Introduction — Land \'alues 13 



been sufficient in the past for refrigerator shipments from Phoenix 

 and Glendale, but during the 191 7 cantaloupe season icing equipment 

 at Mesa was taxed to capacity during rush periods. 



In so far as the Arizona Eastern Railway is concerned, it never has 

 a solid train load of cantaloupes ready to move at any one time. It keeps 

 in touch with the despatcher's force on the main line of the Southern 

 Pacific and whenever it is possible for an eastbound train to pick up 

 any cantaloupes at Maricopa, the requisite number of cars are sent 

 down from Mesa to Maricopa in an "extra" for that purpose. 



Freight rates on agricultural products are still more or less in 

 process of readjustment and although complete tariff schedules are 

 in effect, there doubtless will be some revision in the future. Surplus 

 production of certain crops is a relatively new phase of agriculture 

 in the Salt River \^alley and it may take some time for the carriers to 

 adjust themselves to changing conditions. There doubtless will be 

 more favorable commodity rates offered on certain products, notably 

 potatoes, when the acreage becomes of sufficient importance to con- 

 stitute a valuable source of income to the railroads. 



Land Values In general it may be said that prices for good 

 farming land in the Salt River Valley are moderate when consideration 

 is given to the various factors which influence land values. The fertility 

 of the soil in this territory would naturally have a decided influence 

 on prices. Another factor which has considerable commercial signifi- 

 cance is the long growing season. Since the completion of the Roose- 

 velt Dam, the question of an adequate supply of water for most of the 

 land in the Valley has been settled, and water-right litigation has been 

 reduced to a minimum. There has been, of course, a considerable rise 

 in values since the completion of the Salt River Project. The exten- 

 sion of the area which could be devoted to the production of citrus 

 fruits and olives and the success which the long staple cotton growers 

 have attained during the past season have had a tendency to increase 

 general farm prices. Irrigated land ready for crop sells at from $100 

 to $500 per acre. The average price for good land, however, will range 

 from $150 to $200 per acre. Under the Reclamation Project the water 

 cost is to be repaid the Government on liberal time arrangements. It 

 will be seen from this statement that livestock production, dairy farm- 

 ing, and general farming can be successfully carried on without the 

 necessity for carrying too heavy an overhead charge for land rentals. 

 It seems altogether likely that livestock production, dairying and gen- 



