The Washington herald., 1911-11-12

article took his California trip by way
of the Union Pacific and judged all of
Wyoming by what he saw from the
car window at Cheyenne, Rawlins.
Rock Springs, and Green River. he has
passed an untimely verdict, whatever
his Impressions may have been. In
certain large expanses in the northern
part OF the State, the altitude of Wy
omlng as registered along the line of
the Union Pacific is cut squarely in
two, and that from bleak sheep and
cattle ranges and fields. where nothing
but hardy hay and other forage crops
are grown, the country slopes down
into warm valleys where the verdure
is wonderful and the agricultural pos
sibilities are unlimited.
The Sheridan Valley and the Big Horn
Basin occupy a large portion of the
northern half of the State. Attitudes
here range around 1000 feet and the
agricultural proclivities of the region are
classed by the Department Of Agriculture
as similar to the basin at Salt Lake
City. Arkansas Valley in Colorado and
the famous Greeley district. Water sheds
of marvellous extent supply copiouI
streams for these localities, and the rich
alluvial soil, at the touch OF the irriga,
ton water, releases its elements into
vigorous and plentiful crops. In many
places in the Big Horn Basin we saw
splendid crops which were grown, as Il
were. direct from the desert, with their
owners In a fair way to settle the as.
sessment for their water shares in two
seasons. The soil of these arid expanse!
is Of such natrue that II needs but a
turning with the piow and the applica-
ton Of the life-giving stream to cause II
to send forth its riches for man.
Big Horn Basin roughly comprises 49,
rf1fln - -,
the Burlingtons north and south branch
and watered by many canals, some OF
them fifty miles or more in length, II
Is one Of the prosperous communities OF
the West, although perhaps the youngest.
At the little city of Basin, the county
seat of Big Horn County, they will feed
you on the finest beef and chicken, and
almost every sort of luscious garden
vegetable and fruit There we ate cante-
loupes OF a wonderful favor, and corn
of extreme tenderness although of full
development.
Metropolis of Northern wyominK.
Across the Big Horn range to the east
lies the thriving city of Sheridan. the
metropolis of Northern Wyoming. Sheri-
dan points with pride to her stock ranch
es and her stud farms, her sheep barons
and her business enterprises OF every
sort. When you mention coal you may
as wen. get ready to dwell upon the
subject for hours. Our party not only
learned about the great veins at Monarch,
twelve miles outside Of Sheridan, but
partook of sumptuous breakfast.
served on pure white linen by charming
maidens IN the midst OF the cavernous
workings Of one of the mines. Never
was there gayer breakfastIng nor amid
more romantic II not thrilling surround
ings.
The repast was spread In a huge coal
chamber far beneath the sunlight and
within sound of working picks and drills.
Tram cars, loaded with the freshly-mined
bituminous product, roared by in the
gloomy entryway. and far or In the murk
the lights on the miners caps resembIed
fire flies. Electric lights, hooked to the
coal ceiling OF our breakfast hall glitter
ed like diamonds on black velvet and
SIZED a gariSh illumination over the gay
company Of Sheridanites and visitors as
1t hilariously took up the attack on de-
liciaus fried chicken, waffles, and general
breakfast trimmings.
Entertained with music.
The bright lights also served to
throw up In fascinating bas-relief
the members OF a coal miners or
chestra, ranged on a bench by one Of
the massive. rough walls. But few
moments before our arrival, mining tools
had been abandoned and banjos, guitars.
mandolins. harmonious. jewsharps. and
bones" pressed into the melodious jingle
of Casey Jones' and Turkey, IN the
Straw" The memory OF that under