/ [U 1 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY. G "I admit that my mind is biassed by a financial experience which has been long and wide. It has profoundly convinced me that, as a rule, the State, or Individual, or Company thrives the best which dives deepest down into the mass of the community and adapts its arrangements to supply the wants of the greatest number." — Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., 77A August, 1874. What are the wants of the greatest number ? BEEF ! Copyright, 1883, by Judson Jarvis. \< Oo ^ '-'7 I.oii-itudc AVc.sl 21 li \fli>|hvb_oc\i^s^^ #^ ; '"^N^^fK^lV. Oh [iouisviUe ^f nt> SAN A Fj o 'i Marshlield 4- 1' Slaked riain S icrmau^ D alias/ '\\'ucoX H. P'FiiUou I CoKuubia' " tlant" Mftcou S Sati Antonio '=?Jjacksou! ^ oChiluialiuu, , I. O A \ Corpus^ Chrij ILKON/ / Longitude West 30 COOK'S GBA^^ EXCURSIOJSr TO COLORADO. NEW MEXICO And CALIFORNIA Season 1883. a FI3K & CO N.Y. C'HjynuhlciX by l'ho:i.Ck A ^«.l5^ GRASS IS KING. IIow to invest our savings and resources secnrelvancl profitably, is always a question of the greatest importance. Investors often look in vain for a safe opportunity to increase theii" incomes or add to their wealth. The best way to accomplish an end so desirable is by CATTLE KAISING. It is susceptible of proof chat no other business yields so sure and so large a return as the breeding of cattle. Even in long-settled and densely-populated countries, where lands are held at high prices^ cattle-raising is exceedingly remunerative ; on the plains of the great South-west, where the costs and risks are small, the profits are enormous. It is important, however, even there, to obtain a good grazing range for cattle. According to Gen. J. S. Brisbin, " the three great requisites for a good cattle ranch are wood, water and grass," to which may be added an essential fourth — cli- mate. A search of four years among the States and Territories west of the Mississippi, has demonstrated that New Mexico is better adapted to cattle-raising than any other locality. Arrangements have ac- cordingly been made for the purchase of a tract of land in San Miguel County, containing some 52,000 acres, and known as " Baca Location Ko. 3." This tract has been supplied with all the neces- sary improvements, it is well watered, possesses a great variety of nutritious grasses, affording ample pasturage within itself, with grazing privileges extending over a million of acres, and enjoys a climate unsurpassed by any in the world. The Red River, or Canadian Valley district, in which Baca Lo- cation ISTo. 2 is situated, lies between the 35th and 36th parallels, the most equable portion of the continent as regards climate. It is fertile almost beyond description. As already said, it has an abundant and never-failing water supply. It is within easy access by rail of the great cattle marts of the West and South-west. All these advantages help to make it what it has justly been called. 2 GRASS IS KING. THE KANCHERO'S PARADISE. The purpose of this pamphlet is to show : First — By reports and opinions of many disinterested, distin- guished, practical and scientific men, that cattle-raising in New Mexico, has been, and is, the most profitable, safe and successful of all entei-prises. Second — That San Miguel county is the part of the Territory best adapted for breeding and improving cattle, by reason of its natural, climatic and grazing advantages. Thied — That the Rod River, or Canadian Valley district, lying in and around Fort Bascom, and comprising "'^ Baca Location No. 2," is superior to any part of the county for the establishment of a cattle ranch on a large scale. OPINIONS AND EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS ON CATTLE-RAISING IN NEW MEXICO. Survey of Prof. J. H. Powell — Article " Grazing," page 317. "Caltforxia Joe" said of the Valley: '* There's gold from the grass-roots down, but there's more gold from the grass-roots UP." IJjsriTED States Land Office Reports, 1870, page 106. ''The plateaus, valleys and hillsides of this territory are covered with various indigenous grasses, furnishing the best of pasturage for cattle, the most valuable and widely distributed of these grasses being a variety called ''mesquite," and '-'grama" grass, which grows during the rainy season of July and August, revives under the influence of autumnal suns, and dries upon stalks, bearing a copious iibundance of nutritious seeds, and constituting adequate support for every kind of live stock throughout the entire winter, and until the more rapidly growing herbage