TiTK YiMA Mi:s.\ 257 



In general, the varieties in the old orchard have given a good 

 account of themselves, when the adverse circumstances under 

 which they have been handled are considered. They give genuine 

 evidence of profitable yields that could be increased and made 

 constant with proper methods of culture and irrigation. In speak- 

 ing of this orchard the present manager, Mr. R. M. Moore, states: 

 '"We own two orange groves in California and earnestly believe 

 that the Yuma Mesa is the best location for an orange, lemon, or 

 grapefruit grove of any place in the United States, as samples of 

 fruit have shown us that there is none better grown." 



OTIIh:R FRUITS ADAI'Tl-.D TO THE .M KSA 



In addition to or in combination witli citrus fruits the Yuma 

 Mesa offers most ideal conditions for the commercial production of 

 a number of other fruits, among the most important of which are 

 dates, olives, grapes, and iig.s. Also there are a number of truck 

 crops that could be produced with profit. 



D.\Tii;s 



While the lower altitudes of the greater portion of southern 

 Arizona arc well adapted to date culture, the Yuma Mesa presents 

 special advantages in the growing of this fruit, particularly such 

 varieties as the Deglet Noor that matures late in the season. With 

 practical immunity from frost, together with relatively low humid- 

 ity during harvest (under which conditions the date palm ripens 

 its fruit to best advantage), afforded by this district, the Deglet 

 Noor and kindred varieties could be allowed to remain on the trees 

 until fully mature, becoming enriched to the highest degree in 

 flavor and sugar content. The knowledge that this world-famous 

 variety can be profitably produced only in specially favored regions 

 lends interest to the fact that the Yuma Mesa appears to possess 

 the proper requisites for its successful culture. While the Deglet 

 Noor variety is emphasized, this does not preclude the fact that 

 many other varieties would succeed admirably well here. As proof 

 sufficient that the date would thrive on the Mesa there are at 

 present a number of old, neglected seedling trees along the road- 

 side on the Blaisdell Orchard that bear heavy crops. At the low 

 estimate of ten cents per pound (fresh dates are now selling at from 

 twenty-five cents to one dollar per pound) it is easily possible for 

 the grower to make enormous net profits per acre. 



