The Guernsey Gazette

EXPECT BIG CROPS
Conditions in Western Canada Please Farmers.

Seeding Has Been Begun Earlier Than for Many Years, and Soil is in Perfect Shape.

With weather conditions highly favorable, the farmers of Western Canada, with the exception probably of a portion of Manitoba, have completed seeding from ten to fifteen days earlier than for some years past. In some parts of Manitoba there were floods which delayed seeding, but they have abated, and left the land in good shape for quick work and speedy germination. In Saskatchewan soil conditions for seeding were never better. With a generous quantity of snow, which after melting left needed moisture, and another snowstorm after seeding was finished, there was an ideal condition created. From all parts of Alberta there came the best of reports as to rainfall and snow moisture, leaving the ground in the condition required for the prospects of a good crop.

Spring, as in most other parts of the continent, was backward, but notwithstanding this, as has been said, farmers were able to get on the land earlier than for some years. In fact, seeding was practically commenced about the 12th of April, which to many readers may seem remarkable, when it is known that several hundred miles farther south it was not possible to do spring seeding for several days later.

Reports to hand on the 10th of May state that wheat is up above the ground in a great many places, oats are being sown, and corn planted.

Farm labor was scarce for a while, but the demand has fallen off. One feature of the demand for farm help is that farmers are now employing help by the year, at of course smaller wages than those paid for special work. The increasing tendency to employ help by the year is evidence that farmers are not relying solely upon wheat growing, but are going out into other branches, such as dairying, stock raising, etc.

The prospects in all portions of Western Canada were never brighter than at present. Information regarding the condition of the crops at any time will be sent on request made to any Canadian government agent.—Advertisement.