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PREFACE. rpHE object of this pamphlet is to supplement the information and testimony from settlers given in the primary pamphlet entitled " Plain Facts from Farmers in the Canadian North-West." That pamphlet, it may here be stated, consists largely, as does the present issue, of letters from settlers in the Canadian Noith-West; "Plain Facts" being intended to decide the main questions present, in the first instance, to the mind ot an intending settler, and " Practical Hints " to supplement these replies by those of more service after a determination has been arrived at to settle in the Canadian North-West. The " Plain Facts " pamphlet may be had, free of charge, on application to Alex. Begg, Canadian Pacific Railway Offices, 88, Cannon Street, London, E.C., where the original letters may be inspected by any reader anxious to test the accuracy and thoroughly representative nature of the replies now published. CONTENTS. Addresses of Settlers Advice to Intending Settlers Backsetting Breaking Buying of Tickets Canadian Pacific Route ... Crossing the Atlantic Employment in Winter ... Farm Houses Fencing First Expenses First Months of Settlement First Season's Crop ... Flax... Harvesting, Cost of Homesteads How to Go ... How Settlers Succeed Implements... Improved Farms ... 16, Page Page • •• 3.4.5 Land Guide 15 6 Land Regulations 14 16, 24, ?5 Luggage 6 21, 24, 25 Manure 25 12 Mixed Farming 31 13 Money 7 12 Ploughing .. 27,2s 42 Pre-emptions 15 16 Preparing Land, Cost of 27 37 Provisions, Cost of 39 0 T • •• ^ i Railway Land Regulations 14 16 Seasons 2S • • • A Sowing ... 27,28 35 Steerage 12 ... 27, 28 Survey System 15 15 Tickets ' 12 II Time to Go II 44 Tools 6 ... 6, 39 Useful Hints from Settlers 7 16 Employment 42 15 14 6 35 31 7 ...27, 2S 15 39 14 2S 27,28 12 15 12 II 6 / 4^ AND INFORMATION FROiM SETTLERS IN MANITOBA Am THE CANADIAN NOETH-WEST. POSTAL ADDRESSES OF SETTLERS Whose Testimony recurs throughout the Pamphlet. Agnew, James ... Anderson, George Anderson, George Armstrong, George Bailey, Zachary Barnes, F. A. ... Bartley, Noah ... Battell, H. C. ... Bedford, Jacob... Beesley, John G. Bell, C.J. Black, G. R. ... Blackwell, James Blythe, R. Bobier, Thomas Bole, J Boldrick, Robert Bolton, Ferris ... Bonesteel, C. H. Boulding, G. T. Bowes, John ... Brown, W. J. ... Bruce, George ... Burgess, J. W.... Cafferata and Jefferd Cameron, G. A. Cameron, Wm. C. . Campion, Brothers. Campbell, Robert . Carroll, A. H Carter, Thomas Chambers, S. W. . Postal Address. Brandon, Man. Grenfeli, Assa, N.W.T. Manitoba. Dalton, Brandon Co. Lothair P.Q., Man. Morris, Man. Wattsview P.O., Man. Moose jaw, Sec. 2, T. 17, R. 27, W. 2. Calf Mountain, Man. Moose Jaw, Assiniboia. Postmaster, Belleview. Wellwood, Norfolk, Man. Virden, Man. Blythewood, Wapella. Moosomin, Assiniboia N.W.T. Regina, N.W.T. Balgonie, Assa., N.W.T. Calf Mountain, Man. Pheasant Plain, Kenlis P.O., Assa, N.W.T. Regina, N.W.T. . Sec. 25, T 9, R 26, Virden P.O , Man. Pomeroy, Man. Gladstone P.O., Man. Fleming, N.W.T. Sec. 24, T. 18, R. 24, Pense P.O., N.W.T. Indian Head, N.W.T. Edgeley Farm, Qu'- Appelle. Manitoba. Bridge Creek P.O., Man. Carrolton P.O., Man. Woodlands, Man. Wattsview, P.O., Man. Chambers, W Champion, W. M. ... Chester, A Connell, Robert Coay, Thomas ,,, Connerson, James ... Connell, T. K Cowlord, C. (J.P) ... Co.\, William Cox, John T Currie, William Daniel, Joseph Davis, John B Davis, W. H Day, John F Day, Samuel Deyell, John Dick, David Dickin, George Dickson, J, W Dickson, Philip Drew, Wm. D. Downie, John Doyle, W. A. (J.P.) Elliott, Joshua Elliott, Robt. W. ... Elliott, T. D Elson, John Fannery, W. J. Fargey, John H. Farmer, W. A Field, Edward ! Finlay, James I Fisher, Henry ' <^ Postal Address. See. 18, T. 17, R. 26W., Birtle, Man, Reaburn P.O., Man. Marringhurst, Man. Osprey P.O., Man. Manitoba. Minnewashta, Man. Osprey P.O., Man. O.ssowa, Man. Millford, Man. Box44,Rapid City.Man, Chater, Man. Postmaster and Farmer, Moosimin, N.W.T. McLean, Assa., N.W.T. Sec. 27, Tp. I, R. 12, Crystal City P.O.,Man. Fieming,R.3o,T.i3,S.4 Sec. 34, T. 13, R. 30, Fleming, N.W.T. Souris P.O., Plum Creek Moline P.O., Man. Manitoba. Arnaud P.O., Man. Chater, Man. Brandon, Man, Oak River P.O., Man. Beulah, Man. Sourisburg, Man. McLean, N.W.T. Alexandria P.O., Man. S.34,T. i,R. ii.W.Mau McLean, N.W.T. Manitou, Man. Headingley, Man, Shell River, Man. Shoal Lake, Man. Regina, N.W.T. /? i s v^ \ PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CAXADIAN NORTH-WEST. Name, Postal Address. Fraser, John S. ... i Fraser, John * Fraser, D. D Garratt, R. S. (J.P.)i ' Garratt and Ferguson Gibson, William ... Gilbert, Josiah Gilmour, H. C. Gordon, Leslie Graham, Mark Grang, J Grigg, Samuel Grimmclt, D. VV .-. Haddow, James Hall, David Hall, P Hall, W. B Haney, A. W Hanna, S. (Reeve of Whitehead) Harris, A. B. Harris, James Harrison, D. H. Hartney, James, H Harward, Fred. Hayter, W. H Heaney, Jonathan ... Heaslip, J. J Hind, Brothers Hoard, Charles Hope, George ... Hornor, T. R. ... Howey, Wm. Hutchinson, A. Hume, Alex. Ingram, W. A. ' Jeffrey, William (Junr) . Johnston, James Jones, James Kemp, John Kennedy, Thos. Kenny, David W. ... Kines, William King, M Kinnear, J. H. Knight, W.G. (J.P.) Beulah P.O., Man. Sec. 13, Tp. 12, R. 19, Brandon, Man. Oak River, Man. Kenlis, N.W.T. Kenlis P.O., N.W.T. Loganstone Farm, Wol- seley, N.W.T. Durham Park Farm, Regina P.O., N.W.T. Moose Jaw, N.W.T. Qu'Appelle, N.W.T. Portage La Prairie, Man Cartwright, Man, Sec. 7, T II, R 18, W. Brandon, Man. Sec. 26, Tp. 8, R.28,W. Elm Valley P.O., Man. Manitoba. Austin P.O., Man, South Antles, N.W.T. Headingley, Man. Wolseley, N.W.T. Grisvvold, Man, Beuhh P.O., Man. Moosomin, N.W.T. Nevvdale P.O., Man. Souris, Man. Littleton, Man, Alameda, Assa, N.W.T. Meadow Lea P.O., Man. Alameda P.O., N.W.T. Pense, Assa,, N.W.T, Lake Francis, Man. Carbery, Man. Pendennia, Man. Warleigh P.O., Man, CravenP.O., near Regina. Chater, P.O., Man. Millford, Man, Rapid City, Man. Brandon, Man. Portage la Prairie,Man. Austin, Man. Stoddartville, Man. Wolf Creek, Sec. 31, T. 15, R. 10, Assa. Big Plains, Osorey, Man. Belle Plain, N.W.T.' Plum Creek, Man. Oak Lake, Man. Postal Address. Lambert, W. AL Lang, Robert Lawrence, Joseph ... Lawrie, J. M Leepart, R. N, Leitch, Angus Little, J Little, James Lothian, James Malcolm, Andrew ... Malhiot, Zephirin ... McAskie, James McBean, Angtis McCormack, David.. McCaughey, J, S, ... McCorquodale, C. ... McDiarmid, Colin ... McDonald, W. W. .,. McDonell, Duncan... McDougall, Adam G. (Reeve of Wallace) McEwen, Donald ... McGee, Thomas McGill, George McGhee, James McGregor, D Mcintosh, Archbld.... Mclntyre, John McKitrick, William McKellar, Duncan ,,, McKensie, Donald ... McKenzie, Kenneth McKnight, R, (J, P.) McMurtry, Thos. ... McLane, A. M. McLean, John A. ... McLennan, Thomas McRae, Roderick ,.. McTellan, John Mercer, James Middleton, Alex. ... Miller, Robt. S, Miller, Solomon Mitchell, John Mitchell, J Regina. N.W.T. Oak Lake, Man. Clearwater P.O., Manv Birtle, M;in. Balgonie, Assa., N.W.T, Griswold, Man. Neepawa, Man. Manitoba. Pipe Stone P.O., Man,. Minnedosa, Man. Wolseley, N.W.T. BeaverCreek P.0.,M3n. Brookdale P.O., Man. Fleming P.O., Man. Alameda P.O., N.W.T, Morden, Man. Gladstone P.O., Man. Fleming, N.W.T. Bale St. Paul, Man. Virdcn P.O., Man. Brandon P.O., Man. Burnside, Man. Carrolton, P.O., Man. Blake, Man. Griswold, Man. Broadview, Assa,N.W.T Milton Farm, near Regina, N.W.T. Rose Bank Farm, Crys- tal City P.O., Man. Rapid City, Man. Arrow River P.O., Man-. Burnside, Man. Carman P.O., Man. Sec. 18, T. 3, R. 2, Alameda P.O., N.W.T. Chairman MunicipalCol. S. Qu'Appelle, N.W.T. Gladstone, Man. Asessippi P.O., Man. Minnedosa, Man. Minnedosa, Man. Black Ox Farm, Gren- fell, N.W.T. Balgonie, Asha., N.W.T. Hanlan P.O., Man. Sec. 18, T. 13, R. 1, W. Alameda P.O.. Ass^. Postmaster, Brookdale, Man, Littleton, Man. ?ST, PRACTICAL HINTS !• i^ '1 M FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WKST. 1 Address. S'.W.T. -•, Man. »r P.O., Marr. an. Assa., N.W.T. , Man. , Man. le P.O., Man., ia, Man. , N.W.T. reek P.O., Man. e P.O., Man. P.O., Man. P.O., N.W.T. Man. 2 P.O., Man. N.W.T. Paul, Man. .0., Man. P.O., Man. Man. , P.O., Man. an. Man. v,Assa,N.W.T Farm, near N.W.T. <. Farm, Crys- P.O., Man. y, Man. ver P.O., Man. Man. .O., Man. T. 3. R. 2» \ P.O., N.W.T. MimicipalCol. pelle, N.W.T. Man. P.O., Man. a, Man. Man. Farm, Gren- |^^^T. Name. Postal Address. ^, As.a., N.W.T. P.O. Man. n, R. l,W. P.O.. Assj». r, Brookdale, Man. .Moore, George Mooney, John Morton, Thos. T Mulrhead, Thos. Nelson, Robert Newman, Chas. Nickell, William Niff,J. R Nugent, Arnold J. ... Obee, F Ogletree, Francis ... Oliver, Thomas Orr, James D. Osborne, Daniel Parr, James E. ParslowandHealy ... Patterson, Abr. Paul, James M. Paynter, W. D. Paynter, J. E Phillips, S Perley, W. D Pierce, Stephen Plunckit, Robert Pollard, Alfred Pollard, E. Sep. Pollard, H Pollock, John Powers, Chas. F. .. Prat, John Proctor, Henry Purdy, Thos. J. Rawson, James Reid, Alex. ... • • • • • Raid, E. J. Reid, William Riddle, Robert Robertson, P Rogers, Thomas Ronson, W. D. Sec. 4, T. 17, R. I, 2 W. Tp. 7, R. 16, Sec. 20, Millford P.O., Man. Gladstone, Man. Carberry P.O., Man. Birtle, Man. Ossowa, Man. Lucas, Man. Moosomin, N.W.T. Emerson, Man. Glenboro' P.O., Man. Portage la Prairie, Man. Burnside, Man. Cartwright P.O., Man. Fleming, Man. Crystal City, Man. Sec. 20, T. 19, R. 20, W., Regina, N.W.T. Alexandria P.O., T. 2, R. 6, W., Man. Sec. 15, T. IS, R. I2,W. Beulah P.O., Man. Bciulah, Man. Rapid City, Man. Wolseley, N.W.T. Tp. 12, Sec. 28, R. r,o, Fleming Station, Man. Manitoba. Sidney, Man. Manitoba. Sidney, Man. Wolf Creek, Assa., N.W.T. Brandon, Man, Rounthwaite, Man. Woodland, Manitoba. Sec. 12, R. 21, T. 19, Regina. Mountain Citv, Sec. 16, T. 2, R 6, W. Man. Of Messrs. Callender and Reid, farmers and general store- keepers, Millford, Man. Plum Creek, Man. Tp. 13, R. 20, Sec. 16. Rapid City, Man. Salisbury, P.O., Man. Rapid City, Man. Railway View Farm, Moose Jaw, Assa. Oberon P.O., Man. Name. Postal Address. Rutherford, John- ston (P.M. and J. P ^ Screech, John ... .Sheppard. Jos Shipley, Martin Shirk, J. .M Sifton, A. L Sirett, Wm. F Slater, Charles B. Smart, Geo''ge... Smith, William Smith, W. P. ... Stevenson, F. W. Stevenson, G. B. .Stirton, James ... Stowards, R. C. Speers, A. R. ... Sutherland, W. R. Taylor, John ... Taylor, William Taylor, William Tate, James Thompson, Stephen Todd, P. R. ... Troyer, Christian Tulloc.., Andrew Upjohn. Frank Urton, W. S. ... Vandervonrt, G. Wagner, W. (M. P. P Walker, J. C. ... Warnock, Wm. Warren, R. J. ... Wat, James Webster, A. Whitney, Charles Willmott, H. E. Wilson, James... Wood, Jamea H. Wright, Charles Wright, Thomas & Sons Yardley, Henry Young, John M. L. ... Silver Creek, Man. Rotmthwaite, M,in. Indian Head, N.W.T. Wavy B.mk, Man. T. 8. R. 18, W. of 1st Mer., Rounthwaite P.O. Brandon, Man. Glendale P.O., Man. E.iS.34,Tp. 14, R.23, W. I, Wapella, As^a. Holland P.O., Man. Beaver Creek, Man. Souris, Manitoba. Ciriswold, Man. Brandon, Man. Calf Mountain, Man. Marvville, Arrow River P.O., Man. Griswold, Man. St. Andrew's, Man. S 32,T7, R 25,Belleview. Beulah P.O., Man. Manitoba. Sec. 30, Tp. 2, R. 2, W. Alameda P.O., Assa. P.M., Bea verC reek, Man. Griswold, Man. Sec. 22, T. 7, R. 2, W. 2, Alameda>\W.T. Broadview, N.W.T. Lake Francis, Man. Moose Jaw, N.W.T. Alexandria, Man. Ossowa, Man. Glendale P.O., Man. Xoepawa, Man. Oliver, Man. Brierwood P.O., Man. Sec.34,T. i7,R. 14,2 W., Qu'Appelle Station. Balgonie, Assa.. N.W.T. Dous:las P.O., Man. Stodderville, Man. Birtle, Man. Beaconsfield, Man. Thistle and Wrigh;. Farms, Qu'Appelle, Assa, N.W.T. P.O., Oak Point, Man. Moosomin, P.O., Assa. PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Advice to Illtendilll? Settlers. — On leaving the old country intending settler-, should encumber themselves with as little luggage as possible, and so avoid much trouble and additional expense. As good a supply of clothing as possible should be taken, such as woollen clothing and other kinds of wearing apparel, blankets, house linen, Sec. Generally, all bedding should be taken, and the covers and ticks of the beds, but not: the materials with which they are stuffed, as these would be too bulky, and can readily be obtained on arrival. Many of the little household necessaries which the emigrant possesses he might do well to bring, and they may prove very useful ; but still it is advisable to consider well the weight and bulk, and how far it is worth while to take them. Articles of household furniture, crockery, stoves, or heavy articles of hardware, should be left behind or sold, except in some circumstances where special reasons have to be taken into consideration. It must be borne in mind that such articles are very liable to breakage, and the cost oi transporting them has to be considered. Agricultural labourers should not bring any of their implements with them, as these can easily be obtained in Canada, of the best kinds, and suited to the needs of the country^ Generally speaking, the farming tools used in England would not be suitable for Canada. Mechanics and artisans will do well to bring their special tools, but ordinary tools caa be readily and cheaply obtained on arrival. The hints from settlers given in the following replies to the question, " What should a settler brina: with him ? " will be found useful : — e! a br dr t " Brine: [)letiv.y of warm blankets and woollen clothing; no furniture." " All clothin can be got here very reasonable." " I think the less they bring hjre except money the better, as things suitable for the country can be bought here quite reasonable." " Don't encumber yourself with heavy goods, such as furniture ; they will give great trouble irs transit, and not suit the country." '• Comfortable clothing to work in, but don't spend all your money in an outfit ; money is a usef"! commodity here. Housekeeping is the same bjre as in Britain." " Bring all you want in gold." " Fustians, corduroys and flannels, two to three changes ; double-barrel gun, a Bible and a pillow- case stuffed with common sense; the rest, can be had here cheaper than in Britain." " The freight paid to steamers and /ailways as extra luggage is a hindrance and money lying idle."' " Good heavy underclothing, also blankets, and good strong arms and will of his own. His house will then soon be furnished." " Nothing but money and personal effects." '• Enough clothing to last fiv>i years." " Woollen goods and all the money he can." " Only necessar' clothing and bedding, I know many who have enough to fit up a small hotel which is only a nuisance for them to handle." " Plenty of clothing, no implements ; good stock would pay to bring." 'EST. ending settler.:, .1 much trouble be taken, sucb )use linen, Sec. beds, hut not; i can readily bu ;s he might do nsider well the ;s of household behind or sold, consideratioi). nd the cost oi them, as these of the country^ >le for Canada, inary tools can What should a ere at moderate ;re." easily portablc- ptions, such as )use furnishings, country can be reat trouble in ney is a usef"! 3 and a pillow- ney lying idle." ,vn. His house a small hoLel PRACTICAL HINTS IROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 7 As regards money, only such should be actually carried as is necessary to meet current expenses up to the time of arrival in Canada ; the balance should be taken in the form of a draft, which can be obtained through the agencies of banks at Liverpool, London, Bristol, Glasgow and other cities where these have connections in Canada. This is the most secure way of transferring money to Canada, for should the draft itself be lost the money can still be recovered on application to the offices in Canada. There are many good banking houses in Winnipeg and other principal towns in the North-West to which the draft may be addressed. The smaller sums taken should be in sovereigns or half- sovereigns rather than in silver or bank bills, since the rate of exchange on the latter is not always in favour of the emigrant, while gold has its absolute par value fixed by law. Useful Hints from Settlers. — In the following remarks of farmers many useful suggestions to intending settlers will be found, and it is for this reason that they are inserted at this point: — W. S. Urton, Moose Jaw, N.W.T., says: — " I may state I cut my grain on 20th August this year from breaking. Sowing deep is a great secret, well harrowing the bed of seed. There is plenty of good land here (Moose Jaw) unoccupied." Hen. Yardley, Oak Point, P.O., Man. : — " Manitoba is a good country for men with a little capital, say 500 to 1000 dols. (;^iooto ;(^20o) or even less. Men can start here with no capital if they have muscle and will work. I may add that I have 5 head of cattle, comfortable house, stables and ail machinery necessary on a farm, which I am pleased to say are all paid for." A. Hutchinson, Craven P.O., near Regina, N.W.T. : — " I would wish intending settlers to remember that in a country so large as this there is every description of soil, and that remarks that apply to one part may be perfectly untrue of another. Also that there is every difference in the world between some parts of Manitoba and other parts of the North-West, Some parts are eminently adapted for mixed farming, others are suitable only for grain raising on a large scale, vhile again there are tracts which for various reasons are good only for cattle; all three classes may be passed through in a day's drive." W. G. Knight (J. P.) of Oak Lake, Man. : — " I would.say that anyone who is able and willing to work, and has sufficient capital to start with (some would start well on ;^20O, bome would require more, and a less amount would be sufficient for others) would do well here. There is no doubt the country has a brilliant future before it, and there is room for millions of independent happy homes to be established. I would strongly recommend a new settler to take up land immediately on his arrival, and get on it without delay ; it will save no end of trouble and expense." Joseph Lawrence, Clearwater P.O., Man. : — " I might say in conclusion there has been a lot said about this country this last year that may sound very strange to an outsider, but it doesn't seem very strange to us here, as there are men in this country, as in every other country, that are too lazy to work, and find it much easier to slander the country with their tongues, than follow the plough for their daily bread. I hope to see many of my English friends out here next year, as there is any amount of Canadian Pacific Railway lands here yet (Clearwater, Man.)