Fitzgerald leader enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Ga.) 1921-1964, 1926-12-30
Cotton From the Colorado River
Basin


ulation of the Colorado River ane
with consequent solution of the wa
ter problem, there should be added
approximately one million bales pei
annum, provided the New YORK
price for good middling goes back to
15c or better. The benefits to the
manufacturing seaport of Los Ange-
les, resulting from this addition to
primary wealth at its back door, can
hardly be calculated in figures. 1t
means houses, payrolls, manufacutr-
ing. exporting. 1t all depends upon
Boulder Dam,
Advantages for Cotton Production
The basin enjoys many important
advantages over the group OF South
ern states from which American cot
ton production has heretofore come.
These advantages are;
No boil weevil.
No need for fertilizer.
Better grade of cotton and higher
price
More cotton per acre.
No dependence upon rainfall
Great seaports within easy range.
Excellent manufacturing condi-
tions.
:" Kind of Cotton Raised
Practically all Colorado River ba-
sin cotton is "Acala." In Kern coun-
ty, California (not in the basin) Pima
cotton is grown extensively and some
of it sold at fancy prices, but the
yield per acre is less, the growing
so we'll adapted to Colorado River
season longer, and it is not considered
basin conditions.
The Acala seed has been develop
ed from a single parent plant and has
been improved steadily through nine
wears of scientific culture. This cot
ton natures in five months as against
seven months for the Pima cotton.
The price received for all of the cot
ton grown is probably equivalent to
that for fibre length of one inch
or very slightly better.
Yield Per Acre
While a yield of IA bale to the
acre is considered good for Pima cot
ton and 1-2 bale to the acre for Pima
cotton is a splendid yield, Acala cot
ton in the Colorado River basin will
Weld on the average one bale (of 500
pounds) to the acre, or better, where
the farming is WE'LL conducted. While
overall statistics for California do not
reach bale to the acre, it has been
conclusively demonstrated, over sew
eral years, that scientific farming will
produce bale to the acre, on the IN
creditably rich lands of the lower
basin. One large company, for eX-
ample employs a superintendent with
autocratic power over its tenants. The
superintendent tells when and how
much, to irrigate, when to plant, how
to cultivate, etc, and when tenant
does not obey instructions, his lease
is promptly cancelled. Where large
scale farming is conducted in this
manner and other conditions are suit
able, a production of bale to the
acre can be counted upon.
1t is desirable to grow alfalfa once
in every or 10 0years. This alfalfa
crop, however, is usually profitable
on its own account.
The Boil Weevil
The boil weevil has never entere
the Colorado River basin. 1t is hope
that this pest can be kept out perms
nently, but even if the boil weev
should invade the basin, the cond
tons favor minimizing its effect, sine
cotton raising here is entirely ma
ter of irrigation and moisture is. col
stantly under control. The boil we
vii thrives in wet seasons and j
ravages are minimized in dry Sc
sons. Where water conditions a
under the control of man, the pc
an be fought successfully.
The lower basin grower gets, A
FARM, the New York price f
middling. Plus two and on
hts per pound on the averae
age price advantage is 2
freight to New York
of Production