Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-07-27
CENSUS BUREAU DEVELOPS NOV.
Ell FACTS REGARDING AGRl-
CULTURE IN ALASKA.
MANY VEGETABLES GROWN
NORTH OF ARCTIC CIRCLE
Wonderful Development of Agriculture
Where 1t Was Thought impossible
No Rain Falls But Moisture is Pro-
vided by Melting Ice Beneath Sur
face of Soil.

Washington, July 26.-Farming by
supplied by melting ice is novel agri-
cultural method adopted in the interior
of Alaska, according to the official re-
port of Chief Special Agent Mckenzie,
who supervised the taking of the re-
cent census in the fourth district Of
that territory. The system is proving
vegetables are being grown, thus rem
dering living conditions more tolerable
in the far northern country. The flu
ture is most promising in this respect,
believes Mr.. Mckenzie.
Not only enumerating the population,
but gathering statistics on asricultur-
al. mining and manufacturing condi-
tions was the work of Mr.. Mckenzie.
All the concrete facts will be given
in figures which will be given out
later. The census agents remarks re-
garding the farming operations are
most Interesting. He says that some
homesteads have been taken up and
that on them farming is conducted on
a considerable scale.
agriculture in this portion of Alas
ka is yet in its infancy" says Mr.. Nc
kenzie, but it has arrived at such
proportions as to be considered almost
wonderful in its results. If all the re-
turns are taken they will show a very
remarkable condition when it is con-
sidered that it is a condition existing
within the arctic circle"
All the growth is attained between
May 20 and Sept 10. He at
tributes the fact that crops ripen not
only to the fact that the sun shines
from 16 to "a hours per day, but to
the correlative fact that the plants are
supplied with moisture from beneath.
where the melting ice affords regular
and constant supply.
Rain is Unknown.
Rain Is practically unknown" he
says. but the necessary moisture
comes from below" The thaw never
extends deeper than three feet and Of
ten not farther than fifteen inches, but
the thaw is regular and the water sup
ply sufficient to force a rapid growth
Celery, lettuce, radishes, cabbages.
turnips and potatoes thrive. and, Mr..
Mckenzie declares, they are SO much
better than in the states" that the
high price charged by the growers is
quite justifable Raspberries grow to
be as large around as 25-cent pieces,
and blueberries and cranberries grow
wild in great profusion. Experiments
have been made with Strawberries and
grain, and while no great success is
recorded the outlook is encouraging.
Dog Fills Horses Place.
The dog is the favorite carrier thru
out Alaska. The horse can be used
only on the government trails, and the
reindeer has been found to be unrei1-
able. LAS beast of burden the REIN
deer has his limitations" says MI
Mckenzie land so far has not proven
a substitute for the dog. If the rein
deer wants to work he will do so, but
If not so inclined he will quit wherever
he may be and all the driving in the
world will not get anything out Of him
! Horses are good only on good roads
but the dog will travel anywhere. Enc
dog will work at any temperature while
a horse can not work below so de-
gress.'
Manufacturing is confined to the city
of Fairbanks. 1t consists largely o.
making tin stoves. window sashes ahe
doors
The total product of the mines wa!
easily obtained by Mr.. Mckenzie from
the banks, but it was difficult to ge
Individual returns because of the lack
of method on the part of the mine
owners. Very few keep books except
to show the outline Of production an
the food purchased. "They are con
tent" says Mr.. Mckenzie. "if there il
gain iii their bank accounts at tn
and of the year"