of the spring and early summer, has attained sufficient growth to attract the animals by its freshness from their winter sustenance, and furnish the change of food neces- sary to the most perfect development of animal life. The herds- man in this country [page 107] is not obliged to provide food for the support of his stock during the winter months ; besides, tlie mildness of the Avinters and the slight falls of snow render shelter other than that afforded by the valleys and timber, entirely unnec- essary for the protection of the herds; the pure air, wide ranges, and excellent food I'esulting in an extraordinary healthiness of the ani- mals, among whom contagious diseases, prevalent in other sections, are entirely unknown. The horses are remarkable for their en- durance, and the beef is celebrated for excellence." Effort of the Commissioner of Agriculture, 1870 — ^i>age 346 : " The cattle trade has attained gigantic proportions 4 GRASS IS KING. A business grown np from small beginnings, now amounts to a magnificent iiulustry which reaches our most distant markets. . . . In all densely-poi)uhited communities the question of continued sup- ply of animal food assumes an important phase. . . . and the irruption of cheap beef from the South-west is very timely and ac- ceptable. . . . Farmers, upon land costing 120 to $i200 per acre, in climates requiring four or five months' winter feeding, cannot compete with stock-raisers operating luider a sky that demands no shelter, and u])on a soil yielding perennial supplies of green food." Official Eeport U. S. Geological Survey, by Prof. F. V. Hayden, U. S. Geologist, 1870, page 194 : * '•'It is only after a careful examination and a vast number of experiments made in ]^ew Mexico, that I am forced to acknowl- edge, what I before did not believe, that the soil in these regions is ricii in the primary elements of fertility. " The productions of Ts'ew Mexico, from the variety of its cli- mate, ai-e varied, but the staple will evidently be cattle, for which it is particularly adapted. The ease and small cost with which stock can be kept, the rapidity with which they increase, and ex- emption from epidemic diseases, added to the fact that they require no winter feeding, makes the raising of stock a prominent business of the country." The Canadian Eiver rises in the Raton Mountains, runs south- east for aoout 150 miles to Fort Bascom, wliere it turns east, and passes out of the territory a little north of the 35th parallel ; its whole length witliin the limits of the territory being about 200 miles. It has numberless tributaries. This Canadian Eiver section is the pasture-ground for sheep and cattle, where thousands may be placed and tended with but little trouble. Page 248. — '-The lands of the States are becoming too valu- able to afford the room required for grazing cattle It is there- fore a fact conceded, that the great bulk of our beef cattle must be raised upon tiie grazing fields of the States and Territories west of the Mississippi. . . . Smaller lots of cattle will generally cost relatively more. . . . Cattle and stock are healthy, and require no feeding the year round ; the rich bunch and grama grasses of the plains and mountains, keeping them fat enough for beef during the entire winter. . . . The season of 1870 has been a memorable one in the stock business on the plains. It commenced in doubt, GRASS IS KING. 5 but closed in iinlimitod conlideuco in the complete practicability and profits of stock growing and winter grazing." "ioo. — "As the plow of the emigrant turns the grass under, that corn and wlieat may grow in its stead, the range of the stock- grower is that much contracted, and the area of grazing lessened. By reason of the high value of lands for grain-growing pur[)Oses, the people of the country cast of tlie Mississippi Kiver are already coming to us for beef. Chicago and New York peor)le are enjoying the juicy steaks from cattle fattened on our nutritious grasses that grow in our valleys and on our mountain sides, close up to the perpetual snows of the Eocky Mountains. And as immigration takes up more and more of the pastures east of us for grain, drovers will be obliged more and more to come to us for beef." Repoet of the Surveyor General of New IMexico for 1871. Land Office Reports, page 14G : "The subject of private land grants is daily assuming more and more importance." "The increase in the value of lands consequent upon the nearer approach of numerous railroads, the sale of one grant to a foreign company at large figures, and the subsequent