Santa Fe daily New Mexican., 1897-05-20

running streams, made me feel that hao
suddenly been transported to northern
Illipois, or portion of u II rich farming
country had strayed from home and found
a resting place on the banks of the Mora
river.
RICH FARMING SECTION.
In this part of the valley, which is really
continuation of the Mora valley, spoken
of in former letter, the Sapello and
Mora rivers run almost parallel for some
distance, joining some little way further
east, forming largo stream. These
streams furnish plenty of water for irri-
CATION, and large part of the land ia
under ditch with running water In the
bitches during the irrigating season. The
soil is productive, sandy loan, with
every other condition favorable for aRri.
culture, and number of fine ranches are
located in the valley. Among others are
the Clyde ranch, owned by Hadley Hal
lett, under the management of ex-Gov. o..
A. Hadley; Phoenix ranch, owned by Col.
Head; the two Watrous ranches, owned by
Mr.. ]. B. and Mrs. Watrous; the Widen
stein ranch, Bernardo Salazar's ranch, the
Martinez and Boney properties, Mr.. VIM.
Kronig's ranch and a number of smaller
places along the river.
TYPICAL RANCH.
brief description of one ranch will
give general idea of the manner in which
farming and stock raising are carried on
in this part of Mora county. The Clyde
| ~, ,,kp of on
fence, and is divided as follows: In al
fslfa, 492 acres; timothy and red top, 1872;
oats and other grains, 212; pasture land,
1852. The irrigation system consists of
dams and headgates in the Mora river,
three main bitches with numerous laterals
giving running water in nearly all the
fields. From 1900 to 1000 tons of alfalfa
and meadow hay are raised every year, as
are also oats and other ocops; between
600 and 700 head of cattle and l60 head Of
graded Clyde and Percheron horses are
kept on the ranch. The buildings are
substantial and ample for all purposes,
and include everything necessary from an
| ice house to the big red barns. These are
| all grouped within a convenient distance
| from the residence, a handsome two-story
structure fitted with all ths modern con-
veniences and comforts Gov. Hadley has
the only herd OF fine horses inthe Watrous
| valley, but the other ranches are we'll
stocked with blooded and graded cattle.
Wheat, oats, alfalfa, tame hay, fruits
and vegetables are all raised, but the
principal crop is alfalfa. Thousands of
acres are given to the growth OF this
wonderful forage plant, and as three
crops are harvested every year the yield
is enormous. Much of it is fed to stock,
many head of cattle being fed through
the winter for the northern and eastern
markets, the remainder is baled and ship
ped to other points, finding ready sale
at from 50 to $l2 per ton. Many cars
are loaded and shipped each year, and
the handling of this one product alone
gives employment to large number of
men.
| The sheep interests are not large, but
a number of focks are kept in the valley,
and the marketing of wool from other
sections of the country aggregates con-
siderable in years time.
The present season has been very favor.
able for crops and fruits of all kinds, and
so far az can be foreseen a prosperous
year is assured the ranchmen in the val
ley. Prices for horses and cattle are on
the up grade and the increase in herds
and hocks in other parts Of the territory
will necessarily create greater demand
for hay, alfalfa and oats, and from these
conditions Watrous and the surrounding
country will reap its share of the. profits.
| THE TOWN OF wATRous.
In the town of Watrous, judging from
appearances, matters are in prosper
GUS condition. The first thing that caught
my eye was large new building, just en-
closed, which Is intended for and will be
used as hotel. When finished the town
will have good hotel, 80 far as the hous-
ing requisites are concerned, and there
certainly is business enough to warrant
"mine host" in maintaining first-class
travellers home. For the happiness and
comfort of "the boys on the road" 1t is
TO be hoped such will be the case. The
mercantile establishments are conducted
by q. D. Reinken and B. A. Romero 4
90. Mr.. Reinken has an extensive con-
cern and carries as large and we'll assorted
stock as can be found in any of the towns
in the territory outside Of the very largest
places. In addition he handles grain,
hay, alfalfa, and dressed meats In q
wholesay way, and is also engaged in the
manufacture Of lime, having q kiln just
south of town in the bluffs.
The Masonic fraternity owns a good
hall, which 10 used exclusively by that or
der; the houses are comfortable, q num-
Der quite commodious, and taken all In
all Watrous is town Of Importance, and
as shipping point one that commands q
high rank in New Mexico.
CAUSES FOB PROSPERITY.
4 lam well aware that comparisons are
odious and as rule should not be in
dulged in, but what have seen in Mora
county, after having visited other SEQ
tions Of the territory, haye arrived a,
some conclusions, as follows:
Icannot see that the Sapello, Mora ani
Watrous valleys have been any more
lavishly endowed with natural advantages
than the Rio Grande and other valleys
and yet they are undoubtedly the mos
prosperous and attractive sgricultura
, sections of New Mexico. However, cal
see the cause Of the difference. Here th,
farmers and ranchmen are d. progressive
a. those found In any country. Moderl
methods, improved machinery and goot
stock are employed in the cultivation o
crops and raising Of cattle and horses
Gould the same ideas and like method