CONTENTdm
Canadian Pacific Railway
Canadian Pacific Railway Company
Agriculture
Land tenure
Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection
Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Department of Natural Resources
Pamphlet advertising opportunities in Alberta for settlers. Contact information lists a Seattle address.
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r__ ■ IcANADIANJIf IPACIFICj % railwayJ/ \y GET YOUR CANADIAN HOME FROM The Canadian Pacific A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION REGARDING SUNNY ALBERTA AND THE OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED YOU BY THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY IN THAT PROVINCE Presented by THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY Department of Natural Resources CALGARY, ALBERTA CANADA 1912 SUNNY ALBERTA ? Part I. INTRODUCTION ALBERTA is one of the two provinces formed in 1905 out of that portion of Canada known as the Northwest Territories, occupying the great central plain lying between the Rocky Mountains on the west and the Province of Manitoba on the east. It is a' province with almost illimitable assets and is one of the largest of the Canadian Federation. Alberta has grown rapidly in wealth and population. Its development during the past decade has been marvelous. Its possibilities, however, are so vast, its natural resources so rich and varied, that the province has not yet passed the threshold of its wondrous and inevitable development. BOUNDARIES OF ALBERTA. With the Rocky Mountains to the west as a background and the International Boundary separating Canada from the United States to the south as a base, the Province of Alberta extends north and east comprising an area greater than that of any country in Europe save Russia, and more than twice the combined areas of Great Britain and Ireland. Its northern boundary, the 60th parallel of latitude, passes through the Shetland Islands and north of St. Petersburg; and its, southerly boundary, the 49th parallel of latitude, passes south of the English Channel, through France a few miles north of Paris, through the southern portion of the German Empire, and through the middle of Austria-Hungary. Thus the Province lies wholly within the north temperate zone, and the climate compares favorably with those European countries just mentioned. AREA OF ALBERTA. Few people outside of the Province of Alberta have any adequate idea of its vast size. To grasp it, one must conceive of Canada with its 3,745,000 square miles of territory as larger than the Continent of Europe, larger than the whole of the United States. One must regard the various provinces of Canada as budding young nations greater in size and richer in natural resources than many of the great nations of the Old World. Alberta is larger than any state of the Union excepting Texas. It is as large as the combined areas of California, Oregon and Washington, or the combined areas of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. It is larger than Germany, France or Austria-Hungary and contains a greater proportionate area of agricultural land than these countries. The Province embraces 162,765,200 acres. Of this 1,510,400 acres is the estimated area contained in rivers and lakes, leaving 160,755,200 acres of land. Allowing the odd sixty million acres for the rough land of the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, other mountains and hills, together with waste places that will not likely be suitable for cultivation, there still remains the enormous area of One Hundred Million acres available for settlement. Of this only about One Million acres were actually in crop during 1911. In other words, not more than one per cent of the land available for cultivation in the Province has as yet been brought under the plow. NATURAL DIVISIONS. The district may be divided into three great sections: Southern Alberta, embracing the area within which lies the famous Bow River Valley; Central Alberta, which includes the rich Saskatchewan Valley; and Northern Alberta, stretching to the north from Athabasca Landing. Northern Alberta, comprising roughly the great valleys of the Athabaska and the Peace Rivers, has not yet been surveyed and opened to general settlement. But for many years, vegetables, coarse grains and wheat, well ripened by the long- sunny days of the northern summer, have grown at the Hudson's Bay Company's posts and other pioneer settlements. A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Harvesting a Bumper Crop Central Alberta is well wooded and watered, and the settler is thus able to provide shelter for his stock at a small outlay. Pure water can be obtained at a depth of from 20 to 80 feet. River and woodland, hill and dale clad with grass and flowers and dotted with groves of Aspen, Poplar and Spruce, delight the eye; the lakes, which abound, reflect the bright blue skies above, and the magnificent valley of the Saskatchewan lend boldness to a landscape otherwise full of pastoral charm. Southern Alberta.—Rolling eastward from the Rocky Mountains, the Foot Hills extend for some 70 miles, until they merge gradually into the vast prairie plateau of the province. This plateau is one of the finest stock and grain raising areas on the continent. A few years ago, the whole of Southern Alberta was given up to ranching. To-day it is making marvelous strides in grain producing and mixed 4 of Winter Wheat, Alberta farming. It is found that its gently rolling prairies are fairly breaking the hitherto supreme record ai Western Canada in the quantity and quality of its wheat, oats and barley production. This division embraces the Bow River Valley, containing the greatest irrigation scheme on the American Con tinent. A YEAR'S PROGRESS. The development of Alberta in 1911 was the greatest ever recorded in any section of the American Continent. Fully 20,000 acres of land was settled upon every day in the year. One new school district was opened for every school day. Two new towns sprung up every week. Four miles of railway were built every week day. The above is only a partial record of Alberta's remarkable expansion during the year. 5 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY VARIED RESOURCES. Alberta is first of all an agricultural province. But it is not entirely so. It is wonderfully rich in minerals. There are more undeveloped coal lands of a high class than in any other part of the world. There is timber, petroleum, natural gas and great undeveloped water powers. There is a place for every worthy person. There is a bright outlook for everyone who is willing to work. There is, in fact, a greater opportunity to become independently wealthy than in any other part of America. ANYONE CAN OWN LAND. It is not necessary to be a British subject to own land in Canada. SOIL. The soil of Alberta is amongst the richest in America, and contains all the valuable constituents that nature has stored up during past centuries. It only awaits the plow to yield up its treasures. The opinion expressed by Professor Shaw— the greatest agricultural economist in America—that "there is greater wealth in the upper twelve inches of soil in Alberta than in all the gold mines in America," is nearer the truth than is generally supposed. The marvelous growth of wild grass (tall bunch grass) with which these hills and plains are carpeted, furnishes indisputable evidence of the soil's fertility. CLIMATE. Climate is very much a "matter of opinion," and it is a blessing that opinions differ, otherwise the whole population of the earth would endeavor to crowd into a few favored spots, and those who could not find room to dwell within the scope of the "ideal" climate would have to be content with unhappiness elsewhere. Contrast is the spice of life. Human beings, and crops as well, for their own best good, must have a variable climate, and agreeable interchange of sunshine, and cloudy weather, warm and cool weather. Such a climate have Central and Southern Alberta, which are located further south than London, The Hague, Amsterdam, Cologne, Berlin and Dresden. Alberta is not a gold-laden Klondyke. It is an agricultural country where fortunes are not made overnight. Those living in such a country must make homes before they can make money, and the rapidity with which the province is being settled testifies to its attractions as a place of residence. RAINFALL. The following meteorological statistics, in the Calgary district, compiled by the Dominion Government, cover a period of fifteen years: Year Inches Year 1897 20.58 1904.... 1898 16.79 1905..!. 1899 23.01 1906.. .. 1900 15.41 1907 1901 21.31 1908 1902 35.71 1909 1903 21.98 1910.. .. Inches .. 11.16 ..16.51 .. 16.14 ..16.45 .. 17.96 ..16.15 ..11.89 1911 20.04 HEALTHFULNESS. The open character of the country in the Province of Alberta, its clear, dry atmosphere, the abundance of sunshiny days, its elevation (from 1,400 to 3,400 feet above sea level), and the fresh breezes that blow across the plains, all tend to make it one of the most healthful countries in the world. There is an entire absence of malaria, and there are no diseases peculiar to the country. The Central and Southern parts of the province have a continental reputation for healthfulness, and are peculiarly favorable to persons with a tendency to weak lungs. Many who have lost hope of ever again being blessed with good health have found it in Alberta. CEREAL CROPS IN ALBERTA. WINTER WHEAT.—This cereal is the leading crop of Southern Alberta, and is also grown in the Central part. The expansion of winter wheat production in Southern Alberta constitutes one of the most far-reaching Canadian agricultural developments of recent years. Never in the history of Canada has any single crop in any part of the country come to the front with such giant strides as has winter wheat in Southern Alberta. In 1900 the area seeded to winter wheat was less than 500 acres. In 1901 it was very little over 1,000 acres; 1902, 3,500 acres; 1903, 8,300 acres; 1905, 32,000 acres; 1906, 43,660 acres; 1907, 84,000 acres; and in 1908, 104,500 acres. Taking as an example the district around Calgary, which is fairly representative of the whole of the winter wheat area of Southern Alberta, we find the average yield of winter wheat since 19D2 has been : 1902, 24 bushels per acre; 1903, 23^2 bushels per acre; 1904, 2854 bushels per acre; 1905, 32^ bushels per acre; 1906, 26 bushels per acre; 1907, 21^ bushels per acre; 1908, 31.45 bushels per acre; and 1909, 27.30 bushels per acre. The average yield per acre for the whole of the United States is as follows: 1902, 14^4 bushels per acre; 6 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Enormous Yields of Alberta Barley Bringing Premium Prices IQ03, 13 bushels per acre; 1904, 12J/2 bushels per acre; 1905, 14 bushels per acre; 1906, 15^ bushels per acre; 1907, 14 bushels per acre; 1908, 31.45 bushels per acre; 1909, 26.49 bushels per acre; 1910, 26.62 bushels per acre. In regard to quality, Southern and Central Alberta fear no competition. "Alberta Red" wheat is gradually becoming a standard. Wheat of this variety took the Gold Medal at the famous Portland Exhibition, in competition with the very choicest winter and spring wheats produced in the United States. Alberta Red has secured many other awards, and we wish to call attention to the fact that for the fast two years this premier wheat has carried off the championship at the Trans- Missouri Dry Farming Congress, and in a class open to the world. Speaking of the 1908 wheat which secured the world's championship, Superintendent Fairfield, of Southern Alberta Experimental Farm, has this to say: "When the sample was sent to Cheyenne, I had no idea of its being entered in the competition. I merely sent a sample of our Alberta Red, grown on non-irrigated land, to Dr. V. T. Cook, Chairman of the Exhibit Committee, as he wished Canada to be repre- 8 sented. The sample was not prepared for competition, but was taken at random from a 2,000 bushel bin that had been once put through a fanning mill since being threshed. The field yielded at the rate of 54 bushels to the acre." W. C. McKillican, of the Canadian Department of Agriculture, seed branch, in speaking of 1909 Alberta Red securing the world's championship at the recent Congress held at Billings, Mont., said: "The wheat was a very ordinary sample, weighing only 64 lbs. to the bushel, and was not in any way equal in quality to the wheat securing the first prizes at our various local seed fairs." The reader will, therefore, realize that the quality of our wheat must be vastly superior to wheat grown south of the line. In 1909 the Alberta Provincial Seed Fair was held in Calgary, and the championship and Farm Crops Trophy for wheat was awarded to John C. Buckley, of Gleichen. Winter wheat in Southern and Central Alberta is one of the safest crops grown, and gives uniform and satisfactory results. Winter wheat is produced on summer fallowed land only, which ensures economy in time and labor. The crop ripens earlier than spring- wheat, and its culture can be sys- CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY tematically pursued with the certainty that nothing will intervene to hinder each particular farming operation in good season. By way of conveying information on the possibilities of winter wheat production, it may be mentioned that Mr. C. Nathe, of Macleod, threshed 3,700 bushels from 60 acres of land, being at the rate of 64% bushels per acre. A. E. Burnett, some 40 miles south of Calgary, recently threshed 4,280 bushels of winter wheat from 71 acres of land, or at the rate of 60% bushels per acre; and P. A. McAnally, near Crossfield, some 20 miles north of Calgary, threshed 596*4 bushels from nine acres, or at the rate of 65J4 bushels to the acre. Crops of from 48 to 55 bushels per acre are common, and a winter wheat crop of less than 35 busheis to the acre is not considered at all satisfactory. The price this year ranged from 92c to $1.30 per bushel, delivered at the elevator. SPRING WHEAT.—The prize wheat of the province at the Provincial Seed Fair in 1907 came from Southern Alberta, and the wheat which won first place at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 was grown in the Peace River Valley, in Northern Alberta. When we consider that grain of such high quality can be grown at the extremities of the province, it speaks well for the possibilities of the crop throughout the whole land. It is grown successfully in all parts of the province, and each year sees a great increase in the area sown. The increased acreage sown to this crop for 1908 over 1907 was 52^ per cent, while for 1907 over 1906 it was 63^ per cent. The yields have been uniformly good, and when compared with those obtained in the neighboring states to the south of the line, have been uniformly higher. 21.27 bushels per acre over nine consecutive seasons is no mean average for the whole of the Province of Alberta. In 1898 the average yield was 25.27; in 1899 the average yield was 23.74; m 1901 it was 24.58; in 1906, 23.07; 1907, 27.41; 1908, 18.18; 1909, 25.0; and in 1910, 23.6 bushels to the acre. OATS.—There is no section of the province where oats of the very highest quality cannot be produced successfully. The prize winning sample of oats at the Paris Exposition was produced in Alberta. While the southern portion of the province has become famous as a section admirably adapted to growing a high quality of winter wheat, the central portion of the province has become equally well known as a district that grows large crops of a superior quality of oats. A yield of 115 bushels per acre is not uncommon in the central district, and from 50 to 60 is regularly obtained. While 34 pounds" is the standard weight for a bushel of oats, those that won the first prize at the Provincial Seed Fair, weighed by the Dominion Grain Inspector for the province, tipped the scale at 48 pounds. The same official stated that Alberta was prepared to advocate a standard grade of oats calling for a weight of 42 pounds to the bushel, and also made the statement under 10 oath that 85 per cent, of the Alberta oats examined by him would weigh over 42 pounds to the bushel. It is this fact which has led to the establishment in the province of large oatmeal mills. It is not unusual to see a large field of oats standing over five feet high. There is a large market for oats in the Province of British Columbia and the Yukon territories, also in the Orient, Eastern Canada and Great Britain. BARLEY.—There are two varieties of barley produced in the province, the six-rowed barley, principally used for feeding purposes, and the two-rowed barley, utilized entirely for malting. The six-rowed is the principal barley crop in Central Alberta at the present time, and probably preponderates also in Southern Alberta, although the production of a high grade two-rowed barley in the latter district is rapidly coming to the front. Barley is a heavy yielder in Alberta. Instances are on record during the past year (1909) where crops have been threshed out as high as 78 bushels to the acre; 40 to 55 bushels are, however, considered satisfactory returns. H. R. WHITESIDE OFFICIAL BOARD OF TRADE HAY INSPECTOR AMD EXPERT GRAIN SAMPLER TOO POSTAL TELEGRAPH BLIXi. PKONESi AUTOMATIC a»t»t CHICAGO, H.L..,-Januajy-30tli- J.9U Mr. I*. E. Thornton, Mgr., c/o Canadian Pacific Ry., Colonization Department, Chicago, Ills. Dear sir:- The sample of grain you kindly furnished me, I have teen much impressed with. The quality and weights being equal, and in some respects above any grain I have had the fortune to see in my thirty years experience of handling grain. The berry of the wheat, oats and barley, are of a very even -full large uniform berry and of good color. The test weights are heavier than any grain usually in this market. Oats testing forty-two pounds per bushel, winter wheat sjxty-six pounds per bushel, free from mixture, showing it to be free from weeds on the ground it was raised. The barley is of the two row variety, testing fifty- two pounds per bushel, fine color and of an even plump berry. It would certainly bo a pleasure to handle such grain. Very truly yours, A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Ninety-Four Bushels of Forty^Seven Pounds Oats to the Acre LIVE STOCK IN ALBERTA. HORSES.—In breeding horses, Alberta occupies a somewhat similar position to Canada that Kentucky does to the United States. Owing to the high altitude, dry and invigorating atmosphere, short and mild winters, the nutritious grasses and inexhaustible supply of clear, cold water, Alberta is preeminently noted for her horses, which have become famous for their endurance, lung power, clean bone, and perfect freedom from hereditary and other diseases. There are, in Alberta, several grades of horses, varying in point of quality from the hardy Indian pony (cayuse) to the beautiful, well-formed thoroughbred. Heavy draft horses are now finding a ready sale at highly paying prices. Teams, weighing 3,000 lbs., and upwards, are worth $500 and more. Between 2,500 lbs. and 3,000 lbs., the average price would be $400, and the value of teams weighing between 2,000 lbs. and 2,400 lbs. is $250 and upward, according to quality. CATTLE.—Southern and Central Alberta now supply the Province of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory with beef. In addition, a large export business to Great Britain is done. It is a fact, that the cattle of this province are of much better quality and breeding than the average run of range stock in the Western States. The best pure-bred bulls are being used. It is an interesting fact, that the City of Calgary is the home of the largest individual pure-bred cattle auction 12 in the world. This takes place in the month of April eacn year, and on that occasion stockmen gather from far and near to purchase their bulls, and to transact other business. Shorthorns, Herefords, Polled Angus, and Galloways are the chief beef breeds, while Holsteins and Ayrshires are produced for dairy purposes. SHEEP.—Sheep, in common with other stock, have always prospered on native Alberta grasses. With the growth of alfalfa and field peas on the irrigated lands will come a marked extension of the sheep raising industry, and the ever- increasing population in the eastern part of Western Canada, where stock raising is not so profitable, will forever guarantee a satisfactory market. Those engaged in sheep raising are enjoying unparalleled prosperity. Mutton and wool now command top prices. Flock masters in Alberta will not be afifected for many years to come by the great fluctuations in sheep products. Woolen mills are being established in the west, and apart from the local demand there is a good market for mutton in British Columbia, the Yukon and the Province of Manitoba. HOGS.—As might be expected in a district where the dairy industry is growing so rapidly, hog raising, affording as it does the most economical method of realizing the largest returns from coarse grain, skimmed milk, and other dairy by-products, is a very important branch of farming in Southern and Central Alberta. The soil conditions and the climate, which are so eminently suited for dairying, are also productive 13 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY of those crops which make the cheapest pork. Calgary, the live stock center of Alberta, has an excellent pork-packing establishment, where top prices are paid. The production of an acre of barley costs just about one-half of what an acre of corn does, and will fatten one-third more hogs. The cost of production of an acre of peas does not exceed $1.50, only about one-fifth of what it costs to cultivate an acre of corn, and a fourth more hogs- can be fattened from the produce of the same amount of ground. Pea-fed hogs are becoming famous all through America for the excellent quality of the bacon. DAIRYING.—The Provincial Government maintains at Calgary the largest and most important "dairy station" and cold storage plant in the west. Some years ago Alberta dairymen became dissatisfied with the private creameries which were then in operation throughout the country, and asked the Government to take charge of these institutions. The Dominion authorities fell in with the request, placed experts at the disposal of the dairymen, and eventually organized a chain of co-operative creameries all through the country. These creameries are subject to the control of the patrons, through boards of directors, under absolute Government management. Most of the patrons separate their milk at home, by means of hand separators, and bring their cream to the dairy station from three to four times a week. The cream is'then carefully tested and weighed, and at the end of every month each patron gets credit for the equivalent of his cream in butter, and receives a cash advance of ten cents per pound. Here is our dairy proposition: A never-ceasing abundance of the best food for cows; our nutritious native grasses, supplemented by alfalfa and peas; an abundance of fresh, pure water; with our provincial creameries taking charge of the cream, manufacturing it into butter and finding the best market, all at a nominal charge of four cents per pound; a cheque to the farmer the first of every month, and a home market already greatly in excess of the production, and constantly and rapidly expanding. POULTRY.—There is a large field in Alberta for the industrious poultry raiser. A few acres and a hundred chickens will yield a good income. With eggs at 25c to 60c per dozen, and dressed poultry at from 15c to 25c per pound on the Calgary market, little need be said about the profits of this valuable feature of the Southern Alberta farm. An excellent market exists in the Province of British Columbia for poultry products, and this market is enlarging every year. A co-operative egg-gathering station is maintained in Calgary by the Government, where the highest market price is paid for eggs, and from which periodical shipments are made to western points. Our climate is ideal for poultry raising, and our market is the best in Canada. Turkey raising has come to be an industry of importance. Thousands of these birds are grown and fattened for markets in the coast cities, and thousands of dollars are brought into the country every year through this business alone. Where large areas of wheat stubble may be utilized for forage ground, the expense of putting turkeys on the market is small, indeed. Part II. SPECIAL INFORMATION REGARDING CENTRAL ALBERTA LANDS. Central Alberta covers that portion of the province which lies between Townships 35 and 50, and extends 90 miles north and south and 210 miles east and west. The Canadian Pacific Railway Company controls several million acres in this vast tract, having been granted the odd-numbered sections of land, while the even-numbered sections were reserved for entry under homestead conditions. Until a few years ago, thousands of homesteads were available in Central Alberta, but owing to the rush of settlers into the district, all free grant lands of any worth have long since been acquired. The homeseeker arriving in Central Alberta, therefore, finds a well developed country and railway land for sale, adjacent to the holdings that have been farmed a sufficient number of years to clearly demonstrate the possibilities of the district. ■ 14 RAILROADS. One reason for the rapid settlement of the district lies in the fact that it is well served with railroads. The Calgary and Edmonton branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway traverses it from north to south and the northerly portion is served by the line which that company has constructed from Hardisty, in Alberta, to Wilkie, in Saskatchewan, the latter town being the first divisional point west of Saskatoon. Construction on the Moose Jaw-Lacombe branch is actively progressing, and this line, when completed, will connect with the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway at Moose Jaw. 15 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Breaking the Virgin Soil with Steam Tractors TOWNS. Thriving towns are found everywhere along these lines. In- nisfail, Red Deer, and Ponoka are busy centers. Lacombe, the junction point of the Moose Jaw-Lacombe line, is a town of 1,500 inhabitants with up-to-date business facilities. Wetaskiwin is a city of 3,000 people. It is a railway divisional point, has six large elevators, and is known as the "Elevator City of Alberta." Other important towns are Daysland, Cam- rose, Sedgewick and Hardisty, the last being- a divisional point at the crossing of the Battle River. Stettler was until recently the terminus of the Moose Jaw-Lacombe branch, from which point the line was extended 35 miles easterly last season to Castor, on the Beaver Dam Creek, which, although only a few months old, is now an important business center. This season the line will be extended east of Castor. Rossyth, Amisk, Provost and Castor are cities in embryo. The development of these and other new towns will be limited only by the enterprise of their citizens, GENERAL INFORMATION. The soil is generally a rich loam upon a deep clay subsoil 16 and contains in great abundance all the chemical elements essential to successful agriculture. The surface is rolling and park-like, covered with a luxuriant growth of grass mixed in the partially wooded stretches with pea vine and vetches. The land is practically free from stones and the work of cultivation in consequence is reduced to a minimum. Patches of light timber are found here and there, and an excellent class of heavier timber suitable for fencing and building is to be found along the water courses. The principal stream is Battle River, which crosses the Calgary and Edmonton Railway line at Ponoka, flowing easterly through the center of the district. Lakes of varying size abound, adding interest to the landscape and furnishing homes for millions of duck and other wild fowl, so attractive to the sportsman, and an appetizing addition to the food supply of the settler. The most important of these is Buffalo Lake, about thirty miles east of Lacombe. It is a great shooting resort and the center of an excellent grazing and -mixed farming section. Yields of both spring and winter wheat frequently run to fifty-five bushels to the acre, and oats to one hundred. Barley 17 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY and flax also give generous returns. The common table vegetables grow in abundance and to a large size, and the small native fruits grow wild in profusion. But little attention has as yet been given to fruit cultivation, although there is no doubt that the small fruits will amply repay attention. As an evidence of this may be mentioned the garden of Mr. C. A. J. Sharman, who farms in the Red Deer district. Mr. Sharman's garden is a revelation of the results that can be obtained. On being asked the question: "Do you think that fruit raising will be a success here?" he replied, "I don't think anything, about it; I know it will." The winter climate is affected favorably by the warm winds from the mountain passes. Horses thrive on the open range. The horses and cattle of this part of Alberta are of a high grade. Many of the farmers turn their attention to the fattening of cattle during the winter, selling in the spring with profitable results. There is a large unsatisfied demand for hogs and poultry, which can be raised with considerable profit. LETTERS FROM SETTLERS. Canadian Pacific Railway, Sedgewick, Alberta. Colonization Department, Calgary, Alberta. Gentlemen.