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About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989 | View Entire Issue (May 24, 1910)
MEDFORD MAIL TRIBUNE, MEDFORD, OREGON, TUESDAY, MAY 24, .1910. FEAR BLIGHT AND ITS CONTROL UPON THE PACIFIC COAST This !s the Thirteenth of a Scries of Articles That Will Bo Printed Dally Until Subject Is Completed Every Orchardlst In the West Should Save These Issues for Future Reference, as They Contain Valu able Information. By ritOFESSOK O'GAIU, Assistant Pathologist United States Department of Agrlcuturo. Writ tea especially for the Mcdford Mall Tribune Copyright, 1910, by tho Mcdford Mail Tribune. Eradication Work in California Oregon. nnd In a preceding chapter, mention was made of the enormous losses in tho pear districts of the San Joa 4aln valley, California. In tho short space of thrco years, from 1900 to 1904, almost half a million pear trees were lost by blight Practically no at tempt was made to check tho disease, and ono of tuo greatest Industries of tho San Joaquin valley vanished like a dream, and oven beforo tho people realized what had befallen them. As ia other localities, east and south, the growers had a self-sufficient and aelf-satisficd feeling thnt blight could aover hurt them. They had grown pears for a quarter of a century and more, and such a thtng as blight en tering their valley was Just as im possible as anything ono might Im agine. In all that time, thunder, lightning, excessive heat, cold, etc, had caus ed not the slightest injury. However, as Boon as blight camo all tho factors mentioned nbovo seemed to explain their predicament fully, they needed no help and spurned assistance. This is tho ctory, in a few words, a story "which might bo told of many other localities wL'ch had suffered the same calamity. In 1904 tho blight Invaded the pear districts of tho Sacramento val ley, and although some little work was dono In tho matter of eradicating It, the efforts were weak and ineffec tive. Prominent men In the state became alarmed, and tho pathololo .Klsta of the United Btotos depart ment of agriculture wero called to the coast. In tho fall of 1904 Profes sor M. B. Watte made his first visit to California, and inaugurated a plan of campaign for eradicntlrg It or at least keeping It under control. I may ay that tho jcvernment pathologists did not come to the Pacific coast un til they wero called. Such Influen tial men as ex-Governor Pardee and prominent Southern Pacific officials appealed to Hon. James Wilson, secre tary of agriculture, to send a3 many 'homo orchards, where It Is ceodlngly light. Tho growers lu those sections becan their fight early, and have kept It up so that at this time thero are probably no fowor bearing pear trees than thero wero four or flvo years ago. In Placer county alono when I first began my work there, ton Inspectors, Including tho county horticultural commissioners, wero put on and tho work of eradi cation was thoroughly dono. It would bo very difficult to tell how many trees wero lost la Califor nia throughout the entlro state, but tho figures taken from the carload shipments will toll the story pretty well, jfn 1900 Callforn'a shipped 2115 carloads of pears, and In tho same year 7276 .tons woro dried, nnd perhaps half a million cases woro canned. In 1907, only 1039 cars woro shipped and only 500 tons wero dried. Wo havo no dat:i on tho canned prod uct, but It is well known that It foil off correspondingly. Such figures a3 I have given should strlko terror Into any community whoso Industry Is that of growing pears and apples. In tho Roguo River valley and in southern Oroson wo find a magnifi cent soil for pear and applo growing. At this time, with tho valley only partially developed, the estimated value of the orchards reaches far Into tho millions. Pear blight has not been In the valley very long, but It Is hero and must be considered serious ly. Only In three or four cases has it dono any serious damage, and tho total loss for the entlro valley In pears and apples is probably not more than 2000 trees. Tho highest recorded los in one orchard Is perhaps 500 or 600 trees, and this loss might havo been avoided If tho owner had taken tho proper steps In eradicating