The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1901-05-24
THE SASKATOON DISTRICT
One Of the New Western Canada
Districts. S3
The Great Advantages Of Settlement
Where the Soil Is Q; Uuexampled
Fertility. >#z

During the past year or two a large
number of American settlers chose 60.
ing from the United States to Canadal
have made homes in the Saskatoon dis
trict in Western Canada. They have
found the climate all that could be
desired, and their prospects are of the
brightest. In writing of it a CORE
spondent says:
The lands for sale are choice selec-
tons from large area, and every
farm is within easy distance of rail-
way station. Experience has shown
that this district enjoys immunity from
summer frost, from cyclones and biz
yards. The South Saskatchewan, flow
ing through the tract, is one of the nm
est rivers in the country, being nav1-
gable and having an average width OF
stream of 1000 feet.
The agents of the government or
Canada, whose advertisement appears
elsewhere in your paper, and who Will
be glad to give full information, tell
NE that within the limits of the tract
there are two distinct varieties of soil.
One is rich black loan, and the other
is somewhat lighter loan, containing
a small admixturc of sand. There ap-
pears to be no appreciable difference
between the fertility Of these two kinds
Of soil. Both are alluvial in their char
acteristics; both are marvelously pro-
ductive, and both rest upon a subsOil
Of clay. The advantage Of this forma-
ton is that it 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 high
est perfection Of quality. The land is
admirably 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 stor-
ed up for use during the winter. A
growth SO luxuriant demonstrates be-
yond all possible question the suitable
ity of the land for pasturing cattle, and
no doubt this important industry 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 tes-
timOny is confirmed by enthusiastic
opinions from every traveller, explorer,
missionary or newspaper correspond
ent, who has ever visited this far
famed Saskatchewan Valley. In for
mer 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 ex-
cessive rainfall, capable of early cult
2tiyation in the spring, and free from
summer frosts. The conffguration Of
the country renders artificial drainage
unnecessary, and prevents the accu mu-
lation Of stagnant pools; mists and logs
are seldom seen. The days of summer
are full of sunshine, 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 gar
nered. In winter it is cold, but. ex-
tremely exhilarating and pleasant, sow-
ing to the wonderful dryness and hac-
ing qualities of the air. The winter
is a source Of profit as we'll as enjoy
ment to the people, being far healthier
than humid climate.
Water and Fuel-These two prime
necessaries of life are plentiful
throughout the district.