— Since arriving in Sedgewick six years ago I have made a very pronounced success of my agricultural operations. I have secured crops of wheat which averaged 28 bushels to the acre and oats averaging over 60 bushels per acre. Last year I had a crop of spring wheat which threshed 2,200 bushels. This I sold at 88c per bushel, giving me a return of almost $2,000. This does not represent the total profit from the farm last year, as I was able to sell some fat stock and secured a considerable return from the garden and hens. Shortly after arriving here my wife planted out six apple trees, and last year one of these commenced bearing. I have every reason to believe that the hardier varieties of fruits will be very successful in this section and in fact apples are being grown , in the vicinity of Wetaskiwin; this town lies to the west of us. Raspberries, gooseberries, currants, strawberries, saskatoons and the other small fruits give exceptionally good returns. I have had very great success with my garden, having grown citron, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn and beans, besides all the other standard vegetables. In the fall of the year, I always have a few days' shooting, and find prairie chicken, ducks and geese very plentiful, the former especially, as they have been protected for the past four years. It is safe to say that I have gathered more money in the past six years than I was able to save during all my previous experience. 18 Appreciating the fact that a number of land seekers desire to be advised regarding the cost of clearing brush land in North ern and Central Alberta, I wish to take this opportunity of advising that my own experience has been that $2 per acre will fully pay for all work of clearing and burning. This is the maximum figure, and allows for all work to be done by hand. On my own place, I have cleared it at a price much less than this. If a settler purchases a brush cutter, which only costs $40, it will be possible to clear from four to five acres a day at a cost of from 75c to $1 per acre. Four horses handle this machine with ease. No attendants other than the driver are required. It is well to commence clearing immediately after the first freeze up when there is no sap in the brush, the cutting in consequence being made very easy. The following spring this land may be plowed, and in so doing the roots are overturned in a way permitting of their being picked by hand and hauled off to be burned. Settlers who are not in a position to buy a brush cutter use an ax or grub hoe. Yours very truly, (Sgd.) W. F. BROWN. Canadian Pacific Railway, Stettler, Alta. Colonization Department, Calgary. Dear Sirs.— My first visit to Canada was in September, 1904. I came as far as Lacombe by rail and from there to Red Willow by horse power. Here I bought a section of land at seven ($7.00) dollars per acre. Returned to my home in Arkansas and brought out my family the following March. Sold said land that fall for $10.50 per acre. Then I bought five quarters at $7, $9 and $10 per acre, put about $800 worth of improvements on the quarter I paid $9 for and sold it last April for $3,500. Invested this money in two and a half quarters more. All this land is well worth $15 per acre; could get it to-day. I have made four crops since being here. In 1905 my oats went about 50 bushels per acre, barley the same. In 1906 had only spring wheat that went 28 bushels per acre. In 1907 my oats were good. This year I harvested 36 acres of oats, yielding 64 bushels per acre. All of these crops were harvested from sod and backsetting. When we get our land in a fine state of cultivation, what will the yield be? The farmers of this vicinity have been experimenting with fall wheat and it is proving to be a grand success, yielding from 30 to 45 bushels per acre, and matures two to three weeks earlier than other grain. Vegetables of all kinds do extraordinarily well. I put in a crop of potatoes this year on backsetting, plowed - them once; they are simply fine. Sugar beets do equally as well. We have 19 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Canadian Pacific Demonstration Farm at Strathmore had corn, beans, tomatoes and cucumbers ever since we have been here. The following berries grow here in profusion: Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, cranberries, currants, cherries and saskatoons. I was raised in the South, where the winters are mild and the climate considered great, but since living in the Stettler district in Alberta, Canada, no more South for me. We have no blizzards here. The winters are dry and only a few weeks of real cold weather; never too cold to work out of doors. Don't think there is a healthier country on the globe. I have talked with people who came here with weak lungs, kidneys and stomachs, but now are hale and hearty. Some few I know of have sold their land and went back to their old homes, but have returned and are glad to get back again to "Sunny Alberta," the greatest mixed farming and healthiest country in the world, in my judgment. We had our first killing frost in this vicinity the morning of the ninth of September. CHAS. L. HOLT. Another farmer who has obtained results exceeding his most sanguine expectations is Mr. T. C. Gorrell, who four years ago, 20 with his family, came from Yakima, Washington. Mr. Gorrell's farm is located about fifty miles due east of Stettler. He and his four sons secured sufficient land to make up two whole sections. For a short time they lived in a log house, but by dint of persevering labor, coupled with a favorable environment, they have increased their holdings to such an extent that to-day they have 200 acres in crop, and are rapidly increasing the area under cultivation; two threshing outfits, horses and cattle, 100 pigs, as well as modern and substantial farm buildings. Speaking of her experiences, Mrs. Gorrell said: "I consider this the best country on earth. ■ We have had three crops and never had a single failure. We would not go back to Washington on any account. Of course we miss the fruit, but we are experimenting' with small fruits and feel sure that they will grow here. I, for one, am perfectly content to spend the rest of my life here." In the Ponoka district, Jacob Beck relates a similar story of increasing prosperity. He came a few years ago from Minnesota, having also farmed in Indiana and Dakota. He has now 250 acres of land under cultivation, and two years ago threshed 21 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY over 7,000 bushels, his oats on new breaking, going over $100 bushels to the acre. He says :— "Although I started with very little, I have cleared, apart from living, over $1,000 a year for every year I have been here, which is more than I could do in the Western States, although I worked hard. "This is a fine country for vegetables. I have taken prizes at the Ponoka Fair for cabbage for the past two years, this year's prize cabbage weighing forty pounds." Records such as these are repeated from every district in Central Alberta. In the district of Lacombe, Mr. P. A. Switzer tells of having come from Ontario several years ago with less than $1,000. To-day he owns a section of land, well fenced and nearly all under cultivation. His farm buildings are models of neatness and comfort and he owns a fine herd of registered Shorthorns. He estimates his holdings as being worth at least $25,000. The Lacombe district is famous as a center for pure-bred cattle, and has annually captured an enviable proportion of the prizes awarded at the Dominion and Provincial exhibitions. A sale of pure-bred stock is held annually at Lacombe under the joint auspices of the Alberta Department of Agriculture and the Alberta Cattle Breeders' Association. Part III. IRRIGATION IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA. Irrigation has been proved an admirable adjunct to mixed farming in Southern Alberta, and as a consequence several extensive irrigation undertakings, covering some millions of acres of the most fertile lands in Canada, are now in course -of completion. THE BOW VALLEY "IRRIGATION BLOCK." In the year 1894, the Dominion Government withdrew from sale and homestead entry a tract of land containing some millions of acres located in Southern Alberta, east of the City of Calgary, along the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The object of this reservation was to provide for the construction ultimately of an irrigation system, to cover the fertile Bow River Valley. It was realized that such a project could only be successfully accomplished by so administering the lands embraced within the tract in question that the promoters would not be hampered by any vested interests created by the alienation from the Crown of any of these lands. This tract was transferred to the Canadian Pacific Railway Company upon their undertaking to construct gigantic irrigation systems, which now utilize the waters of the Bow River to irrigate the land in this reserve. From the fact that the main and branch lines of the Canadian Pacific Railway traverse the tract throughout its entire length. and breadth, it will be realized that these lands are amongst the most desirable in America to-day; not alone from a standpoint of quality, but also on account of location, proximity to markets and to all the social and educational advantages to be found in big cities. The project, the greatest on the American continent, is now being pushed to completion by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, which, when undertaking to construct this gigantic irrigation system, selected as part of its land grant a block comprising three million acres of the best agricultural lands in the Bow River Valley, which has now been opened for colonization. The tract which was selected has an average width of 40 miles north and south and extends for 150 miles to the east of Calgary. It is bounded on the south by the Bow River and on the northeast by the Red Deer River. THE LETHBRIDGE IRRIGATION SYSTEM. This is the pioneer irrigation undertaking on a large scale in Western Canada. It was started in the year 1900, and was completed some years ago. This extensive irrigation system, which has been constructed at an expenditure of over $400,000, draws upon an inexhaustible water supply in the lakes fed by the melted snows and glaciers of the Rocky Mountains, from which flows the St. Mary River, where the head works are located. The length of the main canal is 51 miles, of the Lethbridge branch 32 miles, and of the Stirling branch 22 miles, making the entire length of the Gait canal system 115 miles. Water is here provided in never-failing abundance for the conversion of the region into one of rich productive agriculture. This irrigation system skirts the famous Milk River ridge on the north, which is one of the most celebrated grazing areas in Western Canada. The area under irrigation is about 100,000 22 23 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION A Transformation from Boundless Prairies to Splendid Farms acres. These lands may be purchased on application to the Canadian Pacific Railway Land Department at Calgary. - The Lethbridge irrigation system is admirably served with transportation facilities. One railway line connects Lethbridge with the International Boundary and other lines traverse the center of the district and serve the more westerly portion thereof. THE COMBINATION FARM. While it has been clearly demonstrated that the winter wheat k,nd in Southern Alberta is of the richest soil to be found, and, without the aid of irrigation, is producing maximum crops, there is, taken in connection with the production of winter wheat on non-irrigable lands, a still more attractive and profitable opening for the new settler—the purchase of a "combination" farm. Southern Alberta irrigated districts contain non-irrigable as well as irrigable areas, and offer to the purchaser an opportunity to engage in mixed farming under almost ideal conditions. Here can be secured in the same quarter section, side by side, land lying above the canal system for the production of winter wheat and the grazing of live stock, and irrigable land for other crops, such 24 as alfalfa, barley, vegetables, etc., requiring abundant moisture. For farm purposes there is a never-failing supply of water, which ensures crops when the seed is placed in the ground, while the problem of a constant supply of water in every pasture for the use of the live stock is also solved. The irrigated portions of the land will raise all kinds of grain and root crops and a sufficient supply of fodder for winter feeding. The non-irrigated sections will grow winter wheat or furnish the finest pasture for live stock to be found in the world. Combination farms may perhaps be regarded as one of the best agricultural propositions on the North American Continent. THE CROP INSURANCE PLAN. An examination of the rainfall tables presented in this folder will reveal the fact that there is a sufficient precipitation every year to successfully mature cereal crops such as winter wheat. But with the increase of population and prosperity more scientific methods of farming were naturally discovered and utilized, and the general introduction of irrigation marks an epoch in 25 the history of Southern Alberta. As a matter of fact, farmers now are hot satisfied with returns more or less in accordance with the accident of rainfall, but are aiming at perfection in the development and maturity of their crops. It would therefore appear to be a sinful waste not to utilize the means which have been placed at the disposal of settlers in districts favored with an adequate water supply to supplement the efforts of nature. Having water available in his ditch or reservoir, the irrigation farmer is able to distribute it on his crop at such season of the year and in such quantities as experience has taught him are the most propitious to favorable results. He is not at the mercy of the weather. The contention of the experienced irrigationist is, that those farmers cultivating without the aid of irrigation in any portion of the world where water supply by gravity can be economically secured are playing an unskilful game" of hazard in trusting solely to the bounty of nature and omitting to take such precautions as have been placed at their command. The irrigation farmer, on the other hand, controls his water supply absolutely, and has, other things being equal, a crop assured beyond all peradventure. In Southern Alberta the farmer is able to ensure his crop against drought just as effectually, as he insures his life. Both are designed to protect the prudent farmer and his family against losses from uncontrollable causes. SIMPLICITY OF IRRIGATION FARMING. Irrigation farming is simplicity itself. The most successful community of irrigation farmers in Southern Alberta to-day 'is one composed wholly of settlers who never saw an irrigated farm before they came to the province. To irrigate land does not require any more skill than it does to plow or harvest a crop, and, contrary to the general idea, irrigation farming is not only scientific farming, but "business" farming. The.great irrigation development in Western North America has been the result of the efforts of people who migrated from the East and the Middle West, with no knowledge of irrigation. The sprinkling of a lawn, the watering of a plant, is irrigation in its simplest form. -Without it the lawns and parks, which give to city life a touch of nature's beauties, would be devoid of all that makes them attractive. ........ ANIMAL HUSBANDRY. In studying the economic side of irrigation, the first fact that must be clearly grasped is, that the backbone and foundation of any irrigation enterprise is not the production of either fruits, garden truck, or other expensive crops, but the feeding and finishing of live stock and the development of dairying in all its branches. This has been the history of irrigation expansion 26 everywhere in the United States. The proof of this contention is that out of the total irrigated acreage in crops in the United States at the time of the last decennial census, sixty-four per (cent, was in hay and forage crops. SPECIAL FORAGE CROPS UNDER IRRIGATION. ALFALFA.—The modern popularity of alfalfa lies in the fact that it is perhaps one of the oldest known forage crops, and yet it may be justly regarded as the agricultural revelation of the latter part of the last century, at least, on the continent of America. The most instructive data in regard to alfalfa that is applicable to Southern Alberta, may be obtained by studying the records of the State of Montana. In the lower parts of Montana, three crops are cut each season, and this has also been done in Southern Alberta. The yield runs from two to seven tons of hay per acre, depending on the condition of meadow, the stand, the water supply, etc. Four tons may be considered a fair estimate of the yield per acre. The average cost for cutting and stacking runs from 75c to 90c per ton. The certainty of the irrigated lands of Southern Alberta producing alfalfa as a leading crop opens up a vista of possibilities in many directions. During the early years of settlement in this province, the claim was made that Alberta possessed all the natural conditions to make it one of the greatest live stock countries of the world. When farmers invaded the ranchmen's domain later on, and numerous crops of winter wheat and other coarse grains were successfully harvested, year after year, Alberta's fame as the foremost stock country faded, and the world henceforth knew it only as a great grain producing district. The advent of irrigation and alfalfa growing will again bring the live stock industry to the front rank in Southern Alberta; history thus repeating itself. Where irrigated lands command the highest value per acre, and where the climate admits of the tender fruits being grown, alfalfa is still one of the leading crops, and greatly outranks in importance fruit growing and truck farming. Hence it is reasonable to say that the rich irrigated virgin lands of Southern Alberta are fully equal in value, acre for acre, to the most high- priced irrigated lands in the Western States, which generally sell at from $100 to $300 per acre. TIMOTHY.—Alberta soil has proved itself particularly adaptable to the growth of timothy, and returns large yields in this crop. Under irrigation it has a fine head and a sturdy stock and grows to a good height. Three tons to the acre is no unusual crop, and timothy hay finds a ready market at from $12 to $18 per ton. Last year a farmer at High River raised under irrigation a crop which realized $52 an acre. Owing to 27 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Alberta Horses, the Thoroughbreds of Western Canada the ever-increasing mining development in British Columbia and the Yukon, these sections will afford a sure market for the timothy crop of Southern Alberta. SUGAR BEETS.—No industry lends itself more readily to profitable development under irrigation in Southern Alberta than sugar beet production. It is only a question of a year or two until factories will be established within the irrigation block. In the meanwhile the Raymond factory will purchase all beets produced, netting farmers about $5.00 per ton. CEREAL PRODUCTION UNDER IRRIGATION. Sufficient has been said in the preceding pages to convince the reader that cereals can be and are being most successfully produced on the non-irrigable lands of Alberta. While winter wheat in Southern Alberta is essentially a non-irrigated crop, we do not, by any means, desire to maintain that the production of this and other cereals under irrigation is not also a paying proposition. Conditions for the raising" of barley are almost perfect in the Irrigation Block, and the quality and yields are of exceptional character. In fact, irrigated barley from the Bow River Valley is of such a superior quality that the farmers in the Irrigation Block have a standing offer from the grain buyers of 10 cents a bushel in excess of the prevailing market price for barley. The greatest yield reported recently 28 was that of John McEwen, at Gleichen, who raised 91 bushels to the acre. This was an exceptionally heavy crop, but 50 to 60 bushels to the acre is no uncommon yield in this district. THE VALUE OF IRRIGATION IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA. The following article, taken from "The Farm and Ranch Review," the leading agricultural paper of Alberta, will be of interest to prospective settlers: "The wiseacres who infested the country some years ago and who missed no opportunity of informing the newcomer that 'irrigation was not needed,' are now, we are thankful to say, largely conspicuous by their absence. The fact that millions were being expended on the construction of irrigation systems all through Southern Alberta, and that there were 272 individual irrigation systems in operation in Southern Alberta with almost 1,000 miles of ditches capable of irrigating over 3,000,000 acres of land, was powerless to influence the preconceived notions of the individual who thought that because irrigation was being made available, erroneous impressions would go abroad and Southern Alberta would be classed as an arid desert. "Irrigation should be recognized as an agricultural art of very wide application and importance. Its association with the idea of desert reclamation has blinded the eyes of the public to its value for regions where the task of reclamation 29 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION £2 . as . ^5 , ?* .23 ££ ei ao i9 1a 17 16 is 14 13 i£ 11 10 I / £8 £7 £6 £5 £4 £3 ££ £1 £0 19 18 17 16 IS 14 13 l£ II 10 (V\(UP OF CENTRAL ALBERTA CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION ;^ (V\(\P OF CENTRAL ALBERTA SCALE OF MILES CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY is not required. Irrigation is not a mere expedient to flood the ground because it will not rain. The farmer suffers losses as great because it rains too copiously at the wrong time, as he does because it does not rain when the crops need it most. Rarely does all his ground need water at the same time. Some crops thrive under moist conditions; others are destroyed by moisture. Irrigation is a system of improved culture to be applied, like other means of improvement, when the soil needs it. No one questions the wisdom of the saving and storing of manures, nor, with the worn-out soils, the generous outlay for commercial fertilizers. The same is true of soil improvement by drainage. There should be a similar attitude in regard to irrigation. The two greatest drawbacks to irrigation development in Southern Alberta are undoubtedly, first, the notion that irrigation is of importance only in arid regions and under desert conditions; and, secondly, ignorance of the ease and cheapness with which a farm water supply can be distributed "It was only in 1906 that experimental work under irrigation was inaugurated and the Dominion Experimental Farm for Southern Alberta established. "The farm is divided into a 'dry' farm and an 'irrigated' farm. The duty of the superintendent is to gain the best possible results under dry land culture, on the one hand, and, on the other, to demonstrate the value of irrigation in Southern Alberta. It will, therefore, be carefully noted that it is not, in any shape or form, the duty of Mr. Fairfield, the superintendent, to demonstrate the value of irrigation as compared with dry land farming. Any conclusions reached on the farm can, therefore, be relied upon as being absolutely unbiased and disinterested. "While the object of establishing the experimental farm was not to encourage irrigation farming at the expense of dry land farming operations, it is possible to make instructive comparisons between results upon the same farm and under the same management, of crops grown under irrigation and those grown on the non-irrigated area. "The comparative figures as embodied in the Farm Report for the years 1908 and 1909, all that are available since the inauguration of the comparative tests, are of more than ordinary interest. Comparing the results secured under natural rainfall conditions with results secured under irrigation, the following crops show, as the result of adopting the latter, the percentage of increase set opposite each: Pet. Pet. Potatoes 260 Mangolds 102 Turnips 200 Field Peas 73 Sugar Beets 184 Barley (two-rowed) 69 Carrots 141 Barley (six-rowed) 45 Corn 128 Spring Wheat 33 "The highest yielding wheat under irrigation covering 34 two years' results went 43^ bushels per acre. The same wheat without irrigation yielded 33 bushels per acre during the same period. In six-rowed barley the figures were 61^ and 48% bushels respectively. Two-rowed barley under irrigation yielded 65 and without irrigation 49*4 bushels per acre. Potatoes made a remarkable showing under irrigation. The figures were 6461,4 bushels per acre as compared with 149^2 without irrigation. Sugar beets yielded 24% tons per acre under irrigation and 6% without. Mangolds 25 tons per acre and 135^2 without. Turnips about the same. Carrots 15 tons under water and 6y2 tons under dry-land culture. Fodder corn yielded 15^ tons under irrigation as compared with 6;4 tons without." THE LOGICAL CONCLUSION. "The foregoing records are the first official facts and figures bearing on the value of irrigation in Southern Alberta that have ever been produced. Furthermore, the copious natural rainfall rendered the conditions enormously in favor of the non-irrigated farm. Again, these results were obtained on newly broken land, while it is readily admitted that irrigation farming will not begin to yield maximum results until several crops have been taken off the land and the soil has thus been reduced to a good mechanical condition." IRRIGATED EXPERIMENTAL AND DEMONSTRATION FARMS. As a general rule, once a corporation that is in the land business has sold a new settler a farm, its interest in the transaction ceases. The Canadian Pacific Railway Company is in an entirely different position. When a parcel of land has been finally sold, that Company's interest in the transaction does not cease. In fact, it only commences. The Railway Company is vastly interested in the success of every individual purchaser, who at once becomes a valued patron of the road. The Company realizes that the bulk of the settlers coming into occupation on its irrigated lands, will be more or less ignorant of the proper methods of handling and applying water for irrigation, and it, therefore, places at their disposal, expert advice and assistance. The Company operates at central points farms devoted to demonstrating the 3 agricultural possibilities of the tract. The staff of the Company's Demonstration Farms is always ready to assist new colonists. On some of the farms are maintained pure-bred bulls and boars for the free use of the settlers. The maintenance of these demonstration farms is in line with the I general policy of endeavoring to create prosperous agricultural communities in Alberta. The Company realizes the 35 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION One of Calgary's Handsome Business Streets difference between land-selling and colonization, and that a somewhat paternal administration accelerates the result the Company is striving for, namely, the greatest possible measure of development in the shortest possible time. THE CANADIAN IRRIGATION LAW. It is of great importance that the laws under which irrigation is practiced should be so framed as to avoid any litiga- 36 tion that might possibly arise over water rights. In many of the States of the Union where irrigation is in vogue more money has been spent in litigation over water rights than upon actual irrigation development. The Canadian irrigation laws and their administration are acknowledged by the leading irrigation experts of the continent to approach perfection as nearly as possible. The United States Department of Agriculture, in Bulletin 96 of that department, recommends the Canadian law to the con- 37 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY sideration of those whose duty it will be to prepare irrigation laws in the future for use in those States where irrigation is practiced or is likely to be practiced. Under these laws the waters of Alberta being recognized as the property of the Crown, the title given for a water right is equal' to and as good as is the title given for land. During the ten years irrigation has been practiced in Alberta there has not been a single lawsuit involving water rights. Part IV. CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY LAND GRANT IN ALBERTA. As part of the consideration for the construction of a transcontinental line through Canada, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company was given a land grant in Western Canada, consisting of some twenty-five millions of acres. Six million acres of this land in the Province of Alberta still remains in the hands of the railway company and is handled entirely by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, Colonization Department, Calgary, Alberta. These lands may, broadly speaking, be divided into two sections, namely, the Bow Valley Irrigation Block and the Central Alberta lands. THE BOW VALLEY IRRIGATION BLOCK. This tract of land is situated along the main line of the C. P. R. east of Calgary, has an average width of 40 miles and extends for 150 miles eastward. This Block contains some 3,000,000 acres, about one-half irrigable and the balance non- irrigable lands. Special information concerning the possibilities of the Bow Valley lands will be found on pages 22 to 35, while on pages 30 to 33 will be found a map of this tract. Terms of Sale.