CHAPTER III. 



ESTIMATED FORTUNES. 



Profits of Cattle-Raising in Nebraska — Manner of Managing 

 Herds — Some Notable Ranches and the Profits. 



In the last chapter I informed you "who the great 

 cattle-owners of the Northwest were, and in the present 

 one I shall try to show the increase of their herds and 

 the profits they are supposed to derive out of their busi- 

 ness. Mr. R. C. Keith, of North Platte, began raising 

 cattle in the fall of 1867, with 5 American cows. The 

 next year he bought 200 American cows, and in 1869 

 put in 1000 two- to six-year-old Texas cows. In 1870 

 he was joined by a partner, and they put in that year 

 on their ranch 1000 more Texas cattle. In 1872 they 

 bought 720 Texas steers, cows, two-year-olds, and year- 

 lings ; and also put in later another lot of 250. In 

 1873 they bought 35 American and 200 Texas cattle. 

 The total cost of cattle from 1867 to 1873, inclusive, 

 was under $50,000. This did not include expenses of 

 ranch, herding, etc., which, however, were small, as they 

 had no land or timber to buy. They were fortunate in 

 having old railroad-ties for the hauling, and their ranch 

 did not cost when finished over $1000, which otherwise 

 would have cost them fully $2000. They had several 

 employes. Their men cost $50 per month and board. 



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