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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est filmd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 32X ; . ■ - 1 2 3 4 5 6 Q RA( fffm^^tf^r* t G u I D ^-r;; TO THK wv'- QU'APPELLE VALLEY, ASSINIBOIA, CANADA, BY R. s y K E s, WITH DESCRIPTION Ol' RANCHES AND FARMS TO BE SOLD OR RENTED ox THE Edgeley- Estate, Qttappelle Station. I WlxWk Alait aiiH KUtiiitriitionii* MANCHESTER : ^ T. %)VYLi R & Co., General Printers, Cannon Street. MDCCCUCXXV. 4|~ ^itS GUIDE TO THE QU'APPELLE VALLEY, ASSINIBOIA, CANADA, BY R . S Y K E S , WITH DESCRIPTION OK Farms to be Sold or Rented ON THE Edgeley Estate^ Qdappelle Statioii, ntifii Mm »<*^ SUtt»irii B -? TO TI1K Edgeley Estate, Qu'appelle Valley. The Edcelcy Estate was purcliased in May 1882, from Portion. the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. It consists of a selcc tion of 311 sections, cacli containing G40 acres in 1 own- ship 19, Ranges 15, l(i. & 17, west of the 2nd principal meridian, lying immediately north of the maiu line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and extending for 18 mdes between Qu'appelle and Regina. The average distance from the railroad is about 7 mdes, but no part of the property lies further away than 11 miles. A projected railway from the Wood Mountains, where there are rich deposits of coal, to Fort Qu'appelle, would intersect the ^"^K Idgeley Farm Pont Office is on section 13, Town- ship 19, Ringe 15, upon which are the headquarters of the estate and the manager's house (see map). Reeina, the capital of Assiniboia, is about 24 miles Regina. from the centre of the estate. Here are the residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Territories the IncUan Offices, and the headquarters of the Mounted "PolioG Ou'appelle, which is the railway station for the Edgeley Qu-appeiie property, is an important place ; being the distributing point for Fort Qu'appelle, the Touchwood Hil s, and the Prince Albert Settlement. It is pleasantly situated in a park-Uke country, and already contains numerous hotels, stores, and dwelling-houses. A flour mill on the Hun- garian system with a capacity of 150 baiTe s per day and In elevator of the capacity of 35,000 bushels will be bui t this year (1885). The leading manufacturers of agricul- tural implements, both of Canada and the Umted States, QU APPELLE. The Bell Kiinn. are representod here. At the rommodioiis Oftverninont Immij^riition Buildings, Hituiitcd chjso to the railway sta- tion, intending .settlers can lodge i'or a roaso'.4ablo period whilst in search of land or omploymcnt. There is every facility for cooking within the building, but the immigrant would have to provide his own bedding and food.* The College Farm of the bishoj) of Qu'appelle (the Hon. and Rev. Adalbert Anson, formerly Rector of Woolwich), is pleasantly situated two miles north-west of the village, anil between it and the Edgeley Estate. The Rev. J. W. Gregory, who accompanied the bishop from England, resides at the Clergy House, Qu'appelle Station. The lands of the tju'appelle V'alley Farming Company (better known as the Bell Farm) lie alnK)st immediately to the cast of the Edgeley E.state, with their headquarters at Indian Head Station. Railway The Edgeley Estate was selected after twelve months' ^mlni.^' careful investigation. The Canadian Pacific Railway was then advanced to a point about 100 miles east of Qu'ap- pelle. It has now been carried to the Rocky Mountains, and this year (1885) will probably witness the comple- tion from Montreal to the fine, well-sheltered harbour of Vancouver, on Burrard's Inlet, in British Columbia, a distance of about ' ,900 miles. This transcontinental route is 427 miles .shorter than the route from New York to San Francisco, and will, it is e.stimated, save in dis- tance between Great Britain and Japan at least 1,000 miles, thus materially shortening the journey between the ports of Europe and those of China and Japan.-f* The Qu'appelle Valley is well situated for markets. It is now connected by rail with Port Arthur, on Lake Superior, and as it will this year have direct communica- tion with Montreal and Quebec, the produce of this fertile region can be transported for use in the more densely populated provinces of Ontario and Quebec, or be shipped to Europe. Owing to the economical, though substantial Markets. * The train which leaves Winnipeg in the morning reaches Qu'appelle late in the evening, and the immigrant might adviae the Government Immigration Agent, by telegram from Winnipeg or Brandon, of his intended arrival. + A glance at the map of Canada will show the advantage from a strategical point of view of the "Canadian Pacific Railway to the British Empire, and its im- portance in times of war as an alternative route to Japan, China, and Australia. I'roops and munitions of war might thus be carried over British territory so as to reach Vancouver, Oi. the Pacific Ocean, in twelve days from Liverpool or London. In winter, when the navigation of the St. Lawrence is closed, the Intercolonial Railway from Halifax, which is only .six days .sail from Liverpool, and is an open port for the whole year, would be u.sed. Moreover the loyal colony of Canada would furnish her contingent to the aid of the mother country in the event of a struggle in the Pacific Ocean. nmodioiis Gnvernmont Dso to tho railway sta- "or a roaso'aablo period meiit. 'Inhere is every hv^, but the immigrant Idiiifj and food.* )f Qu'iippello (the Hon. ' Rector of Woolwich), rth-west of the viUa},'e, state. The llcv. J. W. binliop from England, )pelle Station, ley Farming Company lie almost immediately ^'ith their headquarters :l after twelve months' ian Pacific Railway was 10 miles east of Qu'ap- the Rocky Mountains, )ly witness the comple- ill-sheltered harbour of in British Columbia, a This transcontinental e route from New York e.stimated, save in di.«- d Japan at least 1,000 f the journey between Jhina and Japan.-)* 1 situated for markets. Port Arthur, on Lake lave direct communica- le produce of this fertile le in the more densely d Quebec, or be shipped lical, though substantial ^Ing reaches Qu'appelle late In tho rovernment Immigration Agent, by iiletl arrival, the advantage from a strategical the British Empire, and its inv te to Japan, China, and Australia, arried over British territory so us Ive days from Liverpool or London, ivrence is closed, the Intercolonial sail from Liverpool, and is an open Bover the loyal colony of Canada 1 mother country in the event of a HUnsON IIAY tlOUTK. " manner in which the Camidian Pacillo Railway »'>i« ''«"' ronstructod, and thanks t<. subsidies and land grants received from the CJovornment, it will be enabled to carry cattle, grain, and other produce at a very low lato from Manitoba an'jr,?f e'lr^^^ than that from Uverpool to New York It™ generally considered that the Hudson Strait and Bay will prove avMlable for navigation during four months in the year. CMMATR. " iiiiliciitiorm aliMic. Tlic air is in j^cncral |>iirt' and flry, " and tlic ri)|i| is on tliis account much Ic^sh I'dt llian in " cdunlricH wlieic tlic atniosplicrc is liuniid and laden " with niitisturc. 