—The price of this land ranges from $13.00 to $18.00 per acre for non-irrigable areas, and for the irrigable areas the average cost of construction per acre for the district is added. The price of irrigated land is $30.00 per acre and upwards. These prices are, however, subject to revision. The terms of payment are such that the settler will have made more out of his land long before his final payment becomes due than the land has cost him. The uniform terms, upon which the Company disposes of its lands are: One- tenth of the purchase price in cash and the balance in nine equal annual instalments with interest at 6 per cent on the unpaid balance. Briefly, irrigable land is sold on the ten-year payment plan, with settlement conditions. Non-irrigable land in the Irrigation Block, within a six-mile radius of the railways, is sold on a ten-year payment plan, with settlement conditions. Non-irrigable land within the Irrigation Block, outside the six-mile radius from the railway, is sold without settlement conditions. The Crop Payment Plan may be applied anywhere in the Block. 38 While the Company will dispose of any area of non-irrigable land to any one individual, no more than 160 acres of irrigable land, nor any combination of areas including more than 160 acres of irrigable land, will be sold to any person. Only in very exceptional cases does the Company depart from this rule. The experience is that such irrigable tracts are ample under Southern Alberta conditions. Intelligent effort upon the part of the owner of such an area will result in the gaining of an independence in a very few years. Crop Payment Terms.—A uniform initial cash payment of one-tenth of the purchase price of the land will be required on all lands sold on crop payment terms. The purchaser undertakes to cultivate his farm according to regulations set forth in the contract, and within one year from date of purchase agrees to erect upon his land a habitable house, a stable, sink a well and fence his land as set forth in the regulations. Payment of the unpaid balance due upon land purchase' under crop payment contract is required to be made as follows: By delivery to the Company of one-half of all grain grown upon the said lands, market prices on day of delivery to elevator will be allowed. The Company also requires a payment of one dollar per ton for each ton of sugar beets, alfalfa and timothy grown upon the land. All money so collected by the Company will be applied against the unpaii balance. THE CENTRAL ALBERTA LANDS. These lands extend for 200 miles north and east of the Irrigation Block, in what is termed the park country of the province. Irrigation is not practiced in that portion of Alberta, which enjoys somewhat greater humidity than the more southerly districts. The Company owns some 3,000,000 acres of these fertile lands. A full description of the possibilities of this district may be found under the heading "Special Information Regarding Central Alberta Lands," pages 14 to 22 inclusive, and a map of the district is found on pages 30 to 33. N The Terms of Sale of the Central Alberta Lands are slightly different from the terms under which the lands in 39 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Spring Wheat—Successfully Raised in All Parts of Alberta the Irrigation Block are sold. The following briefly outlines the conditions under which Central Alberta lands are disposed of: Not more than 640 acres may be bought on the Ten Payment Plan. If lands are bought for actual settlement to the extent of not more than 640 acres, the purchaser must pay IS per cent cash instalment at time of purchase, interest at six per cent on the unpaid purchase money at the end of the first year, and the balance of the principal with interest is divided into nine equal instalments to be paid annually thereafter. In other words, the second payment does not fall due until two years after the purchase of the land, interest only being payable at the end of the first year. To secure the advantages of the ten payment plan the purchaser must undertake to settle upon the land with his family and break up at least one-sixteenth thereof and make proof of such settlement and cultivation within one year to the satisfaction of the Company. In the event of any failure to furnish such satisfactory proof, within the time stated, the purchaser will be required, at the end of one year from 40 date of purchase, to pay the balance then remaining unpaid of one-half of the purchase money with interest at six per cent per annum on the whole outstanding balance, and pay the remainder of the purchase money in four equal annual instalments with interest at six per cent per annum. Residence upon adjacent land will be accepted in lieu of actual residence and the erection of buildings upon the land. Fencing of the land for pasture, etc., to the satisfaction of the Company will be accepted instead of cultivation. Purchasers who do not undertake to settle upon and improve the land, as above stated, are required to pay one- sixth of the purchase money down and the balance in five equal annual instalments with interest at the rate of 6 per cent per annum. Alberta lands adjacent to and north of the Canadian Northern and Grand Trunk Pacific lines, are sold on the basis of one-tenth cash, and the balance in nine equal annual payments with interest at 6 per cent, and with no restrictions as to settlement and development. This land is sold at prices ranging from $15 to $30 per acre. 41 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY TITLE. When you purchase this land you make your "Contract" direct with the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, the deed to the land being made by them under the authority of what is known as the "Land Titles Act, 1894." The "Title" is perfect, and you are dealing with a corporation which has assets of hundreds of millions of dollars. In selling their Bow Valley irrigable land, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company offers an absolute guarantee of the delivery of water at an annual maintenance charge based on actual cost, which has been fixed at fifty cents per acre for the Western Section, and will also be very low for the Central and Eastern Sections. The following table shows the amount of the annual payments on a quarter section of 160 acres at different prices under the ten payment plan: First Nine Price Cash year's instal per acre. payment. interest. ments of 160 acres at $10.00 $239.70 $ 81.62 $200.00 160 acres at 11.00 263.65 89.78 220.00 160 acres at 12.00 287.60 97.96 240.00 160 acres at 1300 3II-5S 106.10 260.00 160 acres at 14.00 335-55 114.27 280.00 160 acres at 15-00 359-50 122.43 300.00 160 acres at 16.00 38340 130.56 320.00 160 acres at 17.00 407.40 138.76 340.00 160 acres at 18.00 43I-40 146.92 360.00 160 acres at 19.00 455-40 155-08 380.00 160 acres at 20.00 479.40 163.24 400.00 Interest at six per cent will be chai ged on ovei due instal- ments. Part V. HOME MAKING IN ALBERTA. It has been well said that "the Home is the Cornerstone of the Nation." There can be little doubt that the most serious business of Western Canada is Home Building. It is a tribute to the healthy economic conditions prevailing in the Province of Alberta, that nine family men out of ten own their own homes. .The proportion of home owners is probably greater in the Province of Alberta than in any other portion of the civilized world. This applies to the city and town population as well as to the strictly rural communities. Farming in a new country differs from other lines of human activity inasmuch as a colonist cannot establish a farm without, at the same time, establishing a home. Under the circumstances, it is scarcely possible to devote too much thought and care to the selection of the place where the colonist is to undertake the task of carving out for himself a successful business and a comfortable home. The time was when the terms "Farm Making" and "Home Making" were not synonymous in Western Canada; when the sole aim and object of the settler was to make as much money as he possibly could in a few years, then to retire to his native state or province. This attitude on the part of new settlers is now, however, a thing of the past. With the enormous development of Western Canada, the settler can practically surround himself with nearly all the conveniences and comforts that make life on the farm, under proper conditions, the most healthy, agreeable and interest- 42 ing of occupations, not alone for the head of the family, but also for every other member thereof, irrespective of age and sex. With the rapid extension of rural telephones, railways and other means of communication which has rendered towns and cities easily accessible to almost every settler in Western Canada; with the dawning of the new era, when the farmer or his wife can carry on conversation with friends and relatives residing hundreds of miles away, life on the prairies has lost its most serious drawbacks, and, with still more dense population and the cutting up of the present large farms into smaller holdings to provide for the grownup sons, conditions of prairie farming will be up to a standard much higher than that prevailing at present in the old settled districts of the world. CHEAPER THAN HOMESTEADS. A great many farmers visiting Western Canada in search of new homes, come with the idea of taking up Government lands under the Homestead Regulations. It can readily be shown, however, that with the liberal terms offered by this Company, the average farmer will, in the end, be better off by purchasing railroad land, for in the first place, he does not have to acquire land thirty to forty miles from transportation facilities in the hope of railways being ultimately ex-' tended. He can obtain land within a few miles of the railway, and in close proximity to a shipping point. 43 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Party of Land Seekers from the United States, Just Arrived in the Canadian Pacific's Private Cars It will be readily understood that with the great rush of people that has taken place into Western Canada during recent years, all homesteads of any value at all, within close proximity to transportation facilities, have long ago passed out of the hands of the Government, and such being the case it is submitted that it will pay the practical farmer better to purchase land close to railroads than to accept as a free gift a homestead lying remote from transportation facilities and perform the irksome conditions imposed by the Homestead Regulations. Those who acquire homesteads in Western Canada must become naturalized citizens before patent is issued. SECURE A HOME NOW. While the average farmer will secure land with a view to home-making, he need not eliminate entirely the speculative feature from his proposed investment. Almost as much clear profit has been made out of the farms in Western Canada from enhanced land values, as from the products of the soil itself. This is the general experience in all new countries. The fact should not be lost sight of that the only elements that give value to land are population and transportation. Without these, the best land is worthless. In Southern and 44 Central Alberta transportation facilities of the very best already exist, and, with the system of branch lines now under construction, the area will be better served than any other in Western Canada. The capitalist speculator is not wanted, but the farmer speculator is welcomed with open arms. Nothing can check the upward movement of land values. The time to secure land is now, while it is cheap, so that advantage may be taken of the rise in values which is rapidly increasing with the settlement of the land. If you own land now that is worth $50 to $100 per acre, you can sell it and secure several acres in Southern and Central Alberta of the most productive land in the world, for every acre you now own elsewhere. The increase in land values here will be as marked as it has been in older settled communities. You can readily estimate what this increase will mean to you. CO-OPERATIVE HOME MAKING. The Railway Company has grasped "time by the forelock" and has prepared its propaganda for its colonization campaign on a broad and comprehensive basis. In addition to the regular terms of sale, the Company is prepared to offer an alternative proposition to those who do not care to as- 45 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY sume the financial obligation involved in an outright purchase. The Company's offer is nothing less than a general invitation to farmers in overcrowded districts to come to Southern or Central Alberta and go into partnership with the Canadian Pacific Railway. This is no mere catch phrase. It means what it says. The Company will offer new settlers a land contract under which the land pays for itself. No crop, no payment. Perhaps the most striking feature of this novel departure from past policy is the apparent confidence the Company has in the ability of the land to pay for itself. The record of the past few years, particularly the present season, has, no doubt, something to do with the determination of the Railway Company to extend to farmers this unique proposal. To the average well-informed observer, it looks a safe proposition, when it is taken into consideration that a vast number of farmers in Southern and Central Alberta have for years been getting sufficient out of the land to pay for it in full almost every year. Be that as it may, the proposition is undoubtedly one that will appeal to the average farmer. A BUSINESS PROPOSITION. The practical farmer will by this time have come to a conclusion as to whether or not Alberta appeals to him. Whatever his decision has been there is a business side to the question. Are You the Owner of a Farm Clear of Incumbrances? If so, it is probably worth up to $100.00 an acre, perhaps more. We would submit for your consideration whether it would not be good business on your part to dispose of this property and with the proceeds therefrom purchase a farm from the Canadian Pacific Railway, from two to four times larger than the area you now own. The chances are, that the land thus purchased