=Available Farm Land.=--There are but few homesteads available in
Southeastern Saskatchewan. The land is occupied by an excellent class of
farmers, and values range from $15 per acre to $25 for unimproved
prairie, and from $40 to $50 per acre for improved farms. In the
neighbourhood of Moose Jaw mixed farming and grain raising are carried
on with success. North and northwest, towards the Saskatchewan, are
large settlements; but to the south and southwest is a tract of land
available for homesteading, and a land office at Moose Jaw makes it easy
to inspect the land and secure speedy entry. These lands are easily
reached from Moose Jaw, Mortlach, Herbert, Gull Lake, and Swift Current.
Maple Creek district is an important stock centre. Some of the best
sheep, cattle, and horses in Canada are raised on the succulent grass
here but the wheat grower and mixed farmer are treading on the heels of
the ranchman.
West of Swift Current to the Alberta boundary herds of cattle roam and
largely find for themselves. Snowfall is light and winters so mild that
hardy animals graze through the whole year. The Chinook winds are felt
as far east as Swift Current. Grain growing is successful.
[Illustration: In many parts of Western Canada, large farms are operated
by steam or gasoline power. This shows its use, and also discing,
seeding and harrowing.]
Farm land can be purchased from railway and other land companies in
Southeastern Saskatchewan, which includes that section between Manitoba
on the east and the third meridian on the west, extending some distance
north of the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It has more
rainfall than portions farther west and less wood than the portion lying
north. In character and productiveness of soil, Southeastern
Saskatchewan is a continuation of Manitoba, but contains more prairie
area.