." Alfred Pollard, Sidney, Man. : — " I am entirely of opinion that this country is the best place for farmers with a small capital, and young men who know nothing of farming, but have lived in towns all their days. The latter soon pick up the right lines to work on, and make good settlers and com- fortable homes in time, thanking their good fortune in having left an overcrowded Britain for the iiealthiest country imaginable. I may add that after working all summer very hard, the sporting in the fall repays trebly for the extra work in summer." C. CowLORD, J. P. Ossowa, Man. : — " I believe no country to-day offers the same inducements to settlers as the North-West. A man with small means can become wealthy if he works in earnest. A man with ;^i,ooo is independent at once, if that amount is wisely used ; but too often English settlers with means waste their substance on investments that are not needed, instead of dealing in necessaries." 8 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. David Hall, Austin P.O., Man. : — " My answers to questions are from experience on a rented farm, and I would recommend all coming from the old country to rent a farm, as it gives them time to look about them for a suitable location. I purchased 320 acres of the C. P. R., just the next section to where I have my rented farm ; broke 40 acres of it this summer, although it was very scrubby ; put up a log house, and two log stables, and intend removing into it this fall." Alex. Reid, of Messrs. Callender & Reid, Farmers and General Storekeepers, Millford, Man. : — "A man coming from the old country ought to go on a farm to learn the ways of the country for the first year, at the same time keeping his eyes open for chance of obtaining a good farm." W. D. Perlev, Wolseley, N.W.T. : — " In answer to this question I would say that, with the exception of the practical use of implements, the farmer has got to abandon the practices and system pursued in othsr countries, and adopt a system suited to the soil and climate of this country. I believe one man is quite capable to farm his 320 acres alone, with the aid of some small assistance at the harvest season, and also keep his land in the best of condition, and raise much larger and more certain crops by pur- suing the following course : — Keep a certain number of cows to eat the straw which, if properly pro- tected, with the assistance of a few oats and some hay in the spring, will bring them through all ris:ht ; also keep a lot of hogs, which can get a good deal of their living on grass sown for the purpose, and on the fall stubble. Now the hogs and cows can be cared for in the mornings and evenings after the day's work is done in the fields, as the day is long in this country in the summer. Then by having double the land under the plough that he requires to crop in any year, enables him, with three horses and a sulky plough, from the ist or loth of May, to plough 150 acres, as he can easily plough three acres per day of stubble before the 12th July, the time 10 cut or commence to look after his hay. After the hay is cut the harvest is gathered and all properly stacked by ist October at latest. He then could get in 100 acres of wheat and the balance of 50 acres of oats, peas and barley in the spring in April, thus having all his crop in in good time and the land enriched. A great amount of work one man can do. I would here add that I believe wheat sown in the late autumn will do all right, but if not the settler can have his land ready, and it will only take him ten days longer in the spring, as one team can do ten acres a day on prepared land." D. W. Grimmett, Elm Valley P.O., Man.: — " Experience is a great thing. Buy good oxen or horses, and if with a family you have not more than 2,000 dollars (400/.) quit putting sugar in your tea and on your oatmeal ; do not run in debt. Where there are several in a family they can get along well with 600 dollars (120/.) for a start, by one or two working out. Any that are willing to work can always get work at from 25 to 75 dollars (5/. to 15/.) per month. A man coming from England or any place would do well to bring good carpenter's tools. Plenty of good land right here for settlement 16 miles from Virden, a good town on the C.P.R. People wander and look for land when they are probably going to worse land than they arc on." Wm. F. Sirett, Glendale P.O., Man. ; — " Any practical farmer or farm-labourer with a little capital, who is willing to work, and has what an Englishman calls a little ' gumption ' about him, need not be afraid to come to this country." W. A. Ingram, of Millford, Man. : — " I have not sufficient time to do the subject justice, but I like the country and climate, and my neighbours, who are from different parts of the world, all seem pleased with their choice. For agriculture, pure and simple, I think this the finest of Her Majesty's Colonial possessions. For men with means 1 would advise them to bring live stock from the East." John M. L. Young, Moosomin P.O., Assiniboia, N.W.T. : — "All that any strong young man wants in this country is courage and good sense, and he can make life a success. We want no idlers looking for what they call soft jobs; we have too many of them now. It is this class of pec^ple, together with a few political fanatics, who are doing harm to the country." W. A. DoVLE (J. P.), Bculah, Man. : — " Simply this, I have an extensive acquaintance in Manitoba, and I find that all who are industrious, and manage fairly well, are comfortable. The want is confined to the fanners of the sporting class, who arise to do a day's work at 9 to 10 o'clock a.m., and to the bad managers, who won't learn, or cannot learn the value of time. I do not raise grain for sale, simply sufiicient to feed my stock, finding it more profitable to sell my crop in the form of beef or pork." Charles Newman, Ossowa, Man.: — "So far as I know the country, the southern part of Manitoba, Emerson to Moose Mountain, is a very fine coui.try for mixed farming, west of Regina for ;t. e on a rented res them time e next section scrubby ; put •d, Man.:— "A y for the first 1 the exception em pursued in ieve one man larvest season, 1 crops by pur- properly pro- )ugh all right ; urpose, and on after the day's havinsf double ; horses and a hree acres per After the hay then could get in April, thus e man can do. not the settler ;ani can do ten good oxen or a.r in your tea get along well ork can always or any place ment i6 miles are probably a little capital, need not be itice, but I like 1 seem pleased jsty's Colonial ig young man ,vant no idlers )(^ple, together in Manitoba, nt is confined an i to the bad r sale, simply pork." them part of of Regina for PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WKST. 9 grain-raising clear up to Medicine Hat and Fort McLeod, then mixed farming from there to Calgary, perhaps to Edmonton. I think the North-west Territories will produce excellent wheat." Robert Lang, Oak Lake, Man. : — " I know no better country for a man with moderate income to make a home for himself and family, but we want men with willing working hands, clear heads, and even without experience, if they are willing to learn practical farming, as it is not easily done by theory in any country ; there would be no doubt of their success. Accompanying this I send you a sample of our wild fruit; if you think it worth while you can take :c to England with you, as to an Englishman the proof of the pudding is in the eating of it." James Blackwell, Virden, Man. : — " I would advise a man with a family coming to this country to farm, to come out and select his land before bringing out his family, if possible ; it would save expense and discomfort. I would also advise those with small capital to rent a farm for the first year or two until experience is gained. As an agricultural country Manitoba cannot be surpassed ; the soil will produce fine crops, is easily worked and quickly brought into a perfect state of cultivation." William Currie, Chater, Man. : — " Any party who can command a small amount of capital had better come to this country and take a free homestead and run his chance, than work for any man on a day's pay. He can always raise sufficient for his own use, I would advise him to settle in Manitoba, as near to a railway as possible. Would not advise any person to settle farther than 30 miles from any railway, as farming will not pay at that distance from market." Leslie Gordon, Qu'Appelle, N.W.T : — " The crops the first season on Spring breaking depend more upon the nature of the season than the crops the second year upon land well backset. The crops on land well backset are fully ten days to two weeks earlier than on fresh breaking sown at the same time. Once the land has been thoroughly worked up, I believe the crops are more reliable here than in Ontario." W.J. Fannery, McLean, N.W.T. : — " If you have any grown-up daughters bring them along." William McKitrick, of Rosebank Farm, Crystal City P.O., Man.: — "To young men who intend to migrate from the old countries or Ontario, I would say, don't come here expecting to get rocked in a cradle or expect to get money in handfuls to spend at the bar or gambling table ; you will be disappointed; come' here like men, and bring that little motto in your crown, 'No surrender.' Let me say to the young emigrant, bring 400 dols. (80/.) a good conscience, a contented mind, your Bible, and last, but not least, Christ in the heart. When this country is thickly settled with that class of men, the Canadian North-West will be second to none." Zephirin Malhiot, Wolseley, N.W.T.: — "My experience is that a person getting his land Union bubble subsides, with our present Government, and the C.P.R. finished, we are in the best position I consider for any one to settle in." Abr. P.\tterson, Alexandria P.O., R. 6, W, Manitoba :—" Intending settlers require to come here with a will of their own, as there are so many that will do nothing for themselves or anyone else, and are ever ready to give a wrong statement to the new-comer. Those are the ones that go home as they call it, but I doubt if they will ever have a home to go to." Thomas Wright & Sons, Thistle and Wright Farms, Qu'Appelle, N.W.T. :—" We have the C.P.R. railroad, which places us within easy reach of market both east and west, and by which the comforts of life are brought in, and can be got cheaply. We also now get all our implements and we icul- \y ^y any Irmdjide settler. We consider this a most highly desirable country for immigrants, the iniquitous resolutions of the so-called ' Farmers' Union' notwithstanding, with which we have no sympathy." D. D. Eraser, Oak River, Manitoba :—" Would strongly advise intending settlers to send an agent ahead to locate homesteads and prepare houses for immediate accommodation on arrival at destination. The agent should come in autumn, and then the settler could come in time to plant roots, oats, &c., and save purchasing in the fall after arrival." comforts of life are brought m, and can he got cheaply, vve also now get an our implements i machinery nt from 25 to 50 per cent, cheaper than they could be gut three years ago. This r.ttribute to the National policy, which has created competition, doing wonders in favour of agric tural interests. Land oan be obtained on liberal terms from Government and the C.P.R. Company lO PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST, George Smart, Holland P.O., Manitoba : — " A good country for any one willing to work ; there- is plenty of good land, plenty of bad land — people can have their own choice. Once on a farm, plenty to eat and to do, your own master, and the better you work the more you will have. I would not leave for the best farm where I came from, and that is saying a good deal." M. King, Belle Plain, N.W.T, : — " This is just the country for a person who is willing and able to work. It takes about 3 years to get a farm in good working conditicn, so as to get a return fron) it and to get comfortably settled with buildings, water, and fruit." * T. D. Elliott, Alexandria P.O., Manitoba : — " I would not recommend settlers to go far from railroad ; there is plenty of good land that can be bought cheaply near the railroad ; it is cheaper thar. homesteading far away from the railroad. The Southern Manitoba is the best." Stephen Thompson, Postmaster, Beaver Creek, Man. : — " A settler coming to this country, if he- has means and understands farming, had better go on land and go to work ; if he has the means and no experience, go to work for some one for a year or two, though I would not advise parties without some money to come. Yet there are hundreds here and in other parts of Canada who landed like my- self with less than 500 dollars (;^ioo) and are doing well." F. Obee, Glenboro' P.O., Man. : — "To intending settlers I would say, get into the country during the month of April if possible, and do not load yourself down with a lot of useless goods, such as house furnishings (cash is easier to carry over bad roads), till you have taken up your land, and you have seen the roads, and it will not take half the time or labour, and you can have a place to put them in." Adam G. McDougall (Reeve of Wallace), Virden P.O., Man. : — " I think the land here produces grasses to make the finest qualities of milk, to beat the world, except Switzerland, for butter and cheese. I say this with a knowledge of the business. I have been over England, Scotland, France, Germany, and Switzerland. This part )f Manitoba (Virden) is an excellent part for grain or"dairying, and is a desirable country for farmers. We have now a prosperous settlement, although scarce three years old." W. M. Champion, Reaburn P.O., Man.: — "There is nothing for me to suggest, except that this is not the place for people who cannot make a living in their own home, but any man of strength and energy can do well here." F. W. Stevenson, Griswold, Man.: — "Would recommend any person coming to this country to bring a will to work, and' all the money he has, and he must expect it will not be quite so pleasant as an old settled country. One half of the Englishmen that come out would be as well at home or somewhere else because they want to dress up and act the " dude " (masher), and it is a very poor country for them." W. D. RoRisoN, Oberon P.O., Man : — " The greater portion of the North-west is well adapted for mixed farming. Up on Bow River and at foot of Rockies is a good stock-raising country. Stock can feed out all winter, and do without shelter. As a wheat growing country I consider this second to none. I would just say anyone moving here had better not bring any farming implements, as they might not suit here, but if they can they should bring stock of almost any kind, cows in particular, at) stock is high here." W. Chambers, Sec. 18, T. 17, R. 26, W., Birtle, Man. :—" Opinionated old country people who think they know everything, should study the interior economy of an intelligent Canadian farmer, and not be slow to adopt his methods of procedure in his farming operations, for they have been found to be suited to this country." John McIntvre, Milton Farm, near Regina, N.W.T. :—" The North-west has been slandered and Regina has got its share, but this locality around Regina is the garden, or will be the granery of the country before long. There is easier land to work at first, but this Regina land has got some back- bone. Send as many to this part next spring as possible." R. S. Garr.\tt, (J. p.), Kenlis, N.W.T. :— " I would advise a new settler to bring enough means with hi.n to keep his family z\ least one year, and to buy a team, wagon, plough and harrow and a good tent ; locate his land, go on to it and break 25 acres, then get out his timber and build his house, then backset his 25 acres, cut his hay and prepare for winter. I would almost warrant him a yield of from 30 to 60 ST, PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. II to work ; there a farm, plenty . I would not illing and able a return fron) 0 go far from s cheaper thav: s country, if he the means and parties without anded like my- country during goods, such as land, and you a place to put 1 here produces for butter and Dtland, France, lin or'dairying, Ithough scarce xcept that this i strength and this country to so pleasant as I at home or s a very poor well adapted nmtry. Stock this second to nents, as they I particular, a^ ry people who n farmer, and in found to be slandered and le granery of )t some back- rh means with a good tent ; then backset from 30 to 60 bushels per acre. I have known men who came to this country five years ago with very limited means who are now comfortable farmers." Jacob Bedford, Calf Mountain, Man. : — " I think the greatest mistakes the settler makes is pur- chasing land on his first arrival ; he should hire to some good farmer even if he only gets his board ; another thing is they launch out beyond their means, particularly in raising grain. In my opinion every settler should do his utmost to start with one or more good cows, the one with two good cows would be 1,000 dols. (;^20o), better off than one without. In five years any competent person can pro- fitably invest 5,000 dols. (^1,000) on 320 acres, exclusive of first purchase." W. R. Sutherland, St. Andrew's, Man. : — " If going out on a new farm, I would commence about the first of May, and prepare land for a good garden (a garden pays well), and break land in June for the coming spring, make hay in July, and build in September and October. I don't approve of plough- ing early in spring, it is better to wait until the weeds start to grow." The Time to Go. — From the early spring — end of March or beginning of April — to the month of June, is the best part of the year in which to start for Canada. Arriving in Canada about the middle of April, tlie agricultural labourer will find his services in demand in the busy period that always comes during seed time in Canada, and the agri- culturist who intends to take up land for himself will arrive at the beginning of the season's operations. The latter may, by getting in a crop of oats or potatoes during the month of May or the first week in June, contribute greatly to the support of himself and family during the first year j while the agricultural labourer arriving in the summer, about harvest time, will find large demand for his services during the harvest months at high wages, and he will have no difficulty in getting on well from this point. The farmer, too, who desires to take up land, if he arrives in the summer time, may see the crops growing, and thus have an opportunity to choose at leisure the most advan- tageous location. In Manitoba and the North-West the summer and autumn months are the best for moving about the country in search of land or, as it is commonly called, *' land-hunting," for a suitable spot on which to