22 THE DIRECTOR. EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS 



only one meal is eaten. The value of the other two meals is estimated and an equi- 

 valent sum given to the fast fund. This practice, it is alleged, does the fasters no 

 harm, and furnishes a fund to which all contribute, and from which supplies can be 

 drawn to procure necessaries for the relief of the needy. 



By Mr. Eohinson (Elgin): 



Q. What nationality are these Mormons ? 



A. I found them to be of different nationalities and to come from many different 

 localities ; some from Utah, some from Montana, others from Wyoming. Many from 

 England, among these a few from old London. Indeed they seemed to be gathered 

 from all parts of this country and from the old country. By means of their methods 

 of co-operation much is done to bind each family to the community by bonds of sym- 

 pathy and common interests. 



One thing that struck me as remarkable was the general interest taken in the. cul- 

 tivation of vegetables and flowers. The latter are seldom seen in a new settlement, 

 but among these people almost every garden was gay with flowers, and in the town of 

 Stirling I was informed that arrangements had been made for a flower show which 

 was to be held a few days later than the time of my visit, when prizes were to be given 

 for the best displays and in connection with which I was told that there promised to 

 be lively competition. 



One of the wealthy men of Utah, Mr. Jesse Knight, who is reputed to have large 

 revenues from mines in that State, takes a very active interest in the Mormon settle- 

 ments of Alberta. Tie has recently purchased a large cattle ranch not far from the 

 irrigated districts of 100,000 acres for one of his sona, stocking it with 5,000 head of 

 cattle, at a total cost of about $450,000. 



By Mr. Henderson: 



Q. Did he purchase it out and out ? 

 A. Yes, the 100,000 acres. 



By Mr. Davis: 



Q. From the government ? 



A. No; I think it was from the Gait Co. That company have a quantity of rail- 

 way lands. 



By Mr. AIcEivan : 



Q. That would be $4.50 per acre ? 



A. The cost of the cattle is included in that total. I think he paid about $2.00 

 or $2.50 per acre for the land. 



By Mr. Davis: 



Q. Is that a solid block of land in one lot ? 



A. Yes; a solid block, and he put up la.-;t year 00 miles of fence to im-lose it 

 The ranch is inclosed partly by water, so that 60 miles of fencing was sufficient to 

 complete the inclosure. 



By Mr. Wilson : 



Q. What was the name of the purchaser ? 

 A. Mr. Jesse Knight. 



By Mr. Clancy: 



Q. How many acres did he buy ? 

 A. 100,000 iu that block. 



