Facts about grain growing, stock raising and dairying in the midst of the great fertile belt [microform] : the district of Kinistino, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories of Canada

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TORONTO PUBUC UBRARIES
REFERENCE LIBRARY

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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

o.

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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ims'!"'

WtSTMHM WiMLO

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.

*.

■.m''f^0miwm'^m

>n

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