Report of State Board of Horticulture. 59 



Malheur County grows large quantities of melons and to- 

 matoes on irrigated land. It is an ideal place for growing 

 them. They are shipped in considerable quantities. That 

 portion of my district is attracting much attention and ap- 

 pears to be making rapid strides. 



Irrigation is bound to play an important part in the history 

 of fruit growing in Eastern Oregon. Some argue that irriga- 

 tion produces fruit of poor flavor. I find that it is the man- 

 ner in which the water is applied which affects the quality 

 of the fruit. If used in moderation and followed by thorough 

 cultivation, the fruit will be developed naturally and it will 

 prove a great aid. No orchardist should be without a reserve 

 of water if it can be obtained at almost any price. It will 

 doubtless save many times its cost. 



As nearly as I can obtain statistics with my present facil- 

 ities, I am enabled to make the following estimate of the 

 values of fruit grown in my district: 



JUDD GEER, 



ComTYiissioner of Fifth District. 



