The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-05-31

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appointments of the Springs will be COM
plete.
a MAGNIFICENT COUNTRY.
Tho Center OF a Region Unsurpassed for
Agriculture and Stock Isaising.
The prosperity of White sulphur Springs
is largely due to the RESOURCES and fertility
OF the surrounding country. The trade has
thus far been brought mostly from agri-
cultural resources. When the vastly rich
mining region about is fully developed the
increase of benefits to the city will be al
most incalculable. The Smith river valley
is some forty miles in length. Its greatest
width is fourteen miles. But n few years
ago it was a great waste Of profitable land.
The PROCESSION of settlers had reached Kan
sas, Nebraska and the Dakotas. Washing
ton was easier of access and had baen
sought as a great field for agriculture. The
more accessible valleys of Montana had
richly rewarded the settlers toll. The
smith River country had not been adver-
advertised; the boomer had not seen
it's advantages and the people knew
little of it. After "a time
u few settlers discovered that along the
banks of the river was soil easily procured,
of a rich quality, cultivated without unu-
c~SA ~ ALA IAAiL PAUANl Z
turns for all labor There was a natural
irrigation from the waters of the river,
which never fail, even in the dryest seasons,
while with very little labor the lands dis
tant could be drained from the same stream.
These far-seeing men first settled this PROS
porous region. After a brief space of time
others who had heard of the region fol-
lowed. To-day the river is we'll lined with
fine ranches. Back of these is a great
country, easily irrigated and awaiting only
the first efforts to return abundant rewards.
Crops of nearly all varieties can be raised
here. hay, oats, wheat and potatoes are
cultivated as successfully as in any
state in the union, and what is
quite as good, all bring the best prices.
These crops increase from yerr to year
though the soil requires no artificial stimu-
lat1on. 1t is deep and of unusual richness.
There is always a good home market for
products. The great freighting business
consumes a great part of the hay and GER
calls for the maintenance of animals. For
instance over in Castle but twenty five
miles away from the SIP ings we found that
owners OF teams were paying four cents q
pound for oats and then were unable to pro-
cure a sufficient supply. Fortunes have
been accumulated in a few years by ranch
men who prefer the more permanent en-
ployrdent and sure returns from agricul-
tural pursuits rather than the more risky
Investments III mines. Every ranchman
raises from upwards of 100 tons of hay and
eyelllli the less desirable lands the lowest
yieiGsis two tot to the acre.
Besides THESE coarser products the best
success has been reached in the cultivation
of all small fruits and vegetables. No finer
berries, plums or currants can be raised in
the northwestern country. On the way
from Townsend To the first dinner station
We stopped at Il ranch to cnange horses.
Here we saw an orchard that would bring
joy to the heart of an eastern farmer. Ap-
pie, pear and other fruit trees were there in
long lines preparing to shed their fruit at
the coming of golden autumn. Around
were fields coated with green yetdure.
Stock raising has been carried Oh in this
valley for several years. Beyond the valley
arc the great government ranges forming
an endless pasture for the herds. The
except at worry rare times. are in
good condition. They were never better
than now. Frequent rains during the last
two months have turned the snow-covered
hills into great fields of green, and this con-
dltlon is likely to continue for a much
longer period than usual. Cattle fat and
sleek are browsing among the hills for the
annual roundup. The past winter was so
mild and pleasant that cattle are in better
than ever before at this season,
They remain among the hills ali winter long
and find enough food to keep them in good
shape. The ranges and valleys are we'll
lined with streams of pure water. so that
nothing is left for the stock raiser to pro-
vic except watChful care and sufficient
help to look we'll after his herds. MANY
have been made in this state in
recent years in this industry. No section
of the United States offers moro advantages
for raising cattle than the country sur
rounding the Springs. Th ranges are
sufficient to feed the herds for many years
to come. Cast year the assessment showed
20, 800 stock cattle in the county valued at
$450,OOo. This year the assessment will be
much CREATE.
The same advantages are also offered for
raising sheep. Last year, according to
Ben Garcner's books, there were
000 sheep III the county, valued at $780,
600. Ono of the most frequent sights from
the hurricane deck of n stage coach is a
band of several Thousand sheep. attende ed
by one or more herders. Sheep in this sec
ton OF the country will average six pounds
wool. Nearly every merchant and prom
lnent business man of White Sulphur
has invested in and mnde money
out of sheep. The annual shipments from
the valley average 1,o00,00O pounds, while
10000 head of mutton are sold.
Within the past few years special atten-
ton has been given to the raising of fine
horses, n the results have been most sat
isfactory. One of the first features noticed
III a days travel is the general excellent
of the horses employed in CAR
rylnE freight and IN coach travel.
These animals are all bred in this section
the state. The best stock blood has been
imported from al road and the coast forthis
purpose. The Clyde and Norman bloods
for the heavy working horses.
Every farmer takes proper pride Ill owning
a team of good roadsters and occasionally q
housekeeping trotter.
This is Il brief outline OF the agricultural
stock resources of this section of the
country, all of which arc tributary to White
sulphur Spriugs. The best indication of
growth il the assessment of the county,
which has jumped from vear to year with
out the aid of booms. Two years ago the
was $2,6so,00O, Last year it was
and tins year it will run over
80, 500, 900.
A city which is tho metropolis of an agri-
region like this il fortunately To-
indeed.
a WONDERFUL MINING COUNTRY.
The Center ofthc Greatest Mining Districts
in the world.
The most talked of and most promising