The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1904-12-01
ALONG The ROAD
TO PARKERTOWN

Among the best farms in the valley
are those that border the foothills OF
the western range, from the banks of
| the Columbia to the banks Of Hood
| River at the base Of Mount Defiance.
On this side of the valley some of the
best apples have been brought to market
this year, although the area of CONNER
cial orchards in bearing is small as yet
One of the farms that promises good
future, and one which is being steadily
improved, is the 123-acre place of ]. j.
Jordan, located mile west of the Crap
per school. The house and farm build
ings are pleasantly located on the lower
end of the farm at the turn of the road,
being sheltered from the winds and
having the advantage oi fine spring
that is plped to the house. What trees
are in bearing are located near the
house, as are also some very fine grapes,
from which Mr.. Jordan makes excellent
wine. A berry patch Of ten acres is
reached by trail that leads up to
bench about 200 feet higher than the
buildings, from which one of the grand
est views Of Mount Hood and the valley
may be seen. On this bench are also
set out over p acres Of Spitzenberg and
Newtown apples. The land is a yellow
silt or loan, mixed with shot gravel,
and very deep. An irrigating ditch
reaches this land at the highest point,
and insures a promising future for the
young orchard. This is also some of
best strawberry land in the valley, and
the yield this year was very good.
u InrIan 10 alun ipnnrnpinn Al
acres to the west Of his brothers place,
and expects TO have over 30 acres in ap-
pies next year
James Moore is also improving 40,
and has about IL acres cleared, which
he has planted to apples, Strawberries
and potatoes.
j. |. Miller has nine acres IN bearing
orchard, six in strawberries and five in
hay. The apple crop suffered this year
for want OF proper care, owing to Mr.
Miller being unable to attend to it, but
his aichard can be made to produce
very profitable returns.
The farms OF A. A. Jayne and J. Il.
Binns are located on what is known as
the second bench, at an altitude Of
about 1900 feet. Both places are being
steadily improved, more clearing being
done every year, and the apple orchards
extended At this altitude the Goblin
moth does not thrive as well as in the
lower levels, and the trees do not need
as careful spraying, The tree growth is
vigorous and the quality Of fruit is fine.
On the third bench, and the last farm
on the road to ParkertOwn is the
G. A. HickIe ranch. Althoug only
a little over eight miles from town, Mr..
Hickle markets the last berries in Hood
River, consequently his berries net him
better returns than those of the middle
OF the serson. His berries begin to ripen
about the first Of July, and continue un-
I'll about the first OF August. Mr.. Hick-
le has a small orchard set out, which
will be increased next spring.
G. A. McCurdy and viii Crapper own
farms adjoining the Crapper school on
the west. The soil is rich, with plenty
OF water for irrigation, and suitable for
almost any crop that can be grown in
the valley. Mr.. McCurdy marketed
some Of the best Spitzenbergs this year,
but had only a few boxes, owing to the
trees being damaged by the early snow
storm last November.