Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 August 1920 — LETTERS FROM OUR READERS [ARTICLE]

LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

Letter From W. H. Ritchey, Now in Montana. Great Falls, Mont., July 26, 1920. Dear Editor—lt Ie the hottest here of any place in the U. S., 100 degrees. A sheet is all one needs ovetr him here at night. This is a state noted for its cool nights, but you’ll excuse me if I can’t see it that way. It is said that one is never eunstruck here, but two days ago a man succumbed to it. This is as nice and clean a city as Rensselaer is reputed to be. Notwithstanding her three drouth years, her people are dressed and seemingly happy. Went out to Ed Kay’s, 270 miles over the G. W. His wheat was the best in that country, the neighbors said. It was just headed out, some bf it, and if it got rain enough during its making it would yield 30 or 35 bushels to the acre. He had out 62 acres. One great drawback to putting out crops here Is that they don’t put them in right; don’t break the ground deep enough, and just scrape it to put it in. “So It’s in”

to all they care tor. It (hey would put It in like our farmers do in Indiana a different story would be told. The Russian thistle is a great handicap to all crops. “Summerfallowing” seems to be on the increase and irrigation is moving forward with renewed energy. A committee of congressmen are here now to provide for irrigation for the Milk river basin, that is close to Ed’s. Think theft 1 report will be favorable. Wheat is very spotted. Some 'fields are good, while the next will not produce more than five bushels to the acre. Same with oats. I saw one field headed out that would go 80 to 100 bushels, but this is rare. An engineer at basin said he saw wheat there that would go 40 to 60 bushels. That Is one of the best wheat sections in the state; Galletin valley is another. All told they are planning on 30 to 35 bushels. Flax, millet and com canpot be estimated yet. There is a little flax and alfalfa is generally good. First cutting done, and another cutting and possibly two this season. We take the Grand Forks Daily Tribune. It’s a very strong Democratic paper, but as soon as the Jasper County Democrat is brought in I drop the Tribune without thinking how interesting it is and take up The Democrat, as is usual to those who are far away from home, to get the news of those living back there, etc. Will go next week up to the coast. All well here. Truly yours,

W. H. RITCHEY.