BANCROFT LIBRARY o THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ^^"""^^""""^B^"^ "^^^^""""^^^^^ NEVADA FIFTY YEARS ASLEEP! AWAKENING I 1915 1 Least in Population and Wealth! FIRST IN VIRGIN OPPORTUNITIES! AGRICULTURE! LIVESTOCK! MINING! IT n NB/ADA Here, where the Desert barren seems But only seems/ To Gall the Strong! Then yields her bosom To the Nursing of the Race! By CHARLES A.\NORCROSS ANO: Published by NEVADA BUREAU OF INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION CARSON CITY, NEVADA "Old Nevada" Mood Reminiscent IV/TARK TWAIN, in Roughing It, erroneously classified the above specimen of the pros- pector's common carrier as a"Washoe canary.*' But "Old Nevada" is not a bird, although his voice is frequently lifted in far-sounding Jeremiads against time and fate. His day is done! The poise of his ears indicates that he hears the "honk** of an alien enemy. Hamlet-like, he is debating whether to move from the thoroughfare on which he stands, to let Progress pass, or to end all in one noble cataclysm of hoofs, radiator, punctured tires and ears. The Lincoln Highway Crosses Nevada M EVADA was admitted a State by President Lincoln, fifty years ago, on October 31, 1 864, as a war measure, to secure the necessary votes to adopt the amendment abolishing slavery. Since then she has maintained a stable state gov- ernment; a modern public school system; preserved law and order, and has no indebtedness other than what she owes to her school fund. Moreover, she holds $1,577,000 of the bonds of other states. Population, 95,000. Assessed valuation of proper- ty, $1 38,000,000. Area in square miles, 1 1 0,690. The climate ranges from the sub-tropical, in southern Nevada, to mild temperate in the central and northern portions. The winters arc mild; the snowfall light in the valleys, and zero weather rare. Had Prince De Leon sought the elixor of life in climate, instead of a spring, he would have found his quest in the healthfulness of this region. ;U-^=^S Consolidated Mill Goldfield EVADA is one of the four leading mining states. Since the discovery of the Comstock Lode, in 1 859, the yield of the mines has exceeded $1,000,000,000. The present normal production is about $35,000,000 per year; chiefly gold, silver and copper, with some lead, zinc and other metals and minerals. The Comstock has been mined con- tinuously for 56 years. Other of the older districts, after periods of cessation, from time to time come into new leases of life by the discovery of new ore bodies and cheaper processes. The discovery of Tonopah in 1 900 ushered in the present great min- ing era. Following it came the discovery of Gold- field and a score of other rich camps. The Great Copper Pit at Ely "* WO copper districts in Nevada produce about 90,000,000 pounds of copper annually-Ely and Mason Valley. Nowhere else in the world is gold, silver and copper mining carried to a higher degree of technical perfection than in this state. At Tonopah, Goldfield, Ely and Mason will be found the last word in modern methods of handling ores, and a visit to these districts will well repay the sight- seer. The question has been asked whether all the mines of Nevada have been discovered. The an- swer is No, nor will be during the next century. It may surprise many to learn that Nevada's produc- tion of metals today is about twice what it was dur- ing the widely-heralded "boom" mining days. A Meadow <>/ P HE area of Nevada may be roughly subdivi- ded into the following groups: 1 -Water area, lakes ............... 556. 160 acres. 2-Verdureless barrens and alkali wastes. 12,284,440 3-Mountains and rolling grazing lands . 40,000,000 4-Arable valley lands, unreclaimed ..... 1 7, 1 59,000 " 5- Arable valley lands, cultivated ....... 841,000 " The first and second groups, for our present purposes, are in the discard. The third group corn- prises the stock ranges, on the native flora of which about 500,000 cattle and 1,500,000 sheep sub- sist, except during the brief period when fattened for the markets. The fourth group represents the land for present and future generations to reclaim. The soil is rich. It will produce bounteful crops under irri- gation, and in some instances by the conservation of the rainfall by dry-farm methods. Reclamation en- terprises, National and private, are engaged in stor- ing the flood waters of the rivers and streams to re- claim a portion of these lands. Artesian wells and pumping plants, drawing from vast underground reservoirs of water, are reclothing the sagebrush wastes with alfalfa and grain fields. Alfalfa Pasture Mason Valley THE present 84 1 ,000 acres of cultivated lands are being increased at the rate of about, 25,- 000 acres per annum, with the outlook for a much greater increase hereafter, due to the state's awak- ening to the importance of her latent agricultural resources Moreover, the present Nevada farmer is over-capitalized in land and under-capitalized in equipment and livestock, the result being that one must seek the smaller and better managed farms to discover the actual productiveness of the soil. The average cultivated acreage per farm in Nevada is 280, as compared with 63 acres per farm in Utah; 8 1 acres in Idaho; 93 acres in Colorado and 94 in Oregon. The era of farm sub-division is begun. 