upon irrigation. No farmer with the facilities of irrigation would ever exchange the condition for the advantage of the best rain-region of the world; for, with a perfect understanding of this branch of farming, his crops are always certain and the yield enormous. The credulous reader having passed through this State on the line of the national railroad would hardly credit the fact that, within a few hours' drive of one of the most barren and forbidding sections of the route, lands are under cultivation that for productiveness can challenge the world. Iu Paradise Valley, in the northern part of the State, the average yield, as reported by the assessor, during one year was fifty bushels of wheat to the acre. Yet the average yield of grain per acre throughout the State is small, being but twenty and a half bushels of barley and but seventeen bushels of wheat. The fault lieB in the irrigation, which is proven by the inequalities which present themselves. On the same quality of land will be found a field of grain spotted and bare, resembling more a stubble, and lying immediately adjacent will be seen another with its tall waving stalks almost ready to drop by its weight of grain. The sagebrush lands are the most desirable for the cultivation of grain, the soil being warmer and of a looser nature; the bottom or meadow lands are better adapted for clover and grasses. Great attention has of late been paid to the cultivation of alfalfa, as stock of all kinds thrive well upon it. By careful attention by irrigation, three crops are cut in one season. As farm-labor commands $40 per month and all agricultural implements are very expensive, it would seem that the State of Nevada would not present a very encouraging prospect to the settler, particularly as the cultivation of all grains has to be so carefully watched; but it must be remembered that its area of agricultural lands is small in comparison to that of the entire State; that the nearest grain-fields are in California, and that the cost of transportation is such that wheat and barley are never sold less than three cents per pound, and often reach eight cents. Hay from the native grasses readily sells for $30 per ton, and frequently reaches $100. All garden vegetables thrive well in Nevada, as the system of irrigation adopted is very simple. The State is particularly noted for the fineness of the flavor of its potatoes, and large quantities are annually shipped to San Francisco. The average yield per acre is 70 bushels, commanding readily three cents per pound in tbis State. In my previous reports I have dwelt to considerable extent upon the advantages the State otters for grazing and stock-raising. The last year has proven a fortunate one to both the cattle-man and wool-grower. Both sheep and cattlo ranged throughout without shelter, and kept themselves in good conditiou for the market without stallfeeding. The State of Nevada cannot be said to be proficient in this branch of industry; her cattle and sheep are generally of an inferior order; no attempt has yet been made for the raising of blooded horses or stock of any kind, though a superior animal will bring a most fabulous price. As her resources are becoming better known, it is to be hoped more attention will be paid to an industry that is both serviceable and remunerative. The assessors'returns to the surveyor-general of the State up to January 1, 1875, give the total number of cattle now in the State as 182,000, and of sheep 185,000. These figures the surveyor-general considers au unfaithful exhibit, as the estimate is considerably below that of the previous year. In conclusion, I will state that the mineral wealth of Nevada is boundless, practically exhaustless; its mining enterprises are as yet in their infancy. With the extension of railroad communication, bringing cheap transportation and consequent cheap extraction and reduction of ores, Nevada will bo for generations to come a source of immense wealth to the nation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. S. DAVIS, Surveyor-General. A.—Statement of account of appropriation for compensation of United States surveyor-general and employe's during the i/ear 1874-'7o. Dk. Ch. |