sale of a number of others at prices far beyond all previous experience, the sale by gov- ernment of numerous tracts, and the issuance of patents for the same upon lands now claimed under old grants, but never registered, lias all tended to arouse attention." Prof. F. N. Hatden's Surveys, 1871, page 269 : " Cows begin to bear very young when running with the herd, it being no uncommon thing for them to have calves at fifteen and sixteen months ; in fact, a few instances have occurred, where they have borne young before ceasing to follow the mother." Lawrexce ox Cattle [Lo?ido)i Edition, 1805]. "• Cows, as has already been observed, are fit for procreation in, or indeed before, their second 3'ear." Report of Hox. J. K. Peoudfit, Surveyor General of New Mexico— X««(Z Office Reports, 1872, page 123 : "The old grants are being occupied to their capacity in con- sequence of the large emigration, attracted by the advent of rail- roads, and have enhanced in value to such an extent as often to 6 GRASS IS KING. prevent the settler from acquiring aliomestead within them by pur- chase. Settlers and settlements spread out over the Terj-itory, and peace and security mark tiie march of empire across the continent." Keport of Hon. J. R. Dodge, Statistician, Agricultural Ee- jjorts, 1872, page 30 : "In 1872, while Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska experienced a very severe winter, the report from New Mexico is that it was exceptionally favorable to stock raisers." Peof. F. V. Hatden", Geologist of the United States, in his re- port to the Secretary of the Interior, for 1872, page 209 : " The summer days in the lower valleys are sometimes quite warm, but it is a diy atmosphere which readily absorbs the'perspira- tion. '' The nights are cool and refreshing. The winters are moderate. " The amount of snow that falls is light, and seldom remains on the ground longer than a few hours. Where there are heavy snows in the mountains during the winter, there will be good crops during the following summer ; the suppy of water being more abundant. . . . There is perhaps no healthier section of the country to be found in the United States than that embraced in the boundaries of New Mexico — in fact, I think I am justified in saying that this area includes the healthiest and richest portion of the Union. '* Perhaps it is not improper for me to say I have no joersonal in- terests to serve in making this statement, not having one dollar in the Territory in any way whatever. I make it simply because I believe it to be true. There is no better place of resort for those suffering from any jiulmonary complaints than here." Keport of Surveyor General of New Mexico — Lajid Office Reports, 1873, page 99 : ''It is becoming known tliat the country enjoys a magnificent climate, that all its valleys are well adapted to a vast variety of crops, and that its mesas or table lands are the finest stock regions in the world. Stock feeds the year round upon the grama and other nutritious grasses; and the winters are so mild and equable, and comparatively stormless, that stock needs little or no care ex- cept herding, to prevent straying or other loss." Same, 1877, page 2d5 : " The question of securing a permanent stock range is becoming an important one to the settlers engaged in stock-raising. " Upon the table lands and plains of New Mexico there is not GRASS IS KING. 7 water sufficient for irrigation except in isolated places and adjacent to some of the numerous springs, but all of these lands afford fine grazing for cattle as the grasses are nutritious during the entire year, and there is no necessity for winter feeding Avhile there is a suffi- ciency of water for stock even in the dryest season. Stock-raisers, looking ahead to the speedy occupation of all the agricultural lands, should avail themselves of the opportunity to purchase tracts for permanent grazing ranges." 