28 



BULLETIX 401^ U. S. DEPABTMEXT OF AGEICULTUKE. 



Distribution ix 1915. 



Table B (in envelope at end of bulletin) has been prepared to 

 sbow the actual results obtained in the various markets at different 

 times during the 1915 season, in order that it may be used as a par- 

 tial guide in the future. However, the figures shown in this table 

 can not be relied upon entirely, as competitive shipments from other 

 points will greatly influence the results obtained. Because of a crop 

 of poor quality in the East in 1915, the competition received by 

 Arizona melons was below normal. Further, in calculating the re- 

 sults which may be obtained in any market, the competition from 

 ' other western sections, such as the Imperial Valley and the Moapa 

 and the Turlock districts, must be considered very seriously. There- 

 fore, no attempt has been made to draw up any definite table of 

 , the consummg capacity of various markets for Arizona melons, as 

 I there are too many factors which vary from year to year. However, 

 a careful study of the net returns secured by the grower in 1915 (cost 

 of package not deducted) should be a valuable aid in the selection 

 of markets in the future. 



MOAPA DISTRICT, NEVADA. 



HISTORY. 



Commercial muskmelon growing in Nevada is confined to the 

 ! Moapa Valley, this being a narrow valley extending from Moapa, 

 on the main line of the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Rail- 

 road, southeastward for about 20 miles, which is served by a branch 

 line of the raikoad. The district is an old one, having been shipping 

 yearly since 1906. The mdustry has not developed rapidly, as the 

 ! acreage necessarily is limited by scarcity of water, the entire valley 

 ' depending on warm springs for its irrigation water. However, the 

 acreage planted has increased shghtly nearly every year. In 1910 

 there was a decrease, due to unsatisfactory returns the year before. 

 Yearly shipments since 1906 are shown in Table 15. 



Table 15. — Total shipments of mushnelons from Moapa district, Nevada, 19Q6-1915. 



Cars. 





Cars. 



1906 



1907 



21 

 15 

 56 

 165 

 75 



1911 



1912 



97 

 119 

 159 

 299 

 276 



1908 



1909 



1910 



1913 



1914 



1915 





The beginning of the shipping season follows very closely upon 

 that of Arizona, extending from July 7 to August 4 in 1915. The 

 acreages are generally not large, the crop being handled rather as a 

 side issue. Except for a small number of Indians residmg on a 

 neighboring reservation, no labor except that of the resident ranchers 



