The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1910-08-04
SUB.IRRIGATION IN ALASKA.
Novel Agricultural Method Has Been
Pronounced Very Successful.

Pronounced Very Successful.
Washington, July 27.-Farming by
sub-irrigation and with the moisture
supplied by melting ice is novel ag-
ricultural method adopted in the in
terror of Alaska, according to the Of
fetal report of Chief Special Agent
Mckenzie, who supervised the taking
of the recent census in the fourth dis
trict of that Territory. The system is
proving surprisingly successful. Many
kinds of vegetables are being grown,
thus rendering living conditions more
tolerable in the far northern country.
The future is most promising in this
respect, believes Mr.. Mckenzie.
Not only enumerating the popula-
tion,. but gathering statistics on agri-
cultural, mining and manufacturing
conditions was the work of Mr.. Nc
Kenzie. All the concrete facts will
be given in figures which will be
given out later. The census agents
remarks regarding the farming op-
erations 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
Alaska is yet in its infancy says Mr..
Mckenzie, but it has arrived at such
proportions as to be considered al
most wonderful in it's results. If all
the returns are taken they will show
very remarkable condition when 1t
is considered that it is condition
existing within the Arctic circle"
All the growth is attained between
May 20 and September Is. He attri-
butes the fact that crops ripen not
only to the fact that the sun shines
from sixteen to twenty-four hours per
day. but to the correlative fact that
the plants are supplied with moisture
from beneath, where the melting ice
affords a regular and constant sup
ply.
Rain is practically unknown" he
says, "but the necessary moisture
comes from below" The thaw never
extends deeper than three feet, and
often not farther than fifteen inches,
but the thaw is regular and the water
supply sufficient to force rapid
growth.
Celery, lettuce, radishes, cabbages,
turnips and potatoes thrive, and Mr..
Mckenzie declares, they are so much
better than in 1.-The States that the
high price charged by the growers is
quite justifable. Raspberries grow
to be as large around as twenty-five
cent pieces, and blueberries and cram
berries grow wild in great profusion.
Experiments have been made with
strawberries and grain, and while no
great success is recorded the outlook
is encouraging.
The dog is the favorite carrier
throughout Alaska. The horse can be
used only on the government trails,
and the reindeer has been found to be
unreliable. LAS beast of burden, the
reindeer has his limitations says
Mr.. Mckenzie, ''and so far has not
proven a substitute for the dog. IT
the reindeer 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 any
thing out of him. Horses are good
only on good roads, but the dog will
travel anywhere. The dog will work
at any temperature while horse can
not work below fifty degrees.
Manufacturing is confined to the
city of Fairbanks. 1t consists large
ly of making tin stoves, window
sashes and doors.
The total product of the mines was
easily obtained by Mr.. Mckenzie
from the banks, but it was difficult
to get 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 produc-
ton and the food purchased. "They
are content" says Mr.. Mckenzie, If
there is a gain in their bank ac-
counts at the end of the year
Railroad Shops Burn at Chester.