266. — " The grazing range is unexcelled, and hence stock-rais- ing is principally and most successfully engaged in. *' The climate of New Mexico is unsurpassed for its salubrity. The winters are mild, and the summers not excessively warm." Report of Com. of Agricclture, 1877, page 345 : *"' English authority makes the statement that most of the live stock from America is superior in quality and condition to that imported from Holland, and other parts of the continent, and that there is a juiciness and flavor about the beef and an equal distribu- tion of fat and lean that are not wholly obtainable except through the American system of full grazing." . . . " In this country " Grass is King," and American cattle are forced only when being prepared for market. It hardly seems prob- able that any other country can successfully compete with the United States in a degree sufficient to interfere with the now-estab- lished meat trade." Same, 1879 — p. 460. — '•' The business of stock-raising is the most successfully and profitably engaged in, as no feeding is required during the winter season ; the stock subsisting entirely upon the rich and nutritious grasses so abundant. It is estimated that there are 500,000 head of cattle in New Mexico." *'The Canadian River never fails to furnish sufficient water for stock; yet lands fronting on many of its branches are quite as valu- able, inasmuch as tliey furnish the purest of never-failing springs- while the bluffs, ravines and clumps of timber furnish all the pro- tection which stock needs." Same, 1881-82, page 614 : '* The course of the price of beeves for six years past is suggest- ive. The Chicago market can furnish a history of prices. " It is probable that the low rates of a few years ago will not soon prevail, if ever. The general tendency throughout the world is toward a high rate for meat." " Exports of fresh beef in 1880, killed and dressed. Pounds, 84,717,194 value, $7,441,918." GRASS IS KING. EXPOHT OF CATTLE ON HOOF FROM 1871 TO 1881 INCLUSIVE. TEARS, NUMBER. TALUE. 1871 20,530 $408,491 1872 28,033 565,719 1873 35,455 695,957 1874 56,067 1,150,857 1875 57,211 1,103,085 187(5 51,593 1,110,703 1877 50,001 1,593,080 1878 80,040 3,896,818 1879 136.720 8,379.200 1880 182,756 13.344,195 1881 185,707 14,304,103 For a period of ten years ending 1881 (page 653) the exports of animals and animal matter was : 1871 $47,010,312 1872 77,060,849 1873 99,806,599 1874 99,697,660 1875 $104,314,988 1876 113,941,509 1877 140,564,066 1878 145,587,515 1879... $146,640,233 1880.... 161,133,376 1881.... 186,258, 691 "Food from the Far West." " With special reference to the beef production and impo7iatio)t of dead meat from America to Great Britain.'' By James MacDonald, 1878, page 10 : " For several years past the mainstay of the Scottish farmer and a strong support to his brethren in England and Ireland, has been the profit gained from beef and mutton." Page 11. — " Since the days when Sir Robert Peel removed the protective duties from foreign meat imported into this country (Great Britain) there has not been a time of greater interest, alike to farmers and consumers, than the present." "The home trade finds in the American grazier a formidable competitor in the dead-meats market." " The West," by Robt. P. Porter, Special Agent for the 10th Census, page 450 : " In New Mexico the plains and plateaus are covered with grama grass, that most nutritious food for cattle. The grazing interest is a large and important industry. In 1880 there were in the terri- tory no less than 400,000 head of cattle. The climate is so mikl that cattle do not require shelter or feed during the winter." GRASS IS KING. 9 ''OuK Western Empire, or the Nrw World Beyond the Mississippi," by Prof, L. P. Brockett, A.M., M.D., page 53 : " The Buffalo and grama grass, more nutritious than our culti- vated grasses, are adajoted to the summer drought, and furnish all the year round a most delicious pasturage for cattle." Johnson's Encyclopedia, Brockett : " The Territory of New Mexico will undoubtedly be one of the best grazing States of the West." The Spirit of the Times, November 10, 1877, in an ariicle on " Cattle- Growing'' : " These pastoral lands of ours have never been understood or appreciated. The day will come when the government will de- rive more benefit from the grazing-lands than the best agricultural regions. The rapid increase of our population will soon require that more cattle be raised, or we shall have to pay higher prices for beef. The number of people are increasing much faster than the number of cattle." Same paper, December 29, 1877, said : "The beef business cannot be overdone. The census of the United States will probably show a population in 1880 of not less than 50,000,000 of people, and the cattle-raising does not keep pace with the rapid increase of population. In the Eastern and Middle States, for the last ten years, there has been a rapid de- crease of cattle, and in a few years the West will be called on to supply almost the whole Eastern demand." The New York Evening Telegram, January 4, 1878 : "If it were prudent to hazard a prediction with reference to the future of any of our great sources of material wealth, it may confidently