Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1908-11-22

u 7r y
uses of the 270O birds Most of the
rest of it is planted to alfalfa, grain
and other farm crops, the proceeds
of which are practically profit, ex-
cept the expense of tilling and mar
keting the crop. In other words.
against these crops there would be
no charge for the investment, which
is covered and cared for by the os-
triches. This acreage, however. is
used as a basis for it is the acreage
owned by the ostrich growing com
panies. the unused portion being held
against the day when 1t shall be
needed by the flock increases
THE OSTRICH GROWERS.
The reader, particularly the nom
resident reader, who may be interest
ed in going further into the details,
Will perhaps inquire who it is that
owns these birds; whether it is a
big corporation or a lot of little ones.
or how the business is conducted.
There are in this valley seven separate
and distinct ostrich raising projects.
ranging from one man who has six
birds. to the largest company in
America. owning approximately $500
birds. The industry was started here
many years ago by Josiah Harbert,
now dead, to whose early expert
ments is due much of the success of
later years. Probably the gentleman
now operating, who has been longest
in the business here, is William Pick
rel, with whom is associated Vernon
L. Clark. Mr.. Pickrell has been in
terested in several different farms
and has disposed of several at diff
ferent times, only to buy or start new
again, or associate himself with 9TH
ers. He has had practical experience
in every branch of the business from
planting alfalfa to selling feathers
and inspecting feather markets and
feather treating establishments. He
has helped to pay the expenses and
he has also participated in the profits.
He believes today that il is the
greatest business in the country
where the conditions are right, as
they are in this valley and only a
very few other places. Mr.. Pickrell
is associated with Vernon L. Clark
in the Arizona ostrich company,
which was one OF the two companies
making feather exhibits at the recent
fair, and which company gave the
s25 feather as a prize for the best
jelly cake. Mr. Pickrell is also asso-
ciated with Mr. Hartranft in the
National Ostrich company. and both
these companies are doing we'll Mr..
Pickrell though not now the largest
owner of birds in the valley. has
probably been a half or whole owner
during his experience. OF more birds
than any other man here.
The largest ostrich farm is owned
by the Pan American Ostrich COM
pany, which succeeded to the owner
ship of the Pearson flocks some years
ago. to which many birds have since
been added by increase or purchase
That the reader may have a definite
understanding OF the local enterprises
a list is herewith given of the va
rious companies, the number OF birds
owned. and the acreage owned. In
this list the figures as to acreage
and birds are furnished by an os-
trich grower familiar with every farm
and with its population. though the
number of young chicks has been
estimated rather than counted. While
the figures may not be exactly cor
rect, il is just as likely that there are
fifty birds more as it is that there are
fifty birds less: