The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1884-12-10
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1884.
BIRCH CREEK TO THE TETON.

have now turned our face hOmeWard) is
but ten or eleven miles over a rolling
prairie richly ~carpeted with grass. We
are now approaching a section largely
devoted to wool growing, and where
during the past season several thousand
head of sheep have been added to those
already on the range. The conditions
seem unusually favorable for the adj
vancement of this industry. The range
is excellent, hay abundant, water in
good supply, timber convenient. while
the winters are not more rigorous than
elsewhere in Montana. These are the
chief requirements for the shepherd,
and when they are combined in
section the mar of fiocks is not likely
to overlook the fact. We are reliably
informed that over $4,000 head of sheep
have been driven into the country in
the vicinity of Choteau and Dupuyer
this season, which is a fair indication OF
the strides this branch of the stock BUSH
ness is making in that region.
Mr.. Julian f. Burd is the merchant
prince, landlord, postmaster, justice of
the peace, etc., at Dupuyer. which is
beautifully situated on the stream of
that name in a most attractive valley.
1t is not very long since Jimmy Grant
was the only settler in this valley, which
is now about all taken up and thickly
dotted with settlers cabins. Within a
fortnight prior to our visit some twelve
locations had been made by as many
different parties whose intention is to
become residents of the valley engaging
in stock and other enterprises. There
are quite a number Of wool growers on
this stream, some Of whom have pleas
ant and comfortable homes, and are
moving along in the broad highway
that leads to success in life.
Mr.. Burd has met with rare success
during the time he has been at Dupuyer,
only two OF three years, we believe.
Commencing then in the usual style OF
a settlers first cabin, with limited
means and no very encouraging outlook
for either ranching or business, he has
now one of the best ranches in the
county, with Improvements on an ex-
tensive scale, and q business that is
bringing him net returns of a handsome
order. Few merchants in the county,
in these hard times, barring none can
make as good a showing. Mr.. Burd
carries a large stock Of general merchan-
1t@, ODD +Io h.1cs orc 3n DOCS 10 nhnnn-#
~44Glia.l. "A SCI u III t4ic Iaiiu A..uAaiIy
wonders, while looking on, where the
people and purchasing money come
from. He has recently built a large and
comfortable residence, and by this time
is doubtless costly established in the
same. The RIVER PRESS representa-
tive is indebted to Mr.. and Mrs. Burd
for courtesies extended, and if he eve
wanders into the upper country again
will regulate his time and drives so as to
put up for the night at Dupuyer.
It is twenty miles from Dupuyer to-
the Muddy and thirteen more to Cho-
teau, the metropolis of the upper Teton.
Mr.. Bynum's place, at the crossing of
the Muddy, is a fine one. He and his
sons own about two thousand acres Of
land, and as good as any in Montana.
They have taken out bitches and are
making Improvements on an extensive
scale. The Bynum brothers recently
purchased about two thousand head Of
one and two year old ewes Of +. ?.
VTa.1,:l1 nnl will 1eaol-a uynoI rvnyyinr
their principal business. Q. G. Cooper's
headquarters are now on the Muddy,
where he has several fine sheep ranches.
George A. Fry is building a store, ho-
this time is doubtless prepared to meet
the wants Of the settlers in that section
and as well those of the travelling pub
lie. He has erected good buildings ana
will no doubt do a thriving trade. It is
a good point, nearly a half way station
between Choteau and Dupuyer.
Leaving the Muddy late in the after
noon we arrived at Choteau, the metrop-
oils of the Teton, after dark, and putting
I'D at the Choteau house, found every
thing for the time being in an uproar,
as preparations were going or for q ball
to be given at the house that evening in
honor Of jim Dunlap, foreman Of the
Cochrane Cattle company, who was
paying a visit to his Choteau friends
and expected to leave for the north next
day. Our introduction to the town was
under auspices calculated to make us
believe it the liveliest burg in the terri