settle. Having selected it, he may pro- ceed to erect his house, and make his preparations for living during the winter, and if he has means to do this, he will make his start with great advantage in the spring from being on the spot. Common labourers, and railway labourers, or navvies, may find work during any of the open months — that is, in spring, summer, and autumn ; and a great deal of work is now done in winter time by this class of labourers, particularly where rock-cutting and blasting are necessary. Labourers of this kind will, as a rule, find their services most in demand in the open months, while the demand for them in the winter wi" be much more limited. It is better, therefore, for labourers of their class to come during the summer. As respects the mechanics connected with all the building trades, the same remarks apply. Very large numbers of buildings will be erected in Manitoba and the North- West for some time to come, in consequence of the rapid extension of railways, the necessary building connected with them, and the very rapid settlement which is taking place. But it must al3o be borne in mind that the same rule applies there as in other countries, namely, that the supply of and demand for labour regulates the rates of wages. It is therefore impossible to give any definite idea on this point, except that up to this time the earnings of mechanics have been good, and farm, labourers generally have been in active demand at remunerative wages. How to Oo. — The journey from England, Scotland, Ireland or the Continent to Manitoba, usually takes from twelve to thirteen days by the Canadian Pacific Railway, 12 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST, and from fifteen to sixteen days by any other route. " Through " tickets to Winnipeg and all places on the Hne of the Canadian Pacific Railway, rr 3y be purchased from the agents of any of the steamship lines crossing the Atlantic, and these tickets will carry right through to the point of destination. This Spring a direct route via the Canadian Pacific Railway is opened up, and will save the traveller to Manitoba and the Canadian North- West much trouble and inconvenience, besides giving him a more varied and pleasant journey. The Buying of Tickets. — When the intending settler has decided by what steam- ship line he will cross the Atlantic, he should apply to the steamship agent of the line of his choice, and obtain from him full information as to the rates of passage, the steam- ship in which he is to sail, his outfit, and the deposit to be made to secure his passage. It will generally be found advisable to take tickets through to the point of destina- tion, if that is fixed, as the trouble of getting another ticket at the port of arrival will thereby be saved. The prices of all ocean passage tickets are, as a rule, very v/idely advertised ir> the newspapers, and by means of handbills, &c. Touters and bad characters who often loiter about shipping offices should be avoided, and care taken only to have dealings with the regular agents of the steamship companies or the agents of the Dominion Government. Agriculturists in search of land, and especially those going to the North-West, should be very careful how they receive the glowing representations that are made to them by agents of land companies who will waylay them at many points on their journey, and particularly should they pass through some of the Western States of America. An emigrant bound for Manitoba should persevere, in spite of all representations or misrepresentations, in going to see the country for himself, and he will find it to his advantage to secure from the steamship agent a through ticket to his destination, and will save time, money and muck trouble and inconvenience ly seeing that it reads, via Canadian Pacific Railway. The Steerage. — Crossing the Atlantic in the steerage of vessels has lost nearly al! the horrors which it entailed twenty-five or thirty years ago, when the trip had to be made by sailing vessels. The passengers had then to furnish and cook their own provisions, and were huddled together like sheep in a pen without the slightest attempt at decency or comfort. Now the various steamships taking passengers to Canada have large and con- venient steerages divided into compartments, by which the necessary separation of the sexes is secured. Three good meals, consisting of meat, vegetables, bread and butter, coffee, &c., are furnished each day, and there are a number of attendants to look after the comforts of the steerage passengers, besides a doctor to attend to their ailments. A separate sleeping berth is provided for each passenger. Crossing the Atlantic. — As soon as the passenger gets on board the steamship he should make himself acquainted with the rules he is expected to obey whilst at sea. These are generally printed and hung up in the steerage. He should do his best to carry them out, to be well-behaved, and to keep himself clean. He will thus add not only to his own health and comfort, but to that of those around him. If he should have any grievance or real cause of complaint during the passage, he should of course make it known to the captain, who will naturally seek to have justice done, as well for his own interest as for that of his ship and his employers. The master of the ship is responsible for any neglect or bad conduct on the part of ;t. Winnipeg and a the agents 1 carry right idian Pacific dian North- md pleasant what steam- It of the line e, the steam- his passage, t of destina- arrival will advertised in iracters who lave dealings e Dominion West, should 5 to them by journey, and An emigrant sentations, in ure from the y and much )st nearly al! to be made provisions, t decency or ge and con- ation of the and butter, ook after the A separate teamship he sea. These ) carry them only to his ny grievance tiown to the iterest as for the part of PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. »3 the stewards or any officers of the crew. All steamships carrying emigrants have doctors on board, and in case of sickness any emigrant will receive medical care and medicine, with such comforts as may be considered necessary by the doctor. The large steamships have stewardesses to look after the female portion of the steerage passengers, who have separate and isolated accommodation in the better class of steamers. The Canadian Pacific Ronte to the North-West.— The anticipated opening this spring of the direct all rail route of the Canadian Pacitic Railway along the north shore of Lake Superior, is a matter of great importance to all classes of passengers, while it affords the option of tiavelling either by rail the whole way from the landing port on the Atlantic, to their destination in the North-West or by rail-and-lake route. In the latter case the passenger will embark at Owen Sound, on one of the specially constructed Clyde- built steamers, and after a pleasant journey of thirty hours along the lakes, reaches Port Arthur on the western shore of Lake Superior. Arrived at Port Arthur the train is again taken, and conveys the traveller direct to his destination, whether it be Winnipeg, Brandon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Calgary, at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, or any other place on the railway. The passenger rolling stock of the Canadian Pacific Railway system is all new, and of the finest description, and is generally allowed to be superior to that of any other railway on the American continent, while it is provided with every modern improvement for safety and comfort. The drawing-room and sleeping cars are operated by the Company itself, and are unequalled in point of elegance and luxury. This is borne testimony to with remarkable unanimity by the members of the British Association, who visited Canada recently, on whose behalf Sir Richard Temple writes : — Rcturninsf to England from America, I am charged by my fellow-excursionists who took part in the ex- cursion to the Rocky Mountains in September last (1884), to express to the Canadian Pacific Rjiilvvay Company our warmest and heartiest thanks for the kindness and consideration shown to us by the Company on that interesting and memorable occasion. The pleasurable instruction to ourselves from the excursion was greatly enhanced by the care evinced for our welfare, and the ministration for our comfort, during a long and rapid journey over several thousand miles, under the arrangements thoughtfully ordered by the Company, and, indeed, the good intentions of the Company towards us were thoroughly fulfilled by its officers and employes, so that we saw the country to the utmost advantage, and had the happiness to meet our enterprising country- men who are settled there, and who are quickly bringing the prairies under civilization. We cordially congratulate the Company on the magnificence of the enterprise which has been under- taken under its management, and which is being carried into ett'ect with signal rapidity and success. We are confident that the Canadian Pacific Railway will confer endless and countless benefits upon the northerly and westerly portions of the Dominion, developing a territory of enormous dimensions, with resources suffi- cient to sustam a vast population hereafter. It will, we feel assured, be a matter of just pride to the Company to have executed a public work that redounds to the honour of the Canadian Government, and will ever endure as one of the noblest monuments of British rule in North America. To us the memory of our too brief asso- ciations with the Company will al-vays remain among our happiest associations. (Signed) RiciiAKD Tkmple. The emigrant sleeping cars of the Canadian Pacific Railway system are on the same general plan as the Pullman cars, and ?.re furnished for the use of emigrants without extra charge. Passengers admit that no line of railway has ever before afforded such comfortable, handsome and cleanly carriages for the use of intending settlers. Full information as to the " through " tickets via Canadian Pacific Railway may be had on application to any authorised steamship agent, or to Alexander Begg, Canadian Pacific Railway Offices, 88, Cannon Street, London, E.C. H PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Regulations for the Sale of Railway Lands. — The opening of the Canadian Pacific Railway to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, and the rapid progress made in the Government surveys, enable the Railway Company to offer for sale some 'f the finest agricultural lands in Manitoba and the North-West, extending from Winnipeg for about 960 miles westward. The lands within the Railway belt, extending 24 miles from each side of the main line, will be disposed of at prices ranging from 2*50 dols. (ids, sterling) PER ACRE upwards, e^///i conditions requiring cultivation. Prices of lands without conditions of cultivation may be obtained from the Land Commissioner at Winnipeg. When cultivation or settlement forms part of the consideration^ a rebate for cultivation will be allowed, as hereinafter described. These regulations are substituted for and cancel those hitherto in force. Terms of Payment. — If paid for in full at time of purchase, a Deed of Conveyance of the land will be given ; but the purchaser may pay one-sixth in cash, and the balance in five annual instalments, with interest at six per cent, per annum, payable in advance. Payments may be made in Land Grant Bonds, which will be accepted at ten per cent, premium on their par value and accrued interest. These Bonds can be obtained on application at the Bank of Montreal, Montreal, or any of its agencies in Canada or the United States. Rebate. — A rebate of from 1*25 dol, to 3*50 dol. (5s. to 14s. sterling) per acre, according to the price paid for the land, will be allowed on the acreage actually cropped, on the following conditions : — 1. The purchaser will not be entitled to rebate unless at time of purchase he enters into an undertaking to cultivate the land. 2. One half of the land contracted for to be brought under cultivation within four years from date of contract. In cases where purchasers do not reside continuously on the land, at least one-eighth of the whole quantity purchased shall be cultivated during each of the four years. 2- Where a purchaser fails to carry out fully the conditions as to cultivation within the time named, he will be required to pay the full purchase price on all the 'land contracted for. But if, from causes beyond his control, proved to the satisfaction of the Company, a settler so fails, he may be allowed the rebate on the land actually cultivated during the four years on payment of the balance due, including the full purchase price of the remainder of the land contracted for. General Conditions. — All sales are subject to the following general conditions : — 1. All improvements placed upon land purchased to be maintained thereon until final payment has been made. 2. All taxes and assessments lawfully imposed upon the land or improvements to be paid by the purchaser. 3. The Company reserves from sale, under these regulations, all mineral and coal lands, and lands containing timber in quantities, stone, slate and marble quarries, lands with water-power thereon, and tracts for town sites and railway purposes. 4. Mineral, coal and timber lands and quarries, and lands controlling v/ater-power, will be disposed of on very moderate terms to persons giving satisfactory evidence of their intention and ability to utilize the same. 5. The Company reserves the right to take without remuneration (except for the value of buildings and improvements on the required portion of land) a strip or strips of land 200 feet wide, to be used for right of way, or other railway purposes, wherever the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, or any branch thereof, shall be located. 6. Liberal rates foi settlers and their effects will be granted by the Company over its Railway. ST. the Canadian ress made in ; «f the finest »eg for about 3S from each s. sterling) lilt conditions peg. When ation will be / cancel those f Conveyance I the balance 3 in advance, ten per cent, obtained on i^Ianada or the ig) per acre, lally cropped, enters into an hin four years e-eighth of the ithin the time ind contracted the Company, ivated durinef lase price of onditions : — final payment to be paid by PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 15 iS al lands, and ands with lower, will be lence of their the value of strips of land wherever the )any over its The Canadian Pacific Official Land Guide Book, compiled from the Manual of Survey and Land Examination Reports, and giving detailed description of all vacant railway lands for sale, may be had free on application to Alexander Begg, Canadian Pacific Railway Offices, 88, Cannon Street, London, E.C. System of Survey in the North- West.— The system of laying out the land in Manitoba and the Canadian North-West is most simple. The land is divided into townships, six miles square, containing thirty-six sections of 640 acres each, which are again sub-divided into quarter sections of 160 acres. A road allowance having a width of one chain is provided for 01 each section line running north and south, and on every alternative section running east and west. The followiiig diagram shows a township with the sections numbered — N W 31 30 32 29 33 34 35 86 28 27 26 25 19 18 20 21 22 23 24 17 16 15 14 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 5 4 3 2 1 E The sections are apportioned as follows : — Open for Homestead and Pre-emptions. — Nos. 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28,30,32,34,36. Canadian Pacific Railway Sections. — Nos. i, 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 31, 33> 35- Nos. 1,9, 13, 21, 25, ^^3 along the main line Winnipeg to Moose Jaw have been sold to the Canada Nortk-West Land Company, the balance of their lands being in Southern Manitoba. Hudson Bay Company's Lands. — Nos. 8, 26. School Sections. — Nos. 11, 29 (reserved by Government for school purposes solely). The settler from the old country may at first fancy this system a little complicated and strange, but he may soon find it a most simple while definite mode of laying out the land. The surveyed lines are marked on the ground itself by iron and other kinds of monument and posts at the corners of the divisions and sub-divisions, and so soon as the settler makes himself acquainted with these, he will instantly understand the position, and extent of his own farm on the prairie, or of any other part of the country. Or when travelling in any part of the country, these posts will tell him at a glance exactly where he is, so that he cannot get lost in any surveyed district i6 PRACTICAL HINTS IROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Improved FjirniS. — Improved farms, with houses, out-buildings, and a certain quantity of hind under cultivation, are frequently in the market, and can be purchased at advanced prices, ""i'liese farms are in general the property of those who have succeeded and wish to move further west to repeat tlieir former successes, and at the same time reap profit from the working on the first farm. New settlers, will, however, generally find ii more satisfactory to take up prairie land, and thus reap the whole profits themselves. The First Months of Settlement. — A settler in Manitoba may commence on comparatively small capital ; that is, enough to build one of the inexpensive houses generally used in the country, to buy a yoke of oxen and a plough, his seed grain, and sufficient provisions to enable him to live for one year, or until his first crop comes in. With a little endurance at first, from this point he may attain to a position of plenty and independence. On the other hand, a settler may take with him considerable capital, an(! invest it in large farming operations, devoting his attention either to wheat-growing or stock-raising, or to both, working on the mixed farming system, which many consider the most profitable. (Jommenciui? a Farm. — The settler arriving in the country in April or May will find his time fully occupied at first in choosing a good location for his farm, and in purchasing the necessary supplies to commence work. The general opinion of settlers in the North-West is that the end of May and the months of June and July is the best time for breaking. The land, then broken, ought to be backset in September. Land should be broken shallow and turned back deep. If the settler wishes he can get a partial crop the first year sufficient to pay expenses, oats or barley is the best seeti to sow, thcugh wheat has been raised in the first season. In July, sufficient hay ought to be cut for winter fodder for the cattle. It is not necessary to fence the broken land until a crop is put in, but the settler will find it to his advantage to fence his fields as soon as possible, either with wire or rails. Tlie prairie is covered with a rank vegetable growth, and the question is how to subdue this, and so make the land available for farming purpose's. Experience has proved that the best way is to plough not deeper than two inches, and turn over a furrow from tuelve to sixteen inches wide. It is especially desirable for the farmer who enters early in the spring to put in a crop of oats on the first breaking. It is found by experience that the sod pulverizes and decomposes under the influence of a growing crop quite as elljctually, if not more so, than when simply turned and left by itself for that purpose. There are also fewer weeds, which is of very great importance, as it frequently hajipens that the weeds which grow soon after breaking are as difficult to subdue as the sod itself. Large crops of oats are obtained from sowing on the first breaking, and thus not only is the cost defrayed, but there should be a profit. It is thus of great importance to a settler with limited means to get this crop the first year. One mode of this kind of planting is to scatter the oats on the grass, and then turn a thin sod over them. The grain tlius buried quickly finds its way througli, and in a few weeks the sod is perfectly rotten. Farmhouses. — The family can live in tents very comfortably till October, but care should be taken to commence early in the fall — not later than middle of August or first September — to erect a warm house and stables for the winter. The former may be purchased ready made in Winnipeg for about £60, or constructed of logs and made very warm ; tlie latter can be made of logs or sod. The answer from settlers, given below, on this important point are interesting, as representing the experiences of each class of :sT. md a certain 1 purchased at ive succeeded ime time reaj) nerally find ii tiiselves. commence on ensive houses •ed grain, and rop comes in. ot' plenty and le capital, and at-growing or y consider the I or May will i farm, and in ion of settlers id July is the n September. vishes he can the best seed ent hay ought 'd broken land , fields as soon on is how to ce has proved furrow from 3 enters early by experience crop quite as that purpose. ?ntly haj^pens the sod itself. IS not only is ce to a settler of planting is le grain tlius rotten. )ber, but care of August or ormer may be nd made very given below, each class of iil mm :il I III r I I iiiii'ii;! lii llllllllli ,11! , te ill lli'i I''' : i'; III' |i! I ihi'i',ii Ml' ;l:ii|i II i: '''!i;i^i'':'i''ii!!i|!iii' I'l ii;ii|iiikiiiHiiJi!! i|hjll''li' Hii'iilli i|i i'll'lll' II ll II |l.! I !! i I H III :m.!