Rocky Mountain husbandman. [volume] (Diamond City, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1876-03-09
Rocky Mountain Hlsballnal.
II. N. Editor.
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1876.

tie risk and that promises half the percent
age OH the investment, as Wool-groWing.l 1t
has proved a good business III every country
at all adapted to sheep-raising; and the bet
ter the country is adapted to sheep-raisillg
the more profit viii be realized.
In Montana we have the first great requi-
site-almost unlimited pastures Of the finest
quality of grass to be found anywhere. IN
other countries sheep must be pastured up
on their owners own dominion. Here we
have miles upon miles of unclaimed, unoc-
cupied pasturage, where elk, deer, antelope,
mountain sheep and buffalo, roam the year
round, and where streams Of fresh water
come down from the mountains, and course
through the valleys, afiording an abundance
of water for stock. There is plenty Of tim
Der upon the mountains, at convenient dis
lance, for fencing, building and %fire-wood.
All that is required Of the sheep-groWer, is
to care for lis flock-herd, keep his corrals
in order, and change range occasionally, to-
prevent impoyerishing it. Among the great
advantages of this country over others, is
the free pasturage, where sheep can be kept
the year round without preparing feed for
them. True, every ranchman should have
some hay to feed such of his flock as are
old and poor, and also for riding horses.
But, as a general thing, sheep raised here
do not know what hay is. And often our
stock men neglect to prepare hay for the use
of their saddle horses.
Gen. Star1e, Vice President of the North
ern Pacific railroad, said in Helena, that he
would not have believed these facts respect
ing our mode of winteriug stock had he not
seen it with his own eyes.
We know of no better country for sheep
than ours. The climate is dry and pure,
land rolling and grayclly, and many of the
diseases that very much retard the business
III other countries, are unknown here. Scab
being the only disease it is necessary to
guard against, and when fiocks are once
cured, which can be done in oAaaseason, it
appears no more. 9
Owing to the climate being cold, the fleece
grows more vigorously, and the average
yield Of wool per head from fiocks driven
from California, Oregon, Colorado or New
Mexico, is very materially increased in a
few years. Sheep here are also very hardy,
and stand the winters well, coming out in
spring fat. We have seen them often too
fat to be relisled as mutton.
We are pleased to know that our people
appreciate these natural advantages, and are
setting about to utilize them. Many Of Our
citizens are preparing to engage in wool
growing us q permanent business. We think
the day is not very fan distant when millions
of sheep will summer upon our lofty noun
tain ranges, and winter in our valleys. And
the hum of spindles set i'll motion by oul
gushing streams in their headlong career to
the sea, will wake to life and activity oul
mountain homes, willie millions Of yards Of
fabric will be sent forth to clothe the world.
GOVERNOR PoTTs has been notified by
Gen. Stark that he has received a copy OF
the Northern Pacific railroad bill, and that
1t will be considered at q special meeting OF
the directors, on March 9th, and the result
given by telegraph.
THE outlook for Montana is Frightening,
The Northern Pacific railroad has been
opened through to Bismarck. The bonds
Of the company have advanced thirty PEI
cent, and everything indicates that work
west Of the Missouri river will be resumed.
The military are moving TOWARDS the hos
tile rndians, anu Delegate Maginnis has in,
triodhlced u bill III Congress, ~appropriatine
$500, 600 for the purpose of establishing d
military post OH the Muscleslell, one at OF
near the mouth of Big Eorn river, and an