The Arizona sentinel., 1897-01-02


 alized. But coupled with her geographi cal position we find that she is the center of country whose agricultural possibili tics are practically unlimited, being sur rounded by soil the fertility of which exceeds that of the delta oi the Nile, and wanting only water to become paradise oi bloom. Billions of gallons of that precious fluid have annually gone to waste al 1uma's very doors, but already reaction is taking place and many enterprises are on foot to supply the iife-giving waters oi she yellow Colorado tc the thirsty earth.
 RIVERS OF YUMA COUNTY,
 in regard to climate, healthfulness, fer tility and productiveness of soil, facilities for cultivation, irrigation and abundance ot water supply, variety of resources and cheap transportation by rail and by water, no part of Arizona can surpass Yuma county, which is destined to become one of richest and most prosperous counties ID Arizona.
 It lies between 32o OO' and 34' 20' north latitude and ll3o 2O' and ll40 40' west longitude. It contains 6. ASS, ,320 acres. It is about as large as the States of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Delaware com- biked, or as large as either New Hampshire, Vermont or Massachusetts.
 The western boundary of Yuma County is formed by the Colorado river, which separates Arizona from California. The county is bounded on the north by Williams Ferk and the Santa Maria river, whose waters flow into the Colorado; on the east by the counties of Pima, Maricopa and Yavapai, and on the south by Sonora, Mexico. It's county seat is the town Of Yuma.
 The Colorado river drains the entire ter. ritcry of Arizona, and every drop ot water which falls on its mountains and plains | ids its way to this mighty river It is ormed by the union of the Green and Grand rivers, fed by the streams which
 
 rise in the Rocky Mountains, and the melt tnq snows cause a greater depth of water fn this river in summer than in winter. thus furnishing the most water at the season when it is most required for the purposes of irrigation and agriculture.
 It will be seen that for the entire distance along its western boundary, Yuma County possesses the great advantage Of cheap water transportation.
 The Gila river rises in the western part of New Mexico and is fed by numerous streams, among the most prominent or which are the San Pedro, Agua Fria, Has, havampa and Salt rivers. It flows west through Yuma County and empties into the Colorado at the town of Yuma.
 Yuma county, traversed by these great rivers from its northern to its southern, md from its eastern to its western bound ar;es. possesses far greater water supply than any other county in the Territory and far more than can be found in all Call fernia.
 This water is now being diverted from its natural channels by means ot numerous large irrigating canals, and utilized tor the purpose of retaining and irrlgatlng the Immense tracts of lands which lie in this favored country, and which are as fertile as any in the world.
 The Southern Pacific Railroad crosses the Colorado river at the town of Yuma and runs through the county, following the generol course, and at an average distance of about four miles south, of the Gila river, rendering all the lands susceptible ot irrl- ration and cultivation, can hnd an easy outlet in this way and can be transported to all the markets and centers of population ia the East or West.
 Another competing railroad is projected from San Diego. California, to the town of Yuma, and thence along the north side Inf the Gila river. Thus Yuma County will have exceptional railroad advantages.
 THECLIMATE OF YUMA.
 
 The climate of Yuma for nine months of fhe year has no equal, as we believe, Tn the world, and during the remaining three months of the year, comprising June, July and August, the heat is not oppressive. Even though the thermometer in mid-sum- mer may aa times rise above lO00, and oc- sasionally even reach ll0', yet, owing to the absence of moisture in the air, is not onnressive. The atmosphere is pure, light and balmy. When the mercury marks the Richest extreme of heat, person dces not Feel that oppression or debility which IS seIt in the Eastern States when the mer- .urv is ranging from S0' to 9O'. The air is go dry that precipitation is absorbed as soon as if reaches the surface of the body, and zt no tsmo in the summer does the heat produce any discomfort.
 LANDS AND SOILS. The lands of Yuma County comprise the river aottoms and valleys and the uplands or mesas The bottom ands are moister and slightly mere fertile, f. indeed, it is possible to mlbe comparisons bere all are so wonderfully productive and prolific. The uplands mesas are warmer and, perhaps lightly for better the cultivation the citrus fruits s,,..s ccptaiuss vsrIot, of seil Ths valley land