The San Francisco call., 1910-10-10

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cheap prices of its lands, make 1T the
ideal place for the home seeker who Is
casting about for a spot to settle where
he may get quick returns on his in
vestment, and where he may build
home that in a short time Will be self
sustaining. and provide an income IN
the declining years of lfe-a nome
that will ever increase in value; an
ideal spot where one may enjoy life to
it's fullest; where churches and schools
exert refining influence, and where,
beneath his own fig and vine, the set
tier may spend his days in peace. COM
fort and happiness.
MADEIRA county is almost in the geo
graphical center of the great san
JOAQUIN valley. 1t is bounded on the
south and west by the San joaquin
river, the second largest stream In the
state, and which is navigable TO MADEIRA
county The Chowchilla forms the
northern boundary. while the Fresno
river runs about through the center.
The high Sierras, the Fairgrounds of
the valley, form the eastern boundary,
its melting SHOWS furnishing the water
for the irrigation projects which exist
here. and where thousands of acres are
made to yield five and six crops of al
falfa a. year, and orchards and vine
wards are taking the place of wheat
delS.
SOUTHERN ITALY'S LATITUDE
A glance at the map of the world will
show that MADEIRA county is in the same
latitude as southern Italy and the Med
iterranean countries. The San Joaquin
valley at this point is about 20 miles
across from east to west. The farming
- N
extend to the foothills in the east, max
ing a princely domain that will furnish
homes to thousands of contehted
people.
Until a few years ago these lands
were not open to settlement, being held
in vast tracts by cattle kings and
others. who rented the fertile grain
lands which were farmed by the thou
sands of acres. But the rapid settle
ment Of the lower part of the state and
the increased price of lands there
caused an influx of settlers, and the
vast tracts that were held by few
have been opened to settlement. This
Is the reason that the price or lands
in MADEIRA county is so low. But the
low prices will not obtain for long, for
the settlers will be pouring in, and land
that may be purchased here now, of
equal quality to- that in other parts of
the state which is selling for from
5000 to $500 an acre, at from $40 to $50,
will go up as the demand grows
greater.
CLIMATE WARM AND DRY
The climate of MADEIRA Is warm in
summer but this heat, while great as
indicated by the thermometer, is not
SO severe or depressing, as 1t is very
dry. The lack of humidity in the at
mosphere is a saving feature. and evap-
mid
cool The evenings are tempered by
the cool breezes of the Pacific ocean,
which draw down through the Pacheco
pass. It Is rare when there are more
than three or four nights in summer
when 1t is impossible to enjoy refresh
ing sleep.
The dryness of the atmosphere is a
valuable asset to this valley, for the
suntfssed and sundried fruits and
raisins are ready for the market with
out any of the expensive evaporation
methods that have to be employed In
less favored portions of the state. The
long summers make it possible to cut
as many as six crops or alfai1a, Tor
which there is a ready market at good
prices, an achievement impossible of
attainment in humid climates.
While there are about 100 600 acres
under an irrigating system. many of
those who have water rights, and par
ticularly newcomers, prefer to install
humping plants. This gives them con-
troll of the water whenever they want
it. and the danger Of fouling their
LANDS with weeds Is eliminated
LAKES UNDER GROUND
The underground lakes furnish an
everlasting supply of water land the
cost is no greater per acre than that of
the irrigation company's water. Water
NAV be had in unlimited quantities
ton. and when a good we'll is struck.
the largest engines employed have
failed to reduce the flow, showing an
inexhaustibla supply of underground
storag water, as pure as crystal, and
as wholesome as that from mountain
snrinr. Within the last two years
about 100 Of these pumping plants have
been installed, and have been found
successful
All kinds Of fruit and garden truck
cility with which the water is obtained
makes it possible to have fresh vege-
tables all summer.
|. This vast body of farming land is
practically level. with good drainage
to the south. 1t requires no leveling,
but is ready for the plow, and fruit
vines or alfalfa may be planted with
out any expensive preparation.
WARM SOIL FOR FRUITS
All kinds of fruit do well and
peaches and apricots are particularly
thrifty on the warm soils of this val
lev land. Olives. apples, pears. nee
tarines and prunes and In fact any