1*1 ^ L ROM a few hundred to a thousand feet below the surface, Nature has conserved vast reser- voirs of water to supplement the rivers and streams in the irrigation of the desert. Nevada Stream Devoted to Irrigation spring and summer flows of all the rivers and streams are appropriated for irrigation. Reclamation enterprises are storing "flood" waters to reclaim new lands. JHE I Desert Valley Before Reclamation JV/FILLIONS of acres of rich, arable valley lands in Nevada await the plowshare. Some of these lands may be dry-farmed; some may be re- claimed by artesian wells and pumping plants, and others by storing the flood waters of streams. An agricultural empire lies fallow here. Where Once \\ as Desert Now Are Farms 1THE real problem in Nevada is neither soil nor climate but water! Water is the talisman lacking which the desert is; but with which, the desert vanishes, transformed into waving fields of alfalfa and grain, the homes of farmers, and the seats of villages, towns and cities. Alfalfa r i(ld Curxnn Valley THE great agricultural crop of Nevada is alfalfa. Soil and climate are remarkably adapted to its cultivation. The yield ranges from three to ten tons per acre in central and northern Nevada; six to twelve tons in sub-tropical Nevada. /''all t'asturaye, Alfalfa, Lovelock Valley A FTER the second or third cutting of alfalfa, the continued growth until extreme cold weather produces abundant pasturage until late in the season. Mixed with timothy, blue-grass, red- top and similar grasses, it affords a well-balanced nutritive ration for dairy cows and hogs, while as a single feed, it has no superior among forage plants for fattening livestock Due to the great area of natural meadows approximating 600,000 acres about as much grass hay is produced as alfalfa. The value of all forage crops grown in 1914 is est- imated at $5,488,250, practically all of which was converted into livestock and livestock products valued at $11,026,200. Horse and mule breeding is an important in- dustry in parts of the state. The mild winters, splendid pasturage and light air of the higher alti- tudes develop bone and sinew and big lung power, which make for exceptional strength and endurance. From 8,000 to 1 0,000 horses and mules arc annually marketed. "-. liar If Nevada Sheep on Pasture Near Elko THE value of the sheep, lambs and wool mark- eted in 1914, is estimated at $2,580,000. With negligible exceptions, these are range-grown sheep, the flocks being herded on the public do- main and forest reserves during most, and in some instances, all of the year. Farmers, however, find a large demand for their forage crops in fattening such flocks, as well as range-grown cattle, for the stock yards. Until recently the Nevada farmer could rely upon this demand to consume all the for- age crops he could produce. At the present time, due to the constantly increasing acreage of re- claimed lands, the production of alfalfa, grass hay and pasturage is in excess of the range-livestock de- mand. Instead, however, of this being a misfor- tune, it is the making of agricultural Nevada. It means the beginning of an era of dairying, hog- breeding, and cattle and sheep breeding on the farms; of sub-divided ranches and multiplied agri- cultural production. Loading Beef Cattle on the Cars MEVADA marketed, in 1914, beef cattle and veal to the value of $5,400,000 nearly all of which was range grown, except during the brief period of fattening on the farms. Local farmers are investigating the question of raising ''baby beef," believing that there is no essential reason why beef cannot be profitably grown on the farms as well as ranges, by selecting the right breeds and with proper handling. DAIRYING IN NEVADA is second to no other state in the conditions favorable to dairying. The climate is supremely adapted to animal healthfulness and vigor. The winters are mild, the summer nights cool. Pure water, good markets, cheap transportation and the finest pasturage and forage crops in the country, make for the development of a great industry. iOL8TEL\ti AT RENO DAIRYING, however, is as yet in its infancy, but is coming to the front with long strides. One or more modern creameries are established in each of the following valleys: Carson, Truckee, Ma- son, Fallon, Lamoille, and Humboldt, which are producing premium butter for home consumption and export. This is but the beginning! Sorylntm, \Y7ITH the dairying era begun in Nevada, the question is presented of the balanced feed ration to produce the largest quantity of milk at the lowest economic cost. In this state, with alfalfa as the basic feed, the deficiency to be supplied is carbohydrates-the exact reverse of the situation in the corn-growing states, where it is protien. Thus the necessity of the silo, and the growing of some corn, kafir or sorghum for ensilage to widen the nutritive ratio of alfalfa. Corn grows thriftily in Southern Nevada, but in other parts of the state it is not a successful crop at altitudes above about 4,200 feet. On the other hand sorghum and kafir, of almost equal value for silage, may be grown in most sections. One will find Nevada farmers a- wakening to the value of improved dairy cattle- Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, Guernsey and Ayrshire- with some fine dairy herds in the state. Nevada's First Monolithic Silo Reno A Beginner in Hog-Breeding A LLIED with dairying is hog-breeding, since the skim milk from the separator is worth 30 cents per cwt. for pigs. Alfalfa is