would give you,- acre for acre, net returns amounting to twice as much as your old farm would, and where you can buy four acres with the amount you now have invested in one acre, a very simple calculation will demonstrate that you can practically increase your net annual income eightfold by making the change. You have probably old friends and relatives living all around you now, and your present conditions of life are quite satisfactory, yet an increase of several hundred per cent in your annual income is an attractive proposition. Or, perhaps, your family is growing up, and the problem presents itself as to how they are to be provided for. Are the boys to be sent to the city to swell the army of underpaid and underfed humanity? By securing more land, you can start your boys in life with chances of success equal £n what you had yourself. By sub-dividing your old farm you will probably doom them all to disappointment and poverty. Are You the Owner of a Mortgaged Farm? If so, the remarks made above apply equally in your case. Furthermore, you are probably tired of paying so large a portion of your net earnings out in interest. You may be able to effect a sale of your farm and realize considerable capital, and in addition, you have your equipment. The first payment you will require to make upon a good-sized farm purchased from the Canadian Pacific Railway on a basis of one-tenth cash and the balance in nine equal annual instalments, will probably be a good deal less than you are now paying out annually in interest to a mortgage company. Are You a Renter? If so, you are thrice welcome. A large experience in Western colonization has taught us that the ex-renter makes, perhaps, all things considered, the most successful colonist. You no doubt started on a rented farm with very limited capital. If your capital had been ample you would never have been a renter. Since then your landlord has taken most of the profits, and you have been face to face not alone with paying rent and keeping your family, but also with augmenting your slender capital as you went along. You have probably by this time a considerable farm equipment, some grain and live stock, and perhaps a little balance in your bank. Fortunately, you are not tied up with property interests, and you are, therefore, a free man, to go or stay, just as you please. Of course, your lease is an obstacle at present, but that will expire sooner or later. In the meanwhile, like a wise man, you are looking around with a view to bettering your condition. If your capital is very limited, we can sell you land on the crop payment plan, pro- vided that you have a working outfit and are prepared to go into occupation of your farm within a reasonable time. You will find that within a few years your farm in Alberta will have paid for itself, and instead of paying half of your profits out in rent every year, as you are now doing, you will be an independent land owner in comfortable circumstances. MAKING THE START. This booklet will no doubt be largely read by farmers in Eastern Canada and in the Eastern and Central States, and it is, therefore, well to point out that the cost of starting a farm on the plains of either Southern or Central Alberta and getting it to the productive point, is much less than it would be elsewhere. There is not any grease wood or sagebrush or other rank weeds to destroy; there are no stones to pick. The prairie, covered with a carpet of luxuriant grasses, is ready for the plow, harrow and seeder, and, if the breaking is carefully done and performed in proper season, as good a grain crop can generally be obtained the first year as at any future period. Again, the climatic conditions of the Southern and Cen- 46 47 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION n 'i tin r '^LlJM' ■ IP n n n n n 1 : '..■■::-.."■: 1 l " ' 1 ■ fci ' . . Jjjfrkfl jjjfj |£ Poultry Products Find Ready Markets and High Prices in Alberta tral portions of the province are such that no expensive stables or barns are required for the accommodation of the live stock. The winter is dry and bracing, and it has been clearly demonstrated by actual experiment here that stock wintered out in tight sheds do better than those housed in closed stables. This is an important source of econbmy. Those who have the capital available and can afford to do so, generally erect comfortable houses on their holdings. Many Alberta farms boast of commodious mansions with every modern convenience and provided with every luxury that the most exacting could demand. Lumber is fairly cheap, and if the means are limited, it is surprising how comfortable a family can make itself with an expenditure of less than $100.00 on lumber and a firm determination to make the best of things. THE CAPITAL REQUIRED. The amount of capital required is a very elastic quantity indeed. In no two cases almost will the requirements be exactly the same. So many items affect the matter, that when everything is said and done, the whole question must be answered with generalities rather than with definite and decisive information. In the first place, the size of the family has an important bearing on the subject. Secondly, whether or not the would-be colonist has had previous experience in farming; whether he has been used to manual labor of any sort. Again, so much more depends upon the man than upon the capital. We can point to men who came to Alberta years ago with only a few dollars, and who are now worth upwards of $100,000.00. On the other hand, we can cite any number of cases of men who came to the country with almost an unlimited capital, and who have succeeded in losing everything through bad business methods, irregular habits, and lack of energy. Under the circumstances, and desiring to present matters exactly as new settlers have actually found the conditions entering into their early efforts to make homes for themselves here, the Company herewith submits a few letters which deal with actual facts only, and which, in some cases, itemize as far as possible the expenditure settlers have thought fit to make. Langdon, Alta. The Canadian Pacific Railway, Colonization Dept., Calgary, Alta. Gentlemen: Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars does not seem a very heavy capital on which to start large farming operations, and yet that is the amount of cash I had when I landed at Langdon seven years ago, and began my farming venture. I tell you it took lots of faith, but that I had in abundance, and stories of the old ranchers failed to check my movements. I have lived to see all the prophesies come, to naught, and have never witnessed that exodus which they so stoutly claimed would depopulate this country, and leave it forever the unchallenged domain of the rancher. I came from Cambridge, England, and had a vague idea of what it meant to farm as it. is done here. It makes me smile now as I look back and see how little I actually did know about farming. But to give some idea of my own operations, I purchased the E. y2, Sec. 23-23-28 and the N. y2, 14-23-28. Land does not look good to me to own unless a good portion is broken and in crops, so I have broken and am cropping 500 acres, and will break more next spring. For the past seven years I have never seen a season when the crop did not pay over $10.00 per acre, and, mind you, never a failure. My crop this year consists of 350 acres of oats, which turned me 60 bushels to the acre. They were very heavy, too, and weighed 44 lbs. to the struck bushel. My experience is that it pays to summer-fallow, as it gives you not only time to plow your land, but also keeps it free from weeds. I have 30 head of horses, 30 cattle, and all sorts of implements, a threshing outfit, and with another year like this, and 48 49 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY we will get it, I can swing clear of debt. Not too bad for a green Englishman who started on a capital of $250.00, is it? To conclude, will say that the climate and country suit me perfectly. (Sgd.) P. HARRADENCE. The Canadian Pacific Railway, Strathmore, Alta. Colonization Dept., Calgary, Alta. Gentlemen: In reply to yours of September 19, would say that I have found that the following-is cash required to start a farm of 160 acres in this country, counting on coming about the first of April and having a crop available about October 1: Tools $ 5.00 Barn $100.00 Feed 115.00 Fencing 100.00 Implements 400.00 Stove 30.00 Harness 88.00 Furniture 40.00 Team of 4 horses.... 540.00 Kitchen utensils 15-00 Cow ... 30.00 Living expenses 100.00 Poultry 10.00 Seed grain 50.00 House 300.00 Making a total of $1,943, although the kind of house and barn may be more or less according to the fancy of the builder. Yours very truly, ROY P. McELHOES. Formerly of Home, Penn., U. S. A. The Canadian Pacific Railway, Gleichen, Alta. Colonization Dept., Calgary, Alta. Gentlemen: Your letter received and contents noted. To commence to operate a farm, say 160 acres, the following is necessary: One 3-horse team $50.00 Poultry house, hog Implements, breaking pen, cowshed 100.00 plow SO.00 Share of fence on 160 One disc harrow 50.00 acres $110.0 One disc drill 100.00 Furniture, stove, etc... 150.00 Hand tools, fork, Seed grain for 50 acres 60.00 shovels ,. 10.00 Feed for horses and Harness for 3 horses 60.00 hogs from seeding One cow .'. 40.00 to harvest 125.00 Three hogs 25.00 Hay till harvest 25.00 2 dozen chickens or Living expenses, 4 hens 12.00 persons, 6 months.. 144.00 Living house 300.00 Incidental expenses .. 39.00 Barn 100.00 Making a total of..$2,ooo.oo 50 The above is a fair estimate of what I required to have. Upon the other hand a team of three good horses need not spend all of the six months on 50 acres, and consequently can earn some money outside breaking, say $150.00 to $200.00, and the implements do not always require all cash down, so that a person might venture on less than $2,000.00 if industrious and a good manager. Yours truly, (Sgd.) P. J. UMBRITE. Formerly of Chico, Wash., U. S. A. HOME MAKING IN INSTALMENTS. The married man who gathers together his family and effects and settles on the prairie of Alberta, is naturally more or less dependent on his capital and the production of his farm to succeed in his enterprise. The bachelor settler with limited capital is, however, able to supplement his finances by working out in the mines or lumber woods located in the Rocky Mountain Region west of Calgary. During the summer time there will be for years to come a considerable amount of construction work going on in close proximity to the lands that we are selling, and good wages will be paid to competent men. This opportunity for employment is, of course, equally open to married and single men. The summer season is not, however, a good time for the settler to be absent from his holding, unless he is acting under compulsion. HOME MAKING ON THE IRRIGATED FARM. If there is one thing above any other that places the Canadian Pacific Railway Irrigation Block in a class by itself, it is that it is essentially a home-making enterprise. One has only to travel through the highly developed irrigated areas of Western America, and compare them with the non- irrigated, treeless areas in the Dakotas, and wherever farming under natural rainfall conditions is practiced, to be struck with the conviction that home-making where irrigation is,: available is so quickly and efficiently accomplished that the irrigated farm generally looks in point of development ten years further advanced than the non-irrigated farm, which was, perhaps, started at the same time. Trees, with an abundant supply of water, grow like weeds. The banks of canals and ditches in a few years will be covered with a dense growth of willows, which completely changes the whole character of the landscape. Small fruits, and some of the hardier standard fruits, strawberries and garden truck, are produced without the slightest difficulty. Periodical reverses, owing to dry seasons, encountered from 51 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION time to time, almost everywhere on the American continent, and which put a stop to all expense of beautifying a home and making it more comfortable, are unknown in the irrigated sections. There are many apparent reasons why home- making under irrigation is so much easier, and there are evidently a great many reasons that do not appear on the surface. The sum and substance is, however, that any irrigated community four or five years old generally presents the appearance of an old settlement, while colonies started on non-irrigated lands often show little evidence of settled conditions for two or three times that period. A SATISFIED SETTLER. Bassano, Alberta, February 24th. Canadian Pacific Irrigation Colonization Co., Ltd., Calgary. Dear Sirs.