The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1908-03-01

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much, has been said about irrigation,
and justly said. We are all proud of
our Evergreen State of the West and
it's vast resources from irrigation. Now
| want to speak a word for our broth
ers, of whom little has been said-the
tillers of the sub-irrigated SOIL The
elevation of our lands gives us mois-
ture, hence we do not have to depend
on artificial means to supply the neces-
sary moisture to produce bountiful re-
turns. In other words, we may term
our lands the poor mans paradise, for
these uplands are the most nearly self
supporting of all to the beginner with
moderate means. Here we have the nat
ural grasses, which remain green and
tempting to our ever faithful friend,
the COW, from the time Mother Nature
throws off her white blanket until the
late frosts of November cause them to
cease their flow of succulent juices and
warns us of the approaching winter.
Also these lands have abundance or
springs. pure and cool, to quench the
thirst of our noble beasts. The hills
and bottom lands are dotted with nu-
merous kinds of trees, which afford
plenty of shade and fuel. Our crops
are of varied and numerous kinds.
Wheat and barley yield well, both for
hay and grain. Alfalfa, timothy and
clover produce good returns; also corn
and all kinds of vegetables, berries
and fruits. Yes, this truly is the poor
mans country. AS our brothers OF
the irrigated belts move forward they
will find us right among them. Why
should we sit back and take notice?
A PATRON OF THE RANCH.
Okanogan, Wash.
Editor The Ranch: Of what earthly
use is a soldier who drops his mus
ket and takes to his heels at the first
onslaught of the enemy? Where
would nation end with an army OF
such soldiers? Where business?
At present this country stands face
to face with a most absurd enemy,
who came like bolt from clear sky
and wholly without cause.
The enemy is Fear.
Are you a good fighter or are you
coward? Are you going to lay down
arms before this imaginary fictitious
apparition, or are you going to march
breast forward" and help break down
this fear in the minds of your custom
ers?
There is no reason why merchants
or anyone else should be alarmed. The
backbone and foundation of this nation
is it's integrity and natural resources,
which are in most superb condition.
In fact, the land FLOWS with milk and
honey" The only trouble is the peo-
pie (some of them are scared stiff.
And about what? Absolutely moth
ing. It's just like cry OF fire in an
opera house where no fire exists.
Fear is no person, place, nor thing.
1t has no actual cause-no real power.
In the presence of confidence it be-
comes absolute nothingness and van
ishes as darkness before the light.
When a snag is blown out of river
by dynamite the noise creates excite
ment, but the snag being removed
leaves the river clear. Several snags
are being removed from the financial
river" but the explosions should cause
no alarm. With the snags removed
this country's prosperity will flow on
greater and more powerful than ever.
Which side are you fighting on-fear
or confidence? Every word you speak,
every thought you think, has power
for good or evil. Think it over and be
an optimist. w. H. MATTHEW'S.
Mt. Vernon, Wash.
Editor The Ranch:-Please fnd
within P o. M. Order to pay my sub
scription to The Ranch for the pres
ent year l assure you l appreciate
The Ranch very much,
J. w. BAKER.
Sherwood, Oregon.
Editor The Ranch: Will you kindly