554 
the leaf, and the plant withers. In order 
to obviate this in the growing of apples, 
peaches and other fruits of this character, 
the stem is headed very low, so that it 
may be shaded and the bark not be in- 
jured by the sun. Further, there Is a 
more rapid supply of moisture where trees 
are headed near the ground than where 
they lift the water to a greater height. 
At Tuscon, the evaporation is said to be 
78 inches per annum; which makes an 
abundant supply of water necessary for 
the growth of fruits. 
The varieties of fruits best adapted to 
such a climate are those with thick leaves, 
small evaporating surface, or with few 
pores that admit of rapid transpiration. 
From the survey of the Salt River val- 
ley, made by Thomas H. Means, we quote 
as follows: 
Fruit Farming 
“Rigs are grown, but the cost of labor 
in handling them and the freight rates, 
make the industry a financial failure. The 
growing of stone fruits is another indus- 
try held down by the cost of labor and 
freight rates. Excellent fruits of this 
kind are grown, but the trade is largely 
within the state. Almonds, when they 
escape the late frosts, and olives, which 
are weighty in proportion to their value, 
may prove a success financially. 
“Grapes are grown successfully, and the 
warm dry climate is eminently suited to 
the growing of raisins and wine grapes. 
Oranges 
“The orange industry of the Salt River 
valley is as yet in its infancy. Only a 
few orchards of any size are in bearing, 
but the success obtained by these has 
started a rapid development, and orange 
groves are rapidly being set out. The 
district considered most favorable for 
oranges lies along the base of Camelback 
mountain and the Phoenix mountains. 
Here the frost is least and the daily range 
of temperature the smallest. No complete 
losses have ever been experienced from 
frost, for the fruit ripens early and is off 
the trees before the frost comes, yet on 
two occasions the trees have been dam- 
aged. 
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRACTICAL HORTICULTURE 
“One great advantage which orange 
groves here have over Southern California 
orange groves is the date of ripening. 
Arizona oranges ripen in time for the 
Thanksgiving market and for this reason 
have the advantage of high prices The 
larger part of the fruit is marketed by 
Christmas. 
“The orange belt is no doubt capable of 
extension over a much larger area than 
is at present supposed to be orange terri- 
tory. Great care should be given to the 
selection of orange lands, for there are 
certain areas not suited to orange cul- 
ture.” 
Fruits Best Acapted 
It would not be possible to grow com- 
mercial fruits successfully in Arizona, 
without carefully studying the varieties 
best suited to the soil and climatic con- 
ditions. In some parts the soil is adobe, 
some is strong in alkali and other salts, 
and all of it is subject to a hot sun and 
rapid evaporation. What varieties to 
choose and how to treat them under the 
conditions, is the problem that confronts 
the fruit grower. 
In the New Cyclopedia of American 
Horticulture, J. W. Toumey gives a list 
of fruits and varieties that was collected 
as a result of 60 letters sent to the lead- 
ing orchardists of the state. This list, 
with those recommended by the Ameri- 
can Pomological Society* and the advice 
of the directors of the experiment station, 
will enable any one without experience to 
decide with considerable accuracy. The 
following is Mr. Toumey’s list. 
Almonds—Ne Plus Ultra, [XL. 
Apples—Harly Harvest, Early Straw- 
berry, Red Astrachan. 
Apricots, Early—Bennett’s Early, New- 
castle, Peach, Pringle. 
Apricots, Late—Moorpark, 
Ambroise, Smith’s Triumph. 
Blackberries — Lawton’s Early, 
dall’s Early, Early Harvest. 
Dewberries—May’s. 
Grapes—Thompson’s Seedless, Sultana 
Seedless, Rose of Peru, Salem, Muscat, 
Rogers’ No. 9. 
Royal, St. 
Cran- 
*U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of 
Plant Industry, Bulletin 151, “Fruits Recom- 
mended for Cultivation.’’ 
