The CENTRAI, RIO GRANDE VAIvLEY 



13 



the other hand, produce in abundance and quality quite unsurpassed. 

 The soil is generally easy to cultivate after the farmer has become ac- 

 customed to the needs of irrigated land. 



The principal field crop in the Central Rio Grande Valley at present 

 is alfalfa; and it is likely to continue so because it is the easiest crop 

 to grow and care for, while the profits are large and sure. The mere 



amateur at farming may make a success of alfalfa 

 BIG PROFITS growing. Once planted and a stand secured the 



FROM ALFALFA ^^f^l^^ fi^ld does not have to be resown. Its roots 



drive deep until they reach moisture level below 

 and from that time the plant derives the chief portion of its water supply 

 from below. Comparatively little irrigation is necessary although the 

 water must be applied frequently as each crop, or cutting comes on. 

 There are alfalfa fields within a few minutes walk of Albuquerque and all 

 through this valley, planted a quarter of a century ago, which have 

 never been reseeded and which are producing more abundantly now than 

 during the first five years. Properly cared for the plant is practically 

 perpetual. 



A Typical Irrigation Ditch 



