The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-03-04

0A0N" AoOOe
Rich samples Of iron ore are also
seen, thus completing the category Of
all the potent minerals in Montana's
rich collection.
OF paramount interest to the stock
raiser are the various specimens of
bunchiand buffalo grasses which form
q conspicuous part of Montana's
special agricultural department.
These grasses are of the most nutri-
tious kinds and afford nOurishment
for the million and q half head of
stock which nov roam upon the val
leys and plains of Eastern Montana.
OF this stock SOC, 900 head Of sheep are
included, which find no other susie
nance except from these grasses. It
must be understood in this connec-
ton that the rigors of this northern
climate are modified by warm
BREEzEs FROM THE PACIFIC.
The Chinook winds are llfe-giving
alike to man and beast.
While other States are exhibiting
greater varieties Of potatoes, none
equal Montana In the size and nutri-
tious properties Of her ground fruit.
In the way Of cereals, the exhibit
shows wheat, oats, barley, peas, and
other varieties In perfection offorma.
ton. Every grain is fully matured.
According to the census statistics
Montana leads the van in the num-
Der of bushels OF wheat per acre,
showing the rare productiveness Of
her soil. Wool, notably free from
burs and excess of grease, is also
shown. representing another Of the
great industries.
Turning from the rich products of
this rising Territory, the eye for the
beautiful is attracted to the magnifi-
cent oil painting which overhangs
the doorway OF the commissioners
office. This painting represents
sHosHoNE FALLS,
located on Snake river, In Idaho.
While this painting represents one
Of the chief beauties of an adjoining
Territory, and the coming watering
place Of the world. it nevertheless
adorns the Montana exhibit, mas
mnch as it is partly owned in Mon
tana. These falls have q perpendlcu-
lar height of 2lO feet. and are said by
tourists to exceed Niagara in all its
magnificent grandeur.
At M ontana headquarters the door
is ever ajar, and thus visitors who
accept Of the open-handed hospitality
find not only a generous, but an art
retreat. The walls of the Office are
adorned with gems of art from the
brush of Albert Bierstadt. Americas
greatest landscape artist. One Of
these pictures depicts the celebrated
Geyser, "Old Faithful" In the
National Park. Another shows q
hunting scene, while still another
presents the head of a mountain
sheep. The commissioners, In q try
ing test of the artists faithfulness
unto nature, have faced this head
with a fine specimen Of a natural
head, affording a comparison which
greatly compliments the talented
artist. These pictures by MI.
Bierstadt are valued at s., 500.
In addition to these pictures, large
photographs Of the principal great
SMELLING WORKS AND SILVER MILLS
of the Territory are shown, making
the Office really an art gallery.
Montana is yet in her infancy.
She is at present a Territory, yet she
is rapidly increasing in wealth and
population. She has already adopted
her Constitution, which Is both
liberal and progressive, and the next
Congress will be asked to grant her a
place in the sisterhood of States.
Her railroad facilities now embrace
the Union Pacific and Northern
Pacific Railways, afording rapid and
ready means of communication both
East, West and South.
In conclusion, let the skeptic visit
the Montana exhibit, read OF bel
history, examine her records. and
cease to wonder that she ia command
ing the atte ntion OF the world.
March fourth.