters that interest the rancher and the
ranger.
Besides being a publisher. Mr.. Freeman
is the secretary of the Northwest Fruit
Growers Associa ton, which covers as its
field of usefulness the states OF Washing
ton, Oregon and Idaho and a part of
British Columbia. This association Mr..
Freeman describes as one of great value
TO its members. holding as IL does annual
meetings at which views regarding prof
liable handling of the fruit growth are
expressed. and ideas on the subjects OF
pests and blights are discussed. with the
manners of destroying the one and pre-
venting the other. Its work is of a healthy
nature. stimulating greater effort on the
part OF the members of the organization
10 produce an attractive article and 10
present 1t to purchasers in a first-class
condition. With this idea the Northwest
Fruit Growers Association has adopted
boxes and cases of a standard size and is
using as patterns the manner OF packing
used by the most prominent fruit growers
and shippers of California, who have set
the pace for Eastern growers, demonstrate
ing the superiority of boxes over barrels
for handling and display.
Next January the association OF which
Mr.. Freeman is secretary holds its meet
ing In Portland. 1t is literally supported
and has done great good. but has not ia
ken up matters of shipment exclusively.
This, Mr. Freeman thinks. viii be an I'M
portant feature in the organization of the
Wenatchee fruit growers, whose DISPOSE
tion is to arrange their interests so as not
to conflict in matters of shipment. The
scheme TO avoid this viii appear in the
proposition for an organization that Will
be submitted at the next meeting in We
natchee.
Central Washington is flourishing. ac-
cording to general report, and Mr.. Free
man indorses the statement. Last year
good prices prevailed in all branches to
and rangers addressed themselves, more
money was made in meats, vegetables and
fruits than ever beforehand stock inter-
ests are constantly increasing. Yakima is
now the center of a grazing district, over
which roam more than half million
sheep All agricultural lines are improv-
ing, and an impetus is lent endeavor by
the splendid roads that lead from all d.
rections to the market. The roads are
never muddy and are uniformly hard, ex-
cept for brief interval in the summer
months. when they are dusty. In the dis
trict tributary 10 Yakima are probably loo
miles of main irrigating ditch, and there
are already thirty miles OF prospective
sixty miles of the Sunnyside canal built.
People can buy land with water rights at
moderate prices. or land owned by the
Northern Pacific may be purchased with
a perpetual water right for SO per acre, or
at an annual water rental of $3.50 per acre.
A great system of bitches is being further
projected.
Last year the crop of alfalfa yielded 3d.
900 tons. which sold for "a per ton. The
profit from this source may be estimated
when 1t is known that the average yield
is two tons per acre, and that three crops
per year is usual. Many people are COM
ing TO Central Washington from the East.
most OF them being trained farmers Near
iy all have money and are able to begin
number of the newcomers are Hollanders,
a thrifty, capable class. Special attention
is being paid 10 the raising of fine stock
OF particular breeds. also of poultry.
When asked concerning the question of
horses. Mr.. Freeman replied that the hills
are covered with wild horses that have
multiplied in such numbers that they are
a nuisance. and If some way for removing
them at one fell swoop could be devised ii
would be a great thing for the country.
They are as much of pest as the rabbits
of Australia. or chipmunks. gophers. bad
gers wolves and all sorts of nuisances that
receive a premium for their scalps. Many
are herded away TO the Portland cannery
and sold for a dollar or two. while others
are shot down and fed to hogs, but stiil
they multiply. eating the grass that should
be converted into mutton and beef.
This year the hop fields will yield 5000
bales that will bring the agreed price OF 10
cents per pound. many growers having
contracted for their yield at that figure.
Mr. Freeman. in discussing the forestry
reservation. said that q great hardship
would Re wrought If stock were driven
from the ranges that are included in the
reservation. The Rainier reservation. II is
believed. will not be closed TO grazing. de-
spite its setting aside as park. but should
il be il would cut Of n great revenue.
Mr.. Freeman returned TO Yakima last