Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-09-12

lHe temperature ln0lCaIe0 Dy thermometer
therefore conveys but vague idea of the degree
of sensible cold. l merely wish to correct an
impression that some may have received from
the weather bureau reports assigning to us a
HI climate; we do not. as some suppose, freeze
up in autumn. hibernate during winter and
thaw out in spring. Its elevation above sea
level relieves the country of all miasmatic in
fluences. and malarial diseases resulting from
the nOxiOus effluvia reSpirated in low swampy
districts are not prime cause of mortality. The
climate has in many instances proved radical
cure to persons afflicted with lung disorders.
Despite the fact that the wind is proverbially
variable and 'blOweth where it listeth. p" it must
be acknowledged that this seemingly caprciOus
element is subject TO natural laws, and the alb
sence OF destructive cyclones in the past impels
the belief that our future record will be equally
favorable. The rolling prairie does not cOnfine
the atmosphere, and the character of the wind
Is gentle and steady. a strong yet harmless blow
being the worst known feature.
A DIVISION OF DAKOTA NOT DESIRABLE.
The Territory is one of the largest political
divisions OF the Union. and comprises so vast an
area that partition OF it has been agitated; but
the interests OF all sections are so alike, and
their svmpathies SO closely interviewer that it
is extremely doubtful if such an end will be ac-
complished as the project has become political
machinatiOn.
HOW To GET PUBLIC LANDS.
A few suggestions relative to the manner of
procuring public lands may be acceptable There
are three popular methods by which 100 acres
can be obtained from the government: By ac-
tual settlement thereon for five years; by six
months preliminary residence and pre-emp-
ton or purchase Of the land at $3.50 per acre :
and, thirdly, under the timber culture act which
requires eight years to acquire title Certain
specified improvements have to be made in each
hor nnrynn hnn
densOme, and the land is exempt from taxation
until the title vests in the settler The pre-emp-
ton privilege must be used before homestead
ing II one desires to avail himself OF all three and
secure $50 acres. Such a bonanza farm as this
can pc taken by any one Of either sex who has
attaAed the age of twenty-one or is the head of
a family. These lands are being settled upon
very rapidly, and it behoOves any one who may
entertain the desire to assist Uncle Sam in the
disposal of the public domain not to defer the
selection. The earlier choice is made the bet
ter, for the obvious reason that the most desir-
able sections will be occupied first
Another way to obtain cheap lands and buy
one OF the most safe and profitable investments,
known In the northwest, is by purchase from
the Northern Pacific railroad company at from
benefit Of those who are 80 circumstanced as
to find it impracticable to changeresidence. AS
the land has permanent as well as specula-
tive value. and six years are allowed in which to
pay for it, the prospects of realizing handsome
ly before that period induces many to lay out
money in this way.
do not propose one Of Col. Sellers chimerical
schemes to buy up the whole country because
there are millions in it, but merely good in
vestment for any one. whether Of aff1uence or
small means. rebate OF 81 for every acre
piowed within two years is allowed. and land
thus prepared for seeding is readily rented for
"A to 80 per acre, so that you can by the exer-
else OF little management make your farm pay
Tor Itself in one or two years.
SOME SUGGESTIONS TO SETTLERS.
To avoid subjecting large families to the ex-
posture OF winter, or even the Inconvenience
and hardships inseparably incident to immigra-
tion recommend that the head or some repre-
sentative first visit the country for the purpose
of locating the land and insuring comfort by the
erection OF suitable habitation. Nearly all
railroads offer reduced rates to such persons SO
that the expense would be very small. From
April 1st to November LIST Is the best time for an
inspection OF the country. because the roads are
then in good condition, the weather most favor
able and the facilities for travelling superior in
every respect. A few months would suffice to
make the requisite preparations for the recep-
tiOn of the family. A word of advice in regard
to
THE REMOVAL OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.
Stock, as a rule, cost more in the west, and it
would pay to transport them. No superfiuous
article Of household furniture should be re-
tanned, as it would be an incumbrance and only
serve to increase the travelling expenses This
matter must be left principally to the Judgment
OF the immigrant, who. If possible, should as
certain how to provide for his wants most eco
nomically. 1t would properly be q subject for
study at the time of prospecting.
Where number of persons in the same
neighborhOod are disposed to migrate it would
be well to organize colony. This plan offers
many advantages. besides reduction of rail-
road fare. 1t tends to form q settlement or
and increase the common profits.
A ''Siiack" Is the ordinary dwelling for q piO-
neer. 1t is constructed of hewn logs. with the
creviCes filled with mud aud rooted with sod Gan
idea, ! believe, conceived in Babylon, where
those who were trained properly will remember
every house of Importance had its elevated gar
DEM. canvas lining makes q neat interior,
and altogether the building is comfortable and
CHEEKY. Wood grows in abundance along the
numerous streams, and the settler is permitted
by the government to cut whatever is necessary
for his own use for fuel and building material
In no case is one very remote from some belt of
timber, although the country Is not character
lied by dense forests. Prairie land, however,
possesses the advantage over timbe-ed tracts in
requiring less labor to prepare for crops. In
stead of the enormous expenditure of time and
labor In clearing stumps excellent harvests are
reaped from the sod, which is merely turned
over the first blowing. The expense Of fertiliz-
Ing mover reduces the profits of the western far
mer; the cost OF tilling and harvesting is the
only item that he enters on the debit account
after the first year when his implements are
PAID for and seed reserved. There are few vo-
cations more independent, remunerative and
healthful than farming.
The grasshoppers or Rocky Mountain locusts,
DO not come around about harvest time and de-
vastate the country, but restrict their hops to
other regions.
REAL sURE-ENOUGH ANTEL0PEs
Deer and antelope are very plentiful, and the
settler can secure Sufficient meat by hunting to
satisfy his wants These are real antelopes;
not such as the presidential party have been
shooting. There is also an abundance Of prairie