|i!i>I 'l':'iil lllklll 11 jl Ii' ! lijil'ilii ! ili'li: lill^ ilii.: Mil llJll II Hi l|!'i I :i ' 11 ''I II ill. I ! Ill ill I I il: jiii'li li'i!'! I I in lllll'l! Ii|l'' liJ!|il:l|'!;|!iii lliiililil il;l ,„i iiiiiii: !:iliiM 'I iliiiiillll iillll llliilLli.l ii'Tiiiijilllj!!! ill'tM'i 'I !{ 'iiiiii'ili iilliiglliii! I ' lll.lli'lli III llfli" mmh iiilliSf 11 1 '' i'i''i'i'''i''!'' iiiji !i , !!!i!ilii!ii!!il ilill !;ii|:!'|j# v. k4 c :: i s n o :0 fe y. H ^ ai c 4-f , - * ^ H 3 X c- •^ ^— ^ c i. u. 'J o r_. 5fl 'y. rt •^ o Hi ;/) 4_t U) 7i \n u Ui V ^^ .n X ■J) — ^ ■X 1* settlfc quoU cattk lions( shini: £>'^ \ larml ])Iast( l'\ first . adclre Finlaj Webs Cham Coay, McDc Wilso Rori-s( Bruce Rawsc Obee, Mitch^ McGri Meroe Moore Hoard Vande Gilber Ander Muirh Stowa Knigh Warre Stever Morto Hutch Doyle, Elson, McCai McGet PRACTICAL HINTS IROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 17 settlers. To briefly sum up the testimony it will suffice to say that the cost of houses quoted by settlers ranges upwards from the " two days' labour, two men and a yoke of cattle," which one quotes as the work on hi<5 house of loi^s with a sod roof. Other loi; houses vary in cost, according to quality, from £\ to £'Sq, the latter with hoard and shingle roof, and lined inside. Frame houses, which some settlers prefer, range from £2 4s. to as high a ligure as £600. One settler says that his house, considered tlie b.'>.t farmhouse in the North- West, cost him cj^'320, and consists of 11 rooms, lathed and plastered cellars to full size of the house, with double stoue wall. Following are the separate replies to the questions : — " What was tlie cost of the first house erected by your Was it built of. logs or was it a frame-house ?" (For postal address of each settler see pp. .3, 4, and 5.) Finlay, James Webster, A. Chambers, S. W. Coay, Thomas McDonell, Duncan Wilson, James Rori-son, Wm. D. .. Bruce, George Rawson, James Obee, F Mitchell, Jas. McGregor, D. Mercer, James Moore, George Hoard, Charles Vandervoort, Geo... Gilbert, Josiah Anderson, George.. Muirhead, Thos. .. Stewards, R. C. .. Knight, W. G. ., Warren, R. J. Stevenson, G. B. .. Morton, Thos. L. .. Hutchinson, A. Doyle, W. A. Elson, John McCaughey, J. S. McGee, Thomas logs and It did not cost me anything, I built it myself ... Two days' labour, two men and a yoke of cattle Cost nothing except labour, cut and hewed the myself, sawed the floor out of logs by hand, put them up with a thatched roof ... Nothing but my labour Two weeks' labour Two weeks' labour for one man ... One week's labour ... I cannot say; my eldest boy of 12 and I put it up l6s. 8ci. cash, built by myself, family living in it now ... 1/ i^ 2l. 2/., it was a small house ... 2/ I built my first alone, so it did not cost much, say 2/. ... Only 2/., and one week's work ... About 2l. 4s. 3/. 125.: nails, 1/.; windows, I2s. 6d.; door, i/. 45.; did the rest myself ^C. I *.o. ... ... ... ... ... ... ••• H-i, os, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Built by contract by half-breeds, complete for 5/. 5/. cash, and my time Very little, a log shanty with board roof, about 5/. 5/., besides my labour 61. Present house, 50/. About 61., besides my own labour 61. for lumber alone. Did all the work myself. 61. for lumber, not including my own labour 61. with my own work Log3 Logs, with a sod roof Logs Logs Logs Logs Logs. Logs Logs Logs Built of poles and covered with sod Sod Logs and thatched Logs Logs Logs Frame Logs Logs Logs Logs Logs Logs Logs First house, logs lined with lumber; second, frame Logs, thatched roof, lumber floors and door Logs Sod Logs thatched with prairie grass i8 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Name. Cost of Farm-house. Material used. Boulding, G. T. ... y/, ••• •■• ••• ••• ••■ ••• ••• ••• Frame Chambers, W. 7/. 4s. Size, 14 by 18 ft Logs. This year (1884) I have built a neat frame house, costing 160/. Field, Edward 0/. ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• Logs Pollard, E. Sep. ... 8/ Frame Grimmett, D.W. ... 8/ Logs, shingle roof Reid, Wm 8/. in cash and my own labour Logs. Carter, Thos. Ott •■» «•« at* ••• ••• •■• ••• ••> Logs thatched with prairie grass McKcnzie, Donald 8/. for flooring and. door ... Logs with a sod roof Youncf, John M. L. About 10/. ... Frame house Reid.^E. J lUt* ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• A frame shanty, tar papered and sodded Little, J 10/. with my own labour Logs. black, G. R 10/. not including my own labour Logs Kenny, D. W. ... lOt, «•« •■» •«• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• Frame shanty and papered Taylor, William ... IOl. ■•• ••• ««« ••• «« %w- ••• •.. Logs.half a window, and lumber for door, and log-floors upper and • lower Hall, P 10/ Frame Daniel, Joseph About 10/ Logs Yard ley, Hy. 121. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Frame Champion, W. M. 12/ Logs, thatched roof Campbell, Robt. ... 12/. not including work that I did myself Logs McDiarmid, C. Lumber, shingles, nails, windows, and lime, cost 12/. ... Logs Pollock, John About 15/ Logs Campion, Bros. 15' Frame Taylor, John 15/ Logs Cox, William My own labour and 15/. ... Logs Gibson, Wm. mUl* ••• ••• ••• ••« •(• *•• ••• ... Lumber house, but in- tend to build a stone one next year. Warnock, Wm. ... 20/., allowing for my own time ... Poplar logs. Reid, A About 20/., not including own labour A good log house, with shingle roof. Purdy, Thos. About 20/., besides labour Logs. I built a frame iiouse since, the ma- terial cost about 60/. Eraser, D. D. 20/. Frame. Shirk, J. ^L About 20/., exclusive of labour by myself Logs. Thatch roof. Connell, Robt. About 20/ Logs Parslow & Healy ... 25/. each Frame. Pollard, Alfred ... ^^Vla ••• ••• ••• ••• ■*• ••• ••« ••• Logs, Kinnear, J. H. 30/ Frame shanty. Davis, W. H. About 30/ Logs. Pierce, Stephen ... ^vJ(. .•• ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Frame, T. PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 19 rial used. rame his year (1884) built a neat louse, costing Logs "rame hingle roof Logs. latched with grass ii a sod roof no house i shanty, tar and sodded Logs. Logs shanty and | :d If a window, and c for door, and ors upper and "rame Logs •"rame latched roof Logs Logs Logs ^rame Logs Logs house, but in- build a stone t year, plar logs, og house, with ngle roof. built a frame ince, the nia- )st about 60I. Frame. Thatch roof. Logs rame. Logs. ne shanty. Logs. i<'rame. Cameron, G. A. ... Whitney, Charles ... Thompson, S. ... Pluncklt, Robt. Nelson, Robt. Hayter, W. H. Todd, P. R. Rogers, Thos. Middleton, Alex. Malhiot, Zephirin Blackwell, James .. McKitrick, Wm. .. McKnight, R. Bonesteel, C. H. .. Connerson, Jas. Harris, A. B. Willmott, H. E. .. Smith, Wm. Wat, James Little, James Slater, Chas. B. .. Beesley, John G. ., Currie, Wm. Hornor, T. R Powers, C. F. Troyer, Christian . . . Wright, T., & Sons Dickson, Philip Mcintosh, Archd, ... Hartley, Noah Wright, Charles ., Proctor, Henry Hind, Bros. Anderson, Geo. (Grenfell) Stevenson, F. W, .. About 30/. cash, besides labour \VJi * ••• ••• ••• ••• ^Vjta ••• ••• ••• ••• ^O'a ••• ••• About 30/. ... 30/. ... • •• • •• 30/., including labour 36/ 40/. *■• tat About 40?., including work.. About 40/. ... ••t ••• •• 40/.... 40^., besides my own labour About 40/. ... 40'. •■• ••• ■•• •• 40/., besides my own labour 50/ 50/ ;^hout5o/ About 50/ 60/. ... 60/ About 60I. ... We have three, which cost 60/. each 6o/.,lumber and shinglescost 20/., my own labour about 40/ 60/ 60I. ... 60/. ... ... ••' ••• 60/ About 60/., including my own work 70/., another just completed costing 300/. One house and three shanties, 70/. exclusive of labour 70/. ... ... •«. ■•• ••• ••• 80/., second house nearly 80/ Logs. Log house&shingled roof Logs, which cost 50 dol., hewed and laid on ground. Lumber, &c. I had to team from Winnipeg, about 80 miles. Lumber. Partly logs and partly of clay and hav mixed. Partly logs, and partly sod. Logs. Frame. Built of logs, plastered with clay, and covered with lumber. Frame. Logs. My first house was built of o.ak logs. I have now a frame-house up. Logs. Logs, with a good shingled roof, 18 x 20. Loirs outside and sheeted all round inside. Logs and lumber. Frame ; si/e 16 x 22 ft. Logs. Frame. It was logs, but I prefer frame. Hewed log, 18 by 24. with kitchen attached. Frame, lath and plaster. Frame. Logs. Two of logs, one of frame. Logs Part logs and part frame Frame Logs Logs, size 21 ft. by 25 ft. Logs First house, logs Frame Small frame house Frame 20 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Name. Cost of Farm-house. Material used. Grahnm, Marie ...■ 80/. Gordon, Leslie ...| 80/. Davis, John B. Wood, J.imes H. ... Stirton, James Day, John T. Garratt & Fer_8[uson McLean, John A. ... Lawrie, J. M. Prat, John ?4iller, Solomon ... Dovvnie, John McRae, Roderick ... McTellan, John Gilmour, W. C. Elliott, T. D. Urton, W. S. Fraser. John Lang, Robt. Ingram, W. A. Upjohn, Frank Elliott, fosh. B-lythe, R. ... Lawrence, Joseph Harris, James Tulloch, Andrew Hartney, Jas. H. Niff, J.R..., Bcbier, Thos. Smith, W. P. Mcbean, Angus Wagner, W. (M. P. P.) Malcolm, Andrew ... Mclntyre, John ... 00( • ••• ••• ••■ ••• ••• ••• •■• ••• 80/. ... 80/ 80/ We built two, one on each homestead, costing So', each 0\Jl t ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••* About 95/. ... 100/, if m.y own labour is counted 100/. ... Counting my own work, lOOl. 100/ 100/. ... 100/. Two storey house, 18 by 24 feet 100/. ... iiol. ... 1 ^^\j' •••• ••• •■« •*• cat ■•• ••• ••• 120/., 18 by 26 size 140/. ... About 160/. About 160/. 200/. ... 200/. ... 200/. ... 200/. ... 256/. ... 300;. ... 320/. ... • •# • •• ••• ;•• ••• • •• ••• 400/. ••• ••• ^UUi# ••• ••• ••• ^00(« ••• ••» ••• 6001, ... 600.'., stable, 200/. ... • • • • • • • • • r • • i Logs Log walls with board and ! shingle roof and lined inside ' Frame ' Logs finished with rine Frame Logs, lined with lumber Logs sawed at the saw mills Frame, 18 by 24, and shingle roof. Logs. Frame. Of hewn poplar logs. Logs. Logs. Frame. Logs finished with lumber Frame house 24 by 24, 4 rooms, and 2 garrets. Frame. Frame — brought the material from Ontario with me. Frame. Red River frame. Frame. Frame. Frame 50 by 35, two storey. Frame, 20 by 26, 2 storey high. Frame. Frame. Frame. II rooms lathed and plastered, cellars to full size of the house, with double stone wall . Frame fetched from Ontario. Mine is considered the best farm-house in the North-west. Frame. Frame. Frame and grout filled io Frame. Frame. r. ial used. .ogs k^ith board and )of and lined iside rame .ogs hed with rine rame d with lumber ed at the saw mills 8 by 24, and gle roof, -ogs. rame. poplar logs. :.ogs. Logs. rame. ed with lumber luse 24 by 24, and 2 garrets. rame. •brought the from Ontario th me. 'rame. iver frame, rame. rame. o by 35, two torey. 20 by 26, rey high, rame. rame. 'rame. s lathed and ed, cellars to ; of the house, uble stonewall. fetched from Mine is ired the best ouse in the west, iame. rame. d grout filled io 'rame. 'rame. PRACTICAL HINTS I ROM FARMERS IN THE CAb;4DIAN NORTH-WEST. 31 A Settler's First Expenses.— The following is an approximate estimate of the first outlay, in a moderate way, of the settler who has more than 100/. capital : — Provision for one year, say . Yoke of oxen ... One cow Wagon ... Plough and harrow Sundry implements Cooking stove, with tinware Furniture, &c., say Sundry expenses, say ... ••• •*• ••• • •• ;^50 - 37 ... 7 ... 16 ... 7 ... 5 - 5 ... 12 ... 10 £^49 To the above must be added the first payment 011 land, unless he takes a homestead and pre-emption ; but an energetic man will find time to earn something as a set-ofi" to a })ortion of his first expenses, either on the railway, or by working for neighbouring farmers} and in addition to this there is the chance of obtaining a partial crop in the first year. A settler, therefore, who can boast of having <^oo/. on his arrival in Manitoba is an independent man, and cannot fail to succeed with ordinary care and energy. Many settlers on arrival have not a tenth part of that sum, and yet they succeed, as may be seen on reference to the pamphlet entitled "Plain Facts from Farmers in tlie Canadian North-West," where the capital at commencement of representative settlers is given. This pamphlet, if not already obtained, may be had free on application to Alex. Eegg, Canadian Pacific Railway Ofiices, 88, Cannon Street, London, E.C. The First Season's Crop. — Reference has already been made in the early part of this pamphlet to the steps the settler should take during the first few months of settle- ment to secure a partial crop from his land to meet a share of his first incidental expenses, and at the same time to place his farm in good trim for extended and more thorough operations in the following year. It is now known as the result of successful experiments that seeds sown on the prairie grass and then plousfhed lightly will yield good crops the same season. This is a most important discovery, as it shows that the settler arriving in the spring may begin to realise a return from his labours almost as quickly as if the land had already been cultivated and improved. Mr. Daly, near Big Stone City, in the vicinity of Big Stone Lake, sowed 10 acres of oats in this way. He put two bushels and a peck to the acre, and broke his land. In the autumn he harvested from 10 acres 420 bushels of oats, which were worth sutiicient to pay for the breaking, and leave him some 75 dollars besides. In the following year he sowed 75 acres in this w'^ay with equally good success, the yield, according to estimate, not being less than 1,000 bushels on the piece. From Calgary, Farmer John Glen states that he reaped 46 bushels of oats per acre from 20 acres during the first year, while other farmers testify as below. The question asked was ; " Do you consider that a partial crop can be obtained the first year off breaking, and if so, what is the best seed to sow r" (For postal address of each settler see pp. 3, 4, and 5.) »« PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST, Name. Answer. Dlckln, G ... Urton, W. S. Yardley, Henry Proctor, Henry Knight, W. G. JefFery, Wm. Field, Edward Lawrence, Joseph Pollard, Alfred Upjohn, F. ... Cameron, Wm. < Gibson, Wm. Austin, A., Senr Bruce, George Middleton, Alex Warnock, Wm. Fraser, John Grang, J. ... Perley, W. D. Prat, John ... Miller, Solomon Malhiot,Z. ... McGill, George Grimmett, D. W. Rogers, Thos. .. Downie, John Sirett, W. F. .. Young, J. M. L... Newman, C. F. . Sheppard, J. Finlay, Jas Black-vell, Jas. . Hornor, T. K.... Gordon, Leslie . Malcolm, A. Pollock, John .. Reid, E. J It can, but I think it best to break and backset Yes. If properly sown wheat and pats do well, but not roots Barley, oats and potatoes. In my opinion flax would do well Good half crop in this settlement with deep ploughing Potatoes yield well on first breaking ; also a partial crop of oats or flax may be had, but I do not advise this I have oats this year, 30 bushels to the acre on 3 inch breaking Yes, but it is best to do without it if possible ; have seen fair crops from wheat, oats, and barley Yes, and a good one too, of oats, barley, turnips, potatoes and vegetables Have had 30 bushels of wheat off is'c breakinsr (6 in.) and good crop of oats If breaking was ploughed deep, say 4 inches, I believe flax would do well My present crops are from first breaking Yes, oats, barley, or flax are a fair crop on breaking Do not approve of cropping on sod. Tried it but got poor crop You can get a very fair crop off heavy land without backsetting Yes ; flax seed best. Wheat and oats will grow fair crops if sown early We got half a crop of wheat and barley, but oats are the best. I have had as high as 65 bushels per acre Yes. Very good wheat, or oats, or potatoes A partial crop may be obtained, but it does not pay, as the following crops suffer Yes, but it is hardly worth the bother, except potatoes. A garden can be culti- vated to advantage If anything is sown on breaking, it should be