1 .spent the wIkiIc oI'Dcccndtcfand p;irt " i)i' January in Manitulm last year, ami I am convinced " that the winters there are luacinji,' andemincntly healthy. " Moreover, I have rre(|ncntly ohscrved in my journoys " the stuidy, v i^orous appearance of the inhahitants. As " rcMfards myseli', I always found the cold iij,'rcoulilo, and " sutleri'd no personal inconvcnienco whatever, thou;4h I " Wore the same clothing' as I am accustomed to wear in " Amsterdam, New V'ork, and elsewhere. The climate " of Miinitolia and the Canadian north-west in sununer " and autumn is healthy and a^'veeahle in every i(Sj)eet. " The days aro warm and the ni{,ditH cool — conditions " particularly favourahle to the production of the best " class of >frain. The crops of Manitoba are, indeed, of a " better (piality than those of the United States, the grain " beiiiL,' as a I'ulo hardei' ami heavier, and consecpiently " commanding,' a hij,dier price. At the International Exhi- " bition in I'hiladelphia in LS76, a gold medal was " awarded the wheat of the North-west of Canada." Owing to the inlluenee of the Chinook winds, spring conunences three weeks earlier in the Qu'appelle Valley than in the lied River Valley, which lies to the east, and winter sets in correspondingly later, thus giving the fai'mer the advant' -e of a longer working season than is allowed to his brethren in Manitoba, Sliould he desire to exchange the steaily dry cold of the winter for a warmer climate he can, on the completion of the railway, within 48 hours and without change of cars, reach British Columbia, where, in the latitude of the Channel Islands, and under the influence of the warm winds which blow down the Pacitic coast, he has the choice according to locality of greater dryneSiS or gi-eater moisture, '^'ofu'ie'"" -^'"^ purchase of the Edgeley property was made on Eitgeiey favourable terms, as the proprietor undertook to bring * *■ under cultivation a considerable portion, and thus create a revenue for the railroad. The land having been pur- chased with a view to cultivation and re-sale, portions of the estate, both cultivated and uncultivated, are now otlei'ed for sale (without any conditions of further culti- vation being imposed on the purchasers) at prices ranging between U (l(Js. 8d.) and $8 (33s. 4d.) per acre for the j,'('ii('riil |>iin' and dry, lUi'li U'HH t'cit lliaii ill is liiiiiiid and laden ■ (>ri)i'('(>niiu'fand part , and I am (-onvincod indt'niiiicntlv Iwaltliv'. ivt'd in my JoiirnoyH i' till' inlialjitaiits. As cold aj,nToalilo, and uliatcvcr, tli()u;j[li I ,t!cn.st()mt'd to wrar in ivviiore. The climate urtii-wost in summer idile in evei_y icspect. j^lits cool — conditions loduction of tiie best litoba are, indeed, of a nited States, the grain ier, and coiisetiuently le Jnteriuitioiial Exlii- n gold medal was kvest of Canada." hiiiook winds, spring tiic Qn'appelle Valley h lies to tlio east, and ter, thus giving the 'orking season than is HI. Sliould he desire of the winter for a )letion of the railway, lango of cars, reach itude of the Channel of the warm winds t, he has the choice dryness or greater •operty was made on • undertook to brinj; •tion, and thus create nd having been pur- ad re-sale, portions of ncultivated, are now ions of further culti- lers) at prices ranging W.) per acre for the ifi<> * DEMiiiirrioN OK Tin; i;in.iii,i;v kstatk. 7 tranic,' miil willi pinportii ate prices for thi^ land which ,ms been brought uii.ler tillage, The area alirady under eiiltivatinii .•oiiiprises id'out -'.(KH) acres diHtril.nted over sections IM, i:., 17, '2\, 'Jn. '^7, and MM, all in Township li), Ilango 1.'). PurehiiHers would have the o|itioii ot paying by instalments extending over four years, with a low rate ni" interest, or of renting for one yc.ir, with the option ol pureha.HO. , ■ • The opportunity of purchasing this land is a particu- larly desiiabh^ one for gentlemen wit'., the command of capital, as a pureliu • of good land l"av(.urably situated for society, railroads, and markets proves more advan- tageous in the long run than free land at a considerable distance from markets. At present homesteaders have fre([uently to go a distance of 20 miles from the railway to find an eligible location.f . , . , The land which comprises the Edgeley hstato is high, well watered, and naturally drained. It is a gently undulating country diversified by small lakes ami groves of aspen, with rich herbage and valuabh; hay lands. The grasses throughout the Qu'ai.pello Valley being very nutritious, it is destined to become a line district lor raising and feeding stock. , , . ,. Usually the settler in a new country has the choice ot a dense finest where he must clear the land before he can raise crops, or the alternative of settling upon a treeless plain; but here in the Qu'appelle Valley the sur- face is interspersed with groves of natural timber, and presents the appearance of an English park. The soil is a strong black loam abciut a foot deep, resting on a subsoil of rich fri^ble clay, largely impreg- nated with lime, perhaps the est possible combination for agricultural purposes.^. Beneath the friable clay there Is a layer of still' retenti ve clay. * These prlcoH hold good for 1H85 only. , , , » Kh thfi ttvfiriure cost of Imullng tliu «iiiiii produced fioin iin acre of land a tlin- tuleo 12. "iKh about 1 .lolkr and 50 cents (Us ad.), which is the nterest at 1(. 1 er ce t per annum on l.--. Free cattle run. 9, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 2.5, 27, 31, 33, 35. Nos. 1, 9, 13, 21, 25, 33, along the main line, Winnipeg to Moose Jaw, sold to Canada North-West Land Com- ]iany, the balance of theii' lands being in Southern Manitoba. School Sections.— Nos. 11, 29, (reserved by Govern- ment solely for school purposes). Hudson's Bay Sections.— Nos. 8 and 26. The Edgeley pi-operty is under the able management of Mr. William C. Cameron, a practical Scotch farmer and a good judge of horses and farm stock. He will render every assistance in his power to any one settling on the estiite, and would, if required, select machinery and stock, ]iut up buildings, and manage a farm for a purchaser until his arrival. He would also undei'take to provide a bailiff to assist a new comer for the first year or two. The proprietor would have pleasure in granting free run for the cattle of any purchaser over unsold portions of the estate. t I fi n tl ^ P ai ft \\ fi 2 Vi 36 25 24 13 12 E [PTIONS. — Nos. 2, 32, 34, 36. ^s.— Nos. 1, 3, 5, 35. n line, Winnipeg Vest Land Com- ng in Southern srved by Govern- d26. ble management cotch farmer and He will render ! settling on the liinery and stock, for a purchaser ake to provide a year or two. in granting free unsold portions THE Q ...PPELtE VALLEY LANDS. 11 Although the fame of the Qu'appclle Valley has spread ««ner.i far and wide the testimony of some who have visited it ofX, will be read with interest by tlioao who contemplate ^ viiry"" making it their future home. Sir John Rose, of London, writing in 1882 upon the subject of his journey through Canada, remarks : " I must '• say that the Valley of Qu'appelle is unsurpassed by " anything I have seen for picturesqueness and fertility. " All that has been written and said about this magniii- " cent country is true, and people going thither wilffind " their most sanguine anticipations more than realised ' Professor Henry Tanner, M.R.A.C., F.C.S., Senior Exammer of the Principles of Agriculture under the Government Department of Science, Director of Educa- tion under the Institute of Agriculture, South Kensino-- ton, London, who visited the Qu'appclle Valley in 1883, and again in 1884, wrote in the report of his tour of 1883,' as follows : " The Qu'appclle Valley has been generally •' recognised as one of the choicest portions of the fertile " north-west, and in a few years we shall doubtless find " that popular judgment very fully justified by the lartre " number of luxuriant and profitable farms which are " being established within its boundaries." The following extracts, descriptive of the tour made in 1884 are re-published, by his kind permission, from Professor Tanner's admirable pamphlet, "Successful Emigration to Canada," published by MacmiUan and Co., in 1885. THE qu'appelle VALLEY LANDS. After completing my iuspection of the Bell Farm, I proceeded to see the lands which are associated with tlie lovely valley of the Qu'appelle Kiver. The name has no doubt been given to it in conseciuencc of its frequent echoes, and the reply, "qu'appelle" ("who calls?") suggests the natural result of many an annising incident. On the first day I drove through the fertile lands east and north of the Bell Farm, reuchin"' Fort Quappello in the evening. We first passed through the Pheasant Plams, which are remarkable for their productive powers and groat agricultural capabilities. I visited here some skilful and enterprisino- farmers who had come up there from Ontario, and who had secured I well-deserved success. Messrs. McRae and Williamson had selected a fine tract of land well adapted for mixed farming, and here [on August 28th, 1884] the harvest was in full swing, and the average yield of wheat was not less than 35 bushels per acre, whilst on 300 acres there were fully 40 bushels per acre. Simple but well-arranged granaries had been constructed upon Messrs. 