The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1901-12-05
WHAT A LEADING AGRICULTURlST
SAYS OF WESTERN CANADA.
Prof. Thomas shaw of Minnesota UNI
versity Gives an Unbiased Opinion.

dateC sept ISL, lSVI, EEOi. lHolhao
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
little understood on this side of the
line. Our people are apt to look upon
it as a region of frost and snow,
country in which but small portion
OF the land relatively will ever be till
able, because Of the rigors OF the ell
mate. True, the climate is cold in win
ter. but Western Canada has, neverthe-
less, just that sort Of climate which
makes it 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
surface has been laid open by the plow.
Assiniboia to the west is 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 a grazing growing
and stock producing empire, the re-
1 - iol, hau hnt LITTLE
drawn upon comparatively, viewed
from the standpoint Of the agricultur-
alist. When it 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 g 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 oil
the country for wheat production is oil
a high character. The cool nights
that usually characterize the ripenins
$ season are eminently favorable to th'
filling of the grain, and to the secur
ing of a plump berry, and consequent,
large yields. The crop this year is
magnificent one. In Manitoba and th'
territories it should certainly give al
average of more than 20 bushels pc
acre But should the yield be not mor'
than 20 bushels, the crop will be
most handsome one, owing to the larg
; area sown to wheat. Many farmer
. only grow grain. But those who q
!. succeed as we'll in growing oats an
{ barley as in growing wheat, benc
z these foods for stock should always
e abundant. Some grow cattle mainly
y and others combine the two. The las
= named, OF course, is doubtless the sal
), est of the three during long cours
q of years, that is t. say, where muc
: farming is practicable.
q Quality Of tho Live Stock.
1t was a pleasurable surprise {
note the high quality OF the stool
The average of quality In cattle
higher than the average OF cattle In OF
: state, unless in the dairy classes. Tn
opinion Is not reached rashly or will
IS out ample opportunity for investigs
L ton. / spent three long days In tn
- show ring at Winnipeg making til
y awards in the beef classes. questio
IS If any OF our states, single handle
" could make such showing in cattl
al 1t was my privilege to make II
"a awards at several shows and at all
oi their fairs were evidences that muS
= attention is given to the improyemel
OF the stock. l noted carefully Il
character of the herds that graz
along the railroad and everywhere Il
b. high average of the quality Of the sto'
was in evidence.
Reasons for Quality In Stock.
"a The quality of the grass is goo
rs Many Of the settlers came from 0
he tario and had been schooled as to Z
~ value OF good stock before going we
as The railroads and the governme
have taken deep interest in maki
it less difficult and costly to the fari
ers to secure good males.
!. Those who are anxious OF changi
/. their residence should bear in mi
IL that the lands in Western Canada
r many of them free and others reaso
a