Leading Apple Regions of the United States 69 



ment. It seems, then, that the Wenatchee Valley offers 

 less opportunity for diversification than almost any other 

 region in the United States. At the same time it is unsur- 

 passed in productivity and high marketable quality of its 

 fruit. The surveys indicate that of all the apple regions 

 of this country the highest annual yields and the highest 

 percentage of extra fancy and fancy fruit were produced 

 in the Wenatchee Valley. Like the Yakima Valley, the 

 Wenatchee district must rely on heavy yields and high 

 marketable quality fruit to overcome a severe handicap of 

 extreme distance from markets. The possibility for 

 cooperative movement among growers is explained by the 

 intensity of plantings and by excellent community spirit. 



As in Yakima, the most intensive and careful orchard 

 practices are in use. The Wenatchee region is practically 

 free from fungus trouble, and with the exception of the 

 codlin-moth, which is a decided menace, is infested with 

 but few serious insect pests. In their early development, 

 the Wenatchee orchards were almost without exception com- 

 mitted to a practice of entire clean cultivation, without 

 either shade or cover-crops. More recently, as in all irri- 

 gated districts, the use of leguminous shade crops has 

 become common. , 



The highest production from the Wenatchee North Cen- 

 tral Washington district prior to 1919 was the crop of 1917 

 which amounted to approximately 8,500 cars of 756 boxes 

 each. At least 75 per cent of the acreage was under ten 

 years of age in 1918 and an increased production from 

 this region may be expected. Winesap, Jonathan, De- 

 licious, Spitzenburg, Stayman, Kome and Yellow New- 

 Fown are listed in the order of their importance. 



