The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1925-04-01
BOzeman and Tributary Territory AbOunds In
Agricultural and Mineral Wealth;
Power Resources Important

the Bozeman Kiwanis cub prepared and submitted to the
club, and through the kindness Of the LEGAL newspapers
caused to be printed, articles upon subjects and topics
relating to the county and city affairs with the hope
that such articles might in some small measure tend to
create a greater faith and a more secure confidence of
the people in our state, county and city. A general
resume of these articles and the outstanding features
follows:
Gallatin County Climate.
The oldest and most complete meteorological records
Of the state are kept here. The highest temperature re-
corded during the summer months seldom exceeds SO
degrees and the average minimum temperature is below
80 degrees. These temperatures make an ideal climate
for summer. The heat during the day is not excessive
and the nights are cooled by pure mountain air that finds
its way into the valley from the neighbOring snow-capped
mountains.
A Healhful Climate.
During the first quarter of the year 1928, Montana had
the lowest mortality rate CT any state in the Union. With
splendid laws to protect the health of her citizens, an
ideal climate with cool nights and no excessive heat, cou-
pied with pure water from mountain streams, Gallatin
county affords one of the most healthful places on earth
in which to live.
Magnificent Scenery.
There is a wonderful variety and practically endless
amount of mountain scenery which cannot be surpassed in
any portion of the state or nation. The Gallatin canyon
with its high rock walls, the long winding river, the Span
ISL Peaks and its towering mountains, is one attraction,
while Middle Greek canyon with its numerous lakes and
numberless water falls, all in the most gorgeous setting
Of pine and peak with cOlOrng fascinating beyond descrip-
SOHJ - uOCuSE u n county S scenic attractions. Added
to these is the beautiful Bridger range extending north
of the city, all of which will in the future be developed as
one of the county's greatest assets.
Water Power.
Almost every stream that flows into or through Gala
tin county has, in the years gone by, been actively used
for power purposes. Saw mills, flour mills and electric
light plants have all derived power from these streams
and to some extent are still doing so. Dormant, but still
awaiting the call of industry, the latent water power of
Galatin county will, in the future, be utilized.
Irrigation in Valley.
One hundred thousand acres of lands are irrigated in
GalIatin valley. Five hundred fifty miles of main canals
and 500 miles Of laterals are used. The annual use of
water Tor irrigation purposes would cover a section of
land 300 feet deep. There has been spent over two mil
lion dollars upon irrigation works in this county, and the
county contains probably the best irrigated section in the
world.
County Highways.
There are 1,125 miles of roads and 384 bridges of the
value OF one and three-quarter million dollars in this
county. Three and three-quarter miles are concrete; sew
en- miles luminous m~acadam; five and one-half miles
water bound macadam; sixty-eight miles graveled sur
face, and the remainder graded roads. The Yellowstone
trail runs through the county. During the last ten wears
there has been spent $~4O5,00O.0O for roads and s68. 900. 90
for bridges. Probably no county can show any greater
Improvement or more extensive road construction than
this county.
National Forests
The major portion of the Gallatfn national forest of
approximately one million acres lies in Gallatin county,
and the headquarters of the administration of this forest
is located in Bozeman. During the year 1922 there was
disbursed for the. Gallatin national forest $1O2,339.4I
practically all of which was spent in Gallatin county.
Timber Resources.
This county has 100000 feet, board measure. of
merchantable timber. There are approximately IL small
saw mills operating in this county. With an output Of
rough and finished lumber, laths, shingles and SQUARED
house logs, approximately 100000 feet, board measure,
Of timber is used annually from the local forest in the
form of poles, posts and fuel on local ranches and farms.
The timber resources of Gallatin county is one of the
county's greatest ASSETS.
Coal Mining.
Gallatin was one of the first counties Of the state to
produce ccal and after years of operation it is estimated
that only five per cent of the coal resources Of the county
have been developed. That IS per cent Of such resources
still remain and this would represent 100000 tons of
coal deposits in the county. Coal is being mined near
Chestnut on Trail creek and splendid prospects exist on
the West Gallatin, in the Horseshoe country and in Bridg-
or canyon. In the future these great coal deposits viii
form one of the great valuable assiets of the county.
Truck Gardening.
It has been demonstrated that truck gardening is one
Of the most profitable occupations. The operations Of
truck farms south of BOzeman produce S1,TOO.O0 worth Of
onions, 100000 worth Of asparagus or head lettuce, and
$4,000 worth Of cabbage to the acre. One acre Of sweet
corn returns $4,000; five acres Of diversified gardens
$2,500O0; twenty acres Of potatoes $6OO000, and one
acre of strawberries 100000, while an acre returns from
$50 to $4,000 for beans. It is one Of the profitable
industries Of the county.
Small Fruits.
All small fruits such as strawberries, raspberies
gooseberTies and curranss naturally thrive and DO well in
Galatin valley. The Everbearing and Progressive are
ths Latham, Sunbeam, Herbert and oksa ae the best