The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-05-05
MDL RzM HZ2U
WITH MMHW MkZOW AIzZ8 81

There r two factors which modify
the practice in Alaska as compared
with farming and gardening else
where; and these are, First, the climate,
and, Second, the soil. The Alaska
climate has a reputation for rigor and
inclemency on which it is not neces-
sary to comment here. This fact is
accepted as a matter of course. The
fact that the soil differs in many re
spects from soil in more temperate
attitudes is perhaps not so well under
stood. Such is, nevertheless, the case,
and before one can work it success
fully he must learn, either from his
own experience or the experience of
others, in what respect it differs from
soil in lower ATTITUDES.
The leading features of the climate
of the coast region of Alaska are cool
summers, mild winters and a heavy
rainfall. 1t seems incredible that the
average annual temperature at Sitka,
Alaska, is almost the INT as that of
Washington, D. C. While this is true,
there is, nevertheless, a vast difference
in the climate of the two places.
Washington, d. c., has uncomfortably
warm summers, and at times the win
ters may likewise be uncomfortably
cold, the temperature falling several
degrees below zero. At Sitka the
highest temperature on record is 81 de-
grees, Fair, and this only for a single
day. Often the maximum summer
temperature does not reach 80 degrees,
and it is mor frequently between 60
and 20 degrees. The winters, on the
other hand, are very mild for the lati-
tude. The lowest temperature on
record is four degrees below zero. 1t
is seldom indeed that the temperature
falls to zero. During the winter of
1904-5 the lowest temperature re-
corded with the weather bureau in
struments was % degrees above zero.
Now, what is true of Sitka in this
Alaska. This remarkable uniformity
in temperature throughout the year is
of course due to the influence of the
Pacific ocean, which, being very near
ly of the same temperature the year
around, tempers the cold of winter as
well as the heat of summer.
The soils of Alaska differ from those
of more southern ATTITUDES in several
particulars. Glacial action is apparent
everywhere. The surface is generally
quite irregular, particularly in the
coast region. In portions of the inte-
-inr fhnra ~ axfAprFrn eFro&ohnr ,F |
comparatively level land, but even
here glacial action is very noticeable.
The accumulation of the imperfectly
decayed remains of herbaceous vege-
tation for untold centuries has pro-
duced a peculiarly mucky and peaty
soil, which is perhaps not found else
where. This soil retains moisture with
great ~tenacity, and before it can be
successfully cultivated it must be
thoroughly drained. Owing to lack of
warmth the processes of decay are
slow and imperfect, and vegetable
have developed, making the soil
very sour, as is shown by its instantly
litmus paper red. To correct
his acidity lime must be applied; how
much will vary with circumstances.
At the Sitka experiment station we
have applied more than a ton to the
acre on soil of this character, and
his is apparently insufficient. ,
Vegetation turns into soil slowly {
Ind imperfectly in all regions of Alas 3
IA and ~differentiates the surface mold 7
rom the soil in the states. Muck and {
formations are found in all Sec 4
ions of the territory, but particularly a
n the coast region, and here, as noted, [
ihiefy in southeastern Alaska. This D
is very generally unproductive I'M f
il it is thoroughly drained and lined. u
cultivation and exposure to the air p
7ill in time correct the acidity to some Il
egree, so that fairly good crops can b
e grown, but it is slow work. 1t is a p
natter of common observation that p
eed sown on newly cleared soil of this el
haracter fails to do more than sprout. Of
he writer has frequently been told S!
Y prospectors and settlers of their
unsuccessful ventures at gardening.
hey will cut the moss and s%hrubbery
ON a likely patch of ground near 81
leir camp, SOW the seed they have &c
with them. and patiently wait as
IT their radishes, turnips or mess of Sc
reens, only to find that, while the wi
'eds sprout, the young plants soon wi