The Oroville weekly gazette. [volume] (Oroville, Wash.) 1905-19??, 1920-11-19
DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS.
paul Mohler.l

in view ol tHe recent Visit or the
Great Northern immigration agents to
this district, it is time that We do some
active thinking planning, and working
for the best interests of this district.
When this district was first propos-
ed for development, the fruit industry
was not showing the brightest promise
so the effort was made to develop this
as a diversified farming district, en-
phasizing alfalfa and cattle growing.
The Great Northern literature was pre-
pared to feature these points espec-
tally and large number of settlers
we're induced to come in and improve
lands for that kind of farming
Some have succeeded measurably
we'll, but we may just as well face
facts and the facts are that nine out OF
ten alfalfa and stock farms are for
sale. OF those ranchers that are not
willing to sell out entirely, practically
all are eager to sell a part of their
land. The simple reason is that the
high taxes and water expenses make
it necessary to raise higher priced
crops and one cannot raise high priced
crops on large acreage We must raise
more money per acre from the land or
go out OF business. OF the high priced
crops that might be raised, the fruits
are easily in the Head, especially since
this is such splendid fruit country.
Now the question was raised by the
Great Northern agents as to whether
the Great Northern was still justified
in advertising this section as diversi
fled farming country. | answered mo"
consider that it would be great mis-
take from the standpoint both of the
railroad and the community. | wish to
set forth the reasons for this stand.
In the first place such movement
will not largely increase our present
population. If man comes here for
diversified farming, he will not buy
less than 40 acres. He will generally
buy 80 and think that is small When
he buys. he will buy out somebody that
VIII promptly move out of the country,
so where is the gain? Will there not,
indeed be loss? For is not man that
has had experience in irrigation and
on piece of land able to do more
with it than stranger? claim that he
will
But. that is not ALL TIE fnan that
comes in from section where general
farming is the rule, will simply be
maddened by the small patches into
which our land is cut by fumes,
breaks, etc. He is sure to buy more
land that he can irrigate properly, his
crop will not come up to expectations,
and he will be sorely disappointed and
consequently disgruntled. We have
enough of that kind with us now. Why
sow for another crop of the same?
On the other hand, We all know that
fruit does just as we'll here as other
crops do. We are now being solicited to
raise soft fruits for the canneries and
fruit product factories. These con-
Germs will contract for all we can raise
at good prices, on long time contracts
A man can raise more money on ten
acres of soft fruit than on 40 acres of
farm crops, do it easier, be more sure
of crops, and more certain of good
prices.
1t will cost the railroad company no
more to settle this district with fruit
farmers, one on each ten acre lot, than
to settle a diversifying farmer on each
forty, but think of the difference In the
traffice. If this valley ships out all its
hay, it will not have $4,000 tons. If 1t
feeds that hay to cattle, it will have
much smaller tonnage. If it feeds 1t to
cows, it can ship out but 800 tons of
butter If the ground is planted to corn
it will produce but $4,000 tons, and il
that is fed to hogs, it will produce but
1000 tons But if it is planted to fruits
it will produce from 100000 to 100000
tons, and much of that will go the en-
tire length of the Great Northern lines
eastward
Moreover there will be four times
as many families in the district and
consequently four times as much
freight coming in for their consump-
ton This, it seems to me, presents
an unanswerable argument for the
railroad company making special ef-
fort to settle this district with fruit
farmers.
Just one word word more to the land
owner that wants to sell. When you
are selling general farm lands you are
competing with cheap Canadian lands
that are now being widely advertised,
also with lands in other parts OF this
state and in Idaho, Oregon etc. You
cannot expect any one to pay you
much for such land. On the other hand
man can afford to pay high price
for small piece of fruit land, and
this district is practically without COM
petition as soft fruit district. why
call 1t alfalfa land when 1t raises such
good apricots? You can tell the man
that is seeking land, that your land
will produce more tons to the acre OF
apricots than any other land Will oil
alfalfa-twice over, and he can sell II
at guaranteed price Of not less than
$4,000 per ton. If that won't make his
mouth water, he is dead one, and we
don't want him anyhow.
Finally, if we want this district te
develop, want its lands to raise II
value, want a large population OF pros
nprOuc naon1a lot sc oil fa1k fruit