oats, but all say that it is injurious to sow on land the same year that it is broken Two-third crop of oats can be had. Never tried anything else Yes, any at all if you sow early Yes. Had potatoes, oats, peas and flax first year ; also garden vegetables. Ploughed furrow, put down row potato sets, turned next sod two inches thick on them. Proceeded in every third furrow ; never touched them after till ploughed them out ; had half a crop Oats do very well on sod, but it is better not to try it if you can afford not to Yes, if sown on the break ; not under the sod. Wheat, oats, peas, and barley Oats will do on the breaking first year, and be a very good crop. Flax does grand on breaking Not always. I have seen 40 bushels to the acre, and sometimes not more than ID, but it is always wise for a new settler to try a little I had about 30 bushels of oats per acre off breaking. Oats or barley best on breaking Not in our own vicinity, except potatoes I do, as I had last year 30 bushels oats per acre on sod * No, it spoils it for crops after A very good crop of oats and potatoes can be grown Yes, but do not consider it profitable to do so, as the next or following crops are never so good ; if done, sow oats Oats and barley do well on first breaking, when well harrcwed in There can, but would not recommend it except for potatoes. I have grown the finest crops of potatoes the first year. It also leaves the land in the finest condition for crop the next year Yes, you can obtain a good crop of wheat or oats Yes, but I do not think it pays PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 23 or flax may from wheat, .bles 3 of oats well sarly lave had as iwmg crops :an be culti- ^ that it is vegetables, inches thick em after till )rd not to and barley Flax does t more than rl"y best on )wing crops have grown land in the Answer. Rutherford, J. ... Carter, Thos. ... Bobier, Thos. ... Little, Jas McKitrick, Wm... Cameron, G. A.... Troyer, C Brown, W. J. ... Bailey, Z Patterson, Abr. ... Wright & Sons ... Campion, Brothers Whitney, Chas. ... Grigg, S Drew, W. D. ... Hartney, J. H. ... Smart, George ... Harrison, D. H.... Anderson, Geo. (Gren- fell) Chester, A. McDougall, A. G. Dickson, J. W. ... Champion, W. M. Battell, H. C. ... Wagner, Wm. ... Heaslip, J.J. ... Bolton, F McDonell, D. ... McEwen, D. Slater, C. B. Connerson, J. Kennedy, T. Chambers, W. ... Johnston, Jas. ... Garratt and Ferguson McDonald, W. W. Elliott, J Boldrick, R. Dickson, P. Yes, by ploughing 4 inches deep, wheat, oats or barley will be average I have done it, and have seen others do it. Wheat, oats, flax, seed, and potatoes. It the sod is very grassy, don't try wheat I raised a good crop of oats and peas by ploughing 4^- inches deep, and have a good crop of wheat on the same ground without ploughing I sowed Fyfe wheat on the first breaking, and raised 30 bushels per acre You will realize a good half crop on breaking, especially fall breaking, but I do not recommend it, as the following crop is sure to be light, as too much grass grows, and the sod is not properly rotted My grain this year was all on breaking I have this year 28 bushels of oats per acre Yes, a crop of oats. From ^o to 50 bushels can be raised The first year I raised 35 bushels of oats on fresh breaking Oats will grow from 40 to 50 bushels per acre. Potatoes and turnips a fair crop Yes, our crops are chiefly this year on breaking Usually a partial crop can be obtained of potatoes, oats, barley and peas Yes, I believe by sowing oats on early breaking they will do very well Yes, some years if sewn early, wheat and oats I have 35 acres of wheat on last year's breaking, which will yield about 20 bushels per acre Yes, oats. I have grown last year 40 bushels pcf acre on 23 acres On scrub land, first year good ; but on prairie land better to break and backset Yes, wheat, oats, or flax will give a fair crop if in early Flax I consider best paying crop on breaking, potatoes do well, and oats fairly well, when put in early. Flax should yield about 8 dollars per acre I do not advise parties to sow on breaking. Sometimes wheat does very well Would not advise it, but sometimes very good crop has been picked off sod A light crop, if ploughed early. I think oats are the best, but flax is highly recommended I have never tried anything but potatoes, which gave a full crop Yes. Oats, potatoes and beans have done very well Yes, but do not advise it ; it spoils the lands since you have to break too deep Yes. Had 30 bushels per acre of oats this season A partial crop can be raised, but would not advise sowing, as the sod does not rot so well, and will injure the crop next year I consider that to have a good crop on prairie land, one year's ploughing is needed The sod is too tough on my land for this. Flax and turnips sown broad- cast do fairly well 1 have raised 35 bushels of oats per acre Flax, barley, potatoes and oats. We had good crop of these the first year Yes, of oats and barley, but I think it better not to sow any A fair crop of oats and good potatoes can be had off spring breaking I have seen fair crops of oats and flax Wheat will grow better on sod than any other grain I raised last season 1000 bushels of oats off 25 acres, weighing 40 lbs. per bushel I do. Oats or perhaps barley Yes. I think flax seems to do the best It is not advisable to crop first year, as from experience I find the land cropped the first year does not yield so well the next 24 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Cost of Breaking, etc. — The advisability of securing a crop during the first year on the breaking has already been dealt with, and ]t is now necessary to ascertain the cost per acre of breaking to a farmer doing his own work and including his own labour. An avera^-e price may be taken as about 3 dollars (12 shillings), while backsetting generally costs 2 dollars to 2 dollars 50 cents (8 or 10 shillings). The majority of settlers, it will be noted, consider backsetting in the autumn advisable, if not necessary, though it is evident that many find a good crop obtainable of oats and wheat without backsetting. Some few do not consider backsetting necessary, "as it gives the weeds the preference in the spring," and as " the grain would grow to straw." The questions asked were : "What is the cost per acre of breaking to a farmer doing his own work, and including his own labour ? Do you consider it advisable to backset, and if so, state the additional cost? " (For postal address of each settler see pp. 3, 4, and 5.) Name. Answer (cost per acre). Dickin, G Hind Brothers ... Yardley, H. t • • • • Mercer, J.. Smith, W. P. ... Blythe, R Orr, J. D Harward, F. Lothian, J Gibson, Wm. Middleton, A. ... Perley, VV. D. ... McGill, G Ingram, W. A. ... 5 dollars (i/.) per acre, breaking and backsetting. Can have a quarter day far other work such as gardening. Breaking is worth 3 dollars (125.). Decidedly backset, price 3 dollars (12s.). 5 dollars (i/.) per acre. I do not consider it advisable to backset. It is better to seed on the breaking as early as possible, then you will reap a fair crop, but I am sure that you cannot reap a fair crop without the sod is thoroughly decayed. 2 dollars (85.). If you want a good crop you must backset, i dollar (45.) per acre. Always backset. Breaking and backsetting about 2 dollars 50 cents (105.), at a rough guess, About 2 dollars (85.) per acre. It is advisable to backset, and it would cost a farmer about the same as breaking. About 2J dollars (los.) per acre, but I should advise backsetting, which will cost about I J doMars {6s.) extra. Breaking is worth from 3 dollars to 4 dollars (125. to 165.) per acre. Back- setting is necessary, and if properly done is worth as much money. Price varies ; the work is best done in June and August, when time is worth the most. Breaking will cost about 3 dollars (12s.) per acre. Backsetting is advisable, as from 5 to 10 bushels per acre more can be grown from it, and backsetting can be done for 2^ dollars (los.) per acre, and requires only about half the harrowing in spring. I2S. per acre. It is advisable to backset, which would add lo*. per acre extra. About 4 dollars (165.) per acre. Backsetting is more expense, but it puts the land in finer mould and raises better crops ; I approve of cropping first break- ing. I consider backsetting as expensive as breaking, 4 dollars (i6s.) per acre. With a pair of oxen it costs but little, as the oxen live on grass and do well. The only expense is his board, 3 dollars (12s.) per week, and plough repairs about 30 cents per acre. Parties have broken and backset in this vicinity this season for 5 dollars (il.) per acre and boarded themselves. Backset by all means, but parties that want to have oats or peas first year may proceed in two ways : plough 4 in. deep and harrow on cover ; or sow on the prairie and plough down. 2 dollars (85.) per acre. As regards backsetting, it depends on locality. Low land, where sod is tough, better top backset, but on high prairie would not advise it. What you break this season sow next. PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. ^5 e first year lin the cost lb our. An J generally lers, it will lOUgh it is lacksetting. eference in ?re : d including additional Name. Answer. irter day for lars {i2s.). It is better a fair crop, J thoroughly lar (45.) per ts (i05.), at /ould cost a ;, which will acre. Back- 3ney. Price s worth the advisable, as backsetting out half the • acre extra. it it puts the g first break- 6s.) per acre, md do well, lough repairs dollars (i/.) parties that plough 4 in. wn. icality. Low ie would not Blackwell, J. Carter, T Fraser, D. D. Ogletree, F. Smart, Geo. Bonesteel, C H. Barnes, F. A. ... Stevenson, G. B. Wilson, Jas. Fargey, J. H. ... Harris, A. B. ... Chambers, W. ... Day, S. D. A.... Breaking is done for 3 dollars (12.'?.) per acre; bicksetting', 2 dollars (?>s.). It pays well to backset, as it saves labour putting in the crop, and also improves the crop a good deal, I dollar (4s.) per day will board a man and a pair of horse?, if he buys in bulk and boards himself. I find it best to backset black loam, but sandy loam may be broken deep and seed harrowed and rolled without backsetting. Cost depends altogether on nature of soil and location of supplies. From 3 to 5 dollars (125. to i/.) per acre. Backset if there is time in the fall. From 2 to 4 dollars {8s. to 165.). 3 dollars (125.) per acre, breaking, and the same backsetting, if by job work. A man can do his own for about half that amount. I certainly consider backsetting should be done in the fall, to enable the farmer to get his grain •in as early as possible when the snow goes. Breaking comes after seeding, and before haying; can do it cheap, as team has to be kept anyway; to have it done by hire costs 3 dollars 50 cents. (14s.) per acre. Better to backset on clean prairie; to hire, about 2 dollars 25 cents (gs.) per acre. 1 should think about 3 dollars (125.) per acre for breaking. I consider that it does pay to backset if a man can get time to do it at all, and the additional cost for backsetting is about 2 dollars 50 cents (los.) per acre, but I have grown a very fair crop this year without backsetting on last year's breaking. About 3 dollars 50 cents (14'''.) per acre. I do not think it necefsary to backset, as it gives the weeds the preference in the spring. My teams on clear prairie average 2 acres per day. Both breaking and back- setting ( )':c about 2 dollars or 2 dollars 50 cents {85. to los.) per acre each. Would not sow without backsetting. A man with a span of horses can break from an acre and a half to two acres in the day. Late breaking in mellow land does not require to be 1- ickset. 3 horses on a sulky plough can backset 4 acres in a day. 2 dollars 50 cents (los.) per acre for breaking ; but if hired done it would cost about 4 dollars (i6s.). I do not consider it advisable to backset in most cases as the grain would grow to straw. Breaking i acre per day, oxen i dollar (4s.), man i dollar (4s.), sundry ex- penses with ploughs, &c., 50 cents (2s.), or say 2 dollars 50 cents (io.<;.) per acre. Backset bv all means, about i dollar 75 cents (7.-;.;, or total 4 dollars 25 cents (17s.). To contract would cost about 6 dollars (245.) to get the land ready for crop. Break your land early in June, not more than 2 inches deep; instead of seeding on spring breaking, hire out with a Canadian farmer for a time. Backset in August, plough 4 inches deep. If done by contract it would cost for both ploughingss dollars (i/.) per acre. Breaking 3 dollars (12s.). By all means backset the same fall, that gives you a chance to sow earlier in the spring, which is very necessary ; then you can sow two weeks before you can plough. Backsetting is worth 2 dollars (85,) Breaking and Backsetting.— In speaking on these points of so much importance to the farmer in his early days of settlement, it may be well to explain that " breaking is another term for ploughing the virgin soil of the prairie. When the sod is " broken" and turned back, the grass and roots are allowed to rot thoroughly, and when the sod is replaced 26 PRACTICAL HINTS. FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. into its former position, the land is said to be " backset." It will be noted from the replies to the questions, — "Which is the best time for breaking the virgin soil and backsetting the same ? How many acres can a man with a pair of oxen or horses break in one day under ordinary circumstances? " — that from April to middle or end of June may be taken as the best time for breaking, and i^ to 3 acres as the rate per day. (For postal addresses see pp. 3, 4, and 5.) Name. Answer. Urton, W. S.... Yardley, H. ... Hutchinson, A. Knight, VV. G. Blythe, R. Field, E. Pollard, E. Hall, D. Fraser, J. Perley, W. D. Dovvnie, J. Sheppard, J. ... Hall, VV. B. ... Mitchell," Ja3.... McCorquodale, C. F. Hartney, J. H. McEwen, D. ... Day, S. D. A. i^ acres can be Break in spring until end of June ; backset after harvest. broken in one day with a good team. Spring is the best time for breaking, and backsetting in the fall. lean break half an acre per day with oxen, but 2-3rds of an acre with horses, and that is a good average. Breaking should be done before the end of June. Backsetting may commence as soon thereafter as the land is moist enough to plough. A man with oxen can break i acre a day ; with horses 5 to 6 roods. Break in the spring ; backset in the fall. A man with oxen can break one acre a day; with horses, say li acres. Spring to break, and August to backset. Breaking continuously about f of an acre per day. Breaking, middle of May to end of June ; backsetting middle of August till end of September. With oxen, J of an acre to i acre ; horses, i acre to ij acres. June till October. From ^ to 25 acres. Breaking, May and June; backsetting, July and August. Oxen, i;^ acres; horses, 2 acres of prairie; brush, f to i^ acres. Commence breaking first thing in spring, backsetting as soon as sod is rotten. Not more than i|- acres per day. As early as possible in the spring is the best, but any time will do. From i to I J acres with oxen, and a third more with good horses. Breaking, 20th May up to X2th July; backsetting in August and September From I to 2 oxen is the best for a new beginner ; they will break every day on grass. Any " lump " of a boy can do breaking. Break as early as you can in spring to ist July; backset in August. With a walking plough, i acre, with a sulky, 2 acres. The earlier breaking is done in the spring the better, as the earliest breaking rots the best ; backset in the fall. From i to i-J acres with horses and | of an acre to i acre with oxen. Break in June; backset in September. With oxen, i^ acres; with horses, 2 acres. Break in the month of June ; backset any time before frost sets in, when rotten enough. Breaking '^rom May 20th to July ist, and backsetting August and September. Oxen, li acres ; horses, i^- to if acres ; sulky plough with three horses, 2 to 2i acres. Break as early in the spring as possible, usually after through seeding; back- setting July and August before haying and harvesting. Breaking from li to li- acres ; about two acres of stubble. Commence breaking as soon as through seeding, and backset when the sod is rotten enough, try and finish before harvest. Oxen, i acre; horses, li acres. PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. »7 the replies Dacksetting in one day \y be taken 1 addresses icres can be I can break es, and that y commence in with oxen eak one acre ously about igust till end to 1 1- acres. 1, i^ acres; sod is rotten. From I to 1 September k every day ist. With a ;st breaking ses and f of with horses, when rotten September, horses, 2 to iing; back- ; from li to n the sod is 'S. i^ acres. Cost of Preparing Land, Sowing, and Harvesting.— The questions asked on these important points were : " What do you consider the cost per acre of preparing the land and sowing it, including price of seed, grain, and also harvesting ? " (For postal address of each settler see pp. 3, 4, and 5.) Dickin, G. ... Hind, Bros. Urton, W. S. ... Yardley, H. Hutchinson, A. ... Proctor, H Pollard, A. ... Orr,J. D. ... Cowlord, C. Middleton, A. Keiu, A, Perley, W. D. ... Sirett, W. F. ... Ingram, W. A. ... Doyle, W. A. ... McRae, R Lang, R Stevenson, F. W. • • • • • Finlay, J Blackwell, J. Currie, Wm. Hall, W. B. Hornor, T. R. ... Answer (cost per acre). 4 dollars 20 cents (18s.) ; made up of charges for cutting and binding, i dollar 50 cents {6s.) ; stacking, I dollar (45.) ; seed (6 pecks), i dollar 20 cents {6s.) ; harvesting, &c., 50 cents (2s.) For wheat the first year about 11 dollars (2/. 125.) 6 dollars to 8 dollars {il. Ss. to i^. 12.T.) is a fair cost for well tilled crops. 4 dollars 25 cents (189.) per acre ; this does not include fencing. 12 dollars (2^ 85.) for preparing the sod, seeding and harvesting; 7 dollars (iZ. 8s.) old land. This question depends whether done in his own family or having to pay wages. With me, I do all within own family, otherwise about 7 dollars (i/. Ss.) from all points. 12 dollars {2I. 8s.) per acre for first year ; second year much less. About 6 dollars (iZ. 8s.) being cutting with a self-binder. i/. I2s, first crop ; second iZ. Ploughing, sowing, harrowing and rolling, 5 dollars 25 cents. (iZ. is.) ; seed, I dollar 50 cents. {6s.) ; harvesting without threshing, i dollar 50 cents {6s.). Total, 8 dollars 25 cents (iZ. 135.) Letting by contract I can get the work done as follows: — Putting in the seed, I dollar 25 cents (55.) ; seed depends on price of wheat ; harvesting, 1 dollar 75 cents (75.) including twine. You can hire it broken for 3 dollars 50 cents (14s.) per acre ; seed in the spring at I dollar (4s.) per bushel, or 2 dollars (85.) per acre ; you can get it cut for 1 dollar 50 cents {6s.) per acre ; stack it yourself. 