flour gains by mixing with Oregon wheat. So the dry and the moist climates contribute to each other.
Oregon flour, notwithstanding this prejudice, sells well in foreign markets, and has established itself in the markets of China and Japan, four hundred tons, in 1890, being shipped monthly, the failure of the rice crop opening the way for its introduction, and it is predicted that within another decade the Orient will consume the entire wheat product of the Pacific coasi
Hops are a profitable crop, especially in the coast counties and the rich bottom-lands about the head of the Wallamet. Root crops and vegetables are fine and abundant. Potatoes make a good yield, and are excellent in quality. Onions are large, of a mild flavor, and as a crop very profitable. Cabbages are large, and the leaf is tender. All garden products grow thriftily, and are of good quality; and when the season of the annual exhibit arrives, which is in the latter part of September, the farmers are able to make a surprising show. But it is in the spring and early summer that you have cause to criticise the Oregon producer. All the “ earlies” on your table came from California, are high in price, and lacking in freshness. Why not force the growth of certain spring edibles, and hasten those of summer by hot-house cultivation ?—why, only that the farmers and gardeners are as “ conservative” as the capitalists.
The dairies of Oregon do not supply the resident population, notwithstanding this was originally a cattle country. The reason has been pointed out; still the fact remains that the common red clover whose roots go down to a great depth, would endure the drouth of the rainless season, would seed itself, and become green with the first showers of autumn, furnishing an evergreen crop on which to keep milch cows in condition. Most of the hay cut in Oregon is from the natural grasses. Oats are raised for hay, which is fed to horses; but timothy, which would do so much for the dairy interest, is neglected very generally. The farmers are, however, in easy circumstances, and probably care nothing about a tourist’s opinion of their methods.
The fruits raised in the Wallamet Valley are apples, pears, plums, cherries, and prunes. Peaches grow well in some localities, but, like Indian corn, they prefer the more southern portion of the State. Small fruits are abundant and excellent. Grapes do not