be stated that stock-raising has a prospect before it which presents opportunities for enterprise and capital not surpassed in any other branch of productive industry." From Kansas City Live Stock Indicator : " Cattle do well in New Mexico, as they find good range and water, and do not require the care that sheep do. Of late years cattle men in New Mexico have made more clear money than sheep men. All suitable ranges for either cattle or sheep in New Mexico have been taken up, and they can only be had by buying out some one already in the business. The expense of procuring a range would depend altogether upon the size of the range wanted, the number of stock that would be ])laced on the range, and number of water rights and land owned and controlled by the party in possession. Cattle, 1* 10 GRASSjIS KING. as they run on the range in New Mexico, are rated at $35 to $30 per head, owing to grade of cattle. Extract from Red River Chronicle : " James Campbell, of Liberty, New Mexico, the successful cattle- raiser who refused $100,000 spot cash for his stock on a thousand hills the other day, says the Albuquerque Revieiu, came to the ter- ritory twelve years ago with only $800 in his weasel skin." There is nothing in this world, at the present time, which pays so well as raising cattle. The Hoist. S. B. Elkiists, in Ms speech of May 21, 1874, hefove the House of Representatives, says : " The resources of New Mexico are principally agricultural, pastoral and mineral. The whole Territory abounds in fertile val- leys, whose soil is as rich as can be found in any portion of the United States. As a cattle-raising country it has no superior." Hon. Isham G. Harris, U. 8. Senator from Tennessee, who is the owner of a large ranch, says : " Cattle-raising is a safe and very lucrative business ; the per- centage of profit figures up largely. Within the next few years however, in my opinion, cattle men, even the most remote, will have to own their ranges to prevent encroachments by the settler and agriculturist." Ex-Gov. McCooK, of Denver, writes of stock-raising in Colo- rado : " The natural grasses of our hills and valleys are very nutri- tious, and in such abundance that the herds of a dozen States could have fine pasturage; shelter or hay is unnecessary. The natural increase of cattle is at least 80 per cent, per annum." Gen. R. a. Cameron, of Colorado, puts '■^ tlie profits of cattle- raising at 50 to 55 per cent, per annum on the capital invested, over and above all expenses, and losses of every kind." Mr. J. L. Brush, of Weld County, says : " I think the average profit on capital invested in cattle, put- ting it low, will not fall short of 40 per cent, per annum, over and above all expenses. It is a well-known fact that stock men in Col- orado have paid from 18 to 24 per cent, interest per annum for money to invest in the cattle business, and have then made large profits." Raymond Jenkins, Esq., of New Mexico, who represents large cattle interests in the Territory, says : GRASS IS KING. H '* The rapidity with which grants of land and government ranges have been purchased and acquired within the past few years, and the rapid organization of numbers of stock companies with large capital, attest the great value that is being placed in the cat- tle trade. The stock and ranch market has been in an excited state during the past year, and it has greatly increased in value witlnn that time. Many ranches have been withdrawn alto- gether from the market, while the prices offered and refused to- day would have been considered by stock men as enormous two years ago. Tlie financial world is fast waking up to the fact that with the rapidly-increasing demand for meat sup})Iy, the areas of stock supply is constantly being reduced, wliich must inevitably result in enhanced values, and that no investment to-day is surer and more profitable than in ranch and cattle property. Capital seeking in- vestment naturally looks to tlie territory tiiat offers it the greatest inducements, which is found in New Mexico, on account of its great natural advantages and accessibility to railroads for shipping, Even as conservative operators as the Scotch people are, the £5 shares of the Dundee (Scotland) Company, after two years' trading, are now quoted in the Scotch market at £15 each." Hon. L. Bradford Prince, Ex-Chief Justice of New Mexico, says : '* As a cattle and sheep country New Mexico is too well known forme to speak of these branches of business. They pay very WELL, as every one is aware." Hon. John F. Coad, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, one