20 
A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE 
The tree was set in 1883, and was, therefore, in its seventh 
year from planting in the orchard. 
Additional evidence of the large proportions already 
attained by the fruit industry of Mesa County is seen in 
their express shipments. The Denver & Rio Grande Ex¬ 
press Company handled this season : 
From Grand Junction_217,767 pounds. 
From Fruita--131,282 “ 
From Whitewater_ 85,100 “ 
A total from the County of-..434,149 pounds. 
As an example of the more recent fruit ventures, I may 
mention the Gov. Crawford orchard, on Rapid Creek, above 
Grand Junction. This covers sixty acres. It was set by 
and is in charge of Mr. D. C. Hawthorne, an experienced 
fruit grower. The orchard contains 6,000 trees and 8,000 
grape vines, set in 1890, and 2,000 trees set in 1891. All the 
leading varieties of apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries 
and nectarines are represented. Of the grapes, 6,000 vines 
are of the European varieties, including Emperor, Mus- 
atel, Gordo Blanco, Muscat of Alexandria, Flame Tokay, 
Sultana and others ; 2,000 vines are of American varie¬ 
ties, mostly Concord, Worden and Niagara. 
Sixty miles above Grand Junction, extending along 
the banks of Grand River, in Garfield County, is Grass 
Valley, said to be admirably adapted to fruit culture; 
already 250 acres are occupied by fruit trees, and ground 
is being prepared for further planting in the spring. The 
experience thus far points to a successful future for fruit 
growing in this valley. 
Of the extreme southern and southwestern portions 
of the State, we can at present say but little. We have 
not been able to visit this region, and information obtained 
has been meager. In the estimate of fruit area for the 
State, Huerfano County is credited with 100 acres, Las 
