366 



THE IRRIGATION AGE. 



which insures sufficient water each season for all crops, 

 cost about $35 per acre. We are informed that the com- 

 pany from whom this land was purchased has recently 

 made a slight advance in the price of land. We give 



acre tract would cost about $150. The settler will need 



"In addition, the settler ought to have $300 to $500 



three horses, which will cost him $375, and harness would 



he worth $75. One cow would cost $50, two dozen 



. 



Loading Alfalfa, Hesper Farm, west of Billings, Montana 

 [Hesper larm is owned by Hon. I. D. O'Uonnell. Billing?.] 



herewith letter from settler, and it should be borne in 

 mind that the land on which these crops were produced 

 was what is known as barren sage-brush or desert land 

 one year ago : 



"In replying to your question as to how much it 

 will cost a man to get started on a forty-acre farm, I 



chickens $13, a good wagon $85, plow $15, harrow $18, 

 cultivator $5. 



in cash to cover, his living expenses until he gets returns 

 from his crops. 



"As to results I have obtained this year, I will say 

 that I have sixteen acres of beans, which will yield 640 



Home of Settler Near Billings. [ See letter. 



purchased forty acres of the Billings Land & Irrigation 

 Company on the Billings Bench in 1904, and from my 

 experience will say .that a comfortable, plastered house 

 of four or five rooms will cost about $600, and a fair barn 

 could be built for $150. The fencing required on a forty- 



Schroeder's Ranch in Lake Basin of Yellowstone County. Montana. One 

 of the big sheep ranches of eastern Montana. 



bushels. I shall be able to sell these beans this year for 

 4 cents or better, which will bring me $1,536; twelve 

 acres are in oats and will pay me $134 ; four acres are in 

 potatoes and will yield 800 bushels or better. Fifty 