of the rep- resentative and largest, cattle men of Nebraska, says: "The cattle business is a very profitable one, the loss is quite small and hardly worth mentioning. The more capital invested the quicker and greater the return, while the expenses are more than proportionately reduced. I know of no business so safe and profit- able for a man to engage in. A herd of 10,000 head will cost but a trifle more to run than a herd of 5,000 head. I make this statement as the result of many years' experience." The Wyoming Stock Growers' Association are now (April 3d, 1883) in session at Cheyenne. The annual report shows, among other data, that 220,000 head of cattle were inspected in 1882, and that over $30,000,000 of English and Scotch capittil has been in- vested in the business during the year from Wyoming to Texas. Herds of breeding cattle are selling about twenty-five per cent higher. 12 GRASS IS KING. Associated Pkess Eeport to New Yoek Daily Papers, extensive sale of cattle. St. Louis, March 26, 1883. — Perhfips the largest transaction in cattle ever made in this country was effected at Fort Worth, Texas, last Saturday, the sale being of 75,000 head of full-grown cattle by the Ikards and Harold Brothers to the Franklin Land n,nd Cattle Company of New York, composed of Charles G. Francklyn, Frank C Brown, and others. The price paid is kept private, but the fig- ures are understood to be about 125 per head, which would aggre- gate about $2,000,000. This ranch is in the Texas Panhandle, and about 150 miles due east from Fort Bascom. [Cor. Kansas City Live Stock Indicator.] San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 15, 1883. — There is no news of special interest here in regard to cattle, only that yearlings are sell- ing at |12.00@|13.00, and two-year-olds at 116. 6o@$16.50. The drive Avill not be as large as last year, and most all will go to North- ern and Western ranches. Eeport of Hon. G. W. Prichard, Commissioner San Miguel County, 1882. San Miguel is the empire county of New Mexico, and embraces within its boundaries rugged and wooded mountains, extensive plains and fertile valleys. The thirty-fifth parallel of latitude runs centrally through it. It is well watered by the Canadian, Pecos, Gallinas, Sapello, and 'J'ecoloto rivers and their tributaries. The western portion of the county is mountainous, rising fro'm the plains to the highest range in the Territory, capped with eternal snows. The culmination of the mountains at such a great altitude, from twelve to fourteen thousand feet, causes a great accumulation of snow, Avhich constantly feeds the mountain streams with pure water, which passes ofE into and through the valleys below. The precipitation of moisture on the eastern slope of the mountains by rain and snow is greater than in any other portion of the Territory. This fact is greatly advantageous to all kinds of vegetation. The timber is particularly extensive, and of large growth. Forests of yellow pine extend from the summits of the mountains down to the foot-hills. This county, on account of its superior supply of water, excel- lent grasses and magnificent climate, is considered beyond all GRASS IS KING. 13 question the best for cattle-niising. New Mexico is extensively and favorably known respecting this interest. The county of San Miguel equals, if not excels, any otlier section in the Territory in this business. The eastern portion of this county, extending to the Texas Panhandle, is preeminently a stock-raising country. Tiie pasturage is the native grama grass, Avhich stands dry weather as no other grass does, and, although of short growth, is extremely iiutri- tious, and, remarkable as it is, this grass possesses this quality the year through. The cattle come off the pastures in the spring, equally as fat as in the fall. This fact is m nuxrked contrast with other grazing localities, 'i'exas even does not possess such grazing advantages. Tliere the grass dies after frost, and has little nutri- ment left, and the cattle become extremely thin in the spring sea- son. "Northers "in this country are but little felt, perhaps for the reason the force of the winds is broken by the spurs of the Rocky Mountains extending along the nortli-eastern border of the Terri- tory. That which adds to the success of stock-raising in this country is the fact that the grazing localities are well watered. Canadian or Red River, and its tributaries supplies Avater for ex- tensive stock ranges, and large herds are constantly passing into these ranges from Texas and