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The Electoral District of Kinistino. \:j>Yi^$y

At a time when, as at present, the labor markets of p;urope, and more especially of Oreat Britain, are overstocked to a degree almost unprecedented in the history of the world, and when both in the Ri-eat centres of commerce and in the agricultural districts alike, scores of lusty men, able and willing to work, are literally crowded out from the means of earning a livelihocKl, it is natural that emigra- tion should suggest itself os the readiest, if not the

classes of persons who find their energies cramped and their ])ros])ects "cribbed, cabined and con- fined " in their own over-pouulate<l countries. To such men the writer would say: "Come to the North-\Vest. Whether from the' long settled pro- vinces in this continent or from the mother land beyond the broad Atlantic or from the swartning hives of Kurope, come to the Nortli-West. You will find here elbow room which is what vou re-

FARM PRODUCTS AT CARROT RIVKK AORICULTLRAI, SOCIKTY'S EXHIBITION, 1892.

only means, of relieving the congestion which is now sapping the vitality of the older countries. The average British farmer is in too many cases no longer the sturdy, independent yeoman of former times. High rents, low prices and deterioration of the soil, combined with an ever increasing compe- tition from abroad, are slowly and surely working his ruin. The struggling agriculturalist, barely able to make both ends meet, or perhaps already in difficulties, is ready like a drowning man to grasp at an^ straw to save himself from destruction. The Canadian North- West offers him, not a straw, but a stout plank that will not only keep his bead above water, but will, if aided by his own exer- tions, float him safely to the haven of prosperity. This plank is emigration, and the offer applies, not only to agriculturalists, but to mechanics, laborers, men with moderate capital, in fact, almost all

quire, scope for the development and exploitation of your abilities, a field for your labor and capital, and with moderate industry a sure road to conipe- tenre."

The electoral district of Kinistino, in the Terri- tory of Saskatchewan, to which it is especially in- tended to call the attention of intending settlers, has perhaps no equal in the whole of the North- west Territories, ooth as regards fertility of soil, immunity from hail storms and blizzards, regular- ity of rainfall and the possession of natural and other advantoges which render it a most desirable locality either for grain growing or for mixed farm- ing. This splendid tract of country lies a little to the southward of the Saskatchewan river, between the parallels 52 and 53 of North latitude and meri- dians 102 and 105 West longitude, and embraces an area of about 11,200 square miles, the greater

3

THK ELKCTORAI. DISTRICT OK KINLSTINO.

portion of which i> admirably adapted to the needs of t)ie fanner.

The soil is a rich black mould on a clay loam subsoil, its depth varying from 18 inches to 2, and in places 3 or more, feet. This soil is peculiarly favorable to wheat growing, producinjj heavy crops which ripen early ; its natural fertility renders manure unnecessary in any form, the yield of wheat averaging 25 bushels to the acre and weigh- ing in some instances as much as &i pounds to the bushel. Barley and oats can be raised to perfec- tion in the district of Kinistino, the former yield- ing 36 and the latter 45 bushels to the acre. Pota- toes grow to an immense size and are so prolific that It is not uncommon for a single acre to pro- duce a crop of 450 bushels. Cabbages also attain vast dimensions, beets, onions, peas, beans, tur- nips, lettuce, and almost every kind of garden stuff, grow well and give fine yields, and with a little care even cucumbers and tomatoes may be ripened in the open air.

The electoral district of Kinistino is at present reached via Prince Albert, but it is confidently ex- pected that the Manitoba and North- Western Rail- way, which now extends to Yorkton, will be con- tinued to Kinistino at a comparatively early date. This line will traverse the district from end to end and will place Kinistino in direct communication and within a day's journey of Winnipeg. The general aspect of the country is extremely pictur- esque. A visitor in the summer time approaching from Prince Albert, having crossed the south branch of the Saskatchewan, travels on a well beaten trail for a few miles through a park like expanse of gently undulating prain>?, studded with poplar groves and gradually ascending, until cros- sing the summit of a spur of the Birch Hills, a magnificent panorama presents itself to the view. Far away to the north and east for miles and miles the country lies spread out like a map at the feet of the beholder, the verdure of the great slope of prairie contrasting with the vivid hues of myriads of vdld flowers, and relieved by the darker green of the poplar and willow bluffs, with here and there a shimmering patch of azure, where the re-: flection of the sky above is caught and held by the summer sunlight on the little lakes* that add a charm and beauty to the landscape. To the strang- er who gazes on the lovely prospect and marks how sparsely scattered are the settlers' homes, that show like white dots on the vast extent of fertile land stretching away into the blue distance, the thought cannot fail to present itself that a locality so well fitted for colonization should no longer be allowed to rei ^ain comparatively a terra incognita, and that the time has surely now arrived when the capabilities of this grand district must perforce be- come more wideiy known.

