The Holly chieftain., 1898-08-12
'''' ''- H. P. HORST. Agent.
PRowERs COUNTY DIRECTORY.
the. MELTED Gem cAmpAAouPx.

Inc present outlook is that as q
money making business in the Arkan-
sas valley the raising OF cantalonpes is
to greatly over-shadow any other one
line of agricultural activity. The
attainment of the present Importance
has been the growth of a number of
years. For time the sales were linn
tied to Colorado and the west, our grow
ers not sufficiently appreciating the
superior value Of their product. Canta-
loupe growing has not been all profit,
and some years many growers have had
the unpleasant experience of losing
their crates and paving express charger.
The turn in the tide came when an or
ganisation was effected and an eastern
market secured. Last year was the
first really profitable and wholly sue
cessful experience of the melon grow.
ers on large scale. A contract was
made with the Western Poultry &
Game Co., of st. Louis, Nat Wetzel. gen
erap manager A contract was made
for 35 cars. but before the season ended
1875 cars had been ordered. The foun-
dation of this great demand was the
superior excelience of the Rocky Ford,
cantsloupe. But this excellence woald
never have been known to the eastern
epicure but for the pKenominal push
and enterprise of Mr.. Wetsel's company
He was most profuse in his expenditures
to attract public attention to this new
product grown mile above the sea
level. So persistently and promi-
nently were Rocky Ford cantaloupes
advertised that the people were almost
forced to make trial purchase. Hav-
ing oncs sampled them the victory was
won and the Colorado Melted Gem was
in demand while the native. melons
were slow sale at one-fourtf the price,
The valley owes Mr.. Wetzel debt of
lasting gratitude for his successful work
in securing for the Melted Gem such
popularity throughout the
east. This immense demand for our
leading product WAS not only secured,
bnt prompt payments made at such
prices as made the business 80 profita-
BILE to growers that the whole valley
caught the cantaloupe fever, and the
production. formerly limited to Rocky
Ford, has been extended from Pueblo
10 the state line.
All of the 1900 farmers now growing
eoes have fair prospects for ex-
cellent returns for their labor-wher-
ever intelligence and industry have
the culture of the fields.
This excellent outlook is the result of
organization. corporation and unity
of action in handling the crop. Almost
all the growers of the valley are under
contract to sell to the Western Poultry
& Game Co. We think the best inter
ssts of all would have been promoted
mad the contracts been with Mr.. Wet
sel's company unanimously, but the
number Of acres outside is not large
enough to interfere with the successful
of the entire output.
In his dealings with the Rocky Ford
last year Mr.. Wetzel was not
'nly prompt but generous, waving his
ust claims in one instance to the prof.
Il the members of the association. A
nan who has shown the vim that Mr..
Wetzel has and done 90 much for
he success of the valley deserves
he enthusiastic support of every melon
'rower from vineland to Holly. He
las now doubtless fully organized his
ampaiRn for 1898, which we trust will |
esult in profit to both the Western
POULTRY & Game Co. and the Melon
growers of the valley.
Last years remarkably large and pro.
table sales, and this years immensely
increased demand are such strong tes-
imonials to the buslness influence and |
Ugh commercial standing Of the Wes-
ern Game 4 Poultry Co. that these |
rords should be the motto Of the Ar
ansas valley melon growers: Stand by
Vetxel.-Rocky Ford Enterprise.