Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1895-12-26

luluiulu COSl Cdu NC I'LL
exposure to the elements
lex of water and the de-
~. ~ the native prairie pasture
by fird> or the encroachments Of
,low. y
ere are immense areas of prairie
in North Dakota covered by the
nutritious grasses, out. excepting
the spring and early summer
nths, Without water. Such areas
awaiting the coming Of settlers
o ,can dig wells and erect wind
us/ and provide winter fodder and
~ er for live stock.
The traveller over the native prairies
If North Dakota frequently comes in
intact with the remains of former
DIS of buffaloes that roamed these
tries within the past twenty-five
lrs Following the buffalo herds
ne the herds of Texas cattle, driven
by live stock men to fatten on the
ritious grasses, while favored by
stimulating climate in gaining
1T and perfection, impossible in
southerly climates.
to 1856 there was boom III
ock for the range country in the
IN part of the state. Twenty
ollars per head was moderate
VI ICE ys40f ysaallsGfyaD,aEo-.enr-oid
Ulcers to send from farming regions
10 Western ranges-cows, calves and
VERIFYING in sight was bought at cor
esponding prices. 1t was then sup
Used that it was only necessary to
brn these cattle out on the open prai-
\ hes and have them breed, grow and
Thrive, as the jack rabbit, deer, ante
lope and buffalo were wont to do.
However, the winter of 1886 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 1886 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
stols rage and the ground happens
to Hcovered with snow deep enough
to pyent grazing.
Theanclmen who profit by expert
ence argoing step further, and pro
vide witer fodder in the form Of mil
let. and oats, to feed, in addition
to II when necessary.
p.ge herds Of cattle have been driv-
eJ ito the rang" country annually
sntsessthe winter { i 1886, with more OF
uccessfu1 results. but many ven
me- investors have followed tho
of the pioneers in this direc
i disastrous results. in so fal
have failed to realize either
return Iof the principal in
country where there are thou
d hills for every hundred head O.
Attle. the act Of looking for a small
lunch when scattered is like seek
lug to find needle in a hay stack
However the growing of cattle ant
sheep, and in recent years, hogs, ha
been successfully carried on in tn
range country, and investments fl
small herds Of cattle and sheep hav
continued from year to year until tC
day ranch locations dot the range couI
try wherever water flows.
For these investments to be success
full the first requisite is industry
accompanied by good hay land, a
unfailing water supply and natura
or artificial protection for the liv
stock in winter and stormy weather.
- Barns or buildings of any kind 70
protection of fodder are not require
excepting for grain.
Hence this Is one of the main re;
sons for any profit in live stock rail-
ing. Other important factors ar
cheap land and free grazing on tn
public domain.
For men experienced in handlin
live stock, the State of North Dakot
presents a good field. For those VIII
have not already acquired eXperient
and paid for it-can at least rest a
-ured that 1t will come no higher
"th Dakota than elsewhere, IN
g the experience Is gained, result
assured
% locate the range country or cou,
available for ranging live sto,
IL safe to include mr. the countie
est Of the more settled portions