The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1918-09-27
THE MAGIC OF WATER

al . A-SsA4S-As ANNN
ing tracts under the West Okanogan
Valley Irrigation system this year,
with prodigal productiyeness, due TO
soil, water and climate, but there is
no tract that will excel in point OF
productiveness that owned by Samuel
Blackler, located on the east side OF
the Okanogan river and only short
distance from town. Mr.. Blackler has
devoted almost his entire personal at
tention to the management of the
ranch this year, and, whether il is
due to that personal supervision. or
a propitious season, the place has
produced more generously than ever
before. However, what the soil has
put forth on this particular piece OF
ground is only additional evidence
of what can be expected under an
irrigation project covering one of the
most fertile sections of the Golden
West.
At the time of recent visit TO the
Blackler homestead the merry Scythe
was decapitating the fourth crop OF
alfalfa. and from the number OF size
able hummocks of hay that dotted
the large tract devoted TO growing
that forage plant it was evident that
the fourth cutting was going TO run
into large tonnage. The yield Tor
the season will reach very closely TO
200 tons, and al the present price OF
hay that represents comfortable in
come for the alfalfa end of the ranch.
But what especially attracted our
attention and created considerable
surprise is the enormous yield of
apples on Mr.. Blackler's orchard that
are TO be harvested this season. We
do not remember OF ever seeing more
heavily ladened apple trees. No doubt
We have seen one. or two, or possibly
q few. apple trees as heavily loaded
as those that are breaking down I'M
der the wealth of fruitage in Mr..
Blackler's orchard. but taking the or
chard run and il would seem impos-
sible for trees 10 carry heavier crop.
AS il is many OF Mr.. Blackler's trees
have been sadly married by the break
age OF over-burdened branches. Mr.
Blackler's orchard contains two COM
mercial varieties, the handsome and
toothsome Delicious. and the popular
long keepers. the Stayman Winesaps.
The fruit is in splendid condition.
large, symmetrical and beautifully
colored. Much Of this fruit will grade
extra fancy. AS the apple has come
into its own this year. after several
seasons of low prices, the orchardist
who turns of a large boxage is go
ing to make a killing. 1t is estimated
that the Blackler orchard will yield
In the neighborhood Of 5000 boxes,
and the owner has some rather busy
days before him. commencing next
week. when gathering. boxing and
shipping begins.
The alfalfa and apples are two
items Of chief interest on the Black
Ter place. but the activities OF the
owner are not confined to apples and
alfalfa alone. There are other prod
ucts coming of the place in their sea-
sens, and as the owner has devoted
many OF his years to meat naturally
he has not overlooked hogs. Mr..
Blackler has quite q number Of grow
ing swine. Any one taking a flyer
A. pork on the hoof naturally turns
7ttention TO corn. On the farm IS 4
.rsct OF corn that for heighth of stock
and size and prolifcness OF ears will
equal the best product Of the famous
corn belt OF the Mississippi valley.
where corn regins as king.
The success that has followed effort
in this instance is mentioned simply
for the purpose Of accentuating the
advantages that any one can derive
from owning and properly handling
land under the West Okanogan lrri-
CATION system. Ii seems 70 Us that
many people do not fully appreciate
what a great asset this system is to-
this part Of the county, nor is full
ADVANTAGE taken OF the opportunity
provided by this most excellent means