Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-05-20

selection of seed and development. pos
sessed varieties that might be of great
use along the gulf coast. An educated
southern man was sent to Japan to find a
variety richer in nitrogen and rounder In
shape. This was secured. and ten tons
were imported. 1t was of variety known
as kiushu. 1t met all the requirements.
As soon as the people in the localities
where it was planted became satisfied that
Il was what was needed private parties
made heavy importations. Fully $4,000
GO was promptly invested. much of it by
people in the northern STATES, and the
production of rice in the country has since
increased more than S1,WN,oN annually.
Heret ofore we have been heavy importers
OF rice. The crop now growing will en-
tirely supply the home demand. The peo-
pie along the gulf coast have already found
benefit from our new island possessions.
as the Porto Ricans buy all the broken
rice at much better price than heretofore
obtained.
Cattle Growing in Texas.
Texas raises more cattle than any other
state in the Union. The department is
in active cooperation with the people Of
that state regarding the health Of their
animals. Texas also grows early crops
for northern markets and is rapidly de-
veoping a very extensive industry along
that line. Large areas of laad in the state
lie in the arid regions Problems of irriga-
ton, therefore, are receiving considerable
attention from the department. Questions
Of irrigation, alkali soils and methods of
conserving soil moisture are of funda-
mental Importance in New Mexico, Arizona
and Texas. On these questions the depart
ment is working in conjunction with the
experiment stations Of those states
Through the division of chemistry We are
in close cooperation with those localities
in the production of sugar beets. Beets of
a high quality are produced in all the arid
regions where water can be applied at suf-
fcient elevation. Through the office of ex-
pertinent stations We are making a study
of the food of the working people of New
Mexico, which, while differing from that
of northern states to considerable extent,
is found to be nutritious and economical
The division of agroStology is working
with the experiment stations of. these
states studying the problems of the ranges
and introduction of forage plants that
could add to and supplement the natural
grasses, which are scarce.
The Salt river of Arizona, that runs north
and south through the territory, irrigates
about 10000 acres of land, produces al
falfa, sugar beets, oranges and other cit
rous fruits and a wide range of semi
tropical products. Phoenix is the place
where the department is conducting the
experiment with date palm trees, brought
from Tripoli in Africa, last fall This
was done at the expense of thousands of
dollars.
Origin of Salt River
Secretary Wilson made close inquiry
while at Phoenix regarding water condi-
tions. and found that the Salt river has
Its rise in forest reserves in the northern
part of the territory. Cutting of timber
and destruction of timber by fire have al
ready seriously affected the water supply
of Phoenix. Certain fields, orchards and
gardens have been abandoned, and If 1t is
not practical to stop the destruction of
forests at the headwaterS of this stream
the neighborhood of Phoenix will suffer
still further injury. This is one of the
prettiest spots in the great southwestern
desert, and the prospect that 1t will be
seriously blighted by destruction of timber
is one that is not inviting. The sheep
growers along the head of the Salt river
are said to be really poachers. They feed
their sheep on government lands and when
a dry spell comes on they drive to the for
est reserves, set fire to the timber and
burn OF large spots, which soon spring up
with grass for the sheep 1t is these peo-
pie who are doing so much harm in cur
failing the waters that are absolutely nee
essary to life on the plains" w. w p