The Press., 1883-05-03
LETTER FROM MINNESOTA.
Clearwater, Minn., A

Clearwater Minn., April 25. 1888.
 This month has been disappointing to the farmers. After the long and severely cold winter it was thought spring would advance without delay; but it has not. We have had two heavy falls of snow thro' this part of the state. On the 10th snow fell to the depth of twelve and more inches on the level It was preceded by heavy rain, the first since last fall, and during it there was thunder and lightning. This last, we think, is new feature of a snow storm. On the 22d we had another severe snow-storm. This was preceded by both wind and rain, which made getting about unpleasant, and put stop to seeding, which was getting well under way. This is the mischief of late spring with the farm CTS here. The earlier the wheat is sown the more sure is the crop. This season seeding will not be over before the first of May. find, however, on looking the mat ter up, that it is not unusual for us to have snow in April. In April of the years be- tween 1871-75 we had snow, and consider able storms too, and quite late ill the month. We had snow, also, in April in the years 1877, 1880, 1881. It is still rather chilly, and it would not be surprising if we had more snow.
 Our farmers are dlsposing of their fat cattle and are fortunate in their prices. The prevailing price is about six cents pound. Some have sold for little less and some have received more. There are between four and five hundred head to be sold yet, but they will not be held much longer. It pays to raise corn when it can be fed on the farm in this way. There is a good prof it on the beef and then there is some thing to go back on the land to enrich it. Minnesota wheat lands need fertilizers like all other cultivated lands.
 There is now great rush for the wheat lands of Dakota, but it will be over in 8 few years. Those lands yield well now, but they will not always. The present system of wheat raising will spoil them for that purpose. Wheat lands cannot be kept up year after year unless something is given to them in return for what they yield. We predict that Dakota will be the land of disappointment to thousands inside of few years.
 Hundreds are going there right by bet ter prospects in this state, and do not know it. We do not envy Dakota rather we rejoice in her popularity as an emigrant territory. We shall have to give her bread from our mills, beef from our stalls, butter from our creameries, eggs from our hen aeries, and lumber from our yards. We are doing this, and shall have it to do more hereafter, until the new settlers can get 8 start. We do not envy Dakota but pity those who might much better stop this side of the line. But then, when the fever is in the bones it must run its appointed days.
 was down to one of the twin cities Minneapolis other day, and am al ways surprised when I go there. She does grow, and so fast that her own people, who are familiar with all her ways, and con- stantly with her, see it and are surprised. She is building out on every side into the country wonderfully and is Improving her old streets and blocks. The streets are being paved, and the blocks covered with new, and large fine buildings, which give very substantial appearance to the city. But her people, like birds of passage, change from one latitude to another In no season have so manyof her people been out of the city as the past winter They scattered in all directions south ,and south west. There is great liking for the sun and for gentle winds. Winter is losing his friends, and he may expect to, so long as he comes down upon them in such se- verity. The world is growing genial in all its thought and feeling, and severity must pass away O. 5 CHAMp11N