412 2 HE IRRIGA TION A GE. 



dairies and creameries are located in the valley, and the cows are fed 

 dry alfalfa, grain and root rations during the winter and pastured in 

 the green fields in the summer and fall months. The growing of hogs- 

 on alfalfa has not been generally adopted but those engaged in the 

 business have splendid success. Alfalfa honey meets a ready market 

 and the bee industry is constantly increasing. The alfalfa seed is im- 

 ported, much of it coming from Utah and Nebraska. Very little fodder 

 has been noticed in any of the fields and that has been burned by using 

 straw or kerosene. 



All kinds of fruits grow profusely in this irrigated empire. There 

 are over 4,000 acres planted to the various fruits, and the acreage in- 

 creases every year. The largest acreage devoted to one fruit crop is 

 in prunes. All varieties are planted but the Italian and French seem 

 to be the best. The fruit is evaporated and shipped to the markets of 

 the world, many thousands of pounds going to Alaska, the Islands of 

 the Pacific and to Europe. As a general rule the prune loses about 

 two thirds in drying, and the prepared product sells at from 3 to 6 

 cents a pound. This nets the careful grower an average of $100 an 

 acre. The largest prune grower in this valley reports having sold 

 over $9,000.00 worth of dried prunes last year from a 40 acre orchard . 

 As his expences did not exceed one half that amount his profits were 

 very satisfactory. 



Hop growing is one of the most extensive industries of the Yakima 

 Valley. There are no less than 3,000 acres planted to hops and the 

 estimate of this season's crop is placed at 20, 000 bales, which will bring 

 the growers $500,000 or more. The hops are planted on well drained 

 sandy loam, roots being six feet apart either way. The first year 

 yields no returns and the expense, exclusive of land, is probably $200 

 an acre. This comes from the cost of roots, planting, cultivating, 

 putting in trellises, and building a hop house, getting ready for the 

 second year. A house is necessary for every 15 acres, and there are 

 over 150 houses, costing from $300 to $500 each, in this valley. Hops 

 are picked by hand and the acreage in the Yakima Valley requires 

 5,000 pickers for nearly one month. They receive $1.00 per box of 100 

 pounds, and a good man can pick two boxes daily. Many Indians from 

 the Yakima and neighboring tribes are employed in this work. 



After picking the hops are placed in the dry houses, where they 

 lose about three fourths in shrinkage, when they are put in bales of 

 about 200 pounds each, and shipped The Yakima hops are sold on all 

 the leading brewing markets, but the majority go to London and 

 European cities. By careful management growers can get their hops 

 on the market for 8 cents a pound, and as the outlook is favorable for 

 15 cents or more this season, the hop men are rejoicing. In this valley 

 the hot summer days and the drying winds destroy the aphis or hop 



