The daily sentinel., 1908-01-09

ley has proven to be the most i'm
portant of the many industries OF
this most favorable portion of the
United States. From the very first
settlement of the country this was
predicted by the enthusiastic men
who endured many privations before
the abundant waters of the Grand
river could be utilized for irriga
tlon. The first attempts were not
productive of the best results but
gradually we are coming to a better
understanding of the possibilities of
our soil and climate and the variet-
les of fruits best adapted to the mar
kets We must depend upon.
When it was first demonstrated
that this valley was peculiarly adapt
ed to the raising of peaches every cit
izen Immediately wanted peach or
chard. Land was bought and the
trees were set out, only to die from
the lack of watchful care and train
ing. This left many ruins to deter
the home seeker from investing.
The same lack of personal care
was most favorable to the propaga-
tion of insects aid the spreade of dis
eases peculiar to fruit growing in Il
dry climate and for a period it was
predicted by many that fruit grow
ing would not pay. But there were
a few men who refused to belive the
general opinion and after a dlligent
study and persistent experiment pra-
ctically overcame all enemies.
For several years after the indus
try had reached fair proportions the
growers were hampered by a lack of
markets. There was not sufficient
amount raised to ship in car lots
and the near by markets were glut-
ted by Individual shipments which
developed ruineous competition. This
condition has been overcome by the
organization and successful opera
tion of local associations, so that
we can now reach every market and
have secured large concessions of
freight rates.
The most important lesson to be
the most money is the question as to
the varieties of fruits best adapted
to our soil, and those which will
tempt the best prices from the buy
ers of fruits: Thousands of apple.
pear and peach trees have been cut
down or grated until there are very
few of the old and Improbable or
chards in the valley. 1t is conceded
by the fruit men in every part of this
country that our fruits are the high
possibly one or two, and in keeping
quality they cannot be equalled any
where. Visit the great fruit mar
kets of the country and you will
find that the Grand Valley products
are first on the list and bring the
highest prices.
Fruit growing is the most entic-
ing of all the branches of human in
dustry when it is rightly understood
and properly conducted. 1t is an
art and high art. 1t does not call
for the heavy strain upon the body as
does grain raising. 1t is especially
adopted to those who desire to give
personal care and study to plant
life. 1t is calling which will de-
velop large population in any ter
ritory, and the time is fast approach
ing when the Grand Valley will be
divided into five and ten acre tracts
and will be producing nothing but
fancy fruits.
There are thousands of business
men in the larger cities who for
twenty and thirty years have been
closely confined to their line of trade
who are looking for little patch OF
land-a handful of earth" which
will give them employment and a
generous living. They have small
capital and have no desire to amass
great riches. A busy life has made
It impossible for them to live in idle
ness. They will make the best of cit
liens, neighbors and friends. They
are looking for Just such a spot as
the Grand Valley and within the next
ten or fifteen years they are coming
to this land of almost perpetual sun
shine.