Great Falls tribune., 1889-12-21
BELT CREEK REGION.

A Climate Unsurpassed-Profu of
Flowers-A Niche for All sWho Conc.
What shall we say about the climate?
1t is undoubtedly true that more eastern
people are deceived in that one respect
than in all others. Possibly there has
been no intention to- deceive, but the fact
is, this is no summer land of soft bretzes
and voluptuous airs.
The Breezes here are always cool.
How could they be otherwise?
Born in mountain tops, whose pc AXIS
tower away up into cloud land. and Whose
submits are crowned by the eternal
SHOWS, wandering through groves of
scented pine and fir, whose odors are
fraught with light giving Oalsams that
would rival even "Bruwn's Elixer." '|he
air here is always fresh, ,,crspy and thor
oughly, wholesomely tinvigorating, never
sullry. That is what makes the summers,
the cheated term of lower attitudes, so
enjoyable. 1t is always cool and com
Portable in the shade the warmest weather.
Ninety per cent. Of the days throughout
the year are bright and sunny, We hnye
very little wind. When it does blow the
most agreeable place is indoors. The fall
months are truly delightful. Warm, sunny
days repeated for weeks almost without
variation of temperature; cool nights,
nften freezing IA little; few storms; some
snow, but not cold, and soon melting
away. The temperature lowers Il little
during December, but the days are mostly
bright and sunny. January is our winter
month. Then the farmer wants big
wood pile, shelter and hay for his stock
ii it is domesticated, and not much put
door work to do, though stockmen have
10 be out then, if ever, and they seem to
survive 1T well enough. In February the
spring plowing begins, wheat is sown and
one may calculate that spring " It'll
all its ethereal mildness is at hand, TO
be lnterspersed with an occasional
snow storm which only brings a day or
Two of needed rest. We are justas liable
to have snow as rain, up to the first of
June, but 1t is impossible to understd md
the difference between a snow storm here
and in the east, until one has had the eX
perience himself The extreme health
fulness of this region, the spontaneous
growth of flower, fruit and vegetable are
all guaranteed by the climatic conditio ons.
BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS.
Some years ago, before the N. P. r. R.
vas completed, E. V. Smalley made a
trip through northern Montana and in
writing it up in the Century magazine
devoted much space to the Flora of this
part of the state. Smalley's forte is len
yictures, and it seemed that he must ok
agyerate. Not so. From the middle of
April until the last of October, our valley
S literally flower carpeted. Among the
lirst to bloom is the COW fea, a brilliant
yellow flower growing in clusters and
'overing the hillsides with their brilliant
glory. Another very showy flower is the
wild tulip, while dear to the heart of
very genuine downeaster is the modest
little spring beauty. the dainty vilets in
blue, white, yellow and mauve, and the
graceful aemone. Scores Of unknown,
IN named beauties are lnterspersed, while
later in the season come wild geraneuhs,
clematis, primroses, larkspur, lady slip
pers, lilies, wild roses, daisies, mount'n
'aurel or syringe. Oregon grape, quite as
teautiful as English holly, asters and
Golden rod. Then the half is not told.
making AN array of native flowers that an
eastern horticultualist would 90 mad over
md adding an inexpressible interest to
this lovely valley for the botanist and
every lover OF flowers.
A FIELD FOR ALL.
country whose spontaneous prodpc-
lions are as rich and varied as this holds
many bow Of promise to the earnesl
seeker and whatsoever will may come and
feel sure OF a reasonable return for any
expenditure he may make. We will well
ceme the shrewd prospector, the indrpen
dent rancher, the honest granger the n
telligent botanist or geologist, the artist,
the tourist and pleasure seeker, all will
md niche waiting to be filled and if
the niche doesn't quite fit on first trial in
the words of Fanny Fern, 'pad it and
make it fit"