Omaha daily bee., 1902-10-05

opinion Of the country, for their uses are
different. But II is historically true that
In nearly every case the white man has
in time agreed with the savage estimate
and finally occupied the land. The Big Horn
basin lies in the northwest corner OF wyo-
ming, the northern boundry being the state
line Of Montana. On the west lies the
Yellowstone national park. In many re-
spects it is one Of the most remarkable
basins situated on either side OF the great
continental divide. This is true whether
we consider it's great area, the lofty noun
tains enclosing II on all sides except the
north. its equable climate or the fertility
Of its soils. On the east looms up the Big
Horn range, some Of It's peaks rising 1900
feet above SEQ level; on the west tower the
equally high peaks Of the Shoshone range,
spurs Of the great continental divide, con-
Meeting 1t with the southern end Of the Big
Horn range. The usual elevation OF the
divides connecting these peaks is from 1000
to 1000 feet above the sea level. Nesting
among these grand old mountains lie over
100000 acres Of the most fertile land on
this continent, awaiting only the hand Of
man and the influence Of the irrigating
ditch to make It one Of natures garden
spots. There is an abundance Of water at
hand for the purpose.
Roots Thrive Exceedingly Wen.
The greater part of the irrigable lands
have an altitude varying from 3,400 to 4,400
rect. On these lands grow oats, wheat,
barley, rye, corn, timothy and alfalfa. All
the roots, such as potatoes, carrots, ruta-
bagas and beets. OF all kinds. thrive ex-
ceedingly well up to $500 feet Of elevation.
The Irish potato yields we'll and the quality
is unsurpassed anywhere. Being large,
smooth and mealy, they market at the
highest price and are a profitable crop. It
is not uncommon for beets and rutabagas,
whore well cultivated, to attain weights OF
ten to fifteen pounds, being solid to the
core. OF melons, the cantaloupe natures Of
excellent quality; so does the water melon,
though to less extent. Such garden vegeta-
bles as radishes, lettuce, caulihower, beans
and peas do well at all attitudes. Radishes,
lettuce and califower come to perfection at
$500 feet altitude and are Of unsurpassed
quality and flavor. Within the belt lying
between $500 and $500 feet elevation
timothy and redtop do exceptionally we'll.
Alfalfa produces two good cuttings, some
times three. Oats yield from forty to fifty
bushels to the acre. On ranches in the
vicinity Of Cody a yield OF from eighty to
100 bushels to the acre. Weighing from
-~-NH N"N ~ @0ANS NV PSNhao W NV DhohNAu
is not Wheat has been known
to exceed fifty bushels. and an average OF
thirty eight bushels to the acre would be
a conservative estimate. Barley runs from
forty to sixty bushels to the acre and rye
from twenty-five to ffty-hve bushels. In
speaking of the corn crop in the basin, the
state report says: Corn yields from thirty
to fifty bushels to the acre, and Is as sure a
crop as in Iowa" Alfalfa in the lower belt
yields three to seven tons; other grasses
two to four tons per acre.
Ideal stock Country.
For many years live stock raising was
almost the only industry of Wyoming. and
no doubt it will always be a leading indus
Try, as IL is an ideal stock country. its
mild, open winters, abundance OF nutri-
tious, natural grasses, and pure mountain
streams, make it natures stock country.
There is no more favored spot in the state
than the Big Horn Basin. Hundreds Of
head of stock never have a mouthful OF
feed other than grass during the entire
year and go from the range direct to mar
ket. The agricultural interests OF the
country are of course subservient to tho
stock interests, and always will be, but
when the tlllable lands of the basin are
under the ditch it will make one Of the
most profitable combinations to be found
anywhere, both for the farmer and stock
man. All the grain and hay necessary to
feed and fatten the stock raised on the
surrounding range will be grown in the
country. besides grain, poultry, produce
and fruit for the mining towns that will
be opened as the country develops.
These are two points Of vital interest to
the homeseeker. Coal has been developed
in all parts Of the country. and can be
had at several different mines within easy
reach by team at $1.25 to $500 per ton.
Wood can be had for the cutting and haul
ing, and can be obtained along all the
streams. Lumber can be had at the rail-
road stations at 500 to $50 per thousand,
and at the mountain mills at S14 to SIS
per thousand.
Earning Power of Lands.
As an illustration Of the earning power
Of these lands when put under water and
cultivation, we quote from a report on
crops of 1901 Of a few farmers under the
Bench canal. These are now lands and
only partially cultivated, yet 1t will be
seen that the returns on these new farms
are sufficient to amply provide for a fam
lily:
]. H. wAMHUFF.