The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1908-04-30

There are 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 reputation for rigor and
inclemency on which 1t 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 we'll under
stood. Such is, nevertheless, the case,
and before one can work 1t success
fully he must learn, either from his
own experience or the experience of
others, in what respect 1t differs from
soil in lower latitudes.
The leading features Of the climate
of the coast region of Alaska are cool
summers, mild winters and heavy
rainfall. II seems incredible that the
average annual temperature at Sitka,
Alaska, is almost the same as that of
Washington, ID. G. While this is true.
there is, nevertheless, n vast difference
in the climate of the two places.
Washington, ID. 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, Fahr, and this only for single
day. Often the maximum summer
temperature does not reach so degrees,
and II Is more 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. II
| 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 22 degrees above zero.
Now, what is true of Sitka in this
respect is true of all southeastern
| 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 latitudes in several
particulars. Glacial action is apparent
everywhere. The surface is generally
quite irregular, particularly in the
coast region. In portions of the inte-
rior there are extensive stretches OF
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 peculiarly mucky and peaty
soil, which is perhaps not found else.
where. This soil retains moisture with
great tenacity, and before 1t can be
successfully cultivated 1t must be
thoroughly drained. Owing to lack OF
warmth the processes of decay are
slow and imperfect and vegetable
acids have developed making the soil
very sour, as is shown by its instantly
turning litmus paper red. To correct
this 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
this is apparently insufficient.
Vegetation turns into soil slowly
and imperfectly in all regions of Alas
ka and differentiates the surface mold
from the soil in the states, Muck and
neat formations are found in all sec
tions of the territory, but particularly
in the coast region, and here, as noted,
chiefly in southeastern Alaska. This
soil Is very generally unproductive un-
Ill IL Is thoroughly drained and lined.
Cultivation and exposure to the air
will in time correct the acidity to some
degree so that fairly good crops can
be grown, but It is slow work. IL is a
matter of common observation that
seed sown on newly cleared soil of this
character fails to do more than sprout.
The writer has frequently been told
by prospectors and settlers of their
unsuccessful ventures at gardening.
They will cut the moss and shrubbery
from likely patch Of ground near
their camp, sow the seed they have
brought with them. and patiently wait
Tor their radishes, turnips or mess OF
greens, only TO find that, while the
seeds sprout, the young plants soon