Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1882-10-06
LETTER FROM COLORADO.


10 grazing. In TACT, stOck ratsing, or "herd-
ing" is the great industry for this whole
region from Texas TO point considerably
north Of the Union Pacific Railway, ex.
cepting the comparatively marrow limits
within which mining interests are con-
finet. In New Mexico. in Southern Colo.
RADIO, on the Arkansas and iis tributaries
the Fountain, the ST. Charles, the Muddy,
the Cucharas, the Huerfano, and others
in the great parks over across the range,
and over the plains in Colorado, Nebraska,
and Wyoming, the herds roam and the
rdncheros ride. The progress OF settlement
and the advance Of civilation has en-
croachej somewhat upon what was for
meily the domain of the ranchmen, espec.
tally IN Nebraska and Northern Colorado
but, in general terms, he largely covers
the territory outlined above. Between
Denver and Julesburg, on the Union Pa
cific Railroad, lay the immense range of
the late John Hill, one side of which was
fifty miles in length, and which was IN all
respects the most extensive ranch in Colo.
rado. He is snid to have begun on capt.
tai of 500, and when he died four yenrs
ago his estate was valued at 81 900 900.
Probably, NIL things considered, South
ern Colorado possesses greater advantages
for herding that can be combined in any
part OF the region devoted to that indus.
try. 1t istraversed by railroads, and nc.
cessibie from all sides, while the climate
is most salubrious and 70 mild in winter
that stock roam and Craze without shelter
or feeding. Barren MS those sandy plains
appear, the coarse, dry-looking tufts of
buffalo grass" furnish nutriment upon
which cattle thrive and fat,en beyond be-
lief. To some there is sentimental draw
back in the absence Of the grand, ever.
present spectacle and genuine compan nion.
ship OF the Everlasting hills" but that
soon becomes to he small matter when
the other advantages Of this locality are
considered. No doubt in other regions
land can be had more chenply, but there
are sure to be counterhaancing disadvan-
tnges. Above certain lat itude, notably
in Wyoming, great Losses have occurred
from severe winters. and not very far TO
the north the Lo family" come in to dis.
tnrb and molest. Speaking of hard win.
ters, they had one here in Colorado two
years ago which, according to all accounts,
takes the cake, and was the cause of heavy
losses to cattle men. In some parts of the
State hay sold ut $500 per ton. But sea.
sons like that are few and far between.
OF the profits OF ranc hing shall not un-
dertake, for lack of spnce, to give any
complete estimates, though several that
are full and reliable have been furnished
me. After allowing for all contingencies
it may be safely put down as more certain
in its results than mining. and more remu-
nerative for the capital and labor invested
than the best mercantile bnsiness l know
Of in the East. To engage in 1t success.
fully requires capital, knowledge OF the
business, sound judgment, and n willing.
ness to endure the privations and loneli-
ness of the life it entails. Any man with
these prerequisites can certainly double an
investment Of $4,000 or $4,000 in five
years, with a strong probability of doing
much better even than that. am told oil
. case where some gentlemen about ten
, years ago made mp the sum OF 81 900 fol
r the purcha ase of cattle and put the herd ir
the hands of a practical man. 1t was, o.
/ course, when cattle were considerably
| cheaper than they are now. and they die
, not buy much land but sent their herd t.
E range Mt II distance but these men hav,
| some time since Withdrawn their orgina
3 investment and are offered Sl25,0O0 fo
}, what they now hold, after having allowed
/ their manager one-qnarter for his services
e This may hardly be considered an average
&. example, but II is one case of many, and
I fair illustration of the possibilities of tn
business. Where else in the world and il
=. what other known way can man sit an,
g with 20 little exerion on his part?
i Only those who have seen the life OF
e ranchman as it is can have correct ide
i of the fascination it possesses. To ride owe
: the range and see the vast herds of catil
J. the splendid bulla, the plump steers, TN
= red, and white, AMI roam, and mottle
e cows-grazing contentedly from dawn ur
= Ill near noon when they all take their nc
g. customed trail and seek the water wit
d unerring certainty, lsa study of more in
e ierest than might be imagined One ma
e meet engaged in this occupitiOn, or sittin
II in the door.ways of hotels here in the even
p, ings, surrounded by "honest miners" i
e over-alls, gentlemen accustomed to the RI
e sources and habits of the most refined civi
il iz,tion. No ones's felt hats have broade
= brims. no ones flannel shirts are rustic
and no ones boots more thoroughly GOV
i cred with adobe dust; and every one wi
" tell you he il ns happy rs king. It ma
d occur 10 more than one yonng man, cor
70 sciOus of the drawbacks of n business iii
in our cities, with its fierce competilic
n and unavoidable risks, that life on II
:, plains might give Inn ample occupation
comfortable gains and a sound mind a,
=, body. And another class 10 whom th
life might appeal with grent' force. con
8, prises those unfortunat-s, who seek Aki,
and Florida every winter and ''corne hon
u with the Strawberries" in the spring.
One of The most exciting events on Il
IS rancl, Is the Ground mp" whicl, occurs
20 June and July and Sepiem ber and Octr
bcr each year. During the year the her,
y intermingle and stray from ranch to ranc
re and nt certain seasons they must be c.
he lected and separated. They are dist
er guiShei by brands which are conclnsiy
III and universally accepted evidence of owl
G, er-hip. For each district Muster or d
re rector Of the "round up" ia chosen who
er orders are imnliciily obeyed by the for
ed of from 90 to so men furnished by q
ranch owners according to their holdini
of They have Two or three horses spiece, wi
he cooks etc, aud starting from agiven poi
cd take regular comrse, camping on.
night. They thus sweep the range, wi
the skil coming from long practice N
gather the cattle together, when they 4
separated by the brands. To witness Il
10 process and the exploits Of the skill
lin drivers, whose trained horaes "trrn on