The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1901-12-06
WHAT A LEADING AGRIculTuRisi
SAYS OF WESTERN CANADA

Tn letter TO "The Farmer" st. Paul,
dated Sept. 1st, 1901, Prof ThonaS
Shaw of the Minnesota State onlvef-
sity has the following to say, ai'ei
having made q trip through western
Canada:
THE capabilities OF the immense
area known as Western Canada are Duc
little understood on this side OF tne
line. Our people are apt to look upon
1t as a region of frost and snow, q
country in which but small poruon
of the land relatively will ever Dc nil-
able, because of the rigors OF the ell
mate. True. the climate is cold In WIN
ter, but Western Canada has, neVerthe-
less. lust that sort of climate whlcn
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 or the
country that are capable of being sue
cessfully titled or graZed. Nearly ali
Of the prairie Province Of Manitoba
can be brought under cultivation, al
though probably not one-third OF It's
surface has been laid open by the pioW.
Assiniboia to the west Is a grain and
stock country. Saskatchewan to the
north of Assiniboia has high adapta-
tion for the same. This also may De
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 agrtcultur-
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 pre-
miirm at the Worlds Fair In 1883, 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
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 well in. growing oats and
barley as in growing wheat, hence
these foods for stock should always be
abundant. Some grow cattle mainly,
and others combine the two. The last
named, Of course, is doubtless the SAT-
est of the three during long course
of years, that is to say, where much
farming is practicable.
Quality of the Live Stock.
1t was a p'easurable surprise to
note the high quality Of the stock.
The average OF quality in cattle is
higher than the average of cattle in our
state, unless in the dairy classes. This
opinion is not reached rashly or with
'ut ample opportunity for investiga-
ion. l spent three long days in the
how ring at Winnipeg making the
wards in the beef classes. I question
t any Of our states, single handed
ould make such showing in cattle
t 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
II the stock. 1 noted carefully the
Of the herds that grazed
long the railroad and everywhere the
Ugh average of the quality of the stock
vas in evidence.
Reasons for Quality IN Stock.
The quality of the grass is good
dany Of the settlers came from On
ario and had been schooled as f., 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
hat the lands in Western Canada are
many of them free and others reason
bly, cheap.
Information will gladly be given hv
ny agent of the Canadian government
Those advertisement appears else
7here
Rub a little butter on the fingers
nd on tne Anife when seeding raisins
avoid the sickness.