The Apple Orchard Dreams of Early Seattle

The business of timber and lumber manufacture is considered by political economists as of agriculture yet in its infancy, but it is really more nearly like mining. The analogy exists in this, that both plunder the store of natural wealth, while they rear nothing in return, being quickly exhausted. Agriculture proper is cumulative and enduring. Though our mineral and timber are very extensive, yet once removed they are destroyed. Several generations would not suffice for the regrowing of our stately forests when once cut down. Hence, it is of importance to find a successor to replant the withdrawn value of the shorn timber fields. These lands naturally work into a state of clover pasture. Lands convenient to market will justify a more profitable culture than the meager pasturage of volunteer clover. Priced land must yield high-priced crops. In this view, it is impossible to hit upon a more suitable industry to answer this end than fruit culture. We already note some gratifying beginnings in this direction. A gentleman has planted twenty acres of prunes on Whidbey Island with a view to the erection in due time of an Alden drying house. Another on Black River is putting out substantial additions to his orchard. It was stated that the hop growers in the valley are setting out large orchards in connection with their hop yards with a view to the dry houses for fruit after the hops are gathered.