51 

 Fruit Lands Advancing. 



The towns of Summerland, Peachland and Naramata, have been founded 

 practically through the energy and ability of Mr. J. M. Robinson, who now 

 resides at Naramata. Perhaps no single man did more in the beginning for the 

 Southern Okanagan Valley than Mr. Robinson, and he has the satisfaction of 

 seeing his predictions of ten or twelve years ago rapidly being fulfilled. At the 

 present time it is no uncommon occurrence for well-developed ranches to change 

 ownership at from $500 to $1,000 per acre in those various places. 



The country at Summerland is considerably broken, presenting a most varied 

 and picturesque view which is extremely pleasant to the eye. Abrupt hills and 

 extensive tablelands vary the scene, and numerous orchards, mostly in the early 

 stages of growth, are to be found throughout the district. In the course of a 

 few years the shipments, which are even now considerable, will be quite im- 

 portant. There is a certain amount of alkali land in evidence in this district 

 as well as in other portions of the valley, but this is limited in extent. It would 

 be desirable, however, for the intending investor to make a personal inspection 

 of the prospective property, or at least to secure a reliable and independent 

 report upon it, before buying. 



Penticton. 



At Penticton, which is the most southern point on the lake, a day was spent 

 with Mr. E. W. Mutch. This gentleman, on account of limited capital, selected 

 what would be considered a most unpromising piece of land upon which to 

 establish an orchard. With infinite pains and labour he succeeded in clearing 

 the land of the large quantity of stone with which it was covered and has now a 

 very fine property. He has made considerable plantings of peaches, as well as 

 of the more hardy fruits, and looks forward to harvesting some fine crops. 



A drive was taken for some eight or ten miles along the eastern side of the 

 lake, passing through almost one continuous orchard. The peach orchards here 

 compare favourably in appearance with those in the Niagara district of Ontario, 

 and one might almost imagine himself transported to that celebrated section. 



A stop was made to look over the ranche of Mr. Munsen, a beautiful property 

 situated on the upper benches, and upon which a large number of peach trees 

 have been planted. Owing to its favourable situation no frosts whatever had 

 been experienced, and the men were making their final picking of tomatoes at 

 the time of our visit — November 1. 



Peach Orchards Numerous. 



The entire drive from Penticton to Naramata was very thickly studded with 

 plantations of young, thrifty fruit trees. Peaches predominate at the present 

 time, but the tendency of the growers is to turn their attention more generally to 

 the planting of the apple, as likely to prove more profitable. 



Mr. John Power, Secretary of the South Okanagan Land Company, gives 

 the following varieties of apples as those most suitable for this district: — Jona- 

 than, Wagener, Yellow Newtown, Winesap, Rome Beauty and Winter Banana. 

 There is also an extensive planting of Wealthy, and Jeffreys is a splendid early 

 apple which is gaining in favour. Mr. Power also stated that the people felt 

 that apples were a safer crop than peaches, and were beginning to realize that 

 cover crops were essential and that bare cultivation must be abandoned. 



In this section it is expected that the American varieties of grapes, and also 

 some of the European varieties, may be produced successfully. Not very much 

 has been done as yet in the way of small fruit or truck crops, owing to lack of 

 rapid transportation, but as this is likely to improve the people will be able to 



