Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 September 1907 — WHAT FATHER AND HARRY ACCOMPLISHED. [ARTICLE]

WHAT FATHER AND HARRY ACCOMPLISHED.

"~*BTTHhoUMan "WriYes Reffurdtnat His Success tn Western Canada— Chanffe In Homestead Regulations M*4e Entry Easily Accompli»hed. “Nothing succeeds like success,” is an •Id and true saying, having many apin Western Canada. The following letter Is an illustration. The writer, Mr. Gerts, left Chicago a short time ago and the success he has achieved may well be gained by anyone having pluck and energy by locating on the free homestead lands In Western Canada. A change has recently been made in the Canadian Land Regulations concerning homesteads, which makes it possible for any member of a family to make entry for any other member of the family entitled to a homestead. For instance, a man may now make entry before the local agent for his father or for his brother or brothers, or for his son or sons, or for • sister or daughter who may be the head of the family having minor children depending upon her for support. A sister, daughter or mother are also entitled to make entry for any members of the family who are permitted entry upon a homestead. The only fee required is $lO for each entry. A great saving in railway expenses is thus made. Read what Mr. Gerts has to say Battieford, Sask., Aug, i, 1907. Dear Sir: Thinking a letter from us Northwest settlers might interest you, I write a few lines to let you know we are progressing finely and well pleased with our new home. When I think of the many hard-work-lng,4ndU9trious men East with families who are struggling for a living and doing the strenuous, laying up practically nothing for old age, and the thousands of acres of land here yet to be plowed and cultivated, capable of raising sixty to eighty bushels of oats, thirty to forty bushels of wheat, it certainly seems a pity the two cannot be brought together. But I will repeat, this country is only for the industrious and thrifty; also I might add it requires some capital to start. A man should have at least a team of three good horses; better to have mares, so as to have some colts coming along each year. It is best to bring them with him, as good work horses are high. He should be able to purchase plow, disc and drag, harrow, drill, binder, mower and hay rake. Of course several taking up claims or buying land near together can divide up the purchasing of the above machinery and exchange work. This plan wilj. work well for a few years or until crops will warrant each individual to purchase a full outfit. We have 480 acres of as good farm land as lies in the famous Cut Knife district. IJvery foot can be plowed. Last year our oats run sixty bushels per acre. I sold them for 50 cents per bushel on the place. The indications are for a good crop this year, though we were very late in seeding, owing to the late spring; Last winter was the coldest known in this country by the oldest settlers (some who have been here* thirty-five years), but with a comfortable house and plenty of fire-wood, which we hauled four miles, we passed the winter quite pleasantly. The air is clear and dry. Some of the days I came from work I was surprised to find the thermometer registering 40 degrees below zero. Though we never keep fire at -night, we had nothing freeze in our cellar. Our stock and chickens wintered

fine. I have a yearling heifer, who would hold her own in any “fat stock show.” She has never had a drop of milk since she was four months bld and has never had a mouthful of grain. A gentleman who saw her made the remark “he bet that heifer had eaten her Bead off with grain,” but would hardly believe she had never had any grain. This is a great country for growing all kinds of vegetables, and we are certainly enjoying our garden. The flavor of the green pgas is especially fine. Last season .Mrs. G. canned a lot of them, and we hove enjoyed "them up to the fresh crop. .. I am sorry I did not have time this past season to attend to transplanting trees, but will keep the land I had prepared worked up for next season’s planting. I received a number of small trees (ash and maple) from the Government Experimental Farm at Indian Head. I put them around the edge of the garden and they are doing-fine. I, also received quite a lot of other seeds, oats, wheat, potatoes and rhubarb roots, which were acceptable. It is useless for us to bother with garden flowers, as wild ones grow in profusion. We are located near a fine creek, the water of which is soft •nd fine for bathing and washing. We have a well of water near the house, 82 feet deep and 21 feet of water all the time, though it is harder than the creek water. Land which could be bought for five dollars per acre three years ago, Is now worth sl4 per acre, aud steadily advancing each year. All kinds of Improvements are going on. Steam plows and large threshing outfits are already in. Roads nre being graded, bridges being built across rivers and creeks. Last year I took my family, also wagon across the Saskatchewan River in a row boat, Swam my team across, and now tlie contrart harf been let for a $200,000 bridge at that place. _ - Tire T. N. R. have run their fin'll survey from Battleford to Calgnry, running west about one mile nofth of us. The C. P. R. have run a survey, with runs northwest passes about 500 feet from the northeast corner of our

farm. The country will soon be covered with a network of railroads, and It will keep them busy hauling the output or <ratu. I-t ts- certainly encouraging to us settlers. Two years ago Harry, my son, and I as you know unloaded our car at Saskatoon and drove 130 miles to our claim. Last fall we had only eighteen miles to haul our wheat to railroad and, as you see, the prospects are we will have a railroad'at our very door and a town near by. This district can support a good town, and It will be well patronized. Harry arrived home at 12 p. m. last night after going fourteen miles to blacksmith shop to get plowshares beat out. The shqp was full of work and It was 8 p. m. when Harry left for home and parties still in line to have work doßg. We will need stores nearer and good mechanics. v We aye all enjoying the best of health, which is a great blessing. When we left Chicago over a year ago my youngest son’s (4 years of age) health was so poor that I almost despaired of raising him, but he is certainly a hearty, healthy little fellow now. The pure fresh air has done him worlds of good. So, to sum up the whole: Why should we not be glad we made the break. A good farm, stock increasing, health and an independent life. What more can we expect? Did we have to make an effort? You can bet we did, and hustle, too. Should you pass this way with your shotgun this falj, we should be pleased to let you shoot prairie chickens off our grain stocks. ; Respectfully yours, Chas. M.Gerts and family.