SOIL SURVEY OF SOLOMONSVILLE AREA, ARIZONA. 29 



AGRICULTURAL CONDITIONS. 



The farming class of the Gila Valley is made up of Americans and 

 Mexicans, possessing- various degrees of intelligence, education, ambi- 

 tion, and knowledge of agriculture. It is thus but natural that there 

 should be varying degrees of success and prosperity. In farming, as 

 well as in business enterprises throughout the valley, there have been 

 many failures. This has in both cases resulted from overstocking, lack 

 of intelligent direction, indiscreet speculation, endeavor to promote 

 prosperity by indulging in "boom' 1 methods, and the inflation of 

 values, or the want of persistent effort. Many of the oldest settlers 

 have left the area to make their homes in other parts of the country, 

 but this has not alwa} y s been from failure or dissatisfaction. 



At present the agricultural industry is making a natural if slow 

 growth, and the agricultural classes may be said, upon the whole, to 

 be in a prosperous state. 



The farms usually contain 160 acres or less. In the more thickly 

 settled parts of the area, especially in the Mormon settlements, small 

 farms and intensive cultivation are the rule. Here a farm of '40 acres 

 is considered large. But few farms are rented. A remarkable free- 

 dom from mortgage and other indebtedness among the farming class 

 exists here. Tax rates would in the East be considered excessive, but 

 this is partly compensated for by the low valuation of property and 

 the relatively high prices for farm produce. There is a growing 

 tendency to improve the farm stock, to erect more substantial farm 

 buildings, and to render farm life more attractive. The farm dwel- 

 lings are of all grades, from the rude thatched huts of the Mexican 

 laborers to the pretentious brick houses of the richer farmers. 



The farm labor is usually satisfactory and efficient in character and 

 the wages not excessive, considering the rate of wages paid in the 

 trades and arts in this section, the average being $30 a month with 

 board. 



Wheat, barley, alfalfa, and corn are the principal field crops of the 

 area. Oats do not mature well and are but little grown. Sorghum is 

 raised to some extent and is used in fattening cattle. Fruit growing- 

 has in the past attracted little attention, but is now increasing in 

 importance and is likely to become an important industry in this area. 

 The growing of early fruits — peaches, apricots, almonds, etc. — is 

 attended with considerable risk, owing to the late spring frosts. 

 Apples, plums, and cherries are more hardy, yield abundantly, and 

 find ready market. The outlook for the apple industry is especially 

 favorable. The fattening of lambs, hogs, and cattle upon the rich 

 alfalfa hay and pasture is an important industry, and when intelli- 

 gently followed is a source of handsome profit. Raising poultry offers 

 tempting inducements to the intelligent and experienced breeder. The 



