Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1901-05-17
The SASKATOON DISTRICT.
ONE OF THE NEW WESTERN
CANADA DISTRICTS.
The Great Advantages OF Settlement
Where the Soil Il OF Unex-
ampled Fertility.

During the past year or two largo
number of American settlers Chose
going from the United States TO Can
ada). have made homes in the Saska-
toon district in Western Canada. They
have found the climate all that could
be desired and their prospects are Of
the brightest. In writing Of 1t cor
respondent says:
The lands for sale are choice selec-
lions from q large area, and every
farm is within easy distance of a rail-
way station. Experience asshown that
this district enjoys immunity, from
summer frost, from cyclones and bliz-
yards. The South Saskatchewan,
flowing through the tract. is one Of
the finest rivers in the country, be-
ing navigable and having an average
width Of stream OF 1000 feet.
The agents of the Canadian govern
ment, whose advertisement appears
elsewhere in your paper and who will
be pleased to furnish full information,
tell me that within the limits Of tho
tract there are two distinct varieties
of soil. One Is a rich black loan, and
the other Is somewhat lighter loan,
containing a small admixture Of sand.
There appears to be no appreciable
difference between the fertility Of these
two kinds OF soil. Both are alluvial
in their characteristics, both are mar
velously productive, and both rest
upon a subsoil OF clay. The. ad-
vantage of this formation Is that 1t
retains the heat of the day during the
night, and is favorable to the early
maturity Of crops. Every kind Of
crop will here attain the highest per-
lection of quality. The land Is admir-
ably adapted for stock-raising and
dairy farming, as well as growing
grain. Some idea Of the richness Of
the natural grasses Of the prairie may
be formed from the fact that more
than 200 tons of hay were gathered
within a short distance Of Saskatoon
and stored up for use during the win
ter. A growth so luxuriant demon
strates beyond all possible question the
suitability of the land for pasturing
cattle, and no doubt this important in
dustry will be largely carried on.
Nature has been lavish in her gifts
to this territory. Not only is the soil
of unexampled fertility, but the climate
is delightful and healthy. Such is the
testimony Of every settler, and this
testimony is confirmed by enthusiastic
opinions from every traveller, explorer,
missionary or newspaper correspond
emit who has ever visited this far
famed Saskatchewan Valley. In form
er years vast herds Of buffalo came
here to winter from the elevated
storm-swept regions south Of the
United States boundary line, proving
thereby the adaptation Of these rolling
prairies to the purpose OF raising
stock. The land is dry, with sufficient.
but not excessive rainfall, capable of
early cultivation in the spring, and
free from summer frosts. The config-
uration of the country renders artifi- :
cial drainage unnecessary, and pre-
vents the accumulation Of stagnant
pools; mists and fogs are seldom seen.
The days of summer are full Of sun
shine, under the genial influence Of
which crops rapidly ripen. Autumn
Is characterized by an almost unbroken
succession OF fine weather. during
which the crops are safely garnered.
In winter it is cold, but extremely ex-
hilarating and pleasant, owing to the
wonderful dryness and bracing quail
ties of the air. The winter is source
of profit as well as enjoyment to the
people, being far healthier than a
humid climate.
Water and fuel--these two prime
necessaries Of life are plentiful
throughout the district