12 THE QU'APrELLK VALLEY LANDS. McRae and Williamson's farms. Thoy were about 36 feet lonj;' liy 12 feet in width and 12 feet to the eaves of the roof. The wheat ia delivered direct from the threshing machine into either of two openings, which are made immediately under the ridge of the roof, nud liero tlie wheat remains until finally put into sacks for market. On these farms there is some excellent grazing land, and some cattle were about to be l)urchased for breeding purposes. On entpiiring as to the kind of stock which had been determined upon, I was niformed that " Shorthorns were being bought, as Herefords were too dear, in conseqiicncc of their being so much in favour." These farms arc most creditable to their owners, being distinguished by good management and their highly productive condition. It will give some idea as to the rapidity with which the lands of this district are filling up if I mention that Mr. McRae informed mo that in the summer of 1882 there was scarcely a house to bo seen from his farm, and that he could now count over 200 residences. We drove about 15 miles in a north-westerly direction over the Pheasant Plains. These lands have a gently luidulating character. They arc occasionally relieved by small natural plantations, known m bluffs, with small lakes, and the soil very generally possesses all the indications of great fertility. We then descended by a steep road to the Pheasant Creek, near which wo partook of luncheon in one of those beautiful little valleys which lead down to the Qu'appcllo River. Surrounded as we were by this lovely scenery, we could not fail to anticipate the time when its now complete solitude should give place to human skill, and farni stock would be making good use of the luxuriant grass which year by year grows only to add beauty to the scene, and then make room for the growth of another year. After a short interval sufficient for the rest and refreshment of tlie party, we worked our way up the hill sides, and continued our course for about ten miles over another table-land district very similar in character to that traversed iu the morning. In again approaching the edge of this extensive table-land the Qu'appello Fishing Lakes came into sight, and as they extend for a distance of about 25 miles, they added fresh beauty to the scene. We drove down to the side of the lakes and called at the Roman Catholic Mission, and were cordially welcomed by the Rev. Father Le Brett and his colleagues. For a period of ten years this mission has been engaged in its work amongst the various Indian tribes, and amidst much dis- couragement they have nobly pei-severed in this good work. The gardens around the mission bear silent testimony to the productive character of the soil and the favourable climate of the district. My friend, Mr. Adam Brown, of Hamilton, Ontario, who visited this mission in 1882, reported as follows : — " We found here a garden adorned with flowers which would do honour to any garden in Ontario. I hurriedly made a bouquet of at least twenty vai-ieties. There were growing in the garden cabbages, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, carrots, beet, onions, vegetable marrows, cauliflowers, &c., all of which were so fine as to lead some of lit 36 foot lonj;- liy 12 roof. Tlio wheat is iitlicr of two oponings, 10 roof, nud liero tlio ■ket. On tlicso farms ttlo were iibout to bo s to the kind of stock that " Shorthorns wore iqncncc of their being table to their owners, leir highly productive hicli the lands of this iformod mo thn.t in the seen from his farm, and ly direction over the undulating character. plantations, known as ally possesses all the by a steep road to the heon in one of those tie Qu'appello River. wo could not fail to e should give place to d use of the luxuriant ity to the scene, and After a short interval y, we worked our way about ten miles over er to that traversed in ensive table-land tho as they extend for a ity to tho scene. We t tho Roman Catholic , Father Le Brett and ision has been engaged and amidst much dis- )od work. The gardens productive character of rict. My friend, Mr. this mission in 1882, 1 adorned with flowers 0. I hurriedly made a growing in the garden beet, onions, vegetable no as to lead some of THE QU'aI'PELLE VALLEY LANDS. 13 us to say that they were as if grown for an agiicultural show. I am pleased to quote this statement, which accurately describes tho condi- tions as 1 found them at tho time of my visit, \ery near to tho mission tho Government arc building an Industrial School for tho education of Bomo of tho children of tho Indians, and there is every reason to believe that excellent results will fi)llow this prudont measure. Continuing our journey round tho lakes wo soon reached Fort Qu'ai>pellc, and were pleased to end an ngroeablo journey by stopping at tho comfortable hotel kept by Messrs. Joyncr near the Fort, ,. ^ . j. On tho following morning I determined to drive through tho distvict lying north of Fort Qu'appello, towards the Touchwood Hills. On leaving the Fort wo soon rise from out of the valley to a magnificent table-land which stretches away to tho north through tho lands belonging to tho Touchwood-Qu'appello Land Company. I had been prepared beforehand to expect to find ranch good land in this direction, and this public testimony I founu was abundantly justified by facts. Milo after m'h, hour after hour, did our drive extend through lands which deservedly take rank amongst tho best portions of this fertile district of the Qu'appello. Wo drove for about thirty milos through a district which may bo described as a grand area of ornamental lands, having a good turf, and well adapted for tillage and mixed farming. Wo passed some cultivated lands and found tho crops excellent, even under rather rough conditions of tillage. Tho Red Fyfo wheat here is also regarded as the favourite variety, and on some fields there were 35 bushels per acre, while 30 bushels to the aero were not unfrequent. These results were the more surprising to mo as the preparation had been so imperfect. , „ , - , Tho wild-fruit of this district indicates its suitability for the successful growth of cultivated varieties. Wild strawberries, gooseberries, rasp- berries, blueberries, and cherries were produced in abundance. Tho wild hop here possesses a vigour of growth, an abundance of bloom, and a high aroma, which leaves little to be desired for its perfect growth. Over large breadths of this land wild peas were growing freely amongst the prairie grass, strengthening the feed, and giving additional evidence of the fertility of tho soil. This district is well supplied with water, for not only is it very generally obtainable by wells but numerous lakelets add beauty to the landscape and at the same time improve tho lands for grazing purposes. ^ ^ , „ , , It was my privilege during my stay at Fort Qu appelle to be present at the reception given to Sir Hector Langevin, and some specimens of farm and garden produce were collected for tho purpose of showing him the capabilities of the neighbourhood. Wheat, barley and oats of very excellent quality were shown, as well as mangel wurzel and other root crops possessing great density aud high nutritive character. Some splendid specimens of white fish weighing 8, 9, and even 10 pounds each were exhibited. They had been taken from tho Qu'appelle Lakes, on the bordera of which Fort Qu'appelle is situated. Each morning I was at the Fort, one fisherman alone brought in about 5 cwt. daily of exceed- 14 THE QU'aPPELLE VALLEV LANDS. Uamc also is plentiful in the aurroimd- ingly delicious fish of thia kind, ing diHtrict. From Fort Qu'appelle I accompanied Sir Hector LanRcvin to the Ldgcley l.arm,tl.o property of ('oiouol Syi it. It i,, however, only prudont to The Qu'appelle river, which gives its name to this district, nnis from the southern extremity of Long Lake at a point 22 miles n^lwes from llcgma, and after passing through tlio Ou'imnnl nllw.. « n enters the Assiniboine lli/er, aft'^er a mn^f ItutS^mUef^hrot f out much of Its course it follows a deep and winrln,,'8 4 (i — — — Cowa .,. 