The Mineral argus., 1885-08-06
DOG CREEK CORRESPONDENCE,
doc CREEK. July Sd. 1885.

DOC CREEK. July 3d, 1885.
In August, 1881. we first crossed the
Judith valley by what is now the Maiden
rounding country by the very independent
mode of conveyance, viz; horseback ami
leading an animal called 'pack-horse." +"
which moved along easily although upon
his back was fastened an entire camp out
fit. provisions and bedding Tor myself and
'pard."
We remember at that time, the only
ranches north of Big Spring creek were
those OF James Fergus a. Sol, on Armells
and the Judith Cattle Company. on Warm
Spring creeks, and while passing through
Maiden We saw but two log buildings, and
not a soul put in an appearance.
To contemplate the contrast that has
taken place during the past four years,
would equal the sleep of a Rip VanWinkle.
II. ?. Brooks is the pioneer o the lower
Judith and the following year James Fer
gus drove his stock on Armclls creek,
where he now resides
The first band of sheep driven north of
Big Spring creek, was that Of Brooks &
IIlser-a band numbering 200 head and
were wintcred on Salt creek. small stream
north of the Moccasin mountains. The
frs. cattle to be seen grazing upon IA thou
sand hills" were those of the Judith Cattle
Company. which were driven in from the
Gallatin valley. under the superinten,lence
of III. 7. Brooks.
There are now on Salt, Dog. Armells,
Deer, Box Elder, Black Butte, Plum and
Warm Spring creeks. over 45.Uo0 sheep,
alone, and cattle literally swarm over the
same range. the exact number we are nm
able to ascertain.
Four years ago. there was received ard
and shipped at Judith Landing. A bales OF
wool; the following year, 125 bales were
handled at the same point; in 'sl :;65 were
shipped, and this season, there are 600
bales awaiting transportation. This shows
the wool production or proportioned in
crease during the last four years. In fact,
the industry has increased to such an ex-
tent. that q. X. Norris, the efficient manager
of T. g. Power a. Bros interests, has con-
>tructei a warehouse capable of holding
900 lales and it is estimated that fully
1900 bales will be handled at Judith
Landing, next season.
The cattlemcn have not been slow in
taking advantage of the Unsurpassed winter
ranges of this Section rs fully i0,UOo head
of cattle are represented by the Judith
Cattle Co., J, II. Ming, H. s. Tingley, J. l..
Stuart, kohrs Il Co., Chas. Ranges. James
Dempsey. James Fergus x Son, II. =. Ham
ilton, Dunlavy Bros and V. Stanbaclh.
A. we are more competent to write on
the subject Of wool growing we prefer to
let someone write up the cattle industry
who is more thoroughly acquainted with
the business.
Dog creek, has now grazing on its hills.
about l5.G1o sheep. There ar, six well
established families on the creek -four
are sleep raisers and the remaining two
are cattlemen) who receive their mail
twice each week by the Maiden Il Judith
Landing mail roate.
Four years ago this coming winter. We
crossed Dog creek during a severe snow
storm, when the mercury stood about IL
or IL deg below zero; We were on our way
to Salt creek, from Armtlls. and when
reaching the box elder grove en bog creek.
where Mr.. q. ". Cooks place nov stands, |
We STUFFED for a lew minutes whether 10 |
pass the nj -,ht among those chccrless box |
elders or try to reach our destination, a |
distance of eight miles, against head |
wind and approaching darkness, for at that |
tim" not single soul, whites, breeds, or !
Indians, lived on the cree k; w were on F.
horseback and therefor concluded to pusl /
through. anskNe ~; there -. h"
We also reN or our first trip down
/-N ~