SALMON GUMS Salmon Gums is another small town uncounted travelling north. Salmon Gums is named after the Salmon Gumtree that is prevalent in the area. The first potential use of a townsite was as a watering spot. At the time Salmon Gums was regarded as being on the fringe of arable land. The low soil fertility and marginal average rainfall of 340 mm meant that yields were poor prior to the 1950s. As a result, the land was not in high demand.  Agricultural research quickly led to the discovery that soil in the Esperance region was deficient in trace elements, reportedly phosphorus, copper and zinc, and the addition of these greatly improved fertility and crop yields. Since then the region, including Salmon Gums, has become a successful producer of wheat, sheep and cattle. The Salmon Gums Hotel is another classic country pub that beckons refreshment. The Salmon Gums War Memorial is a fitting tribute given the town size. The Catholic Church is similar to that of Grass Patch. Be sure to check out the pub while passing through.