Nearness to transportation is a valuable factor in determining
the price of lands--whether under irrigation or otherwise. The
lands being irrigated in eastern Washington are, for the most part,
adjacent to competing railways and water craft on both the Columbia
and Snake rivers. Projects are in contemplation by the government
and state to remove all obstructions from the Columbia river and
give a great navigable stream from Kettle Falls to the mouth of
the river. This will add to the shipping facilities by increasing
the number of boats which will ply the river and be of great help
to all farmers holding lands adjacent. Numerous trolley lines are
already running in many directions--and more are projected--among the
irrigated farms connecting with the cities of Spokane, North Yakima,
[Page 45]
and Walla Walla. These add greatly to the facility and cheapness
of transportation.


CLIMATE.

The character of the climate is well suggested by the crops which
can be harvested. They include peaches, apricots, grapes, figs,
tomatoes, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other things which require
a warm summer and warm soil. Very little moisture comes upon the
land in the summer. The winters are moderately cold, with some
snow, which is joyfully hailed by the farmers, for all moisture
is quickly absorbed by the soil and held for summer's use. The
spring season is two or three weeks earlier than in the Puget sound
basin. Moderate winds prevail during the summer months, coming from
the east and west by turns, and prevent excessive sultry weather.