10 dollars (2Z.) per acre, this will always insure you a first class crop. It depends on the kind of grain ; wheat, about 6 dollars (iZ. 44-.) per acre ; peas, more ; oats, barley, and flax, less. Cost of preparing and seeding wheat about 3 dollars 50 cents. {14s.) ; harvest- ing and stacking, 2 dollars 50 cents (105.). First crop 9 dollars (iZ. 165.). per acre ; second crop, 5 dollars (iZ.) per acre. Stubble ploughing, 2 dollars (85.) ; harrowing. 90 cents. (3,?. 9^.) ; seed, 7 pecks per acre at market price ; reaping, i dollar 50 cents (6s.) Preparing, 6 dollars (iZ. 4s.) ; cutting, i dollar 75 cents (7s.) ; sowing, 25 cents (is.) ; shocking, 30 cents {is. 3fZ.), with etceteras, equal 9 dollars 90 cents (iZ. 195.). 4 dollars {i6s.) less after first crop. To take it out of the prairie, it is worth 8 dollars (iZ. 12s.). About 6 dollars (iZ 4s.) per acre for wheat, including ploughing after first crop. Breaking, i dollar 50 cents {6s.) ; backsetting, i dollar 50 cents {6s.) ; seed wheat, I dollar 50 cents. {6s.) ; harrowing and sowing, i dollar {4s.) ; harvest- ing, I dollar 75 cents. (7,?.) ; stacking, 50 cents (25.) ; threshing, i dollar 50 (6s.) ; total 9 dollars 25 cents. (iZ. r7.?.). If the farmer does the work himself, i dollar 50 cents. {6s.) preparing the land ; 2 dollars (8s.) for seed ; and harvesting, 2 dollars (8a.) ; total, 5 dollars 50 cents (i/. 2s.) or say 6 dollars (iZ. 4s.). The first crop costs at least 8 dollars (iZ. 12s.) per acre. After that the cost is not so great, the breaking being done. 2» PRACTICAL HINTS PROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WBST. Name. Answer (cost per acre). Gordon, L. ... Carter, T. ... Bobier, T. ... Warren, R. J. Black, G. R. McKenzie, D. Gilmour, H. C. Drew, \V. D. McAskie, J. Anderson, George (Grenfell) Champion, W. M. Stevenson, G. B. Wajjner, W. McEwen, D. McKenzie Kenneth Chambers, W. ... McLane, A. M. ... McLean, J. A. ... Elliott, J Boldrick, R. Hoard, C An average estimate about 8 dollars (i/. I2s.) per acre, reckoning one ploughing. Seed wheat (i dollar 50 cents (6s.) per bushel, 2 bushels to an acre) 3 dollars (i2s.) per acre; board, li days, 50 cents, (2s.) ; cost of harvesting about 70 cents (3s.) per acre ; total about 4 dollars 50 cents, (i8s.). 10 dollars (2/.), and if well done will yield 30 bushels per acre of wheat, at say 60 cents a bushel would be 18 dollars (3Z. 12s.), leaving 8 dollars (i/. 12s.) for threshing and other expenses. Without your own labour it will cost about 7 dollars (i/. 8s.) from sowing to stacking. Near about 8 dollars 50 cents, (i^. 14s.) per acre. Seed, 2 bushels per acre at 75 cents (2^.) per bushel. It can be broken out of the sod and left in the stack, if the seed is furnished, for 7 dollars (i/. 8s.). After first crop 2 dollars (8s.) for ploughing ; 75 cents (35.) for sowing ; i dollar (4s.) for seed ; 2 dollars (83.) for harvesting and i dollar (4s.) for threshing. Total, 6 dollars 75 cents (it. 7s.) per acre. Cost now from 5 dollars to 6 dollars {it. to i/. 4s.), per acre to plough twice ; seeding and harrowing i dollar (4s.) per acre if you hire the work done, but it can be done much cheaper with own team. A yoke of oxen will plough an acre a day easy. I consider it will cost me hiring all labour, everything included 8 dollars (il. 12s.) per acre, but don't think the first breaking should be included in first crop, but divided over say 5 years. Two ploughings 8 dollars (il. las.'* ; Seed wheat (2 bushels at 80 cents) i dol. 60 cents. (6s. 8d.) ; harvesting i doU-ir 50 cents (6s.) threshing 75 cents. (3s.). Total, II dollars 85 cents (2/. 75.). Clear gain per acre with me 8 dollars 95 cents (iZ. 16s.) Can get it sowed, harvested, and threshed for 4 dollars 50 cents (185.) per acre. The price of grain is changeable. 6 dollars 75 cents, (il. 75.) including the interest of capital for breaking, &c. Can't say definitely, but wheat will cost about 9 dollars 50 cents, (il. iSs.) breaking, backsetting, harrowing, and seed grain. It is much less after first breaking and backsetting. To prepare virgin soil, seeding, harvesting, and stacking 11 dollars {2I. 45.) 7 dollars (i/. 85.) for ploughing twice; i dollar {4.S.) for seeding, harrowing, and rolling ; i dollar 50 cents {6s.) for seed ; in all about 10 dollars (2/.) per acre. If a man rented a farm he would have to prepare the land and find seed and harvest, and thresh for half the crops. About 7 dollars {iL 8s.) per acre at first. Not so much when land has passed first crop. 5 dollars (i/.) per acre altogether. Say 4 dollars 50 cents (i8.s.) Dates of Plougllillg, Seeding and Harvest. — In view of the erroneous im- pressions given to the general public in the old country, by the hearsay evidence of some '* run and read " correspondents and litterateurs, as to the duration of the farming seasons in the Canadian North- West, it is well to have the actual dates on which farmers com- menced and ended the various important farming operations. It will be seen, from the PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 29 koning one re) 3 dollars ng about 70 heat, at say irs {il. I2S.) 1 sowing to 3er acre at rnished, for ng; I dollar r threshinir. :)ugh twice ; c done, but I 8 dollars included in ents) I dol. cents. (3s.). 8 dollars 95 f.) per acre. king, &c. s. (iL i8s.) '2I. 45.) owing, and '.) per acre, d seed and has passed eous im- of some g seasons ers com- from the replies given below, that ploughing may be said to commence, where so early operations are desired, in the beginning or first week or so of April — though ploughing is very often begun and well pushed on before the close of March. Fall or autumn ploughing is often t plcusant pay better ut I think Tiing. ey can be ttle can be the most countrv. here grass 3t suitabli.' ock vvliere .dvantage ; s the most y to farm ; »'i 11 succeed d farming .V Do\ Sin Ing Vol She Ste Cm Ho Gn Go Ma Re Po Ca W Cli M( Gi Hi M CI PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADI/S.N NORTH-WEST. 33 Name. Answer. Rogers, T Downie, J Sirett, W. F. ... Ingram, W. A. ... Young, J. M. L. ... Sheppard,]. Stevenson, F. W. Currie, W Hornor, T. R. ... Graham, M. Gordon, L Malcolm, A. Reid, E.J Powers, C. F". ... Carter, T Warren, R. J. ... Chambers, S. W. MdCensie, D. ... Fraser, D. D. Gilmour, H. C. ... ' McKellar, D. ... , Ogletree, F. Harris, J IMcAskie, J. Chester, A. Bonesteel, C. H. (i) Yes, when you grow your own produce. (2) What is wanted more is mixed farming, by all means (i) Nothing better; if one misses the other hits, as stock is always a good price here. (2) That is what I am going into myself, and would advise others to do the same (i) Yes, because your young stock will live at your straw all .vinter if sheltered from the winds. (2) Mixed farming is the safest I am satisfied mixed farming will pay, particularly at a distance from line of railway (i) Stock-raising is profitable under any circumstances whatever. (2) I think mixed farming is the best (i) It is as they get fat very fast in the summer. (2) It is the best way to do after a person gets a start (i) Yes, there is food in almost unlimited quantity ; easily fed, and they fetch 50 or 100 per cent, more than in Ontario. (2) It is the best way to farm (i) Yes. (2) Pays, if farmer has capital to purchase stock (i) Where there is plenty of hay, as here, the stock have, so far, been the most profitable of the two (1) Yes, in fact I consider mixed farming the most certain and most profitable kind, when there is not too much trouble in attending to them during winter (i) I consider so. (2) Highly desirable. More pigs should be raised to con- sume our coarse grains ; the price of pork is likely to be high for some years (i) It is, at least such has been my experience. (2) It is just the thing, the only way farming can be successfully carried on for any length of time (i) Yes. (2) I think mixed farming the best for small farmers (i) Mixed farming; in all cases stock pays well. (2) The only effectual way of farming (i) That is my way of making a living. (2) The stock eat the refuse grain and fatten on it, so your beef is improved with what would be lost if you had no cattle (i) Yes, as it costs you nothing, only your own time, (z) That is what all fanners want to do. (i) Certainly, that is where the real profit is. (2) It must be resorted to if success is what is wanted. (1) Yes, no farmer should be without stock. (2) No man can farm without stock, it costs nothing to keep them. (i) Certainly. (2) Pays much better thar f^ither separately, as stock live on waste of grain, straw, chaff, &c., and r^ jU're less hay. (i) I think stock-raising is profitable. (2) I think mi.xed farming most profit- able, and just suited to this country, (2) Both is best for a common farmer. (ij We find stock-raising quite profitable here so far. (2'^ Where farming is done on a small scale I consider mixed farming will pay well, (l) Yes. (2) The best. A person is the better for having a large number of cattle, they may be easily looked after in the winter. (i) Yes, certainly. If the prairie is clear, raise grain; if brushy like mine adopt mixed farming, (i) Yes, no man should farm without keeping stock. (2) I think it is the best way a man can farm. (i) I consider cattle raising is profitable where the land is suitable for both combined, and it is in many places. 34 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Name. Answer. Obee, F Anderson, G. (Grenfell) Dickson, J. W. ... Lambert, W. M. Champion, W. M. Mclntyre, J. ■ • • • • < Hume, A Shipley, M Wagner, W Nelson, R Morton, T. L Cox, J. T McDonell, D Wilson, J Kemp, John McEwen, D McKenzie, Kenneth ... Kennedy, T Hartley, N Chambers, W Wright, C Dick, D McDonald, W. W. ... Paul, J. M Bedford, J Boldrick, R Sutherland, W. R. ... opecrs, A. R, ••• ••• (i) Yes. (2) You cannot farm without stock, as you must have manure, (i) Yes. I consider it the most profitable part for a farmer. (2) Decidedly, mixed farming is most profitable, and will be adopted generally throughout this country. (2) I believe it is the most profitable if a man has capital to purchase stock, (i) You can have 50 per cent, on your own money. (2) It does well with all. (i) Stock raising pays well when good care is taken of stock. (2) It is doing well for me. (i) Stock-raising is amusement to the ladies making butter. (2) I am in favour of mixed farming, (i) They are if near timber and plenty of hay. (2) I believe it would pay well where the land is adapted, (i) Yes, very profitable, (2) It is the kind I have always practised, and it pays best, (i) Yes. (2) In my part, that is Woodlands, it is the best. We have plenty of meadows, (l) Yes, I have found cattle pay best so far. (2) I think it much safer than to depend entirely on grain, (l) Yes. Cows only housed at night ; young cattle run into open shed. (2) The only kind that pays right along, (l) Yes stock-raising pays well. (2) Mixed farming pays splendidly, (i) The most profitable thing a farmer could do. (2) Grain-growing and stock- raising go well together, and pay. (i) Stock raising combined with farming is profitable. It is not necessary to house cattle during winter. (2) Very good, (i) Very profitable. (2) Mixed farming most profitable. (i) Yes, provided hay can be had for the cutting and putting up; this can be done generally. (2) This is the right thing to aim at, the most certain. (i) It is in my opinion safer than on the ranches. (2) I think the best mode of farming, (i) Yes, and in my opinion the only way that farming will pay in this or any other country, (2) It is the only way that farming can be made to pay (i) Yes, to a certain extent, according to location. (2) It is preferable in general to carry on both (i) I think so, and am keeping 12 cows and their calves. (2) Sheep, pigs, and cattle, with oats, peas, and barley, profitable. We are too far from market here at present to grow wheat largely (i) Yes, (2) Do not like it, as there is too much to attend to during harvest ; should prefer either by itself (i) Yes. (2) It pays as cattle are a good price (1) I think that is the proper way to farm in this country. (2) I think that is the way to make farming a certain success (2) Mixed farming pays a great deal better than all grain farming (i) Yes, when properly managed with sufficient capital. (2) The best, when proper judgment is used in selecting stock (i) Yes. (2) Where hay is plentiful mixed farming pays well (i) Stock-raising is profitable with grain farming, (2) Mixed farming is all right if you don't keep too many; say about 10 cov/s, 4 oxen, and 10 or 20 young cattle (l) Yes, more so than in any other part of the Dominion. (2) Very good, and what I intend to follow PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 35 lure. Decidedly, hroughout e stock, ith all. [t is doing in favour vould pay id, and it ; plenty of er than to . (2) The ind stock- cessary to lis can be ain. Jest mode is or any pay :erable in pigs, a«d n market harvest ; nk that is jst, when ing is all lO or 20 ^ood, and Growth of Flax. — The growth of flax has for some time been practised in the Canadian North- West with considerable success, but it is onlv of late that its cultivation has become at all extensive. The climate and soil are peculiarly suited to its growth, and it would seem to be especially useful as a crop on the breaking in the first year of settle- ment. The opening of milling facilities at Winnipeg is now further tending to extend its cultivation. The question asked was : " Have you ever grown flax, and how does it succeed ? " Want of space forbids the publication of more than one reply or so of each class of answer. (For settlers' addresses see pp. 3, 4, and 5.) Name. Answer. Dickin, George Hutchinson, A Warnock, Wm. Smith, William Downie, John Newman, C. F. Lang, Robt Carter, Thos McKnight, R. Ogletree, F Anderson, G.(Grenfell) Sifton, A. L McLean, John A. M.... Speers, A. R Yes. It will do well on land broken in fall (autumn). Yes. It does very well indeed on new breaking. Not tried on backsetting. Have sown twice and was an excellent crop. Yes, succeeds admirably. Yes, two year?, the best I ever saw. Yes, on a small scale for home use ; made splendid tweed. Quite a success. The first year on the raw sod, after breaking it did well. I traded it for flour and seed wheat. I had a two-third crop of oats on the raw sod. Grows splendidly. I have grown flax, and it succeeded remarkably well. Have 20 acres about ready to cut, and promises well. Grew about ten acres last year ; fair crop, but owing to late sowing was frozen, I have, and it grew wonderfully well. Yes. 40 bushels per acre. The Use of Manure. — Fertilisers are not used in the North-West, for they are not needed, and common manure is used but sparingly. The land is, indeed, in most cases so rich that the using of it during the first years of cultivation would be apt to encourage the growth of straw, and make the crops too rank. After the second year manure in limited quantities may be used with advantage to prevent any exhaustion of the land. The question asked settlers on this important point was : " Do you consider it necessary to use manure on your farm, and to what extent ? " (For postal addresses of settlers see pp. 3, 4, and 5.) Name. Answer. Urton, W. S. ... Yardley, Henry Hutchinson, A. Knight, W. G. Smith, W. P.... Field, Edwd. ... Pollard, Alfred Orr, Jas. D. ... ..I It is as well to put it on when you have it, but it is not really necessary for years. Yes, I do. Clean up all the manure possible for the land. I think it advisable to put back what return is possible for the crops taken off, though doubtless it will be some years before there is any real need, I have used no manure so far. Certainly not at present. Yes. What time you can spare is well spent in manuring your land, although good crops are raised for many years without it. On heavy land, no ; on a few light spots^ yes. No, except for some things that require forcing. 36 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Name. - Answer. Robertson. P. Harward, F. .., Cowlord, C. ... Lothian, James McGhee, Jas. ... Gibson, Wm. ... Bell, C. J. ... Warnock, Wm. Miller, Solomon Grimmett, D. W. Purdy, Thos. ... Davis, W. H. ... Young, |no. M. L. Doyle, W. A. ... Oliver, Thos. ... Newman, C. F. ... Sheppard, Joseph Armstrong, Geo. Deyell, John Currie, Wm. Gordon, Leslie ... Rutherford, J. ... Carter, Thos. ... Bobier, Thos. ... Troyer, Christian McCorquodaie, C.F.C Hartney, Jas. H. Elliott, T.D Osborne, D Anderson, Geo. (Grcn fell) McCormack, D Dicksc , J. W Haney, A. W Taylor, Wm ., Yes, in small quantities, after the second crop. Yes, in small quantity, and very seldom. Yes, after ten years continued cropping. 