THE AWAKENING OF NEW MEXICO 



the mcrcnry falls below freezing and thin ico is formed 

 on still water. The summer days are hot, as throughout 

 the Southwest, but the nights are invariably comfortable, 

 owing to the elevation of the country, which is on the 

 high plateau of the Rocky Mountain region. Fields can 

 be cultivated almost continuously and early crops, of 

 vegetables and small fruits are grown. The drawback 

 about the climate is the wind, which sometimes de- 

 velops into sand-storms of considerable severity. With 

 the extension of the cultivated area and the growth of 

 trees this disadvantage will be minimized. 



The valley is yet so new to cultivation that it is im- 

 possible to determine the limitation of its products. Tho 

 chemical qualities of the soil have been the subject of 

 careful study by experts, and gradually the people aro 

 learning to what uses different districts are best adapted. 

 In the upper portion of the valley, in what is locally 

 known as the Roswell country, there are several ranches 

 which have been cultivated for many years. These 

 have demonstrated beyond question the capabilities of 

 soil and climate for the production of the finest apples, 

 perfect in form, flavor, and coloring. This fruit is so 

 superior to that which is seen in the eastern market 

 that there can be no question but what it will be a source 

 of profit to the small planters of the region. The lower 

 valley seems more favorable to delicate fruits, such as 

 peaches and apricots. All the grasses, cereals, arid vege- 

 tables are successful throughout the length of the valley. 

 Sorghum and Egyptian corn are favorite crops, being 

 raised for fodder. 



One feature of the country is especially worthy of the 

 attention of settlers. This is the fact that the best of 



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