12 15 280 WaggonH 15 10 60 Plouf^hs 15 25 90 Harrows 3 12 8 25 4 Small tools, &c 2 10 20 171 12 292 1075 4 Purchases to he made . — 8elf-))imlinfj licaper 00 05 250 Seeders 12 12 30 Mower 17 17 17 Rako 7 7 7 Sleigh 7 7 7 103 108 317 Cost of house and farm build- f iiigs ( 100 300 340 Total expenditure £ 374 12 700 1732 4 With a convenient supply of hoi-ses and farm implements, and with men employed to carry out the work, the cost of cultivating an acre of wheat may be very safely calculated at the following charges : — Bre.iking and Baeksotting Seed ... Sowing and Harrowing Harvesting and Tlu-OBhing £ 8. d. 16 8 4 12 £2 caused I)}' his own ind hiui. It is well g IivikIh iiK reaao in ii'lcctin^' frc'o honio- toiitH, ihcy Hcll tlio pco homesteads with iro made upon three inf,' tho spring' and il proper capital at H for each of these nent of these three of 1885. D. Faiim (,'. B»). ((140 AcroD), d. £ «. d. 600 280 60 90 25 4 20 1075 4 250 ao 17 7 7 317 3iO 1732 4 lemcnts, and with ivating an ucro of charges : — £ 8. d. 16 . • . ... 8 4 12 £2 CAPITAL. 17 On good land, and with good management, from 25 to 30 bushels may be satVly relied iip..ii, wliicli, with u i>ri(;t> ranging from 'Js. i)(l. to 3s per buslicl, giv.-H a return of about £ I jicr acre I'or tho entnv quantity of wheat grown. It is more tliau probable tiiat in rach of tlie thmo farms already referred to, about HO per cent, of tho land will bo sown with wheat in the necond year. We may, therefore, extend our calcula- tions one Htep further, so as to show the profit arising from tho growth of wheat in each of these cases :— Farm. A U C Anrcn ill Whcnt. 130 260 520 Cost of Whcftt. £ 260 520 lOtO Viiluo iif WboKt. £ 520 1040 20W) I'rotlt. £ 260 520 10-10 The cost of growing tho first crop of wheat should bo added to the capital, because tho expenditure has to be made before the crop can bo secured I have calculated in tho foregoing statements that all the work is done by hired men. If the fanner docs any portion of tho work, it would diminish tho expenditure and increase tho profit ; but these calculations will be more generally useful if wo continue to assume that all tho labour is paid for. Wo are now in> jmsitiou to determmo tlie lull amount of capital employed upon these farms. Farm. A B C Extent. Acies. 160 320 640 Implonionts and Stock. £ «. d. 374 12 700 1732 4 Cost of TilliiKO. £ «. d. 260 520 1010 Total Cai)ital. £ «. d. 634 12 1220 277? 4 He who has sufficient capital to cultivate his land thoroughly well can certainly command a largo interest on his capital, as I shall hereafter more clearly point out. If the growth of corn should bo .lecreased, m order that a system of mixed farming may bo adopted, this change would by prudent management, tend rather to increase than to decrease tho general profits. There are consequently many and great induce- ments for tho investment of capital. But we must remember that the remaining 20 per cent, of the land— which was not calculated upon in the above statement as yielding any direct profits-tins land will by its production of milk, meat, poultry, and vegetables, decrease the costs of the household to a very small amount, and tho abundant supply of game will also tend to economise the cost within the house. Dealing as we are in these matters of finance with most important interests, and it may be with the welFare and happiness of many, I have IS CAflTAl. tliouglit it tloHiniltlo lo clieck tliOHo HtatoiiioiitH by information obtained frota iiniitlu'r Moiirco. TliroiiK'li flioitiiiilni'MH of Major W. 11. Hell, of Tho lU'll Kiirin, \slio8o knowlcd^o of tlio raniuiiiin Nortii West ranks very hi^'ll, I havo licen Hnpiilii'il with his statt'imiit of tho c'X|K'ii(lituro wliioh may lie advimtaKooiiMly mado iiy a gentlciiiaii in occupying' UOO aeros of good hind, asHuniin;,' that W uori's iiro l)roll^dlt nmler en)]! in tlie first your, 1 10 acres in tlio second, mid lUO acres in tho third year. His farm oxpeiiditiiro is— as is in the i)ri>vioiis iustanees A, H, and lf-l)in(lin(j Roapor H\ioklioard ... Sk'ijjh Cow Labour — 1 Man 1 Year „ Extra Man Harvest, 2 months 00 UuHhols Seed, Whoat (10 acres) 25 „ „ Oats ('J aiu'os) I'otatooB for Planting; 1 Aero Thriwliint^ 15(K) Huslu'la Oats and Hay for llorses Cottage and Farm Buildings e f. (2. 120 5 7 Ifl 10 50 10 7 U 60 12 16 2 2 8 15 20 305 8 aoo £ 605 8 EXPEKDITUBB IN SbCONI) YkaE. Labour— 1 Man and 1 Boy „ Extra Man, 6 months 200 Bushels Seed Whoat, at 80 cents per bushel Seed Oats and Feed Oats Hay ;: Threshing 4,000 Bushels, at 6 cents per bushel ., Twine for Binder Contingencies £ «. d. 8't 36 32 36 16 40 7 20 270 ifiiriimtion obtained 'iW. II. Hell, ofTho th West ruiiks very ' i'X|K'ii(litiiro wliii.'li iil)yiiiK' 'M) iieri'M of LT crop in the first linl yi'iir. liiHrarm and {.' — kupt imli;- ul liuid, CAIMTAr,. £ (. d. • •• 120 ,,, 5 <•• 7 *f. Ifl • •* 10 ... 60 ,,, 10 ... 7 1 « t 14 ... 60 • •• 12 ,,, 16 • •• 2 ... 2 8 15 ... 20 305 8 ,,, 3(10 £ 605 8 £ s. d. • .• 81 36 **i 32 • . t 36 ... 16 . . . 40 • •• 7 ... 20 £ 270 lirmmTiT*! m Tuud Tmb. Outlay iw In Rccoml Year Kxtm t'liHt of 'riirtMliiiiK Wo may now bring tiioso stivtcmenta of oxpondituro into contact with tliu rccoiiitH for tho uanio period. M 1. d. 270 12 H 2H2 8 Kxi'KNDiTt nn ItKntirrs, First Year .— £ «. d. £ t. d. As per Btatoinont 605 8 Fir$t Yrnr : — lUOOliUHhclH wheat, rvt 80('i'ntH p(!r buHJu'l 460 IiuhIiuIh oiUh at 10 centH jH'r bunhol ,.. 100 30 Second Year : — Second Year : — Ab por Btutouiont 270 3600 liuahels wheat, at 80 centH per biiHliel SOOIjuhIioIh oats, at 40 cents per bushel .,, 600 40 Third Yean — Third Year .— Aa por Btatoinont 282 8 4750 buHht^ls wheat, at 80 cents por bushel 700 Excess of Receipts over 600 bushels ofttB, at 40 Expondituro 378 4 centB per bushel ... £ 40 £ 1506 15'J6 Major Bell calculates that after tho third year, although tho capital invcHted upon tho farm has been rc-paid, tho annual receipts and expen- diture may bo calculated upon as in tho third year, showing a clear annual profit of over £500. llesulta Huch as these aro far too important to bo paspod without applying to them ovon a further test, and I have therefore taken tho data given in connection with Farms A, B, and C, so as to place thorn in coutrast with each other as well as with the Farm D. Fabm a. ExPENDIinRE. Receipts. First and Second Year,.. Third Year Eeceipts in excesa £ «. d. 034 12 260 145 8 Second Year Third Year £ £ 8. d. 620 620 £ 1040 1040 ao CAPITAL. FAnji B. EXFENDITDBB. Receipts. First and Second Year... Third Year Receipts in excess £ s. d. 1220 520 310 Second Year Third Year £ £ s. d. low 1040 £ 2080 2080 Farm C. EXPENniTDBE. First and Second Year.., Third Year Receipts in excess £ £ s. d. 2772 4 1040 317 16 4100 Receipts. Second Year Third Year £ s. d. 2080 2080 4160 Thus in each and all of these cases, in which there was sufficient capital at command, we have a very satisfactory uniformity in the general results, which goes far to explain tlie immense success which is commonly observed in Canadian farming when a proper amount of capital is employed. These results closely confirm the statements made in my previous Report, in which, after refemug to