Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1901-12-06
WHAT A LEADING AGRICULTURlST
SAYS OF WESTERN CANADA.


Shaw Of the Minnesota State Univer-
sity has the following to say, after
having made a trip through Western
Canada
"The capabilities of the immense
area known as Western Canada are but
llttlo understood on this side of the
line. Our people are apt to look upon
1t as a region OF frost and snow, a
country in which but a small portion
Of the land relatively will ever be till
able, because Of the rigors of the cli-
mate. True, the climate is cold in win
ter, but Western Canada has, neverthe-
less, just that sort OF climate which
makes 1t the most reliable wheat pro-
ducing country in all the continent.
An Immense Area.
Western Canada Is not only an i'm
mense area, but the same description
will apply to those portions of the
country that are capable Of being sue
cessfully titled or grazed. Nearly all
of the prairie Province of Manitoba
can be brought under cultivation, al
though probably not one-third Of its
sur ace has been laid open by the pillow.
Assiniboia to the west is a grain and
stock country. Saskatchewan to the
north Of Assiniboia has high adapta-
ton for the same. This also may be
said of Alberta to the west Here lies
what may be termed grain-growing
and stock producing empire, the re-
sources Of which have been but little
drawn upon comparatively, viewed
from the standpoint of the agricultur-
alist. When 1t Is called to mind that
even in the Peace River country in
Athabasca. and several hundreds Of
miles north Of the Canadian boundary,
wheat was grown which won a pre-
MUM at the Worlds Fair in 1893, the
capabilities Of this country in wheat
production loom up more brightly than
even the brilliant northern lights of
the land that lies toward the pole. !
Adapted to Stock and Grain Production.
The region under consideration is,
however, mainly adapted to growing
grain and grazing stock. Much of it Is
adapted to growing both grain and
stock, but certain areas, especially to-
wards the mountains, are only adapted
to ranching, except where irrigation
will yet be introduced. This, OF course,
can be done successfully along the
many streams that flow down from the
Rockies and water the country towards
the east and north. The adaptation of
the country for wheat production is of
a high character. The cool nights
that usually characterize the ripening
season are eminently favorable to the
filling of the grain. and to the secur-
ing of plump berry. and consequently
large yields. The crop this year is a
one. In Manitoba and the
territories it should certainly give an
average OF more than 20 bushels per
acre. But should the yield be not more
than 20 bushels, the crop will be a
most handsome one, owing to the large
area sown to wheat. Many farmers
only grow grain. But those who do
succeed as we'll in growing oats and
barley as III growing wheat, hence
these foods for stock should always be
abundant Some grow cattle mainly,
md others combine the two The last
named, of course, is doubtless the SAT-
EST of the three during long course
If years. that is to say, where much
'arming is practicable.
Quality Of tho Live Stock.
1t was p'easurable surprise to
tote the high quality Of the stock.
rhe average OF quality in cattle is
higher than the average Of cattle in our
tate, unless in the dairy classes. This
opinion is not reached rashly or with
'ut ample opportunity for investiga-
ion. | spent three long days in the
how ring at Winnipeg making the
wards in the beef classes. l question
any Of our states, single handed.
ould make such a showing in cattle
WAS my privilege to make the
wards at several shows and at all of
heir fairs were evidences that much
ttention is given to the Improvement
( the stock. I noted carefully the
haracter of the herds that grazed
long the railroad and everywhere the
Ugh average of the quality of the stock
'as in evidence.
Reasons for Quality In Stock.
The quality Of the grass is good.
fanny of the settlers came from On
ario and had been schooled as to the
alue of good stock before going west.
he railroads and the government
ave taken deep interest in making
!: less difficult and costly to the farm
rs to secure good males.
Those who are anxious Of changing
heir residence should bear in mind
lat the lands in Western Canada are,
lany of them free and others reason
bly, cheap.
Information will gladly be given by
ny agent of the Canadian government.
hose advertisement appears else
here.
A Rap at kipling.
A London writer, annoyed by having
, search for the sense in Killings