Page:All Over Oregon and Washington.djvu/354

348 in the atmosphere; in short, the peach is away from its natural home on the soil of the Wallamet Valley. About as much might be said of the grape, although some varieties seem to do tolerably well. The vine is healthy, but the berry is subject to mildew. It will not mature every year. It has not the flavor that belongs to the grape in its native home. Some persons, however, have had good success with grapes. Very much, no doubt, depends on the locality. Cherries and plums are produced in great profusion and variety, particularly in the northern part of the valley, where the Portland market affords ready sale for them. In and around Portland, in the gardens and small farms, the culture of strawberries, blackberries, currants, and that class of fruits has become quite a business—one, too, that is increasing every year. The climate is adapted to their growth. They mature well, and yield very heavily. They are remarkably fine-flavored, very large, and otherwise of good quality.

"The nurseries all over the valley, as well as elsewhere in Oregon, are well stocked with every variety of fruit. Great pains are taken by those in that business to keep up with the demand for their products, to introduce new varieties, and improve the fruit of the country. Fruit-trees come into bearing much earlier than anywhere in the States of the Atlantic coast. Usually the third year from transplanting the tree begins to bear; at about six years old it is in full bearing,

"The Wallamet Valley may be relied on by the farmer as a safe place in which to pursue his vocation. Its products are the leading necessaries of life. The land is good; the climate mild and healthful; markets good, of easy access, and always reliable. The question has been frequently asked 'if the soil of the Wallamet does not wear out?' It has never yet worn out, and some of it, too, has been in cultivation continuously for twenty or twenty-five years. The crop is apparently as good now as that of fifteen or eighteen years ago. The annual wheat yield is, approximately, about throe million bushels; of all other grains, about 1,500,000 bushels. A very large amount of live stock, dairy products, wool, and bacon are marketed annually, the cash value of which can only be approximately estimated, say about $2,000,000."—Democratic Era.

"In our last issue, we placed the stock of flour on hand July 1st, 1871, at 78,500 bbls., chiefly Oregon brands. We have since seen a statement that the flour stock in Portland, Oregon, at same