Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1910-07-02

! munity will be great and the direct
results will show very soon in the
way of improved conditions on the
farm and in better bank account.
Methods Suited to Community.
In North Dakota the teaching was
for better general farming in every
direction. In some parts there was
need of handling the soil SO as to get
rid of the superfluous water In other
parts to conserve the moisture. Crop
rotation and more livestock was the
demand everywhere.
In Montana the talk has been
straight dry farming methods or ir-
rigation. In this the teaching has
been clear and explicit as to the best
methods and the kinds of crops need
ed for the different soils. Also as
there is such diversity of climatic
conditions in the state that that also
has to be taken into account.
So the lessons taught in every
case taken into consideration soil con-
ditions and moisture. Elevation and
heat and cold is considered but to a
minor degree.
Large Areas Brought Under cuItiva-
ton.
In Montana there are 100000
acres of land. Of this amount it is
estimated that about 100000 are
tillable. OF this amount it is claim
ed that five or six millions can be ir-
rigated and twenty-eight to thirty
millions are suited to dry farming.
And much of this must be cropped
every other year only.
Then much of the state is regarded
as good fruit growing country. .
This makes it evident that the peo-
pie of Montana have a tremendous
job on their hands in the way of get
ting their lands properly settled and
cultivated as only about one acre in
six tina: can be put under the ditch"
is now in cultivation and that only
five to ten per cent of the other lands
that are suitable to farming is now
occupied.
Thousands On Experiment Stations.
The amount of money being spent
on demonst, alton farms in Montana
eve"y year is calculated to prove
many things soon, and these people
will be able to speak advisedly, as
they now hive appropriations amount
ing to 500 800 for the year. These
amounts come from the following
sources: 7! S government, 100000;
from the various appropriations of
the state Ct Montana for experiment
work at experiment stations and otn
erwise, $52,500; from the Chicago,
Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad COM
pany, $4,000. and from the Northern
Pacific, $500.
This large sum of money is being
carefully expended in various ways
in demonstrating what kind of crops
will grow best and the most efficient
way of growing them whether by dry
land, or irrigation methods. Also
many tests are being made to find
out the kinds of grains and grasses
best adapted to the various sections
of the state. and horticulture is CON-
ing in for it's share in this valuable
work.
Object Of the Mission.
1t is not always easy to analyze the
motives back Of general widespread
movement and especially so when that
movement has back of it many varied
interests. In this case the interest
spread out over vast territory.
Many factors are at work in it's de-
velopmert. individuals, societies.
schools, railroads and states, vast in
domains. are directly interested. And
many other factors come into the
problem Indirectly. So it is a difficult
matter to give anything like a COM
plete analysis of the case But GER
tain factors stand out in bold relief.
The world must have more bread
that the people may eat: the states
must have prosperous and contented
citizens. or the commonwealth must
if not go into decay; the farmer must
have larger yields than now produced
or cease to earn fair profits or even
be able to support his family; the
railroads must have more freight to
haul or go into the hands of receiv-
err; the towns must build up general
trade or the people thereof will be
forced to go elsewhere and seek other
avenues Of gainful occupations. All
of these things depend upon the gen.
eral welfare Of the agricultural prob.
lens. These interests must be work.
ed out properly and be more fully de-
veloped.
The Means Being Employed.
1t would be difficult, if not impos-
sible, to tell just where the full credit
of this enterprise belongs. But it is
certain that the movement is coop.
erative. For several months the move
ment was under consideration before
it took sufficient form for consider
alton. And while in incubation many
factors were considered and much
hard study was given the problems.
But it may be said that the Northern
Pacific Railway company saw that it
could do much to increase the pro-
duction of farm and ranch products.
That the agricultural colleges and the
farmers institutes of the state inter-
ested, saw the partial value of the
move and that from these and num-
Der Of other interests the movement
took form and is now starting on the
second half of its physical compile
ton.
The End Not In Sight.
While the train is vending its way
westward and soon will reach the Pa
cific ocoon md fha% ner% ~ ~, yo{s