some excellent farms around Brandon, I said : — " In all these cases the profits on two years' cropping would repay the purchase of the property .tad also the outlay for the improvements." It is, however, desirable, whilst showing the great advantages of having a full amount of capital, to avoid throwing any unnecessary dis- couragement upon men having smaller sums at their disposal. These persons are bound to take a longer time in attaining the same result. In the cases named we have seen the accumulation of profits soon making the receipts greater than the expenditure. Such results are quioiily gained, because all the arrangements are thoroughly complete. If the arrangements are less perfectly organised, proportionately more time has to be given for securing any given result. Thei-e is, however, one great satisfaction — for if the desired result be delayed, matters roll on comfortably in the interval, and if some patience has to be exercised, it is not demanded under trying circumstances. The high percentage whicli is obtainable upon capital prudently invested, and the si^all demand for house expenses, will leave a consider- able sum free, year by year, available for some new investment, or for the repayment of the capital in case of its having been borrowed. We a( S( it i\: fi ti si h a ti P a: o: ti q tl ft )l a' is tl r< g u d o; tl a a fi n ii ti t( tl D tl CAPITAL, 21 Receipts. £ s. d. • •• • • lOtO 1040 £ 2080 Receipts. £ s. d. 2080 2080 £ 4160 there was sufficient ■ uniformity in the nsG success which is proper amount of the statements made some excellent farms Drofits on two years' .tad also the outlay p.'eat advantages of any unnecessary dis- eir disposal. These ng the same result, tiou of profits soon . Such results are loroughly complete, roportionately more There is, however, elayed, matters roll has to be exercised, 1 capital prudently I'ill leave a consider- iuvestment, or for eeu borrowed. We IS arc thus compelled to consider, wlicthcr a man should limit the e.\tcnt (if land he holds, so that he can fortiiwith cultivate the whole in an efficient mauncr, or whether he ought to have more land at his command upon which ho may invest his accumulating profits. There will be no difference of opinion amongst practical minds upon this point, for it accepted by all that as laud is cheap an additional extent ought to bo secured so as to admit of extended operations. The enquiry rather resolves itself into a question of degree, on which, however, opinions will differ. My own opinion is that a man, who is farming with borrowed capital, fidly sufficient for IGO acres — say £650 — may prudently take double that quantity of land, in the reasonable expectation of completely stocking 320 acres, and of paying off the borrowed capital. If, however, lie possesses from £600 to £700 capital he may prudently give himself a hu-ger margin for expansion. In such a case he might take an addi- tional 320 acres of land provided he can postpone his payments in the purchase of such land, so that they shall come witliin one-third of his annual profits. A man having borrowed capital at his command for four or live years certain, may fairly take 50 acres of land for each £100 lent to him ; the longer the time ho can retain the loan the greater is the quantity he may successfully work, and if the capital is his own he may take 75 acres for each £100. On the other hand, the shorter the period for which the loan is at his service, the more compact he should keep all his operations. In securing land to admit of such extended operations he shoidd always be guided by the golden rule, that " What is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." That portion only of his land which can bo thoroughly well cultivated should be brought under the plough. The remainder should be kept as unbroken prairie, and be used as grazing grounds, or as lands for making hay. This will be steadily encroached upon by the ploughs as the cultivating power of the farm increases. Some very interesting observations were taken by Professor Glaisher during his trip towards the Rockies, with a view of testing the quantity of moisture in the air of the district. The difference observed between the wet and dry bulbs ranged from 9° to 19''. These observations show a veiy exceptional dryness of the atmosphere, for, whilst the air contains as much water as is necessary for healthy vegetation, its moderate supply favoui-s the growth of the most perfect hard wheats, and it raises the nutritive character of all our farm crops to a very high standard. Its influence upon the climate also demands a passing notice, for the excep- tional dryness of the atmosphere must be considered when we attempt to form any opinion upon the very high or the very low readings of the thermometer. One settlor of whom 1 made inquiries as to the climate of the North- West, replied : " If they would smash up all those thermo- meters no one would know but that the winters were very enjoyable and the summers most pleasant." The following extracts are from an address delivered at Winnipeg on Sept. 16th, 1884, by Sir Richard Temple, after a visit to the Canadian North-West:— 22 THE SOIL— THE CLIMATE- CONDITION OP THE PEOPLE. THE SOIL. Hn3nV'''^'"\'f '•" w'f " T^, "^^"'"'^"t iaheritanco which has come av ns looked down upou these beautiful plains. The cousenucnce is that for the tune many of the old-world de4es, such as dee^ ChU mauuruig, weeduig, and rotation of crops, can be dispensed with THE CLIMATa One objection in England against this country is that of the winter 1 he summers are known to be hot, but this the people are not so muJi otS 1m^' n 1 *'" r^P°"' '''"''''' ^'''■""' -^^ wretcLres uin ..n ; !f "'''' .^'■"'" '"1"""''^' t''^^* this description of your ^s wlZ rV" ^r^'-T "^ T'^'y '>■'"» ""^l"^'- the Hocky Moun- F. l.n!i t ""°°'' '7"' ? '"^'^^ *''" ^'"ters somewhat like those of w S n7 *;.' ''■*; P'-«7''^"^"^ dull. In the rest of the country the uiteis are rather bright and cheery. The snow falls and hardens on the ground, and there is bright weather with blue sky overhead so that the people wa k about with the utmost facility, and oVthe wh 'e have' tu^nf^lT.I" *'-".^'"-*"^''; ^" '"^"y P^^*« «f "^« country the res dent tell me that the wmter IS the nicest season they have. CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. The condition of the people of the North-West seems to be perfectly satisfactory, and you must be congi-atulated thereon. I have Srved thZh oS '•'"'■"'"' r''"!.'"r "P- S«'"« ^'' wonderfully well-buUt, though others are rude and humble ; yet the Divine Maiestv ia rm respecter of churches ; there are living institutions, cl rgy, cTgr^^^^^^^^ and ecclesiastica arrangements wlueh seem to be excellent. The Sole country IS parcelled out into episcopal sees, and in all of them clergy arc a cumulatmg. Excel ent provision is being made for education, fhere are large schools ni the towns; and even in the sparsely inhabited country m the mterior there is a school system. The /ccleSc^xl religious and educational provisions are most ci-editable to the North west ot Canada. In connection with the moral condition of the people tint vouT^v 'T *" «7»g™tulate you heartily upon all the restrictions that you Imve been able to maintain in Manitoba respecting the manu- which you have righteously enforced throughout the North-West I believe that prohibition had been introduced originally out of a charl able and humane regard towards the Indians; but I beheve it wa fust as good for your own people as for the Indians. ^ ^^ « as j ust as IMMIOUATION. andZlhf f " *' * V ^"^-^^-^^^^^^ i« «f t^« kinds, for the cattle ranche It f .^r"'- y."" '^'' 8"**"^^ ^ '""^t excellent-the best possible c ass, for cattle ranching. Sons of gentlemen who found every profession at home overstocked, who could not enter the amy in the^face of he P THE PEOPLE. IMMIGRATION — FORT QU'aPPELLE. 