The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-11
GREAT And RICH
Is SOUTH DAKOTA
1t Leads All States, in Proportion to Population, as
Wealth Producer-Its Cheap Lands, Resources
and Attractions. ...~.

Pherson, Campbell Walworth and Potter,
splendid rich land can be obtained at re-
markably low figures considering the in
trinsic worth Of the land, railway faclli-
ties and proximity to good markets. At
the prices demanded he will be poor
farmer, indeed, who cannot do exceed
tngly we'll in South Dakota. Good water,
good grass, good climate, good land are
all ready to assist the man who means
business. Speaking Of the grasses it Is
no uncommon sight to see farmers cutting
hay in winter. The native grass cures Oh
the ground and retains It's nutriment to
a greater degree than any other grass
known in the United States. In fact,
when cured it Is a better matchmaker
than when green. A chemical analysis Of
this grass shows that grass cut in July
contained 53.16 per cent of digestible sub
stance; that in September, 53.91, and that
in January $3.50. The best timothy hay
contains less than so per cent of dtgestible
substance; tame clover but 48 per cent,
and golden millet, 4S.53. But if these
grasses are left to cure on the ground
they are useless for feeding. II it were
not for the ground-curing quality of this
wild grass the prairies could not for
merly have supported millions of buffalo,
deer and antelope.
South Dakota is a great wheat and corn
state, but the farmer who keeps cattle
as we'll as tills the soil Is the one who
succeeds in the long run. What with the
unoccupied lands in the newer part of the
state, the state lands that can be leased
for grazing, the farmer who wishes to
engage in cattle raising has every en-
cOuragement to do so.
Current facts about South Dakota are
we'll set forth in review Of the states
progress in 1901, made by Doane Robin
son, secretary Of the state historical So,
ciety. It is largely quoted from in what
follows.
The Crops.
Except as to corn and potatoes, the
yield of which are far below normal, this
has been an average crop year in the
| state. Wheat on July 9Th promised a
| yield SURPRISING all records, but the ex-
! treme heat of the next twenty days,
| which wrought such injury to the crops
of the Mississippi Valley states, though
| less severe here than further east, re-
| duced both the quality and quantity of
the yield The acreage aggregated $685.
| 900 acres, and the yield averages 111a per
acre, or approximately 100000 bushels.
Owing to local conditions the yield is
variable, some sections running as high
| as thirty bushels. 1t is difficult to deter
mine the exact average price paid at the
| elevators Of the state for the wheat OF
| this crop. owing to the range in quality
and other qualifying circumst ances. but
extensive inquiry justifles the statement
that 81 cents per bushe1 is fair average
making the crop worth on the home mar.
ket $20,0O0. 900.
In the Corn Belt.
Corn Is the next important cereal cul.
tivated in South Dakota. and this yea,
! 100000 acres were devoted to this crop
The hot weather was particularly severe
upon corn coming as it did when the
blossom was forming and effecting the
fertilization of the ears. Nevertheless, 9
fair crop Of good quality has been hRr.
vested. Experienced farmers have found
! in the field, and at the date OF this writ