The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1908-03-16

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XIII (llz1lzY AzZ1W d4lZES g
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 a reputation for rigor and
inclemency on which it is not neces-
sary 10 comment here This fact is
accepted as matter Of course. The
fact that the soil differs in many re-
epects 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 latitudes.
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 same as that Of
Washington, D. C. While this is true,
there is, nevertheless, 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 uncomfortaely
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 so degrees,
and II IS more frequently between SO
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
1s04-5 the lowest temperature re-
corded with the weather bureau in
struments was % 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
az course due 10 the influence of the
Pacific ocean, which. being very near
Iy Of the same temperature the year
around, tempers the said OF winter as
wen 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
rior there are extensive stretches Of
comparatively level land, but ever
here glacial action Is very noticeable.
The accumulation Of the imperfect!
decayed remains Of herbaceous vege
tatiou for untold centuries has pro
duced peculiarly mucky and peat.
soil which is perhaps not found else
where. This soil retains moisture viii
great tenacity. and before It can b.
successfully cultivated It must b
thoroughly drained. Owing to lack 0
warmth the processes OF decay ar
slow and imperfect, and vegetable
acids have developed, making the sol
very sour. as is shown by its instantl'
turning litmus paper red. To eorrec
this acidity lime must be applied ho'
much viii vary with circumstances
AT the sitka experiment station W
have applied more than ton to tn
acre on soil OF this character, an
this is apparently insufficient
Vegetation turns into soil slowl
and imperfectly ia all regions Of Ala
ka and dlfferentates the surface mol
from the soil IN the states. Muck an
neat formations are found in all SCI
lions OF the territory. but particular
in the coast region, and here, as note'
chiefly In southeastern Alaska. Thi
soil IS very generally unproductive u
IA Il IS thoroughly drained and lime
cultivation and exposure to the a.
vim in time correct the acidity to som
degree so that fairly good crops ca
he grown. but It is slow work Il IS
matter Of common observation th'
seed sown on newly cleared soil OF tn
character fails to do more than sprou
The writer has frequently been tol
by prospeetors and settlers OF the
unsuccessful ventures at gardenin
They win cut the moss and shruhbei
from a likely patch Of ground ne'
their camp, SOW the seed they ha'
brought with them, and patiently va
for their radlshes. turnips Or mess
greens, only to find that, while q
saeds aurout. the young plants SOC