Sturgis advertiser. (Sturgis, Dakota [S.D.]) 1887-1???, 1890-05-01
THE TWO DAKOTAS.
CROP PROSPECT REPORTS FROM EACH
OF THE TWINS.

1he Soil is in Good Condition and the Out
look Is Brighter Than Heretofore--The
Irrigation Committee at Huron-Othor
Notes.
The past week has been one of great inn
portance to the farmers Of North Dakota.
Ram and cool weather have prevailed every
where. It is believed that for the present
at least the crisis regarding the wheat crop
has been safely passed. All localities have
had showers, at least, while in some coun-
ties, such as Dickey and La Moure, where
the drouth was doing great damage, there
has been soaking rain. The weather has
been unusually cold for this time Of the
year. The conditions now are just right
for the growing wheat. The moisture is
sufficient for the present. The seeding Of
wheat is we'll along toward completion,
which is fortunate thing for the farmers,
considering the favorable turn in the
weather.
On account of the drouth Of last year
feeling Of uncertainty prevails among the
farmers. While the soil is in good condi-
tion for the planting OF grain and seeding
is progressing rapidly, moisture is needed
to insure the crop. New breaking is dry,
indeed very dry. The hot winds of last
summer dried the moisture out Of the sod
and as but little snow fell during the
winter, it leaves that portion Of the land
considerably dryer than the rest. The fall
p1owing and stubble land absorbed what
moisture fell and retained it. With
reasonable amount OF rain the fields would
be in splendid condition for growing crops,
for the reoson that the soil is mellow, with
comparatively few Jumps. Spring work
was begun in reasonably good season,
and will be finished at an early date.
Many farmers are little short on seed and
taking matters easily. Quite an acreage OF
oats, barley and corn will be planted, while
potatoes and fax will be increased. Sum-
mer following to considerable extent has
now become fixed principle and part Of
the regular work with many farmers. 1t is
found that land thus treated yields better
crops, is freer from weeds and foul stuff
and is less apt to be affected by drought.
Besides this it gives the land a rest, which
seems to be as necessary as it is with the
human race.
The outlook is not discouraging rather
the contrary; but no one attempts to con-
ceal the fact that the new states are passing
through q very critical period. A good
growing season means general prosperity
and permanency. Another drought means
still greater depression than the country
has yet experienced.
One fact impresses itself upon oil who
carefully observe the development Of
Dickey county, and that is, that plenty of
people are ready to invest money or locate
here when the crop prospects are in the
least encouraging. There is an abundance
of capital seeking investment, and the pub.
lie have not lost faith in the Dakotas. The
prosperity of the country to considerable
extent is In the hands Of buainess men and
large property owners. They have the
power to invite and encourage settlers and
investors. Their hberality In this respect
will do much to tide over the present de-
preston and continue the development of
the country.