The Helena independent., 1890-01-31
HELENA, MONT, JAN. 81, 1890.
TuE TAKMIH'S BEST CHANCE.

TnE TAKMLR'S BEST CHANCE
There arc 30oOuOo acres Of agricul
tural land in Montana. The amount
alread, taken is ,s0O913, leaving still to
he settled lincluding Indian reservations
which will probably he abolished and
the lands thrown open TO settlement
within year or two) 25,lsO,U2i acres.
Most of this land is Of the finest quality
and al Of it is susceptible Of a high state
Of cultivation whero water can ba had
for irrigation. And this is one Thing
that delers great many people from
settling in Montana tile necessity OF
irrigation. But it is certain greater
crops can bc raised with irrigation than
without. Sugcs crops can he raised.
because there is never a failure on AZ
count of drouth, and when once the
bitches arc madc and everything is
ready. The expense is nothing. And II Is
safe 10 assert that there is not q man in
Montanu tu day engaged in farming who
would be without the means OF artificial
irrigation il he were IN The same occu-
patton in Ohio. Indiana. Missouri, and
especially in such states as the Dnkotas,
Kansas and Nebraska, if water could he
had. With an artificial water supply
the ground can he moistened when the
crops require il, and they are not permit
ted to dry and wither away for want OF
rain. Hence the crops are always sure and
the yield amazing Wheat, both of the
spring and fall varieties, is grown here,
and produces MS line Hour as can be had
anywhere. Oats and barley are raised
in abundance. and always bring good
prices, and The potatoes are Of superior
quality. The harder varieties Of corn
nre grown; beets, cabbages, tomatoes,
rutabagas, peas, beans. and all manner
ri small fruits, such ms gooseberries,
raspberries, ourrants, Strawberries, arc
very prolific. The Montana fnrmer is
independent and generally well fixed
financially. With the abundance OF
grazing lands at hand he must be u pool
manager indeed il he has not a number
~ cattle and horses on the range, whicl
require little care, except once a yea
during round mp. The Bitter Root, Dee
Lodge, Jefferson. Madison. Galatin, Vel
lowstone, Missouri and It's numerow
small tributaries. the Dearborn, Sur
Ill 80.
splendid farming lands, and il the water
storage system is put in force here. Mill
IONS more acres Of splendid agricultural
lands will be brought under cultivation
Montana is good farming country.
much better now than ever before
because with the many railroads built
within the last few years there IL
now no longer any difficulty in getting
crops to market and prices fo
farm produce are higher here than il
any western state Taking it altogether
farming in Montana is very pleasant
Independent life. and all who are ON
gagged iu IL are we'll satisfied There ar
millions of acres yet 10 be taken an,
only await the hand Of energetic and in
dustrious farmers to make them blossom
with waving grain and the happy home
of many people. All the farm produc
of the state except live stock is cou
eumed here The mining industry is 5
great and is expanding so rapidly tina
the present amount Of land under Gu
tivaton is inadequate TO supply the d,
mand. The weather is mlder and nor
equable than in Minnesota or the d,
kotas, the rains and fogs Of Washngto
md Oregon are not known here. On th
contrary. the state is blessed with a cl
mate unexcelled for health giving pro-
critics, with little rain. except in IN
spring and fall, and no snow in the va
leys except at long intervals. Ofcours
there have been severe winters, and ma
he again, but the farmer is warned Of IL
danger that may occur TO his livestock
left to rustic for themselves and is pr,
pared for the worst. But il the winter
are sometimes severe the summers al
unsurpassed on the continent They al
neither too hot nor too cold, but jus
that medium between the two extreme
that one could not help but choose il a,
corded the privilege Of so doing.
Good schools are established in all th
country districts, churches are built an
the social enioyments are superior /
those OF many more pretentious ruri
districts of old settled states
Then, with plenty Of good land, fiji
crops, good markets. schools, churche
end q superior climate, there is no reasc
why Montana should not become
great in agricultural wealth AS in h
other resources