The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1908-10-02

To the average person the mention
ofAlaska brings to the mind a picture
of ice and snow; that any person
should take up a residence there to
follow the simple life of a farmer
seems beyond comprehension.
Nevertheless this territory is fast
becoming a garden-spot. With few eX-
ceptions the country will produce
everything in the agricultural line
grown in the states Seeds and
labor are the two all-important fac
tors. The men and women who are
subduing the Alaskan wilderness need
not be eXhorted to labor; they do their
share of the worlds work nobly, and
the garden seed is being furnished
them by the experiment stations On
application. The bureau of plant in
dustry of the United States depart
ment of agriculture has kindly fur
nished seeds to the stations for this
purpose.
Persons who are seeking informa-
ton about Alaska are recommended
10 read the letters published herewith.
They are in a way more valuable than
reports from the experiment stations,
in that they record the things the peo-
pie accomplish. These are only few
of the letters received on that sub
ject. All that reach the station are
not written in the same sanguine mood
which characterizes most of these.
Taken as whole, the season was not
favorable and many report failure,
though most Of the Following letters
report splendid successes. Then,
again, the reader is recommended to
study them because of the practical
directions found in many. To garden
successfully in Alaska requires ex-
perience, whether one gets it for him.
self or utilizes the experience Of 9TH
ers. The latter plan may often save
time and labor, to say nothing of dis
appointments. The reports show the
possibilities of the country. From the
southernmost boundary to far north of
the arctic circle they tell what Alaska
can produce under ordinary pioneer
conditions, with very meager facilities.
S. Stride. Haines, Alaska, November
20, 1907-Thanks for trees and bushes
sent last spring. All are alive, but
the growth was not much on the ap-
Piles, about II inches. The apple trees
of 1906 did much better this year,
growing 26 inches. The raspberries
grew four feet canes, but one-half of
the fruit did not ripen before frost
came and destroyed it. think if you
can get a cross between the salmon
berry and raspberry it will ripen here
all right My currants bore fruit and
are doing well. l sent to British Co.
Iumbia last spring for dewberry bush
es, but they were too long coming and
died Shall try again. My potatoes,
rhubarb, carrots, and turnips did well.
/. S. Williams, Montauk Point, Eagle,
Alaska, October Is, 1907.-The seeds
you sent me last year have been tried
with fair success. The cabbage did
not do WELL I believe the soil was not
suited for it. Lettuce, radishes and
carrots of any kind grow as well as in
any country. Scarlet Horn is really
the best carrot. Parsnips and beets
did fairly well. Potatoes about eight
fold. They, as well as everything else,
seem to grow better as the ground
gets worked well with manure. My
flowers did not do very well, probably
due to late planting. Rutabagas and
turnips grow fine. / am we'll pleased
with the results, but expect to do still
better next season, as l am learning.
Henry Butke, Cinema, Alaska, Octo-
Der Is, 1867 wish to report the re-
suit of the seed that was sent me.
Brussels sprouts, cabbage kale, car