1 don't think it necessary to use manure for years to come, my third crop being better than my first. It grows enough at first without manure. It will do better with manure after a few crops are taken off. I have used manure to a few potatoes to try what effect it had along with others that were planted without manure, and they did no better than others. I find it necessary to use manure, 5 or 6 cwts., if not more. I find manure benefits vegetables and root, but with grain it grows so heavy and lodges that it is hard to reap, and does very well, if not better, without. Have never tried it, can grow good crops without it. I believe manure at present would do more harm than good, but it is not so on all lands. If well cultivated, none ; I think manure will quicken growth. Don't consider it necessary for a great number of years. I believe manure is needed on the high land, after it is worked 9 or lo years. I do. I find that manure is as beneficial here as in any other country after removal of a few crops. I have used a little, but it does not require manure. Yes. One coat every three years. Not at present, it doesn't need it for at least five years. Optional. Sufficiently productive without so far. No. My method is take two or three crops from first breaking, then summer fallow this year what I want for next year, then I am ready to sow early, and it rots the land and keeps it clean from weeds. Not yet, but farmers should keep all their manure and put it on land, as it will improve it, and cause grain to ripen earlier. Not necessary, but very desirable in garden for forcing vegetables. Yes, it causes crops to ripen 10 or 12 days earlier. About half the quantity of manure as used in Ontario. Yes. I am this year using about two tons of stable manure to the acre on third-crop wheat ground, that is, successive crops of wheat. The man that throws his manure away is no farmer. Let every man try a a piece of land with it, and he will be convinced that it will pay to take care of it. It will increase the grain 10 bushels per acre. No, except for growing vegetables. As yet it is not necessary, but no doubt it will be the better for it in time. Not yet, anyway I think if summer fallowing, say every third year, is practical, manure will not be required. That is what I intend doing, two crops and then fallow (one third in fallow each year). It is rich enough for the present. Use all you make, as it tends to keep the land warm and brings crops on early. Do not consider it necessary to use manure, and don't expect the land will require manuring for four or five years. All you can get. I consider that well rotten barn-yard manure will be very beneficial, as it would make the soil more mellow and not so liable to bake after rain. It is good on the best of farms ; not required here to raise good crops. Ten loads per acre in four years is good. d crop befng lanure after J with others thers. ;o heavy and nthout. is not so on 10 years, lountry after :hen snmrrrer \v early, and d, as it will ! quantity of the acre on y man try a :o take care n time, lird year, is doing, two gs crops on he land will ;ficial, as it rain, ops. PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 37 Answer. Sifton, A. L. McDonell, D. ... Connerson, Jas.... Bedford, J. Sutherland, W. R. Dickson, Philip ... Have used none yet, except whfit was made on farm, but think that it will be necessary or at least beneficial and I would certainly never waste any. No manure has been used so far to my knowledge in this country, the land is rich enough without it. Yes, by all means, a very slight dressing every alternate year. I use my manure in the spring for barley, which I sow the second week in June — more harm than good on summer fallow. We manure very little, it makes the land too rich. My farm has been under cultivation over 20 years without manure, and it is still good to grow wheat, barley, or anything else. Not necessary until tour or five crops have been taken off, then the land would be better for it, but I have seen land where fifteen crops have been taken off without manure. Fencing. — Wire fencing is preferred by many farmers to rail fences, the former requiring little repair and preventing drifts of snow. A wire and wood fence — consisting of pieces of wood connected at certain distances by wire has been patented, and may be purchased in Winnipeg. This kind of fence is a great improvement on the barbed wire fence, the objection to which is that cattle injure themselves by running against it. The price of wire fencing varies according to the distance it is sent. As to fixing, two men could fix one mile in four days. The average expense of fixing, including wire or wire and wood fence, would be from about 6£'20 to s^so per mile. The question asked of settlers on this point was: "What kind of fencing do you use, and if possible the cost of same per mile ? " (For postal addresses of settlers see pp. 3, 4, and 5). Name. Answer. Hutchinson, A. ... Proctor, Henry.... Mercer, Jas. Knight, W. G. ... Fisher, Henry ... Lawrence, J. .. Pollard, Alf. Lothian, J McGhee, Jas. .. Bell, C.J Warnocic, Wm... Reid, Alex Perley, W. D. .. Posts and rails, also wire. Cost of first, labour and nails; second, wire 5d. per rod. Wire and wood rails. Wire 3 heights costs 20/. per mile. Wood rails cost the work to cut and draw. Poplar. 8/. per mile more or less. Pole fence, which costs the labour only. Posts of cedar, pine, rail on top, 3 lines of barbed wire posts 10 ft. apart and 2 ft. 6 in. on ground. Cost per mile, 75/. I am just fencing round my siiction in this way. I use wire. It costs me about 20/. per mile for 3 strands of wire. Barbed wire. 5/. 12s. single strand. Wire fencing with posts one rod apart. 12/. per mile for wire, 2 strand ; posts got for the hauling. Ditch fencing, is 3d. per rod. We don't use any fencing, as we herd all the cattle. I have about equal parts of each. Rail fence costs 17/. ; wire 251'. Two strands of barbed wire. About 3/. per mile doing no work yourself. I use wire, and two wires is sufficient for all the large animals, and cost about half what it cost on my farm in New Brunswick, where I had plenty of good cedar. 38 PRACTICAL HINTS FR06I FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Name. Answer. Prat, John ... Malhiot, Z. McGill, George Purdy, Thos. F. Davis, W. H. Rogers, Thos. Downie, John Sirett, Wm. F. Ingram, W. A. Young, Jno., M. L. Doyle, W. A. Lang, Robert... Stevenson, F. W. Armstrong, Geo. Connell, T. K. Deyell, John ... Blackwell, Jas. Hope, George Pollock, John Reid, E. J. Reid, Wm, Carter, Thos. ... Cameron, G. A. Warren, R. J. Chambers, S. W. Howey, William Grigg, Samuel ... Ogletree, F. Harrison, D. H. Thompson, S. ... Anderson, George (Grenfell) Dickson, J. W Stevenson, G. B. . Nelson, Robert Have not used any yet. I don't use any. Barb wire to fence a night park for cattle is all that is needed ; they roam the prairie and come home at night. Have herd law in force here. Have built about one mile ; native posts, top rail, one strand barb wire, costs 15/. Wire. I built 334 rods fence this year for 18/. 4s. So far not used any ; not needed ; have herd law. Some rails, some wire ; a rod of wire will fence 40 rods which costs 2/. ; posts, 5d. each. Wire. 20/. per mile with your own labour will make a good fence. Wire with pole on top, oak posts are the best. Probable cost 30/. per mile. Wire, 2 strands, with pole on top ; poplar posts. Wire costs 7Z. per mile, labour and poles, 3Z., posts, 2I. Posts and rails, flattened at ends and railed on. Cost per mile, about 13/., including labour. 3 wirec and poplar posts 15 ft. apart. Cost of wire 4d. per lb. by ton ; i lb. goes about 14 ft. Barbed wire, 2 wires enough ; cost 12^. i6s. per mile, besides posts. Herd law here, no fencing required except for pasture. Wire. About 35/. per mile with posts. Wire. 3 wires, igl. 45. per mile. Wire. 24Z. per mile, 3 strands. Wire. About 16I. per mile, not including work. Rail at first, wire now and Tamarac posts at ^d. each in bush ; 2 strands fc; 11/. los. a mile. Wire is the best, 2 wires. About lod. per '•od. Wire, two strands. About 12/. i6s. per mile when you do your own work. We have no fencing ; we herd our cattle cheaper. Poplar poles. About 8/. to me ; people in other localities, where wood is not so abundant, use steel wire. Cost, about 12/. per mile. Poplar poles ; use very little fence ; herd law does away with fences^ except to keep cattle. Wire, 61. 8s., without time of putting up. Some posts and barbed wire and some rail fence. The post and wire fence costs 15^ per mile complete, with two strands of wire, which will turn cattle effectually. This, of course, includes cutting and drawing posts and setting them in. Rails 4s. 2d. per hundred. Wire is the cheapest. P'ormerly rails, now wire and post. It will cost about 34/. 8s. per mile. Rail fences. Rails worth 5/. per 1,000. Wire and oak post; three wires and post is. 8d. per rod, or .'■.3/, 4s. 2d; work of putting up 2L 8s. 4d.; making altogether ^5/. 12s, fid. per mile. Poplar posts and barbed and plain wire posts, 16^ feet apart and three wires. At present prices costs 55/. per mile, all included. We have a herd law in force, and require no fencing. Posts and wire. Posts cost about 7 id. to 2s. id ; wire about 5d. a pound ; a pound reaches i rod. Chiefly wire fencing ; two strands of wire makes a fair fence and costs, without labour, 13/. 12s. per mile. PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 39 y roam the 2 posts, top 1 costs 2/. ; per mile. . per mile, about 13/., Y ton ; I lb. . Herd law strands fc: work. wood is not iceSj except wire fence turn cattle and setting nile. '.3/. 4s. 2d ; er mile, three wires. a pound ; a 3Sts, without Answer. McGee, Thomas McKenzie, Kenneth Willmott, H. E. Hanna, S. Cox, William... First we used poplar rails, now barbed wire. About 13/. per mile. We use now wire and posts. Three strands wire, 16I. ; posts, 8/.; putting up, 2/. ; total per mile about 26I. I use the barbed fence wire, 2 strands, with posts i rod apart. Ash posts with poles on them, and 2 strands of wire. Barb wire. A lawful fence of 3 wires will cost 28/. per mile. Cost of Implements. — Implements of all kinds, such as are suited to the use of the farmer, are to be had at reasonable prices in Winnipeg or any other of the commercial centres of the North-West. The prices are of course variable, but the following list, taken from latest current prices, will give a fair idea of the charges made : — Brantford twine bindfir, 5 feet cut Brantford twine binde', 6 ,, Brantford twine binder 7 ,, Brantford mower Brantford reaper Farming wagon (4 wheels) Set Manitoba bobsleighs Broadcast seeder, 12 hoe Horse hay-rake Breaking plow Stubble plow Sulky plow ... Sulky gang plow Set iron harrows Yoke of oxen (approximate) Sett ox harness Canvas tent 12 by 16 Camp stove ... Garden spade Garden hoe ... Hayfork Stoves Common tables Chairs Bedsteads The price of live stock varies, though, speaking generally, it is about ti.\^ same as in Great Britain; Price of Provisions. — To obtain actual experience of settlers is the only way of arriving at the truth on such a question as the price of the necessaries of life. In all new districts tliese are at first dearer than in long established countries, but time does not take long to remedy any irregularity. It must, moreover, be remembered that items on the credit side of the account are more than correspondingly remunerative, and in the end it may easily be seen that the farmer is considerably in pocket. * Note. — $, or one dollar, is generally calculated as equivalent to 4s. 2d. in English money. *.9 £ 5. d. 230 or 47 5 3 Stg. 240 >i 49 6 3 II 250 M 51 7 5 >i 77 >> 15 16 5 II 100 M 20 II 0 i» 75 •» 15 8 3 M 30 )> 6 3 5 It 72 )) 14 15 11 II 36 )» 7 7 II 11 21 1) 4 6 3 It 17 >» 3 9 10 1 ) 65 )> 13 7 2 II 100 )) 20 II 0 II 17 It 3 9 10 >l 150 )l 30 16 5 It 12 1) 0 9 4 II 25 M 5 0 9 II -a )) 0 10 3 II I II 0 4 I II 75c I' 0 3 I n 65c 1) 0 2 8 It 20 11 4 0 0 3 II 0 12 0 and upwards I 1) 0 4 0 11 3 11 0 12 0 II 40 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS viV THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. It is noteworthy in the following answers that in some cases the replies of settlers living in the same district enlirely clash one with another ; the experience of one being that the price of the necessaries of life are much the same as those paid before he came to the North-West, while another tinds them higher I'he cause of this apparent contra- diction may doubtless be found, to a great extent, in the habits of the respective settlers ; one may take care to buy his provisions in the best and cheapest local market, while his neighbour will seek the supply nearest home, and care little either for price or quality. The question asked was : " How do you find the prices of the necessaries of life compared ■with those you had to pay before you came here?" (For postal address of each settler see pp. 3, 4 and .j;). Name, Answer. Dickin, G Hind Bros. Urton, W. S Yardley, H Phillips, S Robertson, P Proctor, H. Anderson, Geo. (Gren- fell). Jeffery, W Smitli, W. P Field, E Lawrence, J Orr. J. D Screech, John ... Parslow & Healy McGhee, J. Gibson, Wm. Bell, C.J Mitchell, J Warnock, W. ... Reid, Alex. Mooney, J Fraser, J Perley, W. D. ... Kinnear, J. H. ... Prat, J Leitch, A Miller, S Troyer, Christian Groceries and clothing are dearer, but would come down if we had our own sheep. A little dearer than in England. Much the same ; prices get lower every year. Prices are higher here than in the old country, but wages are higher also. Necessaries of life about the same here (Rapid City). Rather high here (Rapid City) and quality inferior. Groceries rather dearer and dry goods also. Flour, beef, pork, mutton, &c., cheap. Prices to-day are slightly over those in Ontario. In a few years living will be cheap in this country, i.e., when farmers grow the principal necessaries of life ; they have not had time yet. Not much difference on the whole. Necessaries very reasonable. Some things dear, others very moderate. I find we can get all things as cheap here as in Ontario, and farm implements are also as cheap here to buy as they are in Ontario, that is if a farmer understands how to purchase. Pretty high, but not so high as a couple of years ago. Nothing to complain of. More expensive at first ; about same now as we paid before coming here. Necessaries of life are about double the price in my part. One can purchase goods here as cheap, if they buy them wholesale, as they could in Scotland, but retailers have good profits here. Prices are very reasonable. The prices are not very much greater but the quality of a great many things is inferior. They average from ten to fifteen per cent, dearer in this district, e.xcept meat, which is about the same. A man can live here (Millford) as cheap as anywhere after he has paised his own pork, flour, butter, and eggs. A good bit dearer here (Millford). During the last year very reasonable. They are now getting more equal, and many things are no dearer. Very little difference now. Very little, if any, difference, excep: that apples are of course more costly. Very little difference. About the same (Alameda). 30 per cent, higher here (Alameda). )f settlers )ne being 3 came to nt contra- i settlers ; while his 3r quality, compared ich settler ad our own 'ilso. nutton, &c., ving will be icessaries ot implements if a farmer here. ale, as they ny things is xcept meat, IS palsed his costly. PRACTICAL HINTS IROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 41 Answer. Hayter, W. H. Gordon, Leslie Grimmett, D. W Purdy, T. F. Bole, J. D. ... *»mith, Wm. Downie, J. ... Kines, Wm. McBean. A. Sirett, W. F. Anderson, G. (of Man.) Wood, J. H. ... Nelson, R. ... Lawrie, J. M. Oliver, T. ... Lang, R. Sheppard, J. Connell, T. K. Wat, J. Malcolm, A. Davis, J. B. Elliott, Robert Rutherford, j. Fannery, W. J. Bobier, T. ... Pollard, C. Sep. McTellan, J Taylor, Wm. (Tjeulah) Harris, A. B. (Beulah) Warren, R. J. McKnight, R. Vandervoort, G.... Brown, W. J. Bailey, Z Patterson, A. Black, G. R. ... McCorquodale, C. Connerson, J.... Very little difference (Alameda). Prices are high he-e (Qu'Appelie), and should be lower. Merchants exact too high a profit which time must cure. They were high at one time, but compare very favourably now. Much dearer here (Regina) on account of transportation, and much in advance of what it will be hereafter, on account of its being produced here. About 10 per cent, higher here (Regina). Very little difference. Along the railroad, no dearer than when I left Ontario. There are some dearer, but on the whole we can't complain. They are higher, but are getting more reasonable. Reasonable. Heavy goods a little dearer, light goods not much difference, now matters are improving in that line. Some are more expensive, not much. Where local dealers have no monopoly there is very little difference (Birtle). Winnipeg is just as cheap as Ontario less freight. When I first came to this part (Birtle) in 1879, about 100 per cent, higher than in Ontario ; at present about 50 to 75 per cent. About the same here (Birtle). They were very high, but clothing and other goods are come down a good deal now in price. No difference now that we have a through route to Montreal through our own Dominion. There is very little difference, e.xcept bacon and woollen goods, and they are getting lower. Very reasonable. Heavy goods are higher ; light goods about the same. A trifle higher, but not so high as when I came here tirst. Very little difference (McLean). High (McLean). Between freight and tariff they are much higher here (Silver Creek) and form the greatest drawback we have. Very little. They were very high two years ago, but are very reasonable now, as there is now everything necessary for the wants of the people shipped in by mer- chants and agents on the C. P. R. Dearer here (Sidney), with few exceptions. Much the same. Somewhat higher ; not as much as I expected. For the first two years 50 to 100 per cent, higher about 25 per cent, higher no.* AboKt the same. A lit ,ie higher in some things. Very little difference. Quite reasonable. Since we had railway communication the prices are about the r:ame, con- sidering the freight through. S">me things are more costly, but in all not extravagant. Very little difference, only some articles dearer. In some things higher, and other things about the same. (Minnewashta) About 25 per cent, higher here (Minnewashta) tjian Ontario ; and 50 per cent. more in Glasgow, Scotland, where I was born. Ai PRACTICAL HINTS IROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. Name. Answer. Wright, T., and Sons . Whitney, C. ... Gilmour, H. C McKellar, D Ogletree, F Smart, G Elson, John Osborne, D McCormack, D McDonald, W. W. .. Thompson, S Bonesteel, C. H. Obee, F. Barnes, F. W Lambert, W. M Champion, W. M. .. Mclntyre, J Tate, Janv's Taylor, Wm Stevenson, G. B. Heaslip, J. J Mcintosh, A , Tulloch, A Bolton, F Stirton, James Campbell, R Hall, P McGee. T Fargey, J. H Daniel, J Rawson, J Wright, Charles Garratt & Ferguson .. Garratt, R. S Day, S. D. A Jones, J McLean, J. A Todd, P. R Boldrick, R Dickson, P Hoard, C Speers, A, R Very reasonable. Somewhat higher, but there has been a great reduction this last year. The prices for the necessaries of life are very little in advance of what they are in the Eastern Provinces. Clothing and groceries are as cheap here. The prices are somewhat higher, but we get higher prices for butter and eggs and other things, and that makes up for it. About the same. Have been very high, but are more reasonable now. Somewhat dear here (Fleming), and not so good quality. About the same (Fleming). About the same (Fleming), with cost of carriage added. About the same, all except lumber. 