23 itanco which has conio iod, thousands of years 3. The cousequcuce is such an deep ploughing, dispensed with. is that of the winter. )eoplo are not so much incss, and wretchedness lis description of your nder the Rocliy Moun- somewhat lilie those of st of the country the f falls and hardens on ) sky overhead, so that id on the whole have a e country the residents lave. seems to be perfectly ion. I have observed TOiiderfully well-built, )ivine Majesty is no , clergy, congregations, excellent. The whole all of them clergy arc for education. There le sparsely inhabited II. The ecclesiastical ditable to the North- ndition of the people, on all the restrictions respecting the manu- 3 upon the prohibition the North-West. I illy out of a charitable aelievo it was just as for the cattle ranche It — the best possible )und every profession ny in the face of the competitive examinations, or who could not succeed at the bar, or in the church, and who found the counting-houses and banking establishments all filled with clerks, are already thinking they could better their mark by taking to catde-ranching. I would far sooner see my son a farmer, active on horseback, making a little money and becoming independent before he was thirty years of age, than sitting still in a lawyer's office at homo. I have made the acquaintance of several young men well educated and well-bred, working away on cattle ranches, healthy, bloom- ing and hearty as young Englishmen ought to be, and who have lost none of their good English manner, or good original culture. Even several men high up in the professions at homo are in"ssting their capital in these ranches. Professor J. P. Sheldon, a well known authority on agricultural matters, who has made four visits to Canada, spoke as follows : — I believe, that not only will this Dominion be a great wheat-producing countiy, the gi-eat granary decidedly of Canada and England to a great extent, but I think you may very successfully go in for cattle-raising. Your ranches out in the North-West, when due precaution has been taken to avoid disaster, have turned out successful, and I think that from Winnipeg right to the foothills of the Rockies, your whole prairie is adapted for the raising of cattle. W. Boyd Dawkins, F.R.S., F.G.S., Professor of Geology at the Owens College, Manchester, spoke as follows : — We have heard of the serious cftects which will be produced in the mother country by the low price of wheat caused by the teeming fields of this glorious region. Now, I do not think that is a thing to bo regretted at all. It seems to me that if the British farmer is to be of anv good at all, if he is able to carry out the position which he ought to h I in this universe, if he is unable to produce wheat at the price in the Old Country at which it can be produced in the new, the remedy is before his very face. He must come to that region where the land invites him ; and I for one do not see why the British fiirraer shouhl be exempt from those commercial laws, those laws of supply and demand which are imperative on all other classes of the community. FORT QU'aPPELLK. Fort Qu'appelle, which in his admirable work, " Canadian Pictures," the Marquis of Lome designates " the charming village of Qu'appelle," lies about 16 miles north of Qu'appelle station, and about 12 miles from the Edgeley Farm Post Ollice. It has long been a favourite camping ground for the Indians, and was selected 18 years ago by the Hudson Bay Company for a trading station. The village is bounded on the east and on the west by large lakes well stocked with excellent fish ; it is sheltered on the north and on the south by well wooded hills about 300 feet in height. It contains several stores, a flour mill, where gristing is done for farmers and othei-s, a Post and Telegraph Office, and an excellent Hotel ; it boasts of three doctors, a Church of England clergyman (The Rev. D. Lewis), two barristei-s, and one solicitor. 24 THE LEGEND OF QU Ari'ELLE. TJic "Qu'appullc! Vitlottc," which in published iierc wnckly, is an excellent iiewspupcr. Its pictiu'L'siiuc situation aixl lioiuitiful surroiuidingH have attracted to Fort t^u'ajjpelle settlers from Ontario, and from England, including ropresentatives of both Oxford and Cambridge, retired oOicers, and professional men. The following poem, which ap])eared in the first numljor of the "Qn'ajjpclle Vidctte," tells the story which accounts for the name " (t>u'appclle," given at first to one of the Lakes, but now identified with the district of which the lakes form the centre : — THE I.EOEND OK QU AlU'ELLE. Tlie setting sun sinks slowly down beliind the western hill, While sadly souud, in the woods around, the notes of the whip-poor-will. The evening breeze sighs lowly in its flight towards the west, And touches, with its gentle kiss, the lake's unruiUed breast. No wavelets break upon the beach ; the waters seem to sleep, The mountains rise above the lake, precipitous and steep In places, clothed with foliaj^e rich with autumn's glowing tints ; Adown whose sides the mountain stream in sparkling brightness glints bike a silver thread on an emerald ground — it leaps towards the lake ; \\'hile its l)abbliug tones, as it prattles on, the faintest echoes wake. The sun sinks lower and night comes on, stars twinkle in the sky. And in and out of the darkening woods Hits the ))rilliaiit iiretiy. The cricket's deafening whirr begins, the night hawk booms above, And, not unfreijuent, conies the coo of the gentle forest dove. But hark ! 'tis the sound of the paddle's splash, as in the wave it dips, And the fall of the dripping water as from the oar it drips As the paddle ceases, then once more resumes, and now darts forth A light canoe : it rounds the tongue of land towards the north. And points towards the shelving shore. It grates upon the strand, And a solitary brave steps out upon the yiehling sand. He is an Indian warrior ; this night his journey lies Towards a spot which he can reach ere another sun shall rise. His errand is to claim his bride upon the ensuing day. Why stays he here ? He has heard a voice which stops him on his way. A voice from out the darkling woods repeats his name : he cries ' ' Who calls ? " No answer comes ; his hands ho holds to aid his eyes. And strives to pierce Che gloom around. Once more, distinct and clear. That voice repeats his name which falls upon his startled ear. He knows that voice, 'tis that of her who waits his coming now, And who will ^^ ear the bridal wreath next day upon her brow. " Who calls ? '' he shouts in faltering tones. And still comes no reply. Echo repeats his words. The breeze goes softly whispering by. But naught he sees. What mystery this ? He feels a sudden dread. Oh 1 can this be a spirit voice from the realms of the dead ? His race all know full well that such strange voices often speak. And the very thought drives the pulsing blood away from his swarthy cheek. He knows not what he fears, but still he fears an inward dread Of something, for he holds that voice a message from the dead. He speeds down swiftly to the shr— , He boards his frail bark. And, nerved with superhuman strt -gth, he speeds o'er the waters dark. The spray is thrown on either side aa his prow the water cleaves, As far astern in the darkling night the shore the warrior leaves, At length he lands once more, and now afoot he takes the road To thb camping ground, which vrell he knew as hia cherished love's abode. I licrc wocklj', is an iiKliiigs have iittractcd m England, including retired oOicerH, and first nunil)or uf the counts for the name ut now identified with stern hill, 8 of the whip-poor-will. Is the west, llleil breast, em to sleep, il steep glowing tints ; ing brightness glints ps towards the lake ; itest echoes wake, inkle in the sky, •illiaiit iiretiy, wk booms above, forest (love, i in the wave it dips, it drips 1 now darts forth ds the north, upon the strand, find, 3S n shall rise, lay. stops him on his way, amc : he cries aids to aid hia eyes, >re, distinct and clear, tartled ear, I coming now, )n her brow, still comes no reply, hispering by, sis a sudden dread, he dead ? !8 often speak, f from his swarthy cheek, nward dread 3m the dead, his frail bark, 1 o'er the waters dark, water cleaves, rarrior leaves, ikes the road a cherished love's abode. ■Mi'i^. LETTEHS. 26 Tho morning sun ig rising now, the dew lies on tho grucn, The birds sing l)lithely on tl o trees, by him unheard, unseen. He hurries on ; afar ho sees 'ho smoko in uurliug wreaths Ascond from wigwams whore, alas, his lovo no longer breathes. Ho gains the spot. Ho sees a crowd near a well-known wigwam door. He hears the death dirge, then ho knows that she is now no more. With svmpathisiug faces now tho warriors round him pressed And told him all tho mournful tale. His head upon bis breast In sorrow drooued. Ho knew what meant the voice which ho had hoard In yonder wood, and ho inijuirod what hour her death occurred. * The time was that at which he'd heard the voice mysterious cry. Full well he knew it was the sound of tho maiden's dying sigh. His name she'd called before her death, and when the moment came Tho last word that she uttered was her absent lover's name. The warrior heard tho tale, then bent his steps towards the shore, And entering his frail canoe was gone and seen no more. Tho following letter was written to the manager of tho Edgeley Furni by Mr. W. T. Jackson, of Fort Qii'aiipcUc, a member of tho North-West Council : — Mr. W. C. Cameron, Manager, Eilgeley Farm. Dear Sir, — In reply to your favour of t!iu Ist May as to my opinion of the prospects and progress of tho country, I have only to refer you to its history for the past two yeara. Then, if history repeats itself, or if the marvellous progressive strides which the country has made during that time be foundation upon which to form an opinion, its progress can only be limited by the limit of tho energy of its people. And, if its ratio of fogress should bo according to its increase of population in the future as it lias been in tho past, then the progress, the development, and the place which tho Canadian North-West will take with the agri- cultural countries of the world are, it seems to me, beyond the range of imagination itself. As you know, I was amongst the first settlers in the country, and I have travelled over the greater portion of it by horse and buckboard. Its extent is great, and its powers of production wonderful : two years ago you could travel for hundreds of miles without an evidence of civili- sation, and now the land is dotted everywhere with substantial buildings, tho houses of settlers, and on every hand can be seen the results of their labours. The prospects, to my mind, could not be brighter. The acreage under cultivation in this vicinity — the Qu'appello district — (and I believe it holds good throughout the settled parts of the North- West) is ten-fold greater than last year. The small quantity of wheat which could be marketed by our farmers, after providing for next year's seeding and their own wants, brought good prices because of its superior quality, and I hear noT that contracts are being freely made ahead for wheat at 75c. per bushel. Immigrants are coming in unusually fast, and the country is being settled by a very superior class of Old Country and Canadian fanners. Fortunately we are free from the pauper class of Old Country emigrants which has proved so undesirable in the United States. Our settlers are usually men with moderate means, men of energy and detemiination, 36 LETTEHS. nion who como to a uow country full of Jiopc luul prouiiso, and knit thcniselvcs together with her iustitutiou? ; men whoso dc8irc it is to prosper, iintl who arc glad to see prospe.-ity in their neighbours. Of such material is the foundation of our new country being laid. For the liritish immigrant I cun see everything attractive in the Nortli-West as a field for settlement ; here are a people of his kind, a country under his own flag and with !5ritish institutions. If liis means arc limited he can secure a free house and improve it. If he prefers to connncnce with an improved place he can, with a moderate outlay, ])urchase a farm all ready for operations. Living is becoming quite as cheap as in older Canada or the L'nited States, and with the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway to the Pacific, and our comparative nearness to the far-away East, there is no reason why living here should not bo (p:itc as cheap as in England, and, in time, as luxurious. I hear that you are getting on finely with your seeding and spring work, and I feol coutident the results will bo all you hope for. lieliova me, dear Sir, Yours truly, tju'appcllc, May Gth, 1881. W. T. Jackson. The following is a translation of a letter written to the Manager of the Edgoley Estate by the llev. Father Hugonuard, of the French lloman Catholic Mission : — 11. C. Mission, Fort Qu'appelle, May 8th, 1884. As requested, I hasten, most willingly, to give my impressions of our common adopted country — the North-west Territories — as it is not only a country of great resources, but, unfortunately, little known. Again, as it is a subject dear to me, I never tire of speaking of it. It is after an experience of over ten years that I now venture to give my observations. During this jieriod I have carefu'y studied, and by experiments satisfied myself as to w hat the soil is capable of producing. The cultivation of vegetables and flowers has almost exclusively taken uj) my attention. Nevertheless, wo at the Mission have each year raised all the cereals required for our own use. During the ten years of my residence in this district our wheat has always rij)ened to perfection, and last year we harvested 450 bushels of No. 1 wheat. From twelve acres of newly-br'''.en ground, sown with barley on the sod between the 20th and 23rd June last year, we reaped about 300 bushels of first class grain. Oats and peas also ripen to perfection. This year's spring operations commenced before the 15th April, and Bowing was done by many as early as the month of March on last autumn's breaking. But it is for root crops especially that our soil and climate are best adapted. I have nowhere seen potatoes and turnips so largo-sized, or which return so large a yield, as here, and that in many instances on lands that have been continuously worked for over fourteen years without manure. I con mcl but \ uro tlo\ ] wit giv cia mo otl th^ ye an bo th wl nc rei Tl se ce he be or d( sr cii w tl w hi T ol Q LETTEI19. 27 promiHc, iiiul knit loso desire it is to ir noij^hbours. Of oiiig liiid. uttnictive in the pie of his iviiid, a 1)118. If liis mciiiis ;. If he prefers to moderato outlay, becoming quite us ith the completion d our compamtive ■ living here should luxurious, icediiig and spring hope for. \V. T. Jackson. the Manager of the the French lloman ort Qu'appelle, May 8th, 1884. impressions of our !S — as it is not only tie known. Again, of it. 3W venture to give 'y studied, and by )able of producing. )st exclusively taken ave each year raised le ten years of my d to perfection, and From twelve acres )d between the 20th 8 of first class grain. le 15th April, and I of March on last id climate are best )8 so large-sized, or many instances on urteen veara without I have known of a yield of 30 bushels per aero of well ripened Indian corn. Beans ripen ocpially well, cabbages grt< v to the average size, and melons ripen even when sown in the open air. Tomatoes do well tot), but they should first bo sown in a hotbed. Wo have, in our garden, two npi)lo trees wliifh wintered outside, and uro healthy and strong. Last year wc had some Sf) different 8i)ecie8 of flowers which all blossomed, and, in almost every instance, gav. ^ecds. Rhubarb, sorrel, parsuijjs, English onions, pansies, larkspur, Ac, winter well outside. All these facts, together with the excellent quality of the soil, have given to the North-West Territory, and to the (Ju'appello district espe- cially, a well-merited reputation, drawing to it numbers of settlers, many of whom are from the Old Country. A great future is assured to this country, as its vast coal-fields, and other minerals, will add their riches to that of the soil. Yours truly, J. IIUGONNARD. The Reverend J. W. Gregory, the Church of England Clergyman at Qu'appelle Station, writes under date of March 3rd, 1885, as follows :— I have been asked to write a short account of the district known as tho Qu'appelle Valley, in which I have been working for the space of one year. During this period I may say I have been incessantly on tho trail, and visiting the farms from house to house. In my wanderings I have been able to pick up many little facts which may be interesting to those thinking of taking up land on tho easy terms now offered in this district, which is rapidly assuming the proportions of a largo settlement. First let me speak about the climate. Of the summer I shall say nothing, for tho most fastidious can find no fault with this season. In respect to the winter, which is just over, there is a good deal to bo said. This season is undoubtedly cold, but those who are strong and active seem unanimous in preferring it to the milder winters in Ontario. It is certainly far from beiug the terrible season which those who have only heard of and not experienced it imagine it to be. In my work I have been obliged to travel 20 and 30 mil«8 on alternate Sundays, and not once through all tho winter has the frost or snow prevented mo from doing the distance. There is a certain publication which speaks of the snow as drifting to the level of a three-storied house ; this may bo the case in Eastern Canada, but it is certainly not true of the North-West, where the average fall of snow is six inches, and such an object as a three-storied house is not known. The really cold weather lasted this winter in all 10 weeks, and during the rest of the season the weather has been such as to permit of riding on horseback with real pleasure. This is my expo'-ience of the winter as I have fouad it in the little town of Qu'appelle and the district around it, which is known as the Qu'appelle Valley. Not being a farmer I shall not go into tho relative merits of the 28 VIBITOHS. (liftbroiit (liHtrictH, but will just ^ivo ytni ud illimtmtioii of what Iioh been (loiip hero. Last week 1 visited a Yiirnicr who lives four luiies distaut froui tho town, luid wus shown it very fine Hnniplo of wheat, which liiid boon grown on land brokon up tlic previous your. The cost '.1 produo- tion was .^10 per acre, tlio yield .'10 bushels to the acre, and the farmer had disposed of it all a. one dollar per bushel as seed whc.vt. This ease is not an e.xcoptional one, and the e.xperience of my observation has been that all those who have any right to call themselves farmers, and have had some experience of the country, have been very successful with their crops. '('ho gi'owth which this |)lacc has attained to in three years is simply maiTcllous. A pretty little churcii with a spire is in course of erection ; there is a school at which the average aftendiuiee is .12, and straight roads are being constructed in place of the old winding trails. \u,r any further information I advise my readers to come and see for themselves, and 1 do not think they will bo disai)pointed in their expectations. 75, Lombard Street. KC, •2M\ Nov., 1883. Dear Sir,— During my recent vi.,:t to the Canadian North-West I visited your property ne .r to Qu'appelle with the object of seeing your steam-plough at work. I can safely compliment you on your selection, as, owing to proximity to the main line of the Canadian Pacific llailway and to the excellence of the land, it should prove a desirable investment. I had heard nnich spoken in praise of the Canadian North-West, and I must admit that my anticipations were more than realised. I understand that it has never been your intention to farm youraelf the land which you are bringing into cultivation, but rather to rent the improved land or sell it with tiio option of deferred payments. If such is your plan it certainly conmiends itself to me most highly, ofl'ering as it docs an excellent opportunity to English gentlemen and farmers who wish to find innnediate employment for themselves and for their capital, and who are not disposed to travel far from the railway in order to take up the free grants which are no longer to be found in desirable locations except at a considerable distance from the main line. I am, Vours very truly, R. Sykes, Esq., F. H. Evans. Edgcley House, Stockport. The following, amongst others, have visiter! the Edgeley Farm in 1884 : — The Honom-able Alexander MacKenzie,M.P., Ex-Premier of Canada. The Honourable Sir Hector Laxoevix, M.P., Minister of Public Works. ion of wlmt hoH been C8 four miles diMtaiit of wheat, which had Tlie coNt •■{ proihic ^cie, tuid the furmcr ed whc.it. This oohc obHorvation has l)ecii es fanners, and have siicccHsful with tlicir tlnve years is simply in course of erection ; !e is .32, and ntraight ling trails. For any d see for themsclvcH, ir expectations. trcct. RC, :2tth Nov., 1883. adian North-West I )l)jcct of seeing your I, owing to proximity lid to the excellenco ian North-West, and I realised. ion to farm youreolf it rather to rent the d paj'ments. f to me most highly, jlish gentlemen and r themselves and for ' from the railway in iger to be found in ! from the main line. y truly, F. H. Evans. e Edgeley Farm in x-Prcmier of Canada. Minister of Public visiTons. M The Honourable HErxon ('amkkon, M.P., and Mrs. ('AMriuiv, Toronto. Mr. Kenndtii H. Cameuon, Argyll and Suthcriuud IligldanderH, Portsnioiith. Mr. J. (!. Coi.MKU, 9, Victoria Chambers, London, S.W. Mr. (lEOiKiK Kade {.Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son), Ludgato Circus, London, H.C. Mr. James II. DidDAi.R, Coldhain Hall, Wiabonoh. Mr. .1. FvANH, Herald Otlice, Carnarvon. Captain (i. PiiiTi iuiidUavnei!, .\nglcsca. Professor 11. Tannkk, .\I.1!..V.('., F.C.S., Institute of Agriculture, South Kensington, London. Captain Ueihouu Pim, II.N., Lower Norwood, London. Mr. IlKSitv I'lM, ditto. Mr. John Caiismn, Uoyal Avenue, Belfast. Sir James N. Doi (ii.as, Knginecr-in-Chief, Trinity House, London, K.C. Lady Douoi.ah and .Miss Doliii.am, Stella House, Dulwich, nr. London. Professor 1. Vibiamu Ji).\'t>j, University College, Cardiff, and Mrs. L ViiUAMU Jones. Professor.) AMES Claisijeb, C.E., F.H.S., Dartmouth Place, Hluuiihoath, [..ondon. Mr. and Mi-s. Geoikie Ruhsei.i,, Hoe Place House, Plymouth. Mr. AncuD. A. Praxkeud, Trinity College, Oxford. Mr. F. iL Bl'uton, F.C.S., Hightield, (iainsborough, Lincolnshire. On August 14th, 1884, Capt. Bedford Pim and narty, members of the British Association, drove from Qu'nppelle Station to the head quarters of the Edgeley Estate (sec on map Edgeley Farm Post Office), thence iu a west.rly direction for five miles, where they and other visitors, num- bering forty in all, partook of luncheon at the farm of Messrs. James and Kobert Smith. After luncheon the party drove northward and, striking the Moose Jaw trail, po-ssed on to the ranche of Messrs. Fiennes and Fetherstonhaugh, where afternoon tea was provided, after which they reached the village of Fort Qu'appelle. On August l.')th, after spending the morning at Fort (Qu'appelle, the party drove along the northern shore of the Lake to the Roman Catholic Mission, thence to Katepwa and over the prairie to Indian Head, where, after inspecting the Bell Farm, and enjoying the hospitality of Major and Mi-h. Bell, they took the train the same evening for Wimiipeg. Further pixrticiilnrH ns totlie E(l)»olcy Rstato, with maps mul priccH of any of tho suctioiiM, amy be hiul on nppli'iitioii to UICIIAUD SYKES, KHq., K(l^ fipl! . 1 US! noil \%, kfl&SI SiXj T J7!3 s, '^''* /•«8T L- 1 Off ARI % > 1 # , ; \X + '^■■JP ^^H I . 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