12 



FIELD OPERATIONS OF THE BUREAU OF SOILS, 1910. 



section revive all small vefjetation. and a fresh, jrreen appearance is 

 everj'where noted. Durino- the sprinotinie the area is at its best. 



AGRICULTURE. 



The history of the early settlement of the area is indefinite and 

 uncertain. It is certain, however, that Gen. John Bidwell, of Sntters 

 Fort, on the site of Sacramento City, visited Tehama County in 

 18-13, named most of the geographical points, and secured valuable 

 information concerning the section. The following year AVilliam G. 

 Chard, A. G. Toomes, and E. H. Thomas became the first settlers. 

 Upon entering the region the early settlers allotted the land among 

 themselves, with the ultimate aim of securing large grants from the 

 Mexican Government. They made their first camp on Elder Creek, 

 and mention is made of the presence of deer, elk, and other game 

 animals, previously undisturbed, in large numbers. A heavier 

 growth of wild oats and native grasses everywhere appeared than 

 was the rule in later years. The Mexican land grants made within 

 the present limits of Tehama County were as follows. They were 

 finally confirmed by the United States Government on the dates 

 indicated ; 



Gen. Hidwell took (lie famous Cliico ranch, while Maj. P. B. 

 Reading took a grant north of Cottonwood Creek in Shasta County, 

 covered by the Ketlding area survey. The two latter men are closely 

 associated with the incident's surrounding the early settlement and 

 development of this region. 



These early j)ioneers worked on their places, endeavoring to develop 

 a cattle induct ry, until the discovery of gold in 1848. They then 

 left their faiiiis for the mines, but afterwards returned when their 

 experience had been sullicient. The impression existed generally that 

 the soil of the entire area was not suitable for farm crops and that 

 stock raising was the only piiut i<al)l(' industry. Along such lines 

 the development extended. 



Planning Ijegan in 185-2 with an expcriuiental crop of grains, and 

 from that date the movement s})read rapidly. The fii-st sawmill 

 and gristmill were erected in 1851 on Mill Creek at the river. It is 



