Rocky Mountain husbandman. [volume] (Diamond City, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1877-08-02
CORVALLIS AND sKALxAHo FARMERS.

I1OII Ahts ttihc
broad valley, beautiful III shape, fertile and
productive, but now a desert waste. having
shared the fate of Messrs. Humble ana
Harland's farms. Among those along the
route who have good farms and pleasant
homes, but who have lost their crops by the
,hoppers. are A. J. Summers, G. Simmons,
and John Golf.
Near Corvallis and close to the river are
the farms of Mr.. John Slack, w. V. Chalnh'
J. G. Hull, and Eliza Chaffin. These gen
tlemen nave well improved homes, good
dwellings, eraced by fields OF green grain and
beautiful gardens; they having the adVan-
tage over their neighbors in having a larger
ditch of water which assisted them in keep
ing back the young pests. Elijah Chaffin
informed me that he and his family worked
night and day almost necessarily for nearly
two weeks, corralling, burning and burying
the 'hoppers. He now reaps a good reward
for his labor, in the shape Of Il fine crop and
a pretty garden. In his garden we were
shown IL large variety of fruit trees ana
vines. Currant and gooseberry bushes
were heavily loaded with berries. He will
probably gather 100 bushels OF currants. "A
number of his finest trees are beginning TO
bear, and in another year he Will nave one
of che most desirable farms, garden ana Or
chard in this section of the country. we
noticed in his field three varieties OF wheat
which was headed out and looking better
than any we nave seen. On some of the
heads we noticed seventy-tWo large, plump
grains. These seeds were sent to him from
the Department of Agriculture, anu appear
to mature quicker and yield better than TIN
wheat usually grown here.
AT Corvallis we found Mr.. Slack engage
In merchandising, as well as farming. lie an
his partner own the only store. ~. ,
While here we met John Chafiin, who
home is above town near the foothills. }
is one of the lucky farmers, his crops havis
escaped the 'hoppers. ~ a+. 4.
We also met w. A Hall, a Methodist nj
lister, who has, very pretty home, ana
beautiful garden. l" 5i
just above town, but in the town llr'i,
is the pleasant homes of Michael Prince ~
Jacob Golf. Both of these gentlemen GA
farms near town, but unfortunately tir
crops have been cleaned up by the hopr'
thus depriving them of the pleasure of rql
ING. and us from further mentioning th
farms. HH
Passing on up the valley we called at.
Pardee's home, but he being in Helen't
market u herd of his beef cattle, we colii
ued our journey. While Oh his premle
however, we had occasion to notice sI
fine trees, among which was a peach ~
bearing fruit, the first peaches we have'et
growing In Montana.
Next upon our way was the home DIAL
thony Chatin, where we tarrled until lori
ing, passing the time very pleasantly
has two good farms upon which he wi
have fair crops. The 'hoppers paid lin
visit but did not 90 serious damage. II
has built a large two story dwelling, viii,
adds much to the beauty and value OF
place. His garden and young orchard v
pretty well demolished by the 'hopp'|
thus Kidding him of the Injuries which
has been his pleasure to enjoy for mi
years. AS we'll as farming, he is to SC
: extent engaged in stock 'raisingA a busir
which in connection With the farm pro ;
, quite profitable. I
Leaving here we rode across a level pl |
three miles to Skalkaho creek, throng |
desert-like looking land, it having b s
/. cleared up, by the 'hoppers. The soil .
deep aud fertile, and by irrigation cal
! made as valuable for raising grain rs I
: part of the valley. |