Western Canada and its Great Resources
The Testimony of Settlers, farmer Delegates and high Authorities

22 WESTERN CANADA Maine and New Hampshire men in Alberta. Mr, E. G. Wiswell. Calgary, Alberta, May 5th, 1893. Dear Sir,—In answer to your enquiry in regard to our impressions of this country, we would say that it cannot be beaten for stock-raising and mixed farming; it is so vast that no man can grasp its possibilities. To know and appreciate this part of the continent a man must come and see it. Although this spring has been later than usual, yet we saw some seeding being done on. April 24th, and also saw some wheat growing in the fields on May 1st. The cattle and horses that had ranged all winter without feed or shelter, except what they could pick up, looked remarkably well. We would advise young men or married men with some means to secure a free grant of 160 acres and begin life again in a country where nature has been so lavish of good things. We beg to testify to your uniform kindness and attention during our trip from Maine and New Hampshire to the Canadian. North-west, and to wish you every success. Respectfully yours, A. J. McMullen, Oliver Lambert, Frank Hodge, Albert J. Grapes, Wm. J. Bailey. A Letter from Mr. Lavallee, of Glencoe, Minn. Glencoe, McLeod Co., Minn., May 4th, 1893. T. G. Pearce, Duluth. Dear Sie,—As I promised, I write to tell you what we thought of Northern Alberta after our trip. We had no idea it was such a fine country, and we think that it has almost every- thing in itself that is needed to make a good farming country; the soil is deep and rich, hay plentiful, timber for fuel, building and fencing growing here and there in every direction, plenty of coal for those who prefer to burn it, and a pleasant healthy climate. The sample of wheat which I have from Mr. Walker’s farm, on the Beaver Hills, is admitted by good judges here to be superior to any raised in Minnesota last year. While in Alberta I saw cattle which had been wintered in open sheds, and they looked in better condition than our Minnesota grain-fed cattle which had been stabled all winter. Many of my neighbours are talking about going to see the prairies of Alberta. Thanking you for having made our trip so agreeable to us. Yours truly, O. N. LAV ALLEE. P.S.—I forgot to mention that I bought a half-section of land, and my cousin entered for a homestead for himself and two of his friends.