1 find most things much more reasonable than I expected. About the same, unless very heavy articles, such as salt. At present very little difference. Very reasonable. All higher lo per cent., except boots and shoes. Somewhat dearer, but always mending. Farm implements are dearer, provisions and clothing about the same. Very little difference now. Luxuries higher, necessaries about as low as could expect. Very little difference. Can buy nearly as cheap here (Broadview) as anywhere. Much higher here (Broadview) as there is not much opposition, Considerably higher here at first ; not much higher at present. (Calf Mountain) Cost me 40 per cent, more in Manitoba than in Ontario. (Calf Mountain) The first two years it was pretty dear living, but since we have got railway facilities it is better. Very little dif. ence. Somewhat higher. Dry goods and groceries a slight advance on Ontario. V^ery favourable. A little dearer, owing to freight and National Policy (Protection). Reasonable now. Prices are higher, but not so much as might be expected, except on agricultural implements; these are high. Average about 10 per cent, higher. A little higher. They will compare favourably. Somewhere about the same. Very little difference. Prices have been reduced here the last year. Somethings the same, others from 5 to 10 per cent, higher. Reasonable. Very little difference. "How do you spend your Winters?" — At first sight this may seem unimportant and hardly meriting serious attention. But when the contrary and often misleading statements as to the climate and especially the winter of the Canadian North- T. PRACTICAL HINTS IROM lARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 43 year. what they are iter and eggs ame. !!alf Mountain) Mountain) e got railway n agricultural ; may seem ry and often adian North- Dickin, G. Urton, W. S. ... Yardley, H. ... Hutchinson, A. Proctor, H. ... Mercer, J. Knight, W. G. Pollard, A. ... Pollard, E. S.... Upjohn, F. .,. Lothian, J. McGhee, J. ... Middleton, A. Warnock, Wm. Fraser, J. Grang, J. Purdy, T. F. ... Rogers, T. Downie, J, Sirett, W. F. .. Young, J. M. L. Lang, R Armstrong, George .. Wat, J Pollock, J no., v.'cirbcii X * ••• •■• •• Bobier, T Little, Jas West are considered, experience even on such points as these is of mui-h value. The replies published in " Plain Facts " will set in its true light the winter of the North-West : its dry and bracing air, and its agreeable, and above all things, healthy characteristics. The answers given below will help to show that the same season is no such hibernating period as many who have never seen the country, or only know ii; by hearsay, would ask us to believe, but rather a period of seasonable out and indoor work, which may be tempered, according to inclination, with hunting, shooting, fishing, reading, and many other pleasant and profitable employments. In answer to the question : " How do you generally sj)enci /our winters?" the following replies were given : — (The full postal address of each settler may be found on pp. 3, 4, and >].) Answer. Getting wood, teaming, 8cc. ; very few days but what we can get out from sunrise to sunset. Drawing hay or wood, shooting rabbits, &c. I am within 3 miles of Lake Manitoba; and when through with the work I go fishing, and generally bring home a week's supply. Attending to cattle, hauling, cutting fence, posts and rails, firewood, &c. Tending stock, bush work, and other seasonable work. Drawing hay, rail, and building timber, making ready for spring work. Attend to cattle, haul wood and hay, get out logs, fence poles, &c., visit neigh- bours, and generally take things easy, the winter being very enjoyable. In enjoyment and recreation. Recreation and sporting. Cutting rails, getting firewood, fetching grain and flour from mill, fishing, &c Haulin" wood for fencing, fires, buildings, Sec, and also grain. Blacksmithing. Attending to stock and carpenter's work, &c. I kept 2 teams of oxen for my neighbours the last two winters. Hauling grain to market, getting out rails, firewood, and building materials. Providing wood for the coming year, and shooting sometimes. Hauling wood for the fire, and visiting the neighbours. Fish and hunt, get up wood, and smoke. Reading, and looking after the stock. Getting up wood ; rest of winter feeding stock and sitting around the fire, good times in winter. Hard work, which any new settler can get plenty of for the first three years if he wants a comfortable farmhouse; getting logs and wood, teaming grain to market, and tending stock. Teaching school ; but any man on a farm with a reasonable experience will find enough work. Drawing in feed for cattle, taking care of cattle, horses, and hogs, drawing logs for building and firewood ; in some cases threshing and marketing grain. Tending stock and drawing wood, marketing grain ; can do more here than in Ontario. Getting and teaming out grain, and shooting. Shooting and getting wood for summer. Tending stock, going to parties, cutting and drawing wood and rails for next summer, smoking tobacco and backbiting my neighbours. Getting wood, tending cattle, visiting, reading, and having a dance occasionally. About as well as in Ontario, I find the winter air clear and fine. 44 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM lARMERS IN THE, CANADIAN NORTH-WEST, Name. Answer. Niff, J. R Wood,]. H Cliambers, S. W. Patterson, A J.IcLennan, T Drew, W. D King, M McAskie, J Anderson, G. (Grcnfell) Parslow & Healy Wagner, W Mcintosh, A. Sifton, A. L. Sic... ,, McKenzie, K. Rawson, J. ... Harris, A. B. Chambers, W. Tvilioch, A ... Attending to business. Attending to the cattle and enjoying ourselves. Cutting and hauling timber and rails and visiting friends, &c. Getting wood, teaming grain or what is needful ; very few days but can work out of doors. Looking after stock, reading, goinp- to parties, concerts, and having a good time in general. Attending stock, getting firewood and fencing, marketing grain, &c. Taking care of stock, hauling wood and hunting. Drawing out grain, feeding cattle, getting firewood and rails, and reading at night. Preparing grain for market, feeding stock, repairs, hauling wood, &c., and locally much the same as other civilised communities. Feeding the stock and hunting. Our amusements are tea-parties ; work is feeding cattle and getting fire- wood, &c. Do not do much in winter ; attend to stock, go to parties, &c. Repairing harness, oiling machinery, and putting away and cleaning seed for spring, hauling wood and hay, taking care of stock, and deliver.' ng whe.at if not previously done. Feeding cattle and getting wood, and spending i good time in general. Finishing off house, making implements, getting out wood and fencing materials. Attending and feeding horses and cattle, preparing firewood and fencing posts, marketing grain, &c. Attending stock, t<^aming grain, getting wood, reading, eating, drinking, and being merry. Keeping myself warm by working outside. Feeding stock, sleigh riding, cutting wood, reading, and social amusements fills up the time very agreeably. Getting up wood, tending stock and sporting. How Settlers Succeed. — The last request made of settlers ran as follows : — *' Please give any further information which you may deem desirable to place the Canadian Korth-West before the world in its true position as an agricultural country, and a land suitable for successful settlement, as well as any facts which you may consi ier as useful to intending settlers." The following are among the replies, those giving direct hints to settlers having been published in the early part of this pamphlet : — Hind Bros., of Pense, Asslnlboia Province, N.W.T,, write : — " Have been here i8 months, and are fully satisfied with our prospects and the country. I have no hesitation to state that a man who is willing to work and put up with a few inconveniences at first, cannot help but s'^f^ceed. Have found the climate all we could wLsh, summer very warm, with cool nights ; winter cold but bracing." Wm. Jkffery, of Rapid City, Man. : — " The country is everything a settler should wish for." W. P. Smith, Souris, Man. -. — " From some experience of the Australian Colonies and the Pacific Coast, I say without hesitation that Manitoba is far and aw^y the best place for the small capitalist ; I mean the man with from i,ooo up to 10,000 dollars (200/. to 2,000/)." R. Blvthe, of Blythewood, Wapella, N.W.T. : — "The best class of settlors for this country are those who are strong, willing to work, and have a capital of not less than 200/. This undoubtedly is and will be a great agricultural country, and the sooner It is thoroughly populated the better." at can work ving a good id reading at od, Sic, and getting fire- ling seed for verng wheat leral. and fencinsf encing posts, Irinking, and amusements ; :—" Please 3 Canadian , and a land ler as useful ect hints to anths, and are 1 man who is Have found ig." ■ish for." id the Pacific , capitalist ; I s country are ibtedly is and PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 45 Edward Field, Shell River, Man. :—" After having lived here a long time, I feel justified in saying that I consider this country the best I have heard or read of for a farmer to come to ; I mean one who intends to farm, i think there is no doubt that it is an agricultural country, and a fine- country for all kinds of stock. And my experience is that every one who tries to get on does c^et on, whether he has capital or not. The one with capital gets on the quickest ; that's all the difference! All who want a good comfortable home and are willing to work for i., let them come here," James Lothian, Pipestone P.O., Man. : — " From my experience, for the industrious workin"- man this is a good field for repaying his energy." George Bruce, Gladstone P.O., Man. :— " I have done well in this country, having no capital to start with. I have worked around and managed to pay for everything I have, and as soon as I can save enough to enter a quarter section of the Canadian Pacific Railway land I will do so, as I have too little land on my place for my family of two boys and three girls." C. J. Bell, Postmaster, Belleview, Man. :— " I don't think the land in Manitoba can be beaten for wheat growing. I know for my part I have a large farm in Ontario at the present day, and I would not go back and live on it when I can get land in Manitoba or the North-west. You may think my farm in Ontario is a poor one, but I don't think it very poor when I can get io,ooo dollars (2,000/.) cash for it." John Fraser, of Brandon, Man. (Sec. 13, Tp. 12, Rge. 19) ;— " I have travelled through India and Turkey, and have seen a great deal of Africa, and other portions of the world, and I must say I never saw in any of my travels a country more adapted for farming purposes to the European race than the North-"West Territories." Angus Leitch, of Griswold, Man. : — " In my opinion Manitoba and the Canadian North-west is second to none as an agricultural country.'' Zephirin Malhiot, of Wolseley, N.'W.T. : — " I am well pleased with the country so far. I invite the people to come, specially those who have money, but I know all round my farm the settlers have not got money, but are doing well." Samuel Grigg, of Sec. 7, Tp. 11, R. 18, 'W., Brandon, Man. :— " A person coming to this country wants some means, r^nd to be industrious, and better have some knowledge of farming before." George McGill, of Carrolton P.O., Man. : — " I am satisfied with the prospects ahead, because I know that all political grievances will and can be removed by the intelligence of the people them- selves, and that speedily because of the superior experience of the class of settlers making it their future home. The country is naturally well adapted to grain-raising with comparatively little labour. Why the Almighty has so long reserved it from the millions that may now * go up and possess it,' is a mystery." Thomas J. Purdv, of Regina (Sec 12, R. 21, T. ig) :— " I think a man having a little capital cannot do better than come here and grow up with the country. I have settled some sixteen families here; they all like it well. A friend of mine from Ontario came hereto see me; he was a wealthy retired farmer. He built him a house in town costing 4,000 dollars (;^8oo), and would not leave till I got him a half section of land. He is coming in the spring to live here ; that is what they all do." W H. Davis, of Crystal City P.O., Man, (Sec. 27, Tp. i, Rge. 12) : — " Have only to say that a man with pluck is sure to succeed, if he has a little means. None others need apply." Thomas Rogers, of Railway 'View Farm, Moose ]aw, .Assa., N.W.T. ; — "To any intending settler or to anyone wishing to make a comfortable home for himself, and to live a life of freedom free from landlordism, the North-west ofTe 3 such. We work hard seven months of the year but we play the remainder. What is required is a man who will work well those months, and he will then reap his reward. The agricultural prospects aie not to be surpassed; the more the land is cultivated the better it will be. I have been in the Dominion of Canada, Province of Quebec, seven years, having emigrated eleven years ago from England, and I only wish I had been here ten vears before this ; there are better times yet in store for us." 46 PRACTICAL HINTS FROM I'ARMI:RS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. John Downie, of Oak River P O., Man. : — " I consider this the granary of the world, and would advise any man not having a farm of his own to come to this country, as here he is no working slave, but lord and king himself. If a man can bring say from 1,000 to 5,000 dollars (200/. to 1,000/.) he can soon live comfortably ; but there are some come from the old country, and not knowing how to go to work, soon squander all their money, and are swamped before they know what they are doing, then leave the blame on the country." Roderick McRae, of Minnedosa, Man. : — "As far as my experience has gone, I think that this is the best agricultural country I have seen, especially for young men to make a start towards wealth, as they can start on very small capital and work up." Thomas Oliver, of Burnside, Manitoba : — " I have travelled through part of the United States and have had three years' experience in Australia, and I think the Canadian North-west is the best country for a man, if he is industrious and sober, to make a home." F. W. Stevenson, of Griswold, Man. : — " I farmed thirty years in Egremont on a first-class farm, and nothing would induce me to leave this country to farm in Ontario again. I can sell my wheat for 50 cents a bushel and make more than in Old Canada, if they pay a dollar there. There was more frost here this summer and last than for many years. I believe that any industrious man can here scioner become independent at growing grain and raising cattle than in any other country in the world." John G. Beeslev, Moose Jaw, Assa. : — " This is the finest country under the sun for raising all kinds of grain and general farming, and also for a poor man to make a good home for himself, and speedily become independent." George Armstrong, Dalton, Brandon Co., Manitoba: — '' In my opinion there is no field or country which has or does hold out greater inducements to persons with limited capital and plenty of pluck, than this, with its soil ready for the plough, without having to be cleared and subjecting the settler to any laborious and tedious duty of making ready the soil for the plough. The g^ft of 160 acres here or land sold at Canadian Pacific Railway terms along or in easy access of railway, with the settlers' capital invested in improvements and implements as on a small farm in an old country is a fortune, and a bright future financially for the possessor." James Findlav, of Shoal Lake, Manitoba : — " This is a good country for a man that wants to work, but a bad country for a lazy man." John B. Davis, of McLean, Assa, N.W.T. : — " I would sooner be here now without one dollar than to have two thousand in Ontario and have to stay there." John Pollock, of Wolf Creek, Assa, N.W.T. ; — " As far as my experience has been it will be a splendid country in time to come. I have been in the country for two years and like it splendidly so far." Stephen Pierce, of Tp. 12, Sec. 28, R. 30, Fleming Station, Manitoba: — " I think this country excellent for raising wheat, oats, barley, peas, potatoes, and all root crops ; stock ot all kinds do well ; for game we have plenty of wild rabbits, geese, turkeys, ducks and prairie chicken." George Dickin, of Manitoba : — " There are many induced to come here who are an injury tr> the country, owing to their ignorance of agriculture. Seek emigrants from the class of agricultural labourers and small farmers ; they will have some idea of new land. I may say there is a living for every man if he will seek it. I have a wife and nine children, the oldest twelve years old, and am better oft to-day than when I came here, though I have made our living by teaming or what I could make it at ; there is the same chance for every man if he will seek it. Twenty acres would not keep a family in England, how can they expect it here ? Let those who are disgusted get out, they are only speculators; the country does not want them." Henry Fisheu, of Regina, N.W.T. : — " I think a carefully prepared report by farmers and others in given districts might be useful. Such report should make all points intelligible to a man in the old country. There is much nonsense written from "run and read" correspondents, and others taking flying visits, and what would bear and most honestly lead to the point of " 45 " might in such a way, I think, be attained." PRACTICAL HINTS FROM FARMERS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH-WEST. 47 i, and would lave, but lord an soon live work, soon ve the blame ink that this rards wealth, Jnited States t is the best it-class farm, ny wheat for re was more nan can here untry in the or raising all himself, and no field or .nd plenty of abject ing the gift of 1 60 vay, with the country is a hat wants to 16 dollar than ;n it will be a it splendidly c this country :inds do well ; I injury t*^ the f agricultural s a living for s old, and am what I could lid not keep a hey are only srs and others lan in the old others taking such a way, I George Anderson, who omits to give his pes al address, says: — "With pleasure I speak the truth of my mind. I think the sun has yet to shine on a land that offers better prospects to a farmer. If I was to sell out, say, for 10,000 or 15,000 dollars (2,000/. or 3,000/.), I would not leave the North-west, but would invest again. I should have told you that one of my sons has homesteaded, and 1 iiad to give him an outfit, one yoke of oxen, two horses, and household furni*-are, which took a considerable ymount of money. It might be well to say let people be as careful Oi their money as possible." • J. M. Lawrie, of Birtle, Man. : — " I have given you answers to the questions put to rme without any hesitation, and trust that the time will soon arrive, when the 'chronic growlers' against this country will be all swept from the face of the earth ; it is a shame the falsehoods told of the Canadian North-west by newspapers, especially throughout Ontario." J. C. Walker, of Glendale P.O., Man, : — " Having resided in Manitoba for the past seven years and pursued farming as an occupation, I have found it most pleasant and profitable, and I think for a field for emigration it cannot be surpassed. Our cereals defy competition, and although our fruits are chiefly of the smaller class, they are to be had in abundance." Robert Riddli'., of Salisbury P.O., Man.: — "On account of the healthiness of the country an 1 the good soil, I think it is a suitable country to come to." W. B. Hall, of Hec-