— A large number of our friends, south of the line, having become discouraged by the poor crops secured during the past few years, are now looking for a favorable location in Western Canada where crops are sure. With a view to influencing them to locate in the Bassano district we are submitting the following report of our 1911 farming operations. We admit that the returns, when compared with the returns secured last year in the well-settled districts of the United States, must read like fiction to any but those acquainted with the farming possibilities of Western Canada in general and the Bassano district in particular. Last year we farmed 1,500 acres, and our profits from this area we estimate at $10,000 net. The following will give some- idea of the immense possibilities of the soil in this district:— 1911 YIELDS ON OUR FARM. Government Yield per Weight Germination Grain. Acre. Per Bush. Sold at Test Wheat 30 63 lbs. $1.00 99% Oats 60 46-48 lbs. .50 99% Flax i6y2 . $2.50 to $3.00 94% All these exceptionally satisfactory returns were secured on new breaking. In addition to our regular farm crop we cultivated a small garden patch, which proved so successful that we are now planning to devote a much larger area to garden truck this year. The combination of soil and climate with which this district is blessed must ultimately result in a very large truck farming industry being built up. Sweet corn, cucumbers, peas, radish, turnips, cauliflower, tomatoes, beans, onions, lettuce, cabbage and all other vegetables of this class thrive and give large returns to the grower. In addition to the profits secured from our crop, we can now sell our land at $30 per acre, or $14 per acre in advance of the price we paid two years ago. A few years hence we will be able to sell our land at $60 per acre should we wish to dispose of it. Within 30 rods of our buildings, we discovered a large outcropping of coal, so taking everything into consideration we feel that our venture in Alberta must result in an easily earned independence, and it is our earnest hope that many of our friends will shortly come to this district and take advantage of the opportunity that awaits them here. Yours truly, (Sgd.) MURCHISON BROS. Part VI. GENERAL INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO SETTLERS. PUBLIC WORSHIP. The utmost religious liberty prevails in Canada. There is no State Church. Christian churches of various beliefs are found in the country towns as well as in the cities. The number of specified denominations of religious thought in the Dominion, according to the census of 1900, was 142. No place is the Sabbath more respected than in the Canadian West. SCHOOL SYSTEM. One-eighteenth part of the whole of Western Canada, or two sections in every township, is set aside as a school grant for the maintaining of schools. This provides a very large school fund, which will assure the maintenance of an adequate and advanced 52 school system. The schools are non-sectarian and national in character. In connection with the educational system the Government maintains at various points throughout the West experimental farms, which are regarded as among the finest on the continent. The school system of Alberta is acknowledged to be equal, if not superior, to any on the continent. Its management is vested in one of the Ministers of the Government. The organization of school districts is optional with the settlers. Districts formed cannot exceed five miles in length or breadth, and must contain at least four actual residents liable to assessment, and eight children between the ages of five and sixteen inclusive. The cost of maintaining a school is small, owing to the liberal assistance given by the Government; the public grants 53 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY paid to each school are from $250 to $300 per year. Each teacher employed must have a certificate of a recognized standard of education, and a thorough system of inspection is inaugurated, each school being visited twice during the year. In the schools of the larger towns, the higher branches of study are taught and pupils are prepared for university matriculation and teachers' certificates. Calgary alone has sixteen public schools, including a High School complete in every essential, the Provincial Normal School, the Western Canada College for boys, the St. Hilda's College for Ladies, and the St. Mary's Convent for girls, a staff of fully 140 instructors being employed in the various educational institutions of the city. LOW TAXATION IN ALBERTA. \ The rural taxation system of Alberta is based entirely on the land. Improvements, live stock, chattels or personal property of any kind is exempt absolutely. The Province pays a large share of the cost of education and public works, and as it derives its principal revenue from the Federal Government by annual per capita grant, it is unnecessary to levy any considerable local taxes. As soon as the Canadian Pacific Railway disposes of .a parcel of land, the same becomes liable for Local Improvement and General Provincial Educational taxes, which, when levied by the Government, will not exceed a total of 2% cents an acre. If, however, the district in which this land is situate is elected a School District or Local Improvement District, or both, a tax may be levied up to a rate of 15 cents per acre. The maximum tax that may be levied under the Education Tax Act being 10 cents per acre, and under the Local Improvement Act, 5 cents per acre, thus making the total of 15 cents per acre. These rates are, of course, subject to be changed by the Provincial Government should it be found advisable. The following table will furnish some idea of the difference in taxes paid in Alberta and in some of the Middle and Western States :— That as nearly as possible an actual comparison may be made, the taxes paid on a farm of 320 acres located in Alberta is taken as a fair example of the amount of taxes paid in that province, while the tax schedules furnished by various county treasurers in the States have been used in arriving at the amount of taxes that would be collected there on a piece of farm land with improvements and personal property of the same valuation. Assessed Valuation. Taxes. Alberta, on 320 acres $ 48.00 Pottawattamie County, Iowa $11,000 319.00 Gallatin County, Mont 11,000 232.00 Cook County, 111 8,800 278.96 54 In selecting the foregoing figures, those dealing with the States have not been selected from counties with the highest or the lowest tax rate, but from counties that most nearly meet the average tax of all the counties in their respective States. VOTING REGULATIONS. Canadian naturalization laws are very liberal, much more so than those of the United States. Those, who formerly were residents of or were born in any country other than Canada, but now are located in Canada, may transact business and own real estate here as much or as long as they choose without becoming naturalized. They are also allowed to vote (providing they own property) on all but national issues, and upon becoming naturalized the privilege of voting upon national issues is extended to them. RURAL TELEPHONES. In Alberta one of the advantages awaiting the coming of the settler is the telephone. The Provincial Government controls all telephone lines in the province, and is continually extending their system into the rural districts as settlement demands it. This system provides a most economical, complete and up-to-date rural service. DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY. An abundance of good well water is readily obtained by digging, driving or drilling. The cost ranges from $2.00 to $3.00 per foot completed. In many sections springs abound, and reports are continually being received from well drillers and others to the effect that they have, during the course of their operations, secured heavy flows of artesian well water. The Province of Alberta enjoys the reputation of an excellent domestic water supply. FUEL AND POWER. Coal in abundance is found in nearly every section of Southern and Central Alberta. Generally speaking, the coal is lignitic in character, and in many instances is covered with resin or bitumen, which gives it a superior burning quality. Numerous coal mines are now in operation, and all are subject to the supervision and rules of the Dominion Government. In many localities settlers are able to dig out their own supply from the banks of the rivers and creeks. Mining engineers state that the deposits of lignite are so extensive that it is practically impossible to compute the tonnage. In township 39, range 15, a mine is being operated by the Esperanza Coal Company. There are also numerous exposures in the neighborhood of Castor. A seam of coal five feet in thickness, with very little surface cover- 55 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION ing, has been located north of Sullivan Lake. Mines are being operated in township 39, range 16, which supply the local demand. Very large deposits of lignite have been found on the banks of Meeting Creek, and a number of mines are operated along this stream. On Red Willow Creek, the Glen-Hayes Mining Company have a number of mines. Two mines are in operation near Nevis. In township 39, range 22, there are also two openings in the banks of Tail Creek, and a mine has been developed there to a capacity of 100 tons a day. The banks of the Red River are also very rich in coal deposits. The question of fuel for all time is therefore solved. Calgary has an unlimited supply of both anthracite and bituminous coal surrounding the city. Besides the finest and cheapest of domestic coals, there is now under way the construction of water-power plants capable of developing 100,000 horse-power. The clumps of trees that are invariably found along the banks of the rivers also provide the best of fuel. Many settlers use wood exclusively and make a considerable saving in the fuel bill. Natural gas has been found at Calgary, Bassano and Brooks, and exhaustive tests prove that the entire district east of Calgary is underlaid with a gas bearing strata. RAILROADS. More railroads are projected into Calgary than into any other point west of Winnipeg. This year the Grand Trunk Pacific will reach that city from the north, the Canadian Northern from both east and north, and both these roads will branch south from Calgary. The Great Northern has started work upon its extension to Calgary, and it is expected that this line will he in operation before the close of 1912. The Canadian Pacific is exerting every effort to further add to the existing transportation facilities. In 1909 they completed a line running north from Langdon and serving the western section of the "Block," terminating in Bassano. Lines are also projected east from the latter point. This line will practically parallel the main line of the Canadian Pacific. In the northern portion of Central Alberta the company has constructed a line from Hardisty, Alberta, to Wilkie, Saskatchewan, the latter town being the first division point west of Saskatoon. The Moose Jaw-Lacombe branch, now practically completed, will connect with the main line of the Canadian Pacific at Moose Jaw, CUSTOMS AND QUARANTINE. The settler is allowed to bring in duty free the following, which are classed as settlers' effects in clause 705 of the Customs Regulations of Canada: Wearing apparel, books, usual and reasonable household furni- 56 ture and other household effects, instruments and tools of trade, occupation or employment, guns, musical instruments, domestic sewing machines, typewriters, bicycles, carts, wagons and other highway vehicles, agricultural implements and live stock for the farm not to include live stock or articles for sale or for use as a contractor's outfit, nor vehicles nor implements moved by mechanical power, nor machinery for use in any manufacturing establishment; all the foregoing, if actually owned abroad by the settler for at least six months before his removal to Canada, and subject to regulations prescribed by the Minister of Customs. Provided that any dutiable article entered as settler's effects may not be so entered unless brought in by the settler on his Big Crop Returns Build Fine Homes and Barns first arrival and shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of without payment of duty until after twelve months' actual use in Canada. On threshing machines, including engines and separators, the duty is 20 per cent of their valuation; automobiles, 35 per cent; engines alone, 2^y2 per cent; engines for farming operations, 20 per cent. One head of horses or cattle for each 10 acres of land, purchased or otherwise secured up to 160 acres, and one head of sheep for each acre of land will be admitted free. Other stock may be admitted up to any number on a payment of 25 per cent of valuation at point of entry. However, any number of registered stock may be brought in duty free provided certificates of such registration are shown to the proper customs officials. It may be well to take special note that it does not pay to undertake to smuggle anything in that is dutiable, otherwise such goods or chattels may be confiscated, or if not, an amount can be assessed against such articles that would make it equivalent to confiscation. The owner or a competent person should accompany the shipment to the point of entry in order to pay the proper duty charges unless a suitable certificate is secured before starting. Goods of every nature may be forwarded in bond to any point of delivery, which must be in that case a port of entry. Otherwise such shipment will be sent to Calgary or to some other port of entry, and back freight will be charged. Very great inconvenience may be saved by obtaining full information before making shipment. , 57 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY Cattle, herses and sheep will be passed only upon a certificate of a quarantine inspection officer. Swine are subject to quarantine and should not be brought into Canada. RETAIL PRICES OF COMMODITIES AT CALGARY. In the preceding pages information has been given in regard to the productiveness of our lands, the markets for agricultural products raised there, prices and terms upon which farms can be secured, and other information that may be of interest to the homeseeker. To the farmer with limited resources, however, it is important to know how far his capital will go and how it should be expended. The cost of living is also a vital feature entering into his calculations. The Company is anxious that every settler shall become prosperous and satisfied, and it is, therefore, important that they should labor under no misapprehension in regard to the conditions prevailing in this country, so that they may not overestimate their resources or fail to lay out their capital to the best advantage. Wishing to obtain absolutely correct information, the Company quotes herewith the actual prices prevailing at Calgary on the ist day of July, 1910, upon various materials. It might be mentioned that a discount of about 5 per cent is often given for cash, and that there is no reason why prices in the various towns throughout the Irrigation Block and Central Alberta on the commodities quoted should be any higher than they are at Calgary. In fact, owing to the smaller expense in connection with carrying on business in a small town, the prices should, in some cases at least, be lower. The wages paid ordinary farm laborers range from $15.00 per month upward. Skilled hands generally receive $25.00 per month for a year's engagement and $30.00 to $40.00 per month for a summer's job. Skilled mechanics capable of operating a steam plowing outfit receive as high as $75.00 to $125.00 a month and board. FUEL. No. 1 Common Boards. Lethbridge Coal...- Clover Bar Galbraith Domestic Coal in Irrigation Block. $6.50 6.50 5.50 1.50 to at mine LUMBER AND BUILDING MATERIAL. Brick $16.00 per M. Lime No. 1 Dimension. 2x4 12 to 16 S.I.S.I.B....$26.00 2x 6 ditto 26.00 2x 8 ditto 26.00 2x10 ditto 27.00 2x12 ditto 27.00 Add $1.00 per M for erery 2 inches over 12 inches wide. Add $1.00 per M for every 2 ft. over 12 ft. long. 2.25 per bbl. 10 ft. stock same price as 20 ft. Cedar dimensions $2.00 less than above. 3 in. plank, 10 to 16, rough.$28.00 4x4, 10 to 16, rough 28.00 6x6, ditto 28.00 8x8, and larger, 10 to 16, rough 29.00 Add $1.00 per M for every 2 ft. over 16 ft. 4 in. wide, S.I.S. G in. ditto 8 in. ditto 10 in. ditto 12 in. ditto ...$23.00 ... 24.00 ... 26.00 ... 26.00 ... 27.00 Cedar boards, $1.00 per M less. 1-2 in. Shiplap $17.00 4 in. Shiplap 24.00 6 in. Shiplap 26.00 8 .in. Shiplap 27.00 4 in. and 6 in. No. 1 Mountain Flooring .... 40.00 4 in. and 6 in. No. 2 Mountain Flooring 37.00 4 in. and 6 in. No. 3 Mountain Flooring 29.00 4 in. and 6 in. No. 1 Ceiling 40.00 4 in. and 6 in. No. 2 Ceiling 37.00 4 in. and 6 in. No. 3 Ceiling 29.00 1x6 No. 1 Drop Siding 40.00 1x6 No. 2 Drop Siding 37.00 1x6 No. 3 Drop Siding 29.00 No. 1 Cedar, pine or Fir Lath 6.00 No. 1 Fir, Spruce and Larch Lath 6.00 No. 1 XXX Shingles 6.00 No. 2 XXX Shingles 3.00 No. 2 Lath 75 Hardware Nails 4%c per lb. Barbed Wire 4^0 per lb. Tar Paper $1.00 per roll Building Paper 90c per roil Gaspipe, 1-inch ....10c per foot Gaspipe, %-inoh ..6%c per foot Stoves, Tools, Tinware $15.00 and up Halters 85c to $2.00 Saddles $4.50 to $75.00 Robes, Whips, Blankets, etc., same as St. Paul. Meats. Per lb. Steaks, round 12%etol5c Steaks, Porterhouse. 18c to 20c Roast Rib 15c to 18c Roast 8c to 15c Corned Beef 8c to 10c Mutton, Side 12%c to 15c Mutton, Chops 15c to 18c Mutton, Fore quarter.12%c Pork 15c to 20c Sausage 12%c to 15c Dressed Chicken ... 15c to 25c Lard, Bulk 18c to 20c Salmon Steaks 12%ctol8c Turkeys 25c to 30c Groceries. Potatoes 60c to 75c per bu. Butter 30c to 35c per lb. Eggs 30c to 45c Gran. Sugar 6^0 per lb. Brown Sugar 6c per lb. Rolled Oats 2^0 per lb. Fancy Flour $3.00 to $3.40 per 100 lbs. Ham 24c per lb. Bacon 26c per lb. Tomatoes 12%c per tin Corn 2 tins 25c Evap. Apples 2 lbs. 25c Evap. Peaches and Pears.. ..12y2c per lb. Evap. Prunes 10c to 12%c lb. Oranges 30c to 50c doz. Lemons 25c to 35c doz. Apples $2.50 per box Salt, bbl $3.25 Soda Biscuits 10c per lb. Tea 25c per lb. up Coffee 25c per lb. up Rice 5c per lb. Beans 5c per lb. Onions 3c to 5c per lb. Tinned Salmon 15c to 20c Jams, .pure 5 lbs. for 75e Table and Cooking Syrup 75c per gal. Cheese 20c per lb. Baking Powder 25c per lb. Kerosene Oil 40c oer gal. Gasoline 40c per gal. Vinegar 60c per gal. Starch 10c per lb. Turnips le per lb. Tinned Beef 20c—2 for 35c Condensed Milk ..15c—2 for 25c Codfish 15c—2 for 25c Spices Same as St. Paul Crockery Same as St. Paul Live Stock. Work Teams, 2,000 to 2,400 lbs $250.00 Work Teams, 2,500 to 2,800 lbs 350.00 Work Teams, 3,000 to 3,400 lbs 500.00 Saddle Horses well broken 100.00 Steers selling on foot 3%c to 4%c lb. Grade Cows. fat..$25.00 to $40.00 Sheep oft: car 5.00 to 6.00 Hogs off car 9c to 10%c Milch Cows, good.$40.00 to $60.00 Pure Bred Stock. Bulls $50.00 to $200.00 Heifers 40.00 to 100.00 Rams 15.00 to 40.00 Boars 12.00 to 30.00 Sows 10.00 to 40.00 Farm Implements (Canadian). 2-furrow 12-inch Gang..$ 65.00 16-disc 18-in. Disc Harrow 49.00 Three section spike tooth Harrow 17.00 Single disc 10-ft. drill 100.00 Mower,'5-ft. cut 65.00 Horse Rake, 10 feet 39.00 Binder complete, 8 feet.. 180.00 Wagon complete, 3-ton.. 100.00 Farm Implements (American). Gang Plow, 2-furrow $90.00 Disc Harrow, 16-16 47.00 Harrow, 3-section spike tooth 30.00 Drill, 16 disc, 10 ft 115.00 Mower, 5 foot cut 65.00 Horse Rake, 10 ft 38.00 Binder complete, 8 ft 175.00 Wagon complete, 3-ton.. 105.00 Dry Goods and Clothing. Staple arid Fancy Woolen Goods 10 to 25 V-P- cheaper than St. Paul Cotton Goods ....25 p.c. higher Boots and Shoes.. 10 p.c. higher Silks 10 p.c. cheaper 58 59 A HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION Furniture. Wood Seat Chairs $0.55 upwards Leather Seated Chairs 1.50 " Common Kitchen Tables 3.35 Dining Tables .. 6.90 " Sideboards 13.40 " Bureaus 8.45 Washstands 3.85 " Kitchen Cupboards 12.50 Iron Beds 3.55 " Wire Springs ... 2.90 " Mattresses 2.55 " Wire Camp Cots 2.55 " Canvas Camp Cots 2.00 " Pillows, 3 lbs. each $0.60 upwards Couches 6.35 " Window Shades. .40 " Sheeting, plain or twill, per yard .30 " Sheets, per pair.. 1.50 " Blankets, white, per pair 3.65 " Blankets, grey, per pair 2.10 " Carpets, Ail-Wool and Union 35-52c " Carpet Squares, Ail-Wool 7.45 " Carpet Squares, Union 4.45 «' Toilet Sets 1.75 " LEADING CITIES OF ALBERTA. CALGARY, the largest city in Alberta, has 55,000 population, with upwards of 380 retail stores, 140 wholesale, 52 manufacturers, 21 banks, branches of all leading fraternal societies, one morning and two afternoon daily newspapers, four weeklies and three monthlies, and one agricultural semimonthly publication; five clubs, the Ranchman's, Alberta, St. Mary's, Canadian; the Young Men's Christian Association, building costing $90,000; Provincial Normal School, High School, 26 public and three separate schools, with combined attendance of about 5,200 pupils; Western Canada College, Mt. Royal College, St. Hilda's College. A $2,000,000 university is building this year, over $1,250,000 of the amount required being already subscribed by the citizens. The general offices of the Canadian Pacific Railway western officials are located here; also head offices of the Natural Resources Department of Canadian Pacific. The extensive western car shops of the C. P. R., for the erection of which an appropriation of $2,800,000 has been passed, are building in Calgary. These shops will eventually employ nearly 5,000 men. The western plant of the Dominion Bridge Company with 1,200 employes is locating here, as well as many new and important industries. Important government offices located in Calgary include Land Titles Office, Provincial Public Works Office, and a new $300,000 Customs House being built this year. The city has many splendid business blocks ranging in value from $100,000 to $250,000; over 50 churches, practically every denomination being represented. City buildings largely constructed of Calgary sandstone, giving buildings a beautiful and substantial appearance which impresses visitors. The city owns, operates and controls its public utilities, including municipal street railway, gravity waterworks system, light and power plant and street, paving plant. All these are profitable enterprises and yield a big revenue. Forty miles of street railway in operation, and 8,500,000 passengers carried in 1911. The city has over 22 miles of street paving; 103 miles cement walks; no miles sewers; 147 miles water mains. It has the finest city hall in Western Canada, which cost $300,000. 60 In 1911 $12,907,638 was expended in the erection of n«w buildings, representing the largest amount of building per capita of any city in Canada. Assessment of city for 1912 approximately $100,000,000. Total bank clearings of $218,- 681,921 in 1911 places Calgary fifth among Canadian cities commercially: The city offers incoming manufacturers employing 25 hands or over exemption from taxation upon plant and buildings until 1918, also power, water and light, together with a factory site at cost. By midsummer, this year, the city will have an available supply of 50,000,000 cubic feet of natural gas per day for manufacturing and domestic purposes. This natural gas will be sold to manufacturers at fifteen cents per thousand cubic feet and thirty-five cents per thousand cubic feet for domestic uses. An abundance of coal is in the vicinity. EDMONTON, the capital of Alberta, has a population of 37,000; 21 branches of chartered banks and four branch offices of the big chartered loan companies. There are about 300 retail stores and shops, 68 wholesale houses, and 72 industrial enterprises of various kinds, including sawmills, meat packing plants, flour mills, oatmeal mills, brick yards, wood working plants, foundries, clothing factory, cigar factories, etc. The city is the center of an important and rapidly developing coal industry, the production of mines in and around the city having increased in the past ten years from about 100 tons to over 3,000 tons per day. Edmonton enjoys the most ample transportation facilities. The main lines of the Canadian Northern and Grand Trunk Pacific Railways pass through Edmonton and have important shops and other terminal facilities there. The Canadian Pacific Railway has a direct service into Edmonton from Winnipeg via Saskatoon, and also from Calgary. The Provincial University has been established on the north side of the Saskatchewan River, overlooking the Parliament Buildings. Other educational needs are amply provided for by 20 public school buildings, most of which are massive, handsome edifices, which would be creditable to any city on the continent. There are numerous other educational institutions, such as Alberta College, Grand Trunk Business College, Westward Ho School for Boys, Convents, etc. The City owns and operates all public utilities, such as the electric street railway, water service, electric light and power service, and a modern automatic telephone service. A modern system of taxation has been adopted, assessment being on land values only, buildings, industrial equipment, stocks of merchandise or any other improvements, not being taxed. A system of spur tracks from the railway yards reaches down into the heart of the city, along which are erected numerous massive, modern wholesale warehouses. Edmonton is the distributing center for its district, which stretches 61 HJR CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY northward to the Arctic circle, and, as a result, the number of wholesale houses and manufactories is multiplying rapidly. LETHBRIDGE is situated in Southern Alberta on the Crow's Nest line and is a growing manufacturing and distributing center. It is a modern, progressive, up-to-date city of 14,000 population. Lethbridge has municipally owned electric light and power plant, water and sewage system and up-to-date fire brigade and police department. It has wide streets, good cement sidewalks and boulevards, and trees grow profusely. Lethbridge has churches, schools, lodges of fraternal societies, hospitals, theaters, business houses and homes, such as are usually found in a modern city; $60,000 Y. M. C. A. building; two daily newspapers; 10 branches of chartered banks; pay roll of over $200,000 a month; flour mills and elevators. There are seven large coal mines within five miles of the city. The pioneer mine in the West, owned by the A. R. & I. Company, spent $500,- 000 installing their new plant, and is to-day equal to any on the continent. Not only is it equipped with the most complete and up-to-date machinery, but the shafts are as large as any in America. In addition, there are two large companies, the Chinook Coal Company, Ltd., and the Lethbridge Collieries, Ltd., each spending a quarter of a million in development work. Inside of a year they will be large shippers, and within two years Lethbridge will produce 7,000 tons of coal per day from the seven mines. Lethbridge has openings for all kinds of business and manufacturing. This city is also the center of a large irrigation enterprise and a rich agricultural area surrounds it on all sides. Lethbridge is well supplied with railway facilities in almost every direction. MEDICINE HAT is a city of some 7,000 inhabitants, located near the easterly boundary of Alberta and on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Medicine Hat is famous chiefly for its inexhaustible supply of natural gas. It has large and commodious churches of all denominations; lodges of nearly all the fraternal orders, several up-to-date schools and a number of manufacturing establishments utilizing natural gas for fuel and power. The entire gas supply is owned by the municipality and is used in connection with all public utilities, thus reducing taxation to a minimum. The cost to manufacturers is 5 cents per thousand cubic feet, and for domestic use 13^4 cents per thousand cubic feet. Medicine Hat is an important divisional point on the Canadian Pacific Railway. The brick yards and sewer pipe plant employ 200 men. Rolling mills are being erected and large flour mills producing 200 barrels per day. Medicine Hat is one of the important ranching centers and a considerable volume of live stock passes through the stock yards there. Publications of the Canadian Pacific Railway Colonization Department. Besides this free booklet, the following publications may be obtained, postage prepaid, on application to the Company at Calgary, Alberta, Canada:— "MANITOBA FOR MIXED FARMING." A handbook of information regarding the Province of Manitoba.. .FREE "SASKATCHEWAN, THE GOLDEN." A handbook of information concerning Saskatchewan, the great wheat- growing Province of Canada FREE "IRRIGATION FARMING." Diversified farming and stock raising is the foundation upon which all irrigation projects rest. This book gives the business aspect of the industry in the Irrigation Block, and shows that upon its rich alfalfa meadows live stock feeding and dairying lead to certain success. Every up-to-date farmer nowadays is a stockman, and this book will appeal to that class—FREE. "SETTLERS' GUIDE." A text-book, useful to any farmer, giving valuable information in regard to farming practice upon irrigated and non-irrigated lands in northerly latitudes. This work was compiled for the Company at great expense, both with regard to time and money—FIVE CENTS "PICTURESQUE BOW RIVER VALLEY." A splendid album of views, measuring 10 by 12 inches, bound with heavy silk cord, and in every respect a work of art, and an interesting souvenir of Southern Alberta. These twenty- four views bring the varied beauties and possibilities of the great Province of Alberta and the Irrigation Block within the range of your vision ONE DOLLAR FREIGHT RATES ON SETTLERS' EFFECTS FROM PRINCIPAL POINTS IN THE UNITED STATES TO CALGARY. (Subject to Change at Any Time.) Carload lots Less than of 24,000 lbs. carload lots. Portland, Ore., via Sumas, B- C $152.00 $1.52 per cwt. Chicago, via N. Portal, Sask 85.00 1.27 " Kansas City, via N. Portal, Sask 101.00 1.52 " St. Paul, via N. Portal, Sask 45.00 .67 Omaha, via N. Portal, Sask 99.00 1.47 " Denver, via St. Paul & N. Portal, Sask. 175.00 2.52 " New York, via Buffalo 195.60 1.63 " New York, via Ogdensburg 173-40 1.50 " Buffalo, N. Y. 156.00 1.24 Helena, Mont 109.00 1.36 " Idaho Falls, Idaho 298.40 3.32^ " Spokane, Wash 118.40 1.32^ " From Ontario Points 136.50 1.14 " 63 For Further Information Write R. C. PERKY General Agent, Western Washington Main Office, Seattle 108 Cherry St or Canadian Pacific Railway Department of Natural Resources Calgary, Alberta, Canada March, 1912 The Blakely Printing Company, Chicago
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Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
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Box 193
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Original Format: University of British Columbia. Library. Rare Books and Special Collections. The Chung Collection. CC-TX-193-10-2
Get your Canadian home from the Canadian Pacific : a handbook regarding sunny Alberta and the opportunities offered you by the Canadian Pacific Railway in that province
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