A Fruit Survey or Mesa County 
7 
The data for these districts are given separately throughout the . 
bulletin for comparison. 
After the data were compiled, such increases to the total acre¬ 
age, total number of trees, etc., were made as were deemed neces¬ 
sary to allow for orchards missed. These varied from 1% to 4 1 / 2 % 
and are fairly accurate. The figures as listed in the tables are, we 
believe, as nearly correct as it is possible to make them. 
Only the more important of the data collected are given in 
the bulletin. For instance, of more than 100 varieties of apples, 
only six are discussed and 21 others mentioned. Many varieties, 
especially of apricots, plums and cherries, were unknown and were 
so listed. 
TOPOGRAPHY 
In general, the Valley is quite level. In fact, portions are too 
level for good drainage. It slopes westward with the direction of 
the river, from the north, southward to the river, and on the south 
side, northward to the river. While the Valley is level, there are 
found in many places ridges and depressions, the former contain¬ 
ing a loamy soil excellent for fruit, and on which are found some 
of the finest orchards in the Valley. The lower places generally 
become seep holes under irrigation, as water collects from the 
higher adjacent lands. On the whole, the Valley possesses natural 
conditions for adequate drainage, when developed. 
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CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 
The Grand Valley, being located on the western slope of the 
main range of the Rockies, enjoys a milder climate than a similar 
location and elevation on the eastern slope, and, as a consequence, 
the Valley produces a great variety of fruit to perfection. The 
annual rainfall is less than on the eastern slope, being only 7 or 8 
inches per annum. This small rainfall makes irrigation an impor¬ 
tant factor in fruit growing. While the climatic conditions are 
tarorable for the growth of all standard varieties of temporal> 
zone fruits, the occurrence of belated spring frost makes for a 
short crop year now and then. 
On the whole, it can be said that the Valley is very well 
adapted for commercial fruit growing from a climatic point of 
view. 
SOIL 
The soil of Grand Valley is of a silt formation, rather heavy 
in texture, approaching the adobe type. A few ridges and a small 
district adjoining the river are more sandy and loamy, but in gen¬ 
eral the soil is heavy and not easily managed. While the soil of 
