The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10

cable, small fruits and vegeta bles alfalfa
and similar crops are grown proliticly.
On the bench, or upland, fruits of the
harder character are perfectly adapted,
while upon the plain, or plateau tracts,
are seen the broad acres of wheat and
other cereal crops. The rough lands bor-
dering upon the Columbia and Deschuttes s
rivers, together with the lands in the
southern portion of the county, too re-
mote for the present means of transporta-
ton of the grain crops, would yield in
abundance. They are al present used as
the winter quarters for The many large
focks Of sheep that are pastured in the
mountain ranges during the sum mer
season.
The fruits are second 10 none produced
on the Pacific Slope, which is witnessed
by the willingness of our horticulturists
to enter into competitive exposition of
fruit with all other localities of the same
latitude or zone. At the Portland Exposi-
ton in 1892, competing with all the
counties OF Oregon, Washington and
Idaho, she was awarded the county prize,
together with eleven OF the thirteen pos
sibe special prizes awarded at the same
exposition.
Wasco County vet has an extensive area
awaiting and inviting thrifty horticultur-
lists, assuring them the same success that
Is now enjoyed by those already exten-
sively engaged in the production OF the
superior and delicious straw berries of
Hood River Valley, which are so we'll
known in Omaha and other Northwestern
markets. In peaking thus favorably of
the straw berry products, We cannot place it
ahead OF the possibilities in the produc-
Iion OF winter apples, which are now
sought after at prices ranging from 81 so
20 81 per box. One interesting feature of
the fruit orchards in this county is the
rapid growth, rich verdure and extensive
foliage, prod ucing fruit unequaled in
favor and shipping qualities. Other fruit,
such as prunes, grapes, apricots, peaches
and cherries, are and can be extensively
grown.
In connection with the foregoing re-
sources should be mentioned extensive
live stock interests, principally sheep ana
cattle, together with lumb-r and fishing
interests. The lumber industry is yet in
its infancy. Along the eastern slope of
the Cascade mountains are extensive
tracts OF superior quality of fir, pine and
cedar tim Der awaiting reasonable invest
ment TO guarantee successful results.
The fishing interests along the banks of
the Columbia River are an annual source
oE revenue to many residents cf Wasco
County, and especially 10 those owning
fortunate locations at The Dalles Rapids.
Cello Falls and other points suitable for
the erection and maintenance OF fish,
wheels, which is the favorite process of
catching-the famous Colum bia River SAL
mon.
The chief city of Wasco County is The
Dalles, which on account of its favorable
location on the Columbia River, at the
head of deep water navigation, makes it
not only an important factor in the com.
mercial interests of Wasco County, but it
also enjoys the distinction of being the
Gateway to the Inland Empire" on ac-
count OF recent com pletion of the
Government locks at the Cascades.
The Dalles now enjoys an open water
way 10 Portland, the metropolis of the
State, and to the seaboard at Astoria.
1t is also the terminus of the first division
of the Oregon Railway and Navigation
Company, which gives it connection
with transcontinental lines. thus assuring
cheap rates by reason Of extensive compe-
tition
The DalIes has population of about
5oOO; has good schools, churches main