Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1883 — ON THE TRAIL. [ARTICLE]

ON THE TRAIL.

Reports From the Great Ranges of the West Show the Cattle Business to be In a Thrifty Condi&on. The Chicago Drover*' Journal has received, reports from the ranching regions of Coloracß, Kansas, Texas, Nebraska, Idaho. Wyoming, Indian Territory, Montana and Nevada These reports show the range-cat. tie business to be in a very thrifty condition. The percentage of loss in all States and Territories ranges from 1 to 20 tier cent, or general average 3W per cent The greatest loss was reported by Idaho, Indian Territory and Kansas. Kansas is the only State that reports an increase in shipments of beeves this season, but the general average is reported the same as in 18t*A The average condition of cattle on the range is reported by Kansas, Texas and Indian Teir.tory to be worse when compared with the corresponding period of last year,'but all other sections report an average or better condition of stock than last spring. Shipments of beeves will commence about the same time on an average as in ordinary- years. The .■•hipping season in the Southwest, however, will be about a month later than last year. There is reported an average increase of about 25 per cent, in the calf crop as compared with last year. Prices for cattle on the range are reported from $2 to $lO per head higher than one year ago, and the average advance amounts to $5.80 a head. The most-gratifying feature of the report is the average increase in the amount of improved bulls on the range. There are 10 {>er cent more improved balls in use thru ast spring. The Bhort-hms predominate, but there has been a much larger demand for Herefords than last year, and many speak in favor of Polled-Angus. From the reports received there is a growing tendency to put up hay for winter use. Fencing is being done very extensively in the Southwest, but is not legarded with so much favor in the Northwest where tho lands are mainly public and liable to be invaded by the squatter. The losses dur ng the Winter have tallen chiefly upon old cows and heifers calving #md young stock. Tho stock for the range is reported entirely free from disease, save a few ca.es of black eg, which is incident to overfattening of calves