Report on the Climatic and Agricultural Features and the Agricultural Practice and Needs of the Arid Regions of the Pacific Slope, with Notes on Arizona and New Mexico

Excerpts from the Letter of Transmittal: I transmit herewith a report of the commissioners appointed by you in August, 1881, in pursuance of a provision made by Congress "for procuring data touching the agricultural needs of that portion of the United States lying west of the Rocky Mountains and the Arid Region." Your instructions to the commission embraced the following points: To institute investigation and make reports upon 1. The grape-culture and wine-making of the Pacific coast as it now exists, and especially the inducements offered by the soil and climate of New Mexico for viticulture, in reference to supplying the market with valuable grapes, wines, and raisins. 2. The animal industry of that portion of our country, its value, condition and management generally, including cattle, horses, sheep, and swine. 3. The agricultural methods prevailing in the region designated, including cereal crops, their value, amount in aggregate and average yield per acre, the general management of land for horticultural as well as agricultural purposes, and the modes of fertilization.