Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 December 1901 — WHAT A LEADING AGRICULTURIST SAYS OF WESTERN OANADA. [ARTICLE]

WHAT A LEADING AGRICULTURIST SAYS OF WESTERN OANADA.

Prof. Thomas Shaw of Minnesota University Gives nn Unbiased Opinion. In a letter to “The Farmer,” St Paul, dated Sept. Ist, 1901, Prof. Thomas Shaw of the Minnesota State University has the following to say, after having made a trip through Western Canada: “The capabilities of the immense area known as Western Canada are but little understood on this side of the line. Our people are apt to look upon it as a region of frost and snow, a country in which but a small portion of the land relatively will ever be tillable, because of the rigors of the climate. True, the climate is cold in winter, but Western Canada has, nevertheless, Just that sort of climate which makes It the most reliable wheat producing country in all the continent. An Immense Area. Western Canada is not only an immense area, but the same description will apply t 6 those portions of the country that are capable of being successfully tilled or grazed. Nearly all of the prairie Province of Manitoba can be brought under cultivation, although probably not one-third of its surface has been laid open by the plow. Assiniboia to the west is a grain and stock country. Saskatchewan to the north of Assiniboia has high adaptation for the same. This also may be said of Alberta to the west. Here lies what may be termed a_grain-growing and stock producing empire, the resources of which have been but little drawn upon comparatively, viewed from the standpoint of the agriculturalist. When it is called to mind that even in the Peace River country, in Athabasca, and several hundreds of miles north of the Canadian boundary, wheat was grown which won a premium at the World’s Fair in 1893, the capabilities of this country in wheat production loom up more brightly than even the brilliant northern lights of the land that lies toward the pole. Adapted to Stock and Grain Production. The region under consideration is, however, mainly adapted to growing grain and grazing stock. Much of it is adapted to growing both grain and £tock, but certain areas, especially towards the mountains, are only* adapted to ranching, except where irrigation will yet be introduced. This, of course, can be done successfully along the many streams that flow down from the Rockies and water the country towards the east and north. The adaptation of the country for wheat production is of a high character, The cool nights that usually characterize the ripening season are eminently favorable to the filling of the grain, and to the securing of a plump berry, and consequently large yields. The crop this year is a magnificent one. In Manitoba and the territories it should certainly give an average of more than 20 bushels per acre. But slfould the yield be not more than 20 bushels, the crop will be a most handsome one, owing to the large area sown to wheat. Many farmers only grow grain. But those who do succeed as well in growing oats and barley as in growing wheat, hence these foods for stock should always be abundant. Some grow cattle mainty, and others combine the two. The last named, of course, is doubtless the safest of the three during a long course of years, that is to say, where much farming is practicable.

Quality of the Live Stock. It was a p’easurable surprise to note the high quality of the stock. The average of quality in cattle is higher than the average of cattle in our state, unless in the dairy classes. This opinion is not reached rashly or without ample opportunity for investigation. I spent three long days in the show ring at Winnipeg making the awards in the beef classes. I question if any of our states, single handed, could make such a showing in cattle! It was my privilege to make the awards at several shows and at all of their fairs were evidences that much attention is given to the improvement of the stock. I noted carefully the character of the herds that grazed along the railroad and everywhere the high average of the quality of the stock was in evidence. Reasons for Quality In Stock. The quality of the grass is good. Many of the settlers came from Ontario and had been schooled as to the value of good stock before going west The railroads and the government have taken a deep interest in making it less difficult and costly to the farmers to secure good males. Those who are anxious of changing their residence should bear in mind that the lands in Western Canada are many of them free .and others reasonably cheap. Information will gladly be given by any agent of the Canadian government, whose advertisement appears elsewhere.