Colorado. This county is being settled up rapidly, and already great wealth has been accumulated here, though it may be said that the foundation is scarcely laid for that which will follow in a few years. The climate is mild, and the alti- tude is such, being 4,000 feet above the level of the sea, that a more desirable spot could not be found for the farmer and the stock-raiser." Messrs. Pell & Read, M.P. Commissioners, sent in the spring of 1880 to report to the British Government on the agriultural re- sources of the Great West of America, made a voluminous report to Parliament, from which we quote the following : " It is generally acknowledged that the average profits of the stock-owner has been for years fully 33;^ per cent, (this refers to small ranches). No doubt this is by far the most I'emunerative branch of American farming. " It is almost as cheap and easy to manage 5,000 cattle as it is to attend to 1,000. " The losses from all causes do not average over 2^ per cent. " The cost of raising a bullock, including losses and all expenses, could not be more than £1. '' The practical handling of a herd will demonstrate that in three years a herd will at least double in numbers and value." 14 GRASS IS KING. T. P. KoBB, Esq., Fkontier Commissioner to the United States Congress, states with regard to cattle-raising on the frontier of 1'exas and New Mexico : "In 1873 I reported to the Congress of the United States that, from the affidavits of more than one thonsand cattle-raisers, the in- crease and profits were equal to 33^ per cent. Since that time ranchers have inclosed their estates, and otlierwise afforded protec- tion to their stoclc, and the State statistical report for 1879 shows the increase and profit to he fifty per cent. "An idea of the enormous profits accruing from cattle-raising will be gained when it is stated that a herd doubles itself by the natural increase within three years. In this section, where the grazing is good the year round, the outlay is merely for hire and maintenance of the herders so employed. The loss in the herds by death and casualties is not over two per cent.; the annual increase it is safe to say, is ninety per cent, (allowing ten per cent, for loss and barren cows). The heifer calves begin bearing before three years, and consequently there is increase upon increase, notwith- standing the nsual sales (the heifer calves [cows] never being sold until they become incapable of breeding). Suggestions of Gen. James S. Brisbin, U.S.A. "I have often thought if some enterprising persons would form a joint stock company for the purpose of breeding, buying, and selling horses, cattle, and sheep, it would prove enormously })rofit- able. I have no doubt that a company properly managed would declare an annual dividend of at least 25 per cent. Such a com- pany, organized with a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and ]5oard of Directors, and conducted on strictly business })rinciples, would realize a far largei" profit on the money invested than if put into any other kind of business. Nothing, I believe, would beat asso- ciated capital in the cattle trade. The ranches and ranges should be located with a view of ultimately buying the land or securing control of it for a long terms of years. "It may be asked, ' Is it desirable to invest so much money in land ?' I reply, that it is absolutely necessary to own a large part of your range, especially the loater front, so as to keep out sheep men, settlers, and other cattle-owners. Sheep and cattle cannot be grazed together, and the interests should be entirely separate. Government lands, where watering places exist, are fast becoming occupied by settlers and colonies, and very soon the opportunities for locating large ranches will entirely disapjjcar. In a few years. GRASS IS KING. 15 at the most, it will not be possible to obtain a range where the cattle business can be conducted on a large scale. The longer, therefore, these large ranges are kept intact, the more valuable will they be- come for any purpose. It should be carefully remembered that large ranches can be managed with much greater jn'ofit than smaller ones. " If $200,000 were invested in Texas cattle, it would double itself in four years, and pay a semi-annual dividend of 8 per cent. It should be remembered that the larger the original capital put into the business, the greater would be the ratio of net profits." There are many skeptical and unbelieving persons who are in- clined to look with suspicion upon any enterprise ; the more favor- able it appears, the