The principal settlements in the electoral district are those of Carrot River and Stony Creek, which adjoin each other and together contain of land im- mediately available for settlers about 552,960 acres, or 1,728 homesteads, or including railway lands nearly 3,600 homesteads. The former of these settlements has already been established for a num- ber of years and in spite of the lack of means of communication and a limited market the farmers are fairly prosperous, some who began with noth- ing a few year ago being now possessed of consider- able property in the shape of flocks and herds. The above mentioned drawbacks will of course cease to exist with the advent of the railway. The Birch Hills settlement, a portion of whicn is in- cluded in the district of Kinistino, contains also many eligible br lesteads, which being situated

for the most part on high land are especially well suited for ripening wheat. The soil is somewhat lighter than that of the plains, rich in phosphates and exceedingly fertile. Both timber and water are plentiful, and some of the farmers who have lived for several years in tliis neighbourhood state that during the whole period of their residence they have never lost a crop by frost.

The Carrot River settlement possesses an agri- cultural association which was established in 1886 and is now flourishing and doing good work, the exhibits of live stock and farm pruduce which are shown at its annual meetings being fuU}^ e<^ual if not superior to those of any similiar institution in the North West Territories. The Stony Creek set- tlement, which lies to the eastward of that of Carrot River, is of more recent date and possibly owing to its greater distance from Prince Albert, attracted but few settlers until last year when num- erous delegates from Vermont and South Dakota,!!. S. A., as well as from Eastern Canada, visited the lo- cality. They were so favorably impressed by all they saw and so unanimous in their praises of the dis- trict that to the reports which they circulated on their return is probably due the fact that within the last 12 months or so no fewer than 150 persons have entered homesteads in the vicinity of Stony Creek, where the Dominion Government has recently caused surveys to be made of about 24 townships, while a further influx of settlers is expected to take place during the present year. A post office, to which the name of Melfort has been given, has already been established, a grist and saw mill is in course of construction on the Creek, a medical man has settled in the neighborhood, and it may be safely assumed that with the near prospect of railway communication the population of both the Carrot River and Stony Creek settlements will in- crease by leaps and bounds.

Wood, water and hay, the three great desiderata of the farmer are abundant in nearly all parts of the district of Kinistino. For building purposes' poplar trees, both of the white and black varieties, can be readily obtained from 12 to 16 inches in diameter, spruce, tamarac, and in some localities birch are also available. The common grey willow also attains large size and makes valuable material for fence pickets and other purposes.

Water of excellent quality for domestic use is supplied by springs, which in many place, espec- ially in the neighborhood of the Pasqma Hills, are very numerous, where these do not eadst, water can readily be obtained by digging wells at depths from 8 to 40 feet. There are also many lakes in the district, some of which are of considerable size, and contain perch, jack and other fish in great quantities. Waterhen Lake, whence the Carrot River has its outlet, is about seven miles long by three in width, it is situated in a fine fertile country and although somewhat reduced in volume of late years is still a magnificent piece of water. In its vicinit}^ are several fine farms, among which may be mentioned that of Mr. W. F. Myers, who represents Kinistino in the North West Legislative Assembly. Mr. Chas. Lowrie and Mr. Thos. San- derson may also be cited as successful farmers in the same neighborhood. To the sources of water supply already mentioned may also be added the several creeks, which taking their rise in the Birch, and Pasquia Hills, flow in a northerly direction through the fertile plains until they join the Carrot River at various points. Stony Creek, which tra- verses the settlement to which it gives its name, is a rapid stream of great beauty, its waters lucid and sparkling pursue a devious course midst lovely

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land are especially well The soil » somewhat ins, rich in phosphates oth timber and water the farmers who have lis neighbourhood state riod o? their residence by frost.

tient possesses an agri- was esUblished in 1886 doing good work, the arm pruduce which are igs b«ing fuU;^ e^ual if y similiar institution in The Stony Creek set- e eastward of that of ecent date and possibly ice from Prince Albert, itil last year when num- int and South Dakota, U. n Canada, visited the lo- srably impressed by all n their praises of the dis- iiich they circulated on > the fact that within the '.r than 150 persons have vicinity of Stony Creek, trernment has recently of about 24 townships, ;tlers is expected to taKe year. A post office, to rt has been given, has k grist and saw mill is a the Creek, a medical ehborhood, and it may a the near prospect of I population of both the eek settlements will in-

e three great desiderata : in nearly all parts of For building purposes' tiite and black varieties, om 12 to 16 inches in

and in some localities he common grey willow lakes valuable material

purposes.

ity for domestic use is in many place, espec- >f the Pasqma Hills, are !se do not exist, water digging wells at depths ire also many lakes in ch are of considerable iack and other fish in en Lake, whence the is about seven miles ) situated in a fine fertile what reduced in volume lificent piece of water, ne farms, among which Mr. W. F. Myers, who North West Legislative rie and Mr. Thos. San- successful farmers in To the sources of water may also be added the g their rise in the Birch, 1 a northerly direction ntil they join the Carrot tony Creek, which tra- ich it gives its name, is ity, its waters lucid and IS course midst lovely

THK KMCCTORAL DISTRICT OV KINISTINO.

scenery, now danhing furiously over hujje Imulders of lime stone and (granite in the veiled depths of dark ravines half hidden by the dense undcrKmwth of bush and weeds that twine and tangle on it.s banks, now babbling over sandy Hhallows where the sun glancing through the overhanging willows throws che<iuered shadows on the ripples at they swirl over their gravelly bed and anon widening out into little pools where sleek rattle quench their thirst, pools that in days not so long gone by mirrored back the shaggy frontlet of the bison or re-echoed to the sudden splashing of the startled beaver. Bison and beaver also are vanished, though traces of them are still visible in the bleach- ed bones that strew the prairie, and the ruined dams «nd dried up beaver meadows that meet the eye at almost every bend of the stream. The water of Stony Creek is exceedingly palatable and verv beneficial to live stock, it is moreover available all

And now % wonl a^ to clininte. There are still many |ieople, otherwise well informed, es|)ecially in (rreat Hritain, who eliiig to the delusion that the climate of the North-West Territories is not far ilifTerent in its characteristics from that of the Arc- tic regions, that is icc-lxmnd for three-quarters of the year and fit only for Hudson's Bay men and fur bearing animals. Nothing could be further from the truth, nothing more easily disproved. The win- ter season, though undeniably cold, is by no menus so formidable as might ht imagined if one Judged only from the readings of the tncrnionietcr, nor is it of inordinate duration, a steady frost usually sets in about the second week in Novem))er and continues with but slight intermission until the middle of March ; during this perio«l the temperature occas- sionally falls to 40 and even 50 degrees l)elow zero, but these cold snaps seldom last more than a few days at a time and are rarely accompanied by high

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STACKS ON PARM OP MR. W. P. MYERS, M, L. A., KINISTINO.

the year round, never drying up even in the hot- test seasons.

Hay of the most nutritious kind is furnished in plenty by the rich grasses and sedges which grow abundantly on the margins of the sloughs that occur here and there in all parts of the district, and the upland pasturage is unequalled for its fat- tening properties. Native horses require no other food and may be turned out in the winter without artificial shelter, they can easily obtain a sufficiency of food by pawing away the snow and usually are found in excellent condition on the return of spring. Cattle, being unable to paw, require to be fed with hay during the winter months. Grass to be used for hay is usually in its prime about the latter end of July, though it is frequently cut much lat- er. No tedding is necessary, the grass being left where it falls under the mower for about 24 hours, and then raked into cocks for a short period be- fore being stacked, it is then fit for use and requires no further curing.

wind ; the atmosphere moreover is so dry that the lowest temperature experienced is not nearly so unbearable as it would be in a country like England for example, where the air contains a large amount of moisture. The terrible storms of wind and snow known as blizzards, which sweep over the bare plains of Dakota, U.S.A., are here unknown, and it is seldom indeed that out-door work is stopped even for a day by inclemency of weather. Snow, as a general rule, does not fall in any great quantity until after Christmas and is scarcely ever more than 16 to 20 inches in depth, it thaws out gradually towards the end of March and by the second week in April, the waters, released from their icy thrall, are again in motion in the creeks, men and teams are at work in the fields, and though an occasional snowstorm may for a few brief hours impart a wintry aspect to the landscape it is quickly efifaced by the genial sun- shine, while the advent day by day of migratory birds gives emphasis to nature's fiat that spring-

TMi; I'MXTORAI. DISTRICT OF KINISTINO.

tide linn at leiiKtIi nrrived. I'lnwinK nml iio«mi>{ now prcK'Cfd with tin- Iciist poHHihle delny, n^'r""''- •tioii (|uiokly followH, ami the k"'"- receiving ample inniRttire hh the Miil Krndually thnwH out, growH with aitoniiihinK rapidity.

June is UHUfllly a rainy tiionth and it i» for the rcKularity and plenitude of iU rainfall that the (Ub- trict of Kiniiitino stands pre-eminent. This satis- factory state of thiuKB is ciiiefly owing to the ranges of wooded hills which traverse the district, and the thickly timliered country in the south which engender liumidity and attract thunderstorms ; it is also noteworthy that notwithstanding this abun- dant rainfall there is no lack of sunshine ; the sky is but seldom entirely overcast, and the alternation of heavy showers with unclouded summer heat offers the most favorable condition for rapid devel- opment of growing crops. From the middle of August fine weather may be expected right through the fall, and harvesting operations are seldom intcr- rupted by rain. About the equinox snowstorms generally occur, after which comes another spell of nne weather, which lasts until the setting in of winter in the early part of November. That the climate is healthy all are agreed ; even in the height of summer, when the glass occasionally rises above 90° in the shade, the heat is far less oppressive and sultry than in more humid climates. 'I'liere is generally a cool breeze all day and men can work in the sun without the feeling of lassitude which a hot day in I<;ngland protluces. Sunstroke is comparatively unknown, and let the days be ever so not they are invariably followed by cool, pleasant nights. No malaria exists, even in marshy localities, and notwithstanding the severity of the winter, diseases of the chest and lungs are extremely rare, in fact cases are not unfrequent in which persons with a tendency to pulmonary weakness have been set up in health by a change to the invigorating air of the North-West.

Much has been said and written concerning the risk of damage to growing wheat by early frosts ; in many cases this risk has been greatly exagger- ated. That such frosts do occasionally occur is undeniable, and it is equally true the farmers in the district of Kinistiao are from time to time sub- jected to loss from this cause, though to a less extent than in mos; other localities. The period of anxiety is in the latter part of August when a lowering of temperature sometimes takes place on calm nights, causing the thermometer to fall a few degrees Delow freezing point at a time when the wheat is in the milk stage and thereby causing some damage to crops, especially if the field be situated in a hollow or below the level of the sur- rounding countrjr, but wheat sown in good time, in a suitable situation on properly cultivated ground, is very seldom frozen, and what danger exists can be still further lessened by the employ- ment of early varieties of seed grain. It should also be remembered that wheat even if frosted is not a total loss but is still available for fattening live stock.

Of all the advantages, natural and otherwise, which render the district of Kinistino so greatly adapted in every way to the needs of settlers, the most important, and that which places it far in ad- vance of^ other new settlements in the North-West Territories, is the early prospect of direct railway communication. There is now no reasonable doubt that the Manitoba and North-Western railway which is already open from Portage la Prairie, on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, to Yorkton, in the Wallace district, will in the near future be carried on to Prince Albert. This line

will p«M through the heart of the most fertile por- tion of the unsettled as well as the settlwl parts of the district, with an effect u|)on their prosperity which cannot l)c over estimated, Let us pause for a tnoinent to consider what this effect will be. It will mean primarily an inrush of settlers to be fol- lowed l)y tiie erection of grain elevators, the estab- lishtnent of creameries, a rise in the value of real estate, the advent of men of enterprise andcntiital, a ready market for all kinds of produce, ana the formation of the nucleus of another city to be add- ed to the list of those glorious monuments of pro- gress which, mushroom like in their speetty growth, though resembling the oak in stability, are year by year steadily increasing in number throughout the 'western portion of the vast Domin- ion. And vain would be the endeavor to fix a limit to the rise and progress of such a city, for great as are the immediate advantages to be derived from the transit of the Manitoba and North- Western line through the district, they are slight when compared with the stupendous impulse to commer- cial and agricultural enterprise which will thrill through the North-West on the completion of a railway from Winnipeg to Hudson's Bay, with a shipping terminus at Port Churchill. This pro- jected railway has already been sanctioned by the Dominion Parliament and its construction in view of the rapidly increasing population of Manitoba and the North-West Territories will in all proba- bility be not much longer deferred. That such an outlet has become a necessity to the proper devel- opment of the resources of this country is patent to all, to say nothing of its value as a port of ship- ment of food supplies to Great Britain in the event of war, while its effect as a stimulus to the trade and well-being of Western Canada is simply incal- culable.

The settlers in the district of Kinistino will pro- bably, owing to its geographical position, be more directly benefitted by the proposed Hudson's Bay line than those of any other portion of the Terri- tories. Their cattle, for example, will naturally command a considerably higher price and will reach the coast in better condition when sold with- in 500 miles of a shipping port than when, as at present, they have to be conveyed by rail to Mont- real, a distance of over 2500 miles, and what is of still more importance to farmers in these regions there will be a ready market for coarse grain as well as wheat. If one considers the immense quantities of barley and other cereals annually shipped to the United Kingdom from the Danube, Odessa, Taganrog and other places in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, and reflects that the sea tran- sit from these ports is longer and the navigation more intricate than is the voyage from Churchill to Liverpool, it is natural to conclude that as soon as the Hudson's Bay Railway is open to traffic the demand for barley, oats, etc., for shipment by this outlet will speedily attain proportions extremely satisfactory to farmers who are fortunate enough to be located in the vicinity of the new route.

Speaking of barley leads to the subject of hog raising. These animals can be reared in this dis- trict with great facility and at a minimum of cost. There can be little doubt that speculative enterprise will shortly prompt the erection of a curing fac- tory and there is no reason why, with the Hud- sou's Bay line as a means of transport, pork and bacon from the North-West Territories should not be placed on the English markets at as cheap a rate and equal, if not superior, in quality to uat which is at present exported to Great Britain from Chicago, thus opening the door to an industry both lucrative in character and unbounded in extent.

of the moHt fertile por- 1 nH the Hettlf<l partii of ; upon their pro«pcrity latvd. Let us paiiRe for t thii effect will be. It imh of Mttlen to be fol- 'nin elevatorii, the estah- iHC in the value of real >f enterprise ami cnnital, iIh of produce, anil the r another city to he add- ons monuments of pro- like in their speedy ( the oak in stability, increasing in number rtion of the vast Domin- hc endeavor to fix a limit such a city, for great as iges to be derived from )ba and North-VVestern they are alight when lous impulse to commer- prlse which will thrill :»i the completion of a Hudson's Bay, with a rt Churchill. This pro- been sanctioned by the its construction in view population of Manitoba ones will in all proba- deferred. That such an iity to the proper devel- this country is patent to value as a port of ship- reat Britain in the event a stimulus to the trade Canada is simply incal-

ct of Kinistino will pro- phical position, be more proposed Hudson's Bav ;r portion of the Terrt- example, will naturallv

higher price and will mdition when sold with-

port than when, aa at Dnvejred by rail to Mont- K) miles, and what is of armers in these regions ket for coarse ^ram as considers the immense

other cereals annually gdom from the Danube, ler places in the Black eflects that the sea tran- ger and the navigation

voyage from Churchill to conclude that as soon vay is open to traffic the tc, for shipment by this

proportions extremely a are fortunate enough to )f the new route. i to the subject of hog in be reared in this dis- i at a minimum of cost, lat speculative enterprise ection of a curing fac- ison why, with the Hud-

of transport, pork and 5t Territories should not

markets at as cheap a srior, in quality to that ed to Great Britain from

door to an industry both

unbounded in extent.

THH KI.I'CTORAI. DISTRICT Ol- KINISTIN(»

With • ready market for raltli-, roarHe xraiii niid hogs, ill addition to wheat lunl dairy pro<lucr, tin- prosperity of the farnirr will lie ansuri'il. for lir will have the satiNfastion of knowing thiit Hhoulil any portion of hiH No. 1 lianl suffer any injury from untimely front, the wheat so damaged wifl not be lost, but convertcil into a source of direct profit in the shape of pork or bi-ef. The district of Kinistino with its undulating

Srairies, rich pasture nnd pure water is in a high egree suitable for the breeding of sheep, they stand the cold well, give but little trouble and, ow- ing to the dry atmosphere in winter, are frue from many diseases which sheep are subject to in other climates. Wolves and coyotes, although sheep are sometimes killed by them, ore not sufficiently numerous to couse any great amount of loss, thus the rearing of sheep may be regarded as one of the most profitable branches of inixe<l farming in

lie wings hilt hciiyy flight towanls tlir north, or Hwootm down upon a iitutiliU- I'iflil to hhhiih^x Iii«> iiiNiitmlile nppvtiie for grain. The Hand lull (■-/«n». o tint liinl approarliiiig a turkry in •ii/f nnd very good riitilig,>'iN frf<|Ueiitly Hevll, and seycral H)i«vir« of Nandj)i|)er ami other wuiling birds art' coiuiiiini alxiut ttiL- I'dves of the |M)ndN. About ihuk in llic autumn evenings ilie sportstnaii may rnjov ffiglit shooting to hin heart's content ; from his hilling-

filnce among the bullruHtu-K on the margin of sonie like he hears at short intervaN the rapid Nwishing of many wings and firen hIioI after shot with deadly effect on the serried columns of ducks as they sweep overhead or come stjuattering down ujxiii the A'ater by his side. From wild aiiinials of a noxious or dangerous character the district of Kin- istino may be said to l)e almost entirely free, the common black l)car is not unfreipiently met with, but is in every respect harmless. Tiniln-r wolves

KSiWj,'ifll7'!(7^;;;"*^?-.V/).VA(v^^^ ,.;;, . :;.:;;r -":■

A PIONEER FARMER'S HOUSE AT STONY CREEK, SASKATCHEWAN.

which the settler can engage, as it is estimated that the returns from wool alone will more than cover the expenses incidental to their raising.

Game of various kinds is plentiful in every part of the district, and in addition to affording health- ful recreation to the sportsman forms a valuable adjunct to the settler's larder. Moose, elk and deer are still pretty numerous in the wooded por- tions of the country, though it must be confessed that much perseverance and a considerable amount of woodcraft are indispensible to success in hunt- ing them. Prairie chickens, wood partridges or i rufled grouse and rabbits are very plentiful and afford good sport during the autumn and winter. Spring is marked by the advent of myriads of wild ducks of many varieties, mallards, spoon bills, red heads, blue anu green winged teal, widgeon and other species arrive in immense numners and remain until the end of October when the approach of winter drives them to the southward. In the | spring may be heard the cry of the wild goose as i

are hardly ever seen and the smaller species, such as prairie wolves or cayotes, though apt to worry lambs, have a wholesome dread of mankind.

And now having briefly set forth the natural advantages of this favoured land and having shown how perfectly adapted it is to the needs of the immigrant, it may be well to add a few words regarding the qualifications necessary to success. A man may come into the country with but a few shillings in his pocket and in a few years find him- self the owner of a well-stocked and thriving farm, but to attain this he must be healthy and robust, with a capacity for hard manual labor, industrious, self-denying, and with sufficient common sense to enable him to take full advantage of the means which bountiful nature has placed at his disposal. Such a man is absolutely certain to succeed. A moderate amount of capital will enable him to achieve the desired result in a much shorter period.

A previous knowledge of farming, though, desir-

^kt^^^

THK KLKCTORAL DISTRICT OK KINISTINO.

•I)le i* not atMotiitcly ruaentlal, imleed it ii well known there urc at thin moment in tlie iiettlementii not • few proaperout farrnem who, until they came to the North We«t Territoriei, hail )>een enKaued in totally difTerent purauiu, but what i* really a ■ine <|ua non it Ktea<iv hard work, whether in p«r- •on or t)y prosy, if the new comer be in a poaition to hire latmr. With a free K^Mxt of W) acres of •plendid land to which be may add another 1*H) by

' purrhaae on eatremely eaay terma, a fine climate, exemption from rent and in it iinmt meaaure from taxation alto, the aettlcr who put* hit ahoulder to the wheel will soon become Independent, and in no part of the North West Territoriea will he find more farilitiei or have a better proapcct of attain- ins thia happy condition than in the electoral dia- trlct of Kiniatino.

The Kinistino District.

Sy IVm. Ogilvie, /), I.. S., of the Dtpartmtnt of the Inlrrior Survey Staff.

Thia district includea townships 36 to 47, ranges 1 to 23 west of the 2nd meridian, and the same townships in ranges 30 to 32 west of the 1st meri- ian ; also townships 46, 40 and 47, ranges 16 to 80 west of the 1st Meridian. Its north west comer almost touches the south branch of the Saskatche- wan River. Carrot River rises in the north west part of the district, and crosses its north boundary about range 16 west of the 2nd meridian. The Birch Hilla are situated «bout the middle of the western boundary and continue eastward to about range 16 or 16, when they merge into the Pasquia Hills which continue north eastward and cross the north boundary about range 0. Many fine creeks flow out of these hills northward into Carrot River,

ftrincipal among which are Melfort creek, (former- y called Stony Creek) and Leather River, (some- times called the Hansing Hide River.) There is some fair spruce timber situated on the head of these streams, and a small saw and grist mill is in course of erection on Melfort Creek, in township 44, range 18 west of the 2nd meridian.

Mr. Reginald Beattjr, who has lived in the town- ship during the past nine years, and has pretty well examined all the surrounding country, states that Carrot River is navigable for flat bottomed, stern wheeled steamers from its mouth up to the junction with Leather River. Carrott River joins the Sas- katchewan River just below Indian Pear Island Lake. Red Deer River rises near the centre of the district and flows generally north eastwards through the northeast comer mto Lake Winnipe-

§osis. Lakes and ponds are numerous in the istrict. Many of the former are quite large. The water is generally brackish, but not unfit for use. It is probable the Manitoba and North Western Railway will cut the west half of the district pretty well in two, and the North West Central Railway will traverse the south west corner. The district also lies almost directly in the line of the probable railway from Prince Albert to Hudson Bay, which, if any railway to the Bay is a success, must also be successful. Its probable means of communication with the markets of the world are therefore equal to those of any other part of the Territories. Prince Albert is distant from Churchill, on the Hudson Bay, by the probable route of the railway between them, about 700 miles, and Churchill is in round numbers about 8000 miles from Liverpool. For the greater part of its length this road will pass |hrough timbered country, much of which will no doubt be available for lumber purposes,

thus

in

placing this district position for Its supply of lumber.

a most advantageous ,, ,, iber. In addition to

this there are extensive forests on the northern side, which will yield large quantities of 'umber. Coal was found last summer in the vicinity of Prince Albert, but as yet it* extent is anknown. If found in quantity tbis will guarantee the sur- rounding country cheap fuel. It may be that it will be found in other parts of the adjacent coun- try. The soil in the district from its west bound- ary as far east as range 16 west of the 2nd meridian is to my knowledge nearly all good loamy black clay ; and I know I am within the mark when I say, there is as small a percentage of waste land in this part of the district as in any other similiar area in any part of the Territories. The easterly part of the district is pretty well wooded, but there appears to be some fine prairie openinn in it Hay lands are numerous in the vicinity of Carrot River and Melfort Creek, and cattle can be raised with- out much trouble. It is not pretended that cattle can be raised as cheaply here as in the grazing lands proper of the more westerly part* of the Territories, where they can graze out the whole year, for here they have to be sheltered and fed during the winter, but even so with the advantage of much hay, both on the prairie parts and in the woods surrounding it, and its immense advantage of proximity to sea board if the Hudson Bay navigation scheme is developed, I think cattle raising here will pay just as well as on the graz- ing land further west. There are vast feed grounds in the Birch and Pasquia Hills where wild peas and vetches grow luxuriantly. On these cattle can feed until quite late. Mr. Reginald Beattv has sometimes allowed his young stock to remain out in these hills until December.

A small part of the district on the head of Carrot river has been settled for 12 or 14 years, and crops have been good. Mr. R. Beatty has been farming on Melfort Creek for nine years, and has always been successful. The quantity and quality in both places would compare well with the best. Last summer there was quite an influx of settlers in the Melfort Creek valley from Dakota and other parts of the United States, also some from the eastern provinces and the old country. All seem to be satisfied with their venture and are hopeful for the future. To sum up I would say there is a very large percentage of this district which offers as good inducements for mixed farming and cattle raising as any other part of the North- West

^o.

THE ELECTORAL DLSTRICT OF KINISTINO.

J termi, a Ane climate, n n Kn»i nieMure from ho puU hit nhoulilrr to lie independent, and in Territorie* will he find itter prospect of attain- liaii in the electoral dia-

The Stony Creek District.

fiy KfginalJ Btally.

\rvey Staff.

in a moat advantagcoua umber. In addition to forcata on \ht northern e quantitiea of 'umber, imer in the vicinity of Ita extent ia unknown, will guarantee the aur- lel. It mav be that it a of the adjacent coun- ct from ita weat bound- weat of the 2nd meridian r all good loamy black ithin the mark when I ircentage of watte land u in any other aimiliar rritorlea. The eaaterly f well wooded, but there lirie openinn In it Hay vicinity of Carrot River ttle can be raiacd with- }t pretended that cattle bere aa in the grazing \ weaterly parta of the n sraze out the whole

0 be aheltered and fed D ao with the advantage prairie parta and in the ita immense advantage rd if the Hudson Bay reloped, I think cattle Eia well aa on the graz- ere are vaat feed grounds uia Hills where wild uxuriantly. On these te late. Mr. Reginald ved hia young stock to ntil December.

ct on the head of Carrot 2 or 14 yeant, and crops Jeatty has been farming years, and has always itityand quality in both ill with the best. Last

1 influx of settlers in the Dakota and other parta some from the eaatem

untrv. All seem to be

and are hopeful for the lid say there is a very listrict which offers as ted farming and cattle rthe North-West

Stony Creek district it tituated in the electoral division of Kinistino and during the past tiiinmer haa attrarteil a great deal of attention from dele- gates and immigrants and over litiO homesteads nave been entered. Some eight years ago, on retiring from the Hudson's Hay Company's service, during which time I had seen a great part of the North West, I decided to settle with my family on a farm and having heard this district highly praised by the natives, I came out and found it even a finer country than reported, so I located on section '20, township 44, range IH, west of the 2nd meri- dian, and have continually resided here since.

I have grown wheat, oats, barley and peas, also all kinda of vegetables, with good success, and have had a crop every year, never a complete failure ; of the different varieties of wheat sown, Ladoga haa proved the surest, invariably ripening before fkoat. The country as a rule is rolling prairie, well watered by running creeks and occas- sionally a lake, aprings are numerous, and on everv farm water can be obtained by digging. Timber ia abundant both to the south ana east, chiefly poplar with some spruce and birch.

We generally stable our cattle some four monthr, sometimes leas, native horses winter out and do well ; laat year we lost six pail fed calves early in August and being buay did not bother about tnem late in the season ; we finally found them some 80 miles from home on December 2.')rd, fat and kicking and drove them home in a day ; they would no doubt have easily wintered out.

The district is well situated for prospective rail-

way facilities, the Manitolui and North-Westi rn Hallway intend huilding through the district. The HudHon's Hay Railway will In all protuibility trnv- erse it, and the most fensiMe route to the lower Saskatchewan is along the ras(|uiH hills directly through this settlenieut. Our post office, Melfort, is now the terminus of the mail route easteriy from Prince Albert, saw and grist mills are now tieing built, on Stony Creek, both a medical man and a veteriuary surgeon have settled down amotiKSt us the last summer a large uunil)er of stock have been brought in, and the prospects for this season are very bright, ami there are nuniliers of vacant homesteads still to be had, twelve townshi|)s having been surveyed during the past summer.

The illustration on page one, is from a photo- graph showing some of the vegetable, rott and grain exhibiUat the 189'2 show of the Carrot River Agricultural Society. The views on page" 'A and h show a group of stacks on the fann of Mr. W. F. Myer's, M. L. A., and the farm house of the pioneer settler, Mr. Reginald Beatty.

Persons wishing to learn more about the district are invited to correspond with Mr. W. F. Myers, M. L. A., whose address is Kinistino, Saskatche- wan. The free homesteads in the district are administered by Mr. John McTaggart, Domini ->n Lands Agent, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Opinions of Vermont Delegates.

In May of this year a number of delegates from the state of Vermont, U.S.A.^ on the solicitation of Mr. D. J. Waggoner, Colonization Agent for the Dominion Government, visited the north-east por- tion of Saskatchewan with a view to selecting lands for settlement As a result the majority of them decided to locate there, some have already gone on to the lands selected and others are makiuK arrangmenta to do so. Following are ex- tracts from reports made by them, the originals of which have been officially fyled with tt Depart- ment of Uie Interior.

J. R. Parker, of Morriville, Vermont lys at Pnnce Albert they were met by Mr. S. S. r»y, who acted as gpiide for the party to Stony Creek, where they found as fine a section of country as the sun ever ahone upon, with a soil of fine rich mould varving from 12 to 24 inches iu depth, in fact one of the best places for mixed fanning in the world. It is faat Deing settled with gcwd, intelligent people and is in his opinion a good place for

industrious people of moderate means to procure homes for themselves.

I. H. Kelley, Barre, Vermont, says that being a farmer of some extent and wishing for broader fields he decided to look over the Saskatchewan district. On May 0th, he started from Prince Albert for Stony Creek, crossing fine farming lat Is. At Mr. Harper's, where the party stayed the first night, he found some of the finest Arming lands he had ever seen, with plenty of timber and water and lots of game. The second night he spent with Mr. Prvin who has a fine farm, on which last season 450 bushels of oats were raised on five acres. There is plenty of timber and water, the soil being a dark rich loam some two feet deep or more. He also saw very fine land at Melfort Creek and was astonished at the quantity of game. Large herds of cattle and large fields of wheat, oats and barley were seen on several farms. He met several settlers with their families, goods and cattle coming from Dakota to settle at Melfort

_Jfy

THE ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF XINISTINO.

m&

Creek, also a colony of English people. He saw as fine farm lands on his tnp as a farmer might wish to have.

Ktlis B. Draper, another of the Vennonters, says he went over a large tract of country between Prince Albert and Stony Creek that will settle a million of people. Several townships which were newly surveyed were found to be equally as good as those that were already settled. There is also a large amount of unsurvcyed country that is equally as good. The soil at Prince Albert he considered the richest he ever saw, with any amount of good grasses and an abundance of timber for all pur- poses. He looks upon the Saskatchewan district as the poor or middle man's paradise. He visited several large farms iu the vicinity of Prince AUiert, seeing one of 000 acres on which the seed- ing was nearly completed. The live stock was all fouud in good condition and the country proved to be even better than Mr. Waggoner had repre- sented it. Mr. Draper could not return to Ver- mont without securing for himself and family 640 acres of land upon which he intends to make his future home.

E. E. Howison, Worcester, Vermont, says he found the Prince Albert district a gently rolling prairie, well watered and wooded. At Carrot river and Stony Creek he found a. beautiful deep rich loam suitable for any crop. J. Campbell raised 1000 bush- els of oats off 10 acres there, and his general yield

averages, wheat, 40 to 50 bushels an acre ; barley, 50 to ttO ; oats, 60 to 75. He saw a mare and colt that had wintered out and were in excellent con- dition. He found a good class of settlers, all of them being kind and intelligent. The Stony Creek section is settling up very fast, he considers ibis country with its soil and climate the finest section to which any industrious man can go. He has taken up a quarter section and will remove from Vermont.

Almon Leach, Craftsburg, Vermont, who also went from Prince Albert to Stony Creek, says that after crossing the south branch of the Saskatche- wan he came to a beautiful country with a very rich black soil that cannot fail to bring forth an abundant harvest. He travelled for 7 days seeing a vast extent of the most excellent land and is so satisfied that he has located on 160 acres.

J. F. Lowell, Wolcotte, Vermont, says he visited the Stony Creek district and found a nice farming country with a rich black soil, 20 inches deep. The country is admirably adapted for mixed farm- ing or grain raising and he considered a man with a family could get a living with half the labor necessary in Vermont. He found the settlers very generous and ready to do all in the<r power to make new comers welcome. He has gone home to make arrangements to return and will either purchase or homestead.

*.

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