The Virginia enterprise., 1907-09-27
WnAT father AND
HARRY ACCOMPLISHED
AN ILLINOIS MAN WRITES RE-
GARDlNo HIS SUCCESS IN
WESTERN CANADA.
Change In Homestead Regulations
Makes Entry Easily
Accomplished.


IN old and true saying having many
applications in Western Canada. The
following letter is an illustration. The
writer. Mr.. Gerts, left Chicago q short
time ago and the success he has
achieved may we'll be gained by any
one having pluck and energy by locat-
ing on the free homestead lands in
Western Canada. A change recently
made in the Canadian Land Regula-
tions concerning homesteads makes it
possible for any member of a family to
make entry for any other member of
the family entitled to homestead.
For instance, a man may now make
entry before the local agent for his
father or for his brother or brothers,
or for his son or sons, or for sister
or daughter who may be the head of
the family having minor children de-
pending upon her for support. A sis
ter, daughter or mother are also en-
titled to make entry upon a home
stead. The only fee required is $1,000
for each entry. A great saving in rail-
way expenses is thus made.
Read what Mr.. Gerts has to say:
Battleford, Sask., Aug. 4, 1907.
Dear SIR
Thinking letter from us Northwest
settlers might interest you, and write
a few lines and let you know we are
progressing finely and well pleased
with our new home.
When I think of the many hard
working, industrious men east with
families who are struggling for liv-
ing and doing the strenuous, laying up
practically nothing for old age and the
thousands of acres of land here yet to
be ploWed and cultivated capable of
raising sixty to eighty bushels of oats,
thirty to forty bushels of wheat, it GER
tainly seems a pity the two cannot be
brought together. But I will repeat,
this country is only for the Industrious
and thrifty; also I might add, it re-
Quires some capital to start.
A man should have at least a team
of three good horses; better to have
mares so as to have some colts COM
ing along each year. It is best to bring
them with him as work horses are
high. He should be able to purchase
plow, disc and drag, harrow, drill,
binder and hay rake. OF course sew
eral taking up claims or buying land
near together can divide up the pur-
chasing of the above machinery and
exchange work. This plan will work
well for few years or until crops will
warrant each individual to purchase
full outfit.
We have 480 acres of as good farm
land as lies in the famous Cut Knife
district. Every foot can be plowed.
Last year our oats run 60 bushels per
acre. I sold them for SOC per bushel
on the place.
The indications are for a good crop
this year. though we were very late
in seeding owing to the late spring.
Last winter was the coolest known in
this country by the Oldest settlers
(some who have been here IS years),
but with comfortable house and
plenty of firewood, which we hauled
four miles, we passed the winter quite
pleasantly. The air is clear and dry.
Some of the days I came from work
was surprised to find the thermometer
registering 400 below zero. Though
we never keep fire at night, we had
nothing freeze in our cellar.
Our stock and chickens wintered
~fine. I have yearling heifer, who