THE IRR1 GA TION A GE, 277 



sold any day in the year. Fruits of every variely are always in demand 

 and crops seldom fail if the vinyards and orchards are cultivated, 

 pruned and properly irrigated. 



Mining is an important and growing industry in the mountain coun- 

 ties of Oregon. Nearly all the useful minerals and precious metals are 

 found in the state and those engaged in extracting the rich treasures 

 from thir hidden vaults are patrons of the farmer. Added to the fishing, 

 manufacturing and other industries enumerated this "New Empire" offers 

 superior and tempting inducements to colonists who desire small land 

 holdings, where intensive soil culture is practiced. Land sells at from 

 $5 to $50 an acre, according to location and many farms can be rented at 

 reasonable rates. I do not give all these facts to cause a boom in real 

 estate or to induce homeseekers to leave other irrigated countries, but 

 merely state the truth for the information of hundreds of anxious in- 

 quirers. I have no land to sell and am not an agent for any immigration 

 bureau or corporation of any description. 



Irrigation in Oregon is in its infancy and an extensive domain re- 

 mains untouched by the magic power of artificial moisture. The chances 

 for individual water ownership are many if the claimant can construct 

 wheels, windmills or pumps, or has the money to purchase them. Col- 

 onial ditches could be built on the co-operative plan in some sections and 

 artesian wells may be cheaply obtained. In many places the farmers 

 have small ditches taken from creeks and rivers with but little expense, 

 except the plowing of the waterway. Numerous springs might be de- 

 veloped and made to do duty in irrigating many acres, while the sheet 

 water from upper mesas could be tapped by wells and pumped to the 

 surface, These are excellent locations for investors in large irrigation 

 enterpiises, and altogether the fnture of irrigation is a brilliant star 

 which shall yet shine in rich effulgence throughout the great northwest. 



