Page:A History of the Pacific Northwest.djvu/298



Agricultural readjustment; striving for a permanent agriculture. For a number of years, the agriculture of the Willamette Valley, and other sections of western Oregon and western Washington, has been striving to readjust itself. The quest has been for something which should prove a satisfactory substitute for the old staple, wheat. But no other cereal could be grown successfully where wheat had failed. Besides, the soil required rejuvenation and for this fertilization and improved methods of culture were imperatively demanded. The remedy, therefore, was not a new crop, but a new agriculture.

It cannot be said that the problem has been finally solved, but it has come to be generally recognized, which is the condition of its solution. Year by year the nation-wide movement for a permanent agriculture wins new adherents and new missionaries in this section.

Dairying. Perhaps the conditions of a permanent agriculture are as well fulfilled in dairying as in any other system of farming. Experience has shown that under such a system, if well conducted, the fertility of the soil is built up year by year, while the sure if modest profits of the business render the farmer and his family independent. The climate, soil and productions of western Oregon and Washington are especially favourable to the success of the industry. Dairying therefore is being promoted with a vigour born of confidence.

One of its best features, our farmers are told, is the