THE CONQUEST OF ARID AMERICA 



the arid region. Nothing should be purchased for cash 

 which can be economically bought with labor. 



Every valley of the West is surrounded by large and 

 growing home markets, in the way of lumber and min- 

 ing camps and railroad towns. Not a single State be- 

 yond the Rockies raises enough agricultural products to 

 supply its own wants. The trade of the Pacific Ocean is 

 expanding by strides and bounds. Under these fortu- 

 nate circumstances it is an easy matter to plan profitable 

 lines of industry for new colonies. 



There are three lines of production which should be 

 systematically followed, having first been carefully adapt- 

 ed to local conditions of soil, climate, and surrounding 

 markets. These lines are as follows : First, the things 

 consumed by the farmers themselves ; second, the things 

 now imported, but capable of home production ; third, 

 the things which distant communities consume but can- 

 not produce, which will therefore bear the burden of 

 transportation and are susceptible of profitable export. 

 The first list consists of what the community eats, wears, 

 and uses for shelter, or in its arts and industries. The 

 second list includes almost everything grown from the 

 soil or manufactured by skilled labor and machinery. 

 It also includes poultry and dairy products and cured 

 meats. The third list varies with different localities. 

 The semi-tropical parts of California and Arizona find 

 their surplus for export in oranges, lemons, olives, and 

 fresh and dried fruits of all deciduous kinds. The 

 more temperate regions in the West export the hardier 

 fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, and prunes. Fer- 

 tile valleys, surrounded by Uncle Sam's great free past- 

 ures, produce a surplus of cattle and sheep, hides and wool. 



278 



