The Yuma Mesa 227 



these are not extensive and, judging from the old shrubbery on 

 their tops, show little evidence of shifting. While much of the 

 tract is not easily accessible on account of sands, good road build- 

 ing material is easily available. The northern point of the Mesa 

 extends well into the city of Yuma and is the site of many well- 

 kept suburban homes, which have afforded additional evidence of 

 the capacity of the soil to support a good growth when water is 

 applied. 



The city of Yuma, situated at the northern end of the project, 

 is on the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, insuring prompt 

 shipment, quick delivery, and lessened expense in marketing crops 

 produced. When it is considered that many commercial fruit dis- 

 tricts are located on branch roads, this advantage becomes ap- 

 parent. 



CLIMATE OK THE YUMA MESA 



Climate more than anything else has been the determining 

 factor in the location and development of the citrus districts of 

 the world. The physical nature of the soil may be modified, plant 

 food supplied, and water problems solved, but unless a region has 

 the natural and fundatnental requisites of climate, it cannot be- 

 come a commercial citrus producing center. In this particular 

 the Yuma Mesa qualifies preeminently. Its climate is unique 

 among the citrus districts of the country in that no other area in 

 North America has occuring together the smallest rainfall, lowest 

 relative humidity, and greatest percentage of sunshine — a com- 

 bination which makes possible the production of fruit of the finest 

 quality, the highest color, and with the earliest ripening period. 

 A product with this distinctive excellence wins favor, extra high 

 prices, and a permanent place in the market. Furthermore, the 

 fruit can be allowed to remain on the trees until it attains maturity 

 without fear of competition. The history of plantings on the Mesa 

 shows that the Navel crop can be placed on the market in November 

 and December, and at this time is of such perfect quality as to 

 command a price far in excess of oranges from any other district. 

 Grapefruit at this time also has extremely superior quality over 

 that found on the market from other citrus districts, which insures 

 the highest selling price. 



Another climatic feature of paramount importance found on 

 the Yuma Mesa is immunity from injurious frost. The tract is 

 composed for the most part of a broad table land with a gentle 

 slope towards the edge of the Mesa, which breaks up into numerous 