conceded to sur- pass all other feeds for the economic production of pork. It needs to be supplemented with corn, bar- ley, or other carbohydrates, to finish and harden the pork during the last six weeks or so before mar- keting; but cheaper pork can be raised on al- falfa than on any other crop the soil can grow. The same conditions in Nevada which make for a great dairying state, make as well for a great swine-breed- ing state. During 1914 the production of pork doubled. It has been demonstrated that with the supplemental grain and root crops required for a balanced ration, 1 200 pounds of pork per acre can be produced on Nevada farms. Prices range firm between 7c and 8c per pound at points of shipment. The local and coast demand is such that there is no likelihood of any over production in the next decade. The Product That Spells Dollars THE homeseeker's present golden opportunity in Nevada lies in hog-breeding, or, preferably, dairying and hog-breeding combined, if his capital is sufficient for both. Owing to the fecundity of swine, a small start four or five brood sows far- rowing twice each year, in a few years will increase into a large drove. Start with pure-breds of some one standard breed; make hog-breeding a business instead of an incident, and under intelligent care, the small beginning will mean independence after a few seasons. Since 1913 Nevada has undertaken to handle contagious and infectious diseases in cattle, sheep, horses, swine and poultry. The dread dis- ease, hog-cholera, is speedily controlled in any herd, provided prompt notice is given the state author- ities on its appearance. The diagnosis and treat- ment is performed by quarantine officers, the owner paying merely for the serum used at cost. Neva- da expects to become in a few years a great pork- producing state. Hereford and Potted-Angus Cattle State University T^HE agricultural, veterinary, mechanical and do- mestic science departments of the University of Nevada, at Reno, are cooperating with farmers and homeseekers in improving farm and livestock con- ditions and methods, and supplying reliable advice and assistance on call. Moreover, under a broad plan of agricultural extension work recently inaugur- ated, the University is coming to the farmers with lectures and meetings for the local discussion of welfare problems. Perhaps at this point, we may properly call attention to the splendid educational system main- tained throughout the state. Nevada has $3,500,- 000 of invested school funds, the interest on which goes to the support of its public schools. In addition to which, the people have taxed themselves liber- ally to equip and maintain as modern an educa- tional system, from the country schools to the Un- iversity as may be found anywhere. Dairy Pasture Near Carson City ^EVADA'S greatest need is agricultural home- seekers. Considering the productiveness of the soil and excellent markets, the cheapest land is to be found here of any state in the west. Land op- portunities are divisible into the following groups. Improved land, with water right. This includes cultivated farms in wh ole or in part for sale, the prices ranging from $50 to $250 per acre, depending on location and state of cultivation. Unimproved land, with water right This includes the uncleared lands of a subdivided "ranch'* possessing a water-right, or lands under a reclamation project, the prices, by installment payments, ranging from $35 to $100 per acre. The largest present acreage under this group is under the Government Carson-Truckee Re- clamation Project (address Project engineer), at Fal- lon. Private lands of this character are for sale in Carson, Mason, Smith, Washoe, Lovelock, Hum- boldt and other valleys. For information, address the state immigration department. Field Corn for Silage Truckee Valley f ANDS without water rights, from the home- seeker's standpoint, are limited to three groups, all else being in the discard, as follows: Sub-irriga- ted landsThere is a considerable acreage in the aggregate, in Nevada, chiefly in private ownership, which by reason of an abundance of surface moist- ure, will grow crops without irrigation. But little at- tention, so far, has been given to the cultivation of such soils and their real value is not well appreciated. " Dry -farming" Ian ds Large crops of grain are grown in a few favorable localities, chiefly in Elko county, by conserving the precipitation. Dry-farm- ing is as yet an experiment. The homeseeker should assure himself that the conditions are favorable be- fore attempting a dry-farm homestead. Field of Egyptian Millet Fallon A R TESIA N and pumping Ian ^ transplanted homes in Nevada, and the desire for beautiful homes and gardens can be gratified. HOMESEEKERS' LITERATURE The following publications, issued by the State for free distribution to homeseekers, will be mailed on application : Postage "Agricultural Nevada/' 68 pages.... 4 cts. "Nevada Potatoes/' 32 pages 2 cts. "Alfalfa and Hogs/' 84 pages 3 cts. "Irrigation Pumping in Nevada/' 80 pages 3 cts. "Dairying in Nevada/' 160 pages.... 5 cts. Address : IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT State Capitol, Carson City. Nevada JOURNAL NUM. KINO, N 11 (0 cr ui III ! -j O I O I < ^ ^ ^ ^ -^ NEVADA i WHERE SHALL You FIND THE DESERT? Soon NOWHERE! For, lo, the Golden .'Wheat Ripens where YESTERDAY the * Lizard Starved upon the Parched W'aste !