a very few cases of holdover blight An other orchard lost nearly 200 trees, but theso wore mostly Infected and practically destroyed beforo It was known that blight existed In the val- uey. The writer first came into the valley in isut, anu since mat time a very strenuous fight has been kept up. As In California, we had to fight stupidity and Ignorance, hut, for the most part, tho growers have swung into line and are putting up a good fight. Very slight losses have occur red during the past two years, and theso losses havo been mostly In the villages and towns and in the old difficult ROGUE IS MOST BEAUTIFUL LAND E. E. Calvert of Portland Orcrjonlnn Writes of Hill Trip Through Vnlloy nnd Says Railroad Magnate Praises It Highly. men as ho had available, to aid in what was thought to bo almost a hopeless case. Blight was everywhere with the exception of tho Santa Clara valley, which to this day has kopt it out by very careful and I'.ird work. The task undertaken was an enor mous one, and tho amount of terri tory necessary to be covered was bo largo that every available source of ihelp was called for and the campaign finally started In the early winter of 1905. The time was short, but good work was done. In many districts wnere there was a willingness to co operate with tho government officers the blight was checked, in others, where conditions were the reverse, tho ulitrht gained headway. Tho re sult of sovoral years' work, which Jims been carried on up to tho pres ent time by the United States de partment of atrlculturo, Is that bov- -oral districts In tho Sacramento val ley and adjacent valloyo avo saved their pears. Theie are particular In stances whero practically ovorythlng went excepting singlo orchards which wero saved by Individual growers, by using heroic measures and carrying 'into effect every detail given them ty tho government officers. To this day theso men continue to grow pears whllo their neighbors aro entirely out of tho business. They aro charged vwJth being lucky, but there is no luck -In fichtinjr ponr blight; it is careful nttontion to details and constant watchfulness. Among those who have been Buccossf ul in fighting pear blieht is iiowara neea 01 Morysvwe, uai. Mr, Heed, with G000 Bartlotts, has Jost relatively few, although tho dif ficulties ho had to overcome would havo discouraged tho average man. H'hree years ago his orchard was un- uor water on account of tho ovor- tflow from tho Sacramento river and ;he was compelled to fight the pear 'Jallght from boats and rafts. To show you how well he has won out In the fight I will simply state that his crop two years ago was CO carloads of first-class fruit, which he shipped to astern markots. Besides his green fruit, he dried somothlug ovor 25 tons. I cannot help pointing to Mr, Heed as an oxamplo for everyone to fellow. Ho has made doubly good, because ho had to fight not only tho blight but tho mossback community in which, ho lived. In the foothill districts of Placer, Bldorndo and Nevada conutlea east of Sacramento tho loss has been ex- (to make the owners seo the necessity of cleaning up. Tho commercial or chards have done excellent work. Even the largest orchards in tho val ley nave demonstrated tna oiiective nesa of careful eradication. At this tlmo It Is a pleasure to visit them and seo tho heavily laden pear and apple trees with not a blighted spur or twig upon them. The only serious mistake made In the beginning of the pear blight cam paign In 1907 was tho failure to pro vido a sufficient number of Inspec tors, and this mistake has only been remedied in part at this tlmo. Until a year ago tho entire work of going over tho two counties of tho Roguo River valley was given to two men. It Is surprising that as good results have been gotten, and I nave often wonderod how It happoned. The importance of tho pear blight problem to the horticultural Interests of tho Pacific coast states empha sizes very clearly tho valuo and neces sity of plant pathological work. What each district needs Is a strong man who is both scientific and practical, for handling Buch a difficult problem. Not only does each district, need the constant and careful attention of a trained pathologist, but it needs In spectors and commissioners who will see to It that the horticultural stat utes aro rigidly enforced. If a grow er chooses to lose his crop by any diseaBo which Is not considered con tagious or spreading, and which may roadlly bo controlled by slmplo spray treatments, It Is his own lookout; but whero his pears and apples aro a source of general Infection from pear blight It becomes a matter for tho dis trict commissioner and local Inspec tor. Thoro Is only ono remedy and that Is to Increase tho Inspection and to make It rigid. Forhapa ono other thing might bo added. It would bo a wiso plan for each county or dis trict to appoint a largo numbor of volunteer Inspectors who would servo without pay In their own lutorest, but who would bo vested "with author ity to Inspect and condemn within tholr Immediate neighborhood. If this could havo been done during tho past year In tho Rogue River valley many a dollar which has boon spent in summer cutting would havo boon saved. You'll want to anawer In person ono of today's real estate ads and rather promptly, too, most likely, E. E. Calvert, special correspond ent of tho Portland OroRoninn, writes from Mcdford as follows of tho Hill visit to tho Hokuo River vnl loy in Monday's OroReninn: This, tho center of the Roguo River vnlloy, can bo reached by wagon road from Klamath Falls in a journey of about S5 miles, and u trip botweon tho two points is ono of tho best les sons that can bo obtained in the di versity of resources of Oregon. In traveling over this 85 miles of wagon road onu leaves at Klamath Falls tho outskirts of a great stock range at tho trading point of nn irri gated section whore hay, grain and root crops and dairying are profit ablo industries, cutors and traverses the greatest existing belt of piuo tim ber, crosses streams ofefring almost incomparable water power, and drops down into a valley whose fruit crops nro famed tho world over and whicn is surrounded by hills over and which is surrounded by hills whero aro some of tho oldest still profitable placer diggings of the west. Six Industries Represented. In this stretch of 85 miles, Vix great resources of Oregon aro repre sented stockraising, geaornl agri culture, timber, horticulture, water power and mines. Practically the only two that aro not found nro Ore gon's strictly grain-producing dis tricts nnd its commercial fisheries. The 05 miles of road between Klamath Falls nnd( Ashlund, which wero travorsed by' tho Hill party in gaining Western Oregon, constitutes one of the oldest highways in the state. Over this road,"" nearly f0 years ago, William Hanley, ono of Mr. Hill's companions in the tour, first accompanied his father In a cat tle drive from tho Rogue River valloy to Hnrnoy county. Mr. Hanloy, in driving cattle, followed until 188J, this old road from Rogue river to Linkville, now known ns Klamath Falls. Thereafter a shorter route, known as the Dead Indian road, was followed ovor tho mountains by tlu cattlemen who purchased stock in Western Oregon nnd drove them to tho rich ranges of Hnrnoy county, there to fatten them for tho market. The journey Thursday, the first he had made over the road in 27 years, brought out many reminiscences from tho big cattleman of Central Oregon. Mr. Hanley pointed out whero the cattle had mired down on ono drive, another point where the "chuck wagon" and tho calves had to be halt ed for several days on account of muddy roads, and relnted how in the interval the cows forcot their off spring and had to be lassoed later, that tho hunghv youngsters might ho fed. Homes of pioneers, now dead and gone, were identified and the pe culiarities of tho men of tho enriy days were related. Road Almost Impassable. Forty miles of this old road, al though full of scenic attractions, are now almost impassable, because of ruts and rocks. After reaching Ash - land Mr. Hanley, in addressing the business men at luncheon, urged the improvement of this road for tho ben efit of Southern Oregon, asserting that it was n better highway 40 years ago than it is today. In spito of its familiarity to the old-timers of Southern Oregon, the Klamath country is looked upon as a new district by tho commercial inter ests of Portlnnd, and in n way it is a new country, for railroad transpor tation and irrigation nre bringing about a new growth and development. Yet, 25 years ago, wheat Bent from Klnmath county to nn exposition in Now Orleans gained a first prize. In the valley below tho city are farms that would bo a pride in any agricul tural territory of the middle states or far east. Tho N. C. Merrill place, whero the Hill party was entertained at lunch Tuesday, was doclnred by Mr. Hill to bo the best farm ho ever saw. Tho homo is a handsome residenco of the Colonial type, with spacious verandus nnd surrounded hya woll-kent lawn. Eleotrio current tapped from trans mission lines extending from Klam ath Falls throughout tha valloy lights mo iiuuBu una Darns, oporntos mo tors that move farm machinery and pump water for tho household sup ply. Tho livestock is thoroughbred and tho fields aro marvels of scion' tifio cultivation. Mr. Merrill's neigh bors often call on him to diroot their seeding, and ho has tho reputation of being able to secure a bettor stand of nlfalfa than any man in tho county. Fanners Aro Enterprising. Other farraors of tho Klamath country aro endeavoring to bring their lands to tho sumo high typo oC cultivation and improvement, ami when tho hotter rail facilities now . dor construction nro oomplotod, noth ing will apparently stand in tho way of milking tho Klumntli country a model in agricultural endeavor. Tho transition from thU level, cul tivated area to tho pino timber holt with its rushing streams is remark able, but less so thiui tho cliuugu from thu timber belt to the orchards of Roguo river. A transformation has taken place since William Han ley drove cattle ovor tho Siskiyou trails to interior Oregon. Now tho Roguo vnlloy no longer supplies cattle for tho ranges nnd the livestock mar ket. Onco this was a hny-produoing country. Now Roguo River valley is buying beef cnttlo for its own mar ket and is shipping in hny for live stock consumption. Tho channel of trado is still in tho process of reversing, for the vnlloy promises to becomo n largor buyor year by year. Tho old cattle trails aro boing roplacod by tho railroad the Hill interests nro building from Mcdford to a oonnootion with tho. Or egon Trunk lino. This road will tap tho timber bolt, carry tho fruit of Roguo River valloy to Central Oregon and eastern markots and bring back beef cattlo to tho consumers of tho valloy and hny nnd grain to food tho fancy livestock and tho farm aiu'mals that aro neoded in tho cultivation of tho lands. Orchards Replace Meadows. Alfalfa is still grown iu the Roguo River vnlloy, but tho mondows aro being rapidly roplacod by poar and applo orchards. Last year 15,000 acres woro sot out to orchards iu tho portion of tho Roguo Rivor valloy extending from Ashlnnd south to whore tho vnlloy pinches 12 miles bo low Medford bofore again widoning out into tho Grants Pass district. In this 25 milos length of vnlloy thoro aro now 05,000 ncres sot in or chards, and from this area tho fame of Roguo river fruit has boon givon by only 2500 ncres of bearing trees. Next year will probably seo moro thnn 15,000 ncres additionnl convert ed into orchard lands. In tho season of 1909 this portion of tho Roguo Rivor volley shipped 500 carloads of fruit, valued at $1000 a car. It is estimated that this year 1000 car loads will bo shipped, next yonr 2000 carloads, and tho following yonr 3000 carloads. In tho now orchards pears nro coming moro nnd moro into favor, for as n producer of fancy pears Roguo rivor prides itself that it never can be bent. In apple-growing it has , iK ar mm m frm AT"f& .W r .k V I Complete House Furnishers WE, SAVE YOU MONEY ON FURNITURE, REFRIGERATORS, ST O VE S, RANGES, LACE CURTAINS, DRAPERIES, COUCH COVERS, POR- TIERES, RUGS, CARPETS, ETC. Damamrtai Wo givo our porsoiml attention to ovory IVeilieilllJer orti01. allli 110VGr advertise anything but the truth. Aviait will be appreciated. Courteous troatmont, whether you come to buy or just to look. WE INVITE YOU TO CALL AT OUR TEMPORARY LOOA- TION, NEXT WASHINGTON SCHOOL, WEST MAIN AND LAUREL STREETS. PHONE MAIN 1451 strong competitors in tho I food Rivor, Wonntchoo mid othnr countries. Up to this year tho porceutago of now or chards sot to poar trees was about 50. This year it is