more doubtful do they become. Many years ago a wager was made in London, between two club men that sov- ereigns could not be sold on London bridge for half their valne. The gentleman making the wager provided himself with a quantity of gold pieces, but succeeded only in collecting a gaping crowd, who unmercifully quizzed him, and viewed him with suspicion and mistrust. When people are told of the enormous increase in cattle — of cows yielding 80 per cent, and 90 per cent, increase — they imme- diately begin to doubt, claiming that it is improbable and impossi- ble. A gentlemen or a farmer having two or three cows, will be very much surprised and disappointed, however, if each cow does not have a calf in the spring ; this is a 100 per cent, increase. Why, then, if this increase is usual with so small a number, should it excite wonder or comment with a large herd, plentifully supplied with bulls, with all the advantages of location, water, climate, and grasses to assist nature ? KoRTH of New Mexico, on account of the long and severe win- ters, the deep snows, penetrating sleet, sudden storms, and changes of weather, cattle show a smaller per cent, of increase, and a larger per cent, of mortality and casualties. South of New Mexico, on account of the want of water, and even when it is obtained, its bad quality, the terrific "northers'' and cyclones, and the burning up of the grasses by sun and fires, cause a considerable loss in stock. The following carefully-prepared tables show the amount of in- crease for a period of ten years, and what may be accomplished by reasonable care and management. These tables show the increase 16 REASS IS KING. at 90 per cent. There may be some who will cavil at this — some " doubting Thomases " — who may be disposed to think this per- centage too high. By actual experience and personal investigation of cattle ranches in the Canadian valley, one can be convinced, and fortified in the assertion that 90 per cent., is but a fair basis upon which to calculate the increase of cattle, in this section of the country ; Avhile the losses on the entire herd from casualties, etc., can safely be put down at 2 per cent. It will not come up to that, if the experience of cattle men there is to be taken as a guide. The rule by which these tables are made is a simple one (figure it out yourself) : Take a certain number of cows, say three., years old, niulti})ly by 90 per cent, (or whatever per cent, you choose) to show the increase ; one-half will be heifer, one-half steer calves ; deduct at the end of each year 3 per cent, for losses, casualties, etc.; take the balance for stock on hand for the following year. The heifer calves will frequently commence bearing, and have a calf at the end of the second year. Steers are ready for market at the end of the third year. Calculate 40 head good grade bulls to the 1,000 head of cows. Facts and figures are unanswerable, and should be convincing. The following tables are presented for consideration: Judge David W. Sherwood, op Connecticut, one of the prin- cipal stockholders in the Huerfano Cattle Company, Huerfano and Pueblo Counties, of Southern Colorado, says : ''I have carefully prepared the following schedule showing the increase in a herd of 4,000 cows for seven years. I have allowed a large margin, 20 per cent., for loss in various ways. I have found, by experience, that the calves average about half heifers and half steers. One of the greatest sources of j)rofit will be in buying two- year-old steers, keeping them a year or a little longer at almost no additional expense, and selling them at an advance of -110 or more per head. This branch of the business is a great deal more profit- able than raising cattle, even though that yields such enormous results. This schedule is made with reference entirely to grass-fed cattle " : GRASS IS KING. 17 YEAR. cows. 4,000 4,000 5,600 7,200 9,440 12,320 16,0!J6 .CALVES. HEIFER CALVES. VALUE TEAIi- LINGS AT $10. 2 YEARS' INCREASED VALUE AT $5. . 3 years' increased VALUE AT $3. VALUE AT $18 PER HEAD 1st. 2d. 3d. 4tb. 5th. 3,200 3,200 4.480 5,760 7,552 9,856 13,877 1,600 1,600 2,240 2,880 3,776 4,928 6,438 a 16.000 16,000 22,400 28,800 37,700 49,280. . t $6 per he 8,000 8,000 11,200 14,400 18,880. . . 4,800 4,800 6,720 8,640... $28,800 28,800 40,320 51,840 56,640 49,280 38,628 6tli. 7th. ad 4,000 original cows at $18 per head 72,000 Total $306,308 YEAR. 1st. 2d. 3d. 4th. 5th. 6tU. 7th. NO. OF STEER CALVES. 1,600 1,600 2.240 2,880 3,776 4,928 6,438 23,462 VALUE OF YEAHLINGS AT $10 PER HEAD. 2 YEARS' IN- CREASