The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-10

LITTLE WASTE LAND.
Cut-Over Pine Tracts in Northern
Wisconsin Converted Into
Good Farms.
Changes Noted in Few Years
New Settlers Determining the
Country's Future.
Snaoial to Tha Journal.

Washburn, Wis. Aug. 1O.-Much is
heard about the lands of northern WlScOn-
sin being again covered with a growth OF
timber planted and cared for under the
supervision Of bureaus Of forestry Wash
burn is surrounded by cut-over pine land,
sometimes called waste land, referring not
to It's lack Of fertility but to the fact that
it has been idle since the pine was cut,
tho the idea is often held that these
thousands of idle acres are worthless un-
vest of forest trees The past few years
have done much to correct this idea and
the land is rapidly being taken up by set
tiers for farming purposes. s@
It is purposed to replant this cut-over
land to forest trees, but that very extern
sive work in this direction will ever be
done is extremely doubtful, not because
the plans are impracticable In themselves,
but because in a few years time practi-
cally all Of the wild land will be owned by
actual settlers or those who intend at
some time to make a home. There is a
land craze in this country and every man
who has a little capital is seeking good
investment in farming lands.
Advance In Values.
A few years ago there were in this To-
| cality thousands of acres Of land that
could be had for the taxes or for dollar
| or two an acre, but they were considered
up these lands, induced some practical
farmers to come and look them over, with
| the result that their true worth was made
! known. Now land is selling for from S.
| to $25 an acre and hundreds of acres are
being sold where one was at that time.
| Several hundred settlers came into this
part of the country the last year. The
town has been obliged to build many miles
of new road and several new schools fol
| these people, and the country is rapidly
changing from a region of blackeneo
stumps, as it is so often pictured, to E
populous farming district. The farmers
are settling the question of what shall be
done with the WASTE lands of northern
Wisconsin and doing it without the aid O.
any state department.
The farms are devoted principally tt
small fruits, vegetables, hay and stock
and farmers are doing well. There is al
excellent opportunity for any man VIII
wishes to make a cheap but good farm
| The sale of farm machinery is increasing
rapidly and the shipments Of farm pro
duce decreasing, showing that the farm
are taking their place in the economi
and trade conditions Of the town and re
turning to their owners more than live
} lihood. .... -.
A creamery will be built the coming sea
son to provide a market for the surplu
product of the dairies and it1will be blu
a short time before Washburn will be tn
center Of as prosperous a farming com
munity as can be found in the state.
Camping Along the Bay.
Camping parties are numerous along tn
shores and among the islands Of Chequa
megon bay. Two parties from this cit
are now out in the woods at Houghtor
which is one Of the most beautiful spot
that can be found for an outing. One ca
pass from civilization to the widest
; natural scenery in a minutes walk a.
most and have good fishing or hunting
! Madeline Island has a big population
T tourists and all the launches and yacht
> are busy. Senator Quarles was among tn
y visitors at Sand island last: week. TT
e Chequamegon bay cities are becomin
8 more popular each year, owing to their dc
n lightful climate and excellent hunting
e fishing, boating and bathing.
Arrangements are being made by cit
Z zens of the Chequameogn bay district
Z have the Omaha bring an excursio
party Of home seekers to this regio
from Iowa. These excursions have bee
a success in other localities, but the pla
has never been tried here. It Is expecte
n a SIS rate from all Iowa points here an
return can be secured, and If so man
/, persons will be brought here who wou
# not come under other conditions. TT
:, plan Is being pushed by the busine:
mems association and real setate men.