140 MONTANA: INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES 



The af?ricultural areas are aromul Flathead Lake, north to Whitefish ami 

 Columbia Falls and in the southwestern portion. The extensive lunil)er industry 

 has afforded a read.v niarliet for surplus fe(>d crops of hnth ha.v and jirain. In 

 the earlier da.vs of settlement most farmers raised ha.v exelusivi'l.v to provide feed 

 for the loirjling camps. Stock raisini; was also prominent. There has been a 

 gradual change to a more diAcrsified s.vstem that includes fruit growing, small 

 small grain production and dair.Aing. Dairying is liecoming an important part 

 of the diversified system and along with it the hog and poultry business is ex- 

 panding. Interest in dairying is shown by the launching in l!)!'.'} of a cow-testing 

 association, starting with 2?> herds. It is the second association of the kind in the 

 state. Tn 1922 Flathead was the big.gest grower of potatoes of any county in the 

 state. Both winter and spring wheat are grown, the latter predominating. Both 

 irrigated and non-irrigated types of farming are followed. Man.v of the non- 

 irrigated lands along rivers and lakes are sub-irrigated. On the higher 

 non-irrigated areas, alternate cropping is generally practiced. The growing sea- 

 son is long, making it possible to grow corii, if not for .grain, at least for a good 

 feed crop, every year. 



In fruit raising. Flathead count.v is second in importance. Bordering on 

 Flathead Lake are many orchards of apples, pears, cherries, plums and berries. 

 This region is particularly adapted to the sweet cherry, and the production is in- 

 creasing. 



There is considerable stump land in the county, which, when cleared, makes 

 productive farms. The usual practice is to clear a few acres a year, seeding 

 it to clover and timothy, for winter forage for dairy cows. Good summer range 

 is available on the national forests, which heretofore has not been utilized b.v 

 residents to its capacity. It is estimated there are approximately 1(X),000 acres 

 of irrigable land in the county besides that now irrigated. 



While timber is the count.v's big.gest natural resource, considerable coal is 

 reported in the valley of the North Forlc River north of Columbia Falls, but the 

 field has not been developed. Besides l.GOO developed horse 

 Coal, Water power, it is estimated an additional 12.000 horse power can be 

 Power and developed on the Flathead River below the South Fork. It is 

 Wood Pulp asserted that on the National Forests in this region there is a 

 fine opening for a pulp and paper mill, with 1,750 million 

 board feet of desirable ^\'ood pulp species available. Other resoui'ces include pot- 

 tery clay, brick clay, fire clay and building stone. The existence of copper and 

 other minerals is reported. 



Lumberin.g is the most important industry. Before Lake county was created, 

 there were 27 saw mills and several planing and box mills in the county. Among 

 other plants are flour mills, creameries, a furniture factory, a foundi'y, and a 

 harness and saddlery establishment. 



The Great Northern main line crosses the county east and west, and a branch 

 runs southwesterl.v from CoUnnbia Falls through Kalispell to Somers, which is the 

 head of navigation on Flathead Lake. The Theodore Roosevelt east and west 

 highway crosses the county and the western route highway between Glacier and 

 Yellowstone Parks runs north through the count.v. Magnificent drives around 

 Flathead Lake, to Swan Lake and in the National Forests are afforded. Scen- 

 ically, this is one of the most attractive I'egions in the country. 



Kalispell, the county seat, is the largest city in northwestern Montana, is up to 

 date, and an important wholesale and distributing center for a large region. 



Whitefish. near the geographical center of the county, is a division point on 

 the (ireat Northern. It is surrounded by a large area of cut-over lands which 



