HON. E. A. HAYT,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C.
White River Agency, Colorado
August 11, 1879
Sir: I think a statement as to our crop prospects will be acceptable.
We are now cutting the 20 acres of wheat, the quality is good and the yield will be about 150, possibly 200 bushels. In addition, Indians have several pieces, say 3 acres. We have 4 acres of fair corn, the rest was destroyed by young grasshoppers, and by reason largely of the ground being new and rough, and 8 acres of fine peas. The Indians have 2 acres, in five separate patches, of sweet corn, melons, turnips, beets, which they have had irrigated. We have 8 acres of potatoes, which will be about half a crop being cut short by the dry season. A good part of these belong to Indians. The school has a first-rate garden. I might say it is mine, for I made it myself; there are 1,200 nice cabbages, plenty of tomatoes now ripening, beets, onions, turnips, pie-plant, &c. Considering that all our planting was on sod, that we are in a location entirely new, with buildings to provide and fences to build, I think we make something of a show.
I think the Indians will be so much better next year, though their numbers are small, and I am sure that as they have never worked before they are entitled to some praise.
Twenty acres of sod have been broken within the last twenty days, and when the sulky breakers arrive both will be set to running.
The hay crop is exceedingly short, but we have put in stack some 35 tons, and expect to cut 20 more. Indians’ horses have done immense damage to our meadows, and I see no way to save them but to fence them. On Bear and Snake rivers there is no hay nor cultivations.
My impression is that this valley and the climate are decidedly fitted for growing all kinds of vegetables and grains, and on account of the absence of cold winds. I have now coming on some 200 peach trees. I have also some apple and plum trees, and blackberry and gooseberry plants. It is true that the elevation is about 6,000 feet, requiring that tender vegetables be started under glass, but this is no particular hardship. The most doubtful crop is corn. I need another season for its trial.
Respectfully,
N.C. MEEKER,
Indian Agent
