The Hope pioneer., 1895-12-20

In considering the live stock inter-
ests of North Dakota we must consid-
er it in the light of facts-favorable
and otherwise. 1t will not do to con-
slider this industry in holiday attire,
enjoying a nevcr-failing dividend.
We must not alone take into account
the appearance Of the products of the
ranges when on dress parade in the
month of June, with green grass and
nutritious fodder more than abundant
everywhere, accompanied by pools Of
fresh water in the ravines. creeks and
river beds and water holes. where cat
tie and sheep live in a veritable para
disc of plenty, before t1y-time and
while the atmosphere is perfect and
rare. as it only can be in June. Then,
again. in the autumn after Il season of
abundant fodder. when muttOnS and
beeves are fat and handsome, the best
and most thrifty animals being select
ed for market
In the shipping season we hear of
the good profits made by few in the
range country, but the l0SSeS are not
advertised.
At the present writing we have for
ty-tive counties in the state Of North
Dakota. Recent legislation may re-
duce this number 10 thrly-nine.
When we consider that the popula
tion of North Dakota. with its forty
five counties and immense area.
scarcely exceeds that of the city Of
Minneapolis, we can readily conceive
that an abundance of native prairie
still exists in this state. and that the
possibilities for the raising of live
stock at Il minimum cost can be linz
tied only by exposure to the elements
in winter. lack of water and the de-
struction of the native prairie pasture
land by fire or the encroachments of
the plow.
There are immense areas of prairie
land in North Dakota covered by the
most nutritious grasses. Dut. excepting
in the spring and early summer
months. without water. Such areas
are awaiting the coming of settlers
who can dig wells and erect wind
mills and provide winter fodder and
shelter for live stock.
The traveller over the native prairies
of North Dakota frequently comes in
contact with the remains of former
herds of buffaloes that roamed these
prairies within the past twenty-five
years Following the buffalo herds
in by live stock men to fatten on the
nutritious grasses. while favored by
the stimulating climate in gaining
weight and perfection. impossible in
more southerly climates.
Prior to 1856 there was a boom III
live stock for the range country in the
western part of the state. Twenty
five dollars per head was a moderate
price to pay for ordinary two-year-old
steers to send from farming regions
to Western ranges-cows. calves and
everything in sight was bought at cor
responding prices. 1t was then sup
posed that it was only necessary to
turn these cattle out on the open prai-
ries and have them breed, grow and
thrive. as the jack rabbit. deer. ante
lOpe and buffalo were wont to do.
However, the winter of 1856 arrived,
and for years following the pioneers
who picked up the bones of animals
and carted them to railroad stations,
to be sold by the ton and shipped in
car loads for refneries and fertilizers,
those industrious pioneers could never
tell whether they were indebted to
the investors in cattle or the natural
ventures of nature, or both, for their
profitable product, picked up "free.
gratis. for nothing" except the labor
Of doing this deed Of industry.
Since this winter of 1856 those who
have had the nerve and fortitude to
continue in this industry of cattle
raising in the range country. have
found it necessary to provide hay and
shelter for live stock, for use when
storms rage and the ground happens
to be covered with snow deep enough
to prevent grazing.
The ranchmen who profit by expert
ence are going step further, and pl-)-
vide winter fodder in the form of mil
let. corn and oats. to feed, in addition
to hay when necessary.
Large herds of cattle have been driv-
Ell into the range country annually
since the winter of 1856. with more or
less successful results. but many VEN
turesome investors have followed the
example Of the pioneers in this drcc-
tion with disastrous results. in so far
that they have failed to realize either
profit or return of the principal in
vested
In a country where there are thou
sand hills for every hundred head Of
cattle. the act of looking for a small
bunch when scattered is like seek
ing to find needle in hay stack
However. the growing of cattle and
sheep. and in recent years, hogs, has
been successfully carried on in the
range country, and investments in
small herds Of cattle and sheep have
continued from year to year until to-
day ranch locations dot the range coun.
try wherever water flows
For these investments to be success.
full the first requisite is industry
accompanied by good hay land. an
unfailnG water supply and natural
or artificial protection for the live
stock in winter and stormy weather.
Palns or buildings Of any kind for
protection Of fodder are not required
excepting for grain.
Hence this is one Of the main rea
sons for any profit in live stock rails
ing. Other important factors arc
cheap land and free grazing on tho
public domain.
For men experienced in handling
live stock, the State of North Dakot:
presents a good field. For those wht
have not already acquired experience
and paid for it-can at least rest as
sured that it will come no higher il
North Dakota than elsewhere. ant
once the experience is gained, results
are assured.
TO locate the range country or coun
try available for ranging live stock