The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-08-10

irrigate. He has a garden that would
make a Mlssoula ranchman turn green with
envy. We noticed that he has been receiy-
ing a large selection of fruit trees and now
has a nice thrifty young orchard, which in a
fe W years will furnish him with the best of
fruits. Mr. Nc. has en- route several Of the
famous Jersey and Attorney mich cows,
with which he proposes TO start a frst-class
dairy. This place is destined to become a
very popular stopping place for those travel
ing between Benton and the Barker, and
from personal experience we most cordially
commend the weary wayfarer to the hospit-
able home Of mr. and Mrs. McCord:
a short distance above is the comfortable
home.of Patrick Woods and sons. They have
some so acres Of grain and a thrifty garden
OF perhaps Is acres. This is the only gar
den on the creek that is thoroughly irrigated.
The Messrs. Woods have q large crop Of po-
tatoes and expect to have fully so, 900 lbs. Of
cabbage, with a plentiful supply of vegeta-
bles Of every description. Above this ranch
are come five or six other farms not yet SO
far advanced.
AS one looks over this beautiful valley and
notes the many pleasant locations, the neat
and attractive homes, and the innumerable
indications of prosperity that everywhere
greet the eye, he feels like unrolling bis
blankets and camping there for the rest OF
his natural existence. It struck US that way,
and it was with feelings of real regret that
we turned our cayuse's head and proceeded
to jaunt on toward the auriferous region OF
Gold Run. rive think Tom felt sore from
the first days ride, which made the s'regrets"
stronger Intelligent Compassion.
Crossing the hills, and on down to where
the pretty Willow waters the valley, we no
ticed several ranches and sheep %corrals, and
then continued over hill and vale to Mann's
hospitable ranch, where an hour is spent in
satisfying the cravings of the inner man and
allowing our steed to rest and recuperate on
the nutritious grasses OF that section. Mr..
Mann has q nice place, with quite q crop,
and, of course, a splendid garden. He pro.
poses building largely this fall, and will open
q saloon and hotel in good shape. lie Will
do well.
From this place it is Is miles by the trail,
and 25 miles by wagon road, to the Barker
mines. We went by the former, and were
surprised to see every available foot Of
ground the entire distance taken up and be-
ing improved and fenced for agricultural
purposes. Indeed, quite a number have
crops in this season, among which we mo-
ticed DesCombee, Levitt 6 Barrett's, and the
very pretty ranch of Frank Coombs. All Of
these ranches nave raised small but excellent
crops, which proves that vegetation thrives
here as bountifully as elsewhere.
Further up, and at the very foot Of the
mountains, are some good ranches, owned
by Cbas. Martin, Geo. Allis, Jersey Moran,
and Thos. Shearer. They all have small
crops growing, with good gardens.
From thence to the Barker it is q tedious
and tiresome walk over the divide. 1t is only
two miles, but to one unaccustomed to climb
ing over the rugged mines it appears a great
deal further. Thanking God that we have at
last reached the summit, we begin to descend
to the famous Barker Mining District, which
we will reserve tor another article. Tom.