The Mineral argus. [volume] (Maiden, Mont.) 1883-1886, 1886-01-07

Fergus county, is not excelled. Sum
mers are delightful, there being but a
few uncomfortably warm days, invari
ably followed by cool, refreshing
nights, assuring thorough repose and
rest for the morrow's toll. The win
tiers, considering the latitude, are by
no means severe, though the mercury
often reaches sso below it is forced
up again, if not in few hours, at far
therest within few days, to SOC and
40 above zero by the ever welcome
Chinook winds. The atmosphere is
dry and bracing, imparting health and
buoyancy of spirit. The country is
free from alkali, so common to some
portions Of the territory, while the
water is all from mountain springs and
Of the purest.
POPULATION.
AT the last general election. there
we're cast within the boundaries of
Fergus county 67S votes. Since that
time, November, 1884, the population
has nearly, if not quite, doubled, and
it is safe to estimate that by the CON-
ing November Fergus county will cast
between 1000 and 1900 votes, the
great majority representing men OF
families, which by the low multiple of
three would give us, at that date, a
population of 5000 to $500.
ASSESSED VALUATION.
AS near as can be ascertained the
number of taxpayers assessed in 1855
was GOO, representing property valued
at $s,6oo,ooo, or S43s.33 per head.
Thus it will be seen that Fergus
county can be organized and governed
at a very low tax rate. She will
step into countyhood with a trifling
debt to liquidate, that by the act Great
ing her she falls heir to, yet, by levying
the present tax rate of Meagher
county she will be able to meet all
obligations and be out of debt by
January 1883.
What other inducements could be
held out to immigrants seeking home
in Montana to locate in Fergus
county than are related above !?
The farmer can find the choicest of
tillable land; the ranges for horses,
cattle and sheep are the finest in the ter
ritory, while the practical business and
professional man has an opportunity
to establish business or practice in
most promising field. The people
of Fergus county to day are a most
industrious, energetic class. To such
as are anxious to toll and thereby
build up homes in prosperous and
growing country, free from burden
some taxation and contagious diseases,
We extend most hearty welcome to
come to the future Banner County of
Montana.
The Judith Basin.
During the last five years no other
section Of Montana has improved So
rapidly AS the Judith Basin. Five years
ago, and even more recently this region,
embracing upwards Of 1900 square
miles, much of which is the best agri-
cultural and grazing land in the terri
tory, was in the undisputcd possession
of the lndi;n and the buffalo. Since
that time such Transformation has
come over this country as can be real
lied only by those who have lived on
the frontier in late years. On every
hand the evidences of civilization have
replaced the old wildness, and the trav-
eler is surprised that all this change
has come about 80 suddenly.
The bottom lands along the Judith
river and its many tributaries, are
nearly all in the possession of actual
settlers with their families, and much
Df the land on the benches is being
by the waters from our many
,reeks. Numerous towns and trading
POINTS have sprung up, notable among
which are Maiden, Lewi,town, Cotton
wood, philbrook, Stanford and Utica. !
besides others Of less importance.
Our ranges are well stocked by the /
nerds OF our many cattle, sheep and |
horse companies, which may be seen
grazing on every hill and mountain |
'iie, and scattered over our extensive |
,ench and bottom lands.
OF the towns, it il unnecessary to !
Maiden in this article as She /