about 05 per cent. Whole Region Like Picture. Of tho Roguo Rivor valloy, more truthfully thnn of any other district in tho wost, it can bo said "it is like tho pictures in tho book." Hand somely illustrated literature oau bo issued descriptive of almost any prosperous country by using for tho illustrations only tho show places. Iu Roguo Rivor vnlloy ono may turn tho camorn in any direction nnd tho re sult is a gom. Tho Hill party has mado a olose study of tho valloy from Ashland for 25 miles north. Automobiles have taken them from Ashland, through Tnlont nnd Phoenix to Medford, thence undor tho guidnuco of Med ford folk to Jacksonville, the county sent of Jackson county, nnd tho sec ond oldest town in tho state, by pla- cor diggings thnt have produced $22, 000,000 in gold and nre still boing worked, thence through tho Sams vnlloy, a tributary of tho Roguo, and on to Central Point nnd thon out over tho Pacific & Eastern railroad route to fiva milos beyond Englo Point and back to Medford. Now and old or chnrds havo boon visited. For tho exploitation work of tho Groat North ern uicturos have been taken show ing young nnd old orchards, ehorry treos loaded with ripened fruit iu the middle of May; wheat standing shoulder high, bearing fig trees and vineyards of Tokay grapos. "It is tho most beautiful country I ovor saw," duolared Mr. Hill, aflur his return to Medford. Ilnwkinw for IToalth. ijjia.i-i.i1-. J-i.1 jiiilii . . LP VII LARGE FORCE OF MEN REPAIRING POWER DITCH E. F. Graham of Pronpcct has a largo force of men repairing tho power ditch of tho Roguo Rivor Eleo trio company's plant at Prospect. Tho ditch is not only boing repaired, but mado larger. Tho floods of last win ter destroyod tho intake gnttc. NOTICE TO 8TOCKIIOI,DKR8. Notlco Is hereby given that tho nnnunl meeting of stockholders of tho Pacific and Eastern Railway will ho hold at tho office of tho company, In Medford, Oregon, on Monday, Juno G, 1910, nt 10 o'clock a. m. Dy order of tho Proaldont. O. P. HUMPHREY, 8ocrotary. YOU BE THE JUDGE All wc ask is an opportunity to put our proofs and facts before you. 1 hen decide for yourself. Wc arc positive that Rex Flintkote Roofing will be your choice because there can only be one BEST and wc KNOW Rex Flint kote Is the best roof ing in (Ins world. Either visit us or let us visit you with proofs. 52 sw 'll!llC Wt &yow k WOODS LUMBER CO. The Pasadena of Oregon rfr People of refinement;' people with means; rotired business men; professional mon; college and university graduates, are coming to tho Rogue Rivor Valloy by tho score. Within the past two years almost a hundred Chicago and Evanston, Illinois, people have 3 purchased homes near Mcdofrd, and nearly every one of them has a friend or two whom they hope to induce to come and locate in tho valloy. New York, Philadelphia, Boston and many other eastern cities aro almost if not quite as well represented, while St. Paul and Minneapolis have more representatives ; hero than any other several cities combined. Think these statements over and get your thinker going. Write to tho undersigned or the Medford Commercial Club for detailed informtaion about the country, and you will never have cause to regret it. Bearing Orchards Near Medford lAtat of tho producing orchards havo been hold in largo holdings until recently. 0 i'ew weeks ago tho Eden Valloy Orchard, containing 605 acres, was placed on tho market in any desired acreage. Wo havo been authorized to offer tho bearing apples and pears for sale, and if you kno anything abmit tl country and want a desirable block of bearing trees, write or come soon. During the past week over $150000 worth of tho property has been disposed of. It is located within two miles of Medford at an elevation of about 100 feot above the city and is ono of tho best kept orchards in tho world. Parts of tho orchard offered for sale have paid tho owner over $600 nor acre per year for four years straight. JJo not como unless you aro prepared to stay, for just so sure as you do como tho bmation of fat soil, grandeur of scenic beauty and Italian climate will steal you and souL After one visit hero you will bo miserable any other place on earth ' John D. Olwell com-body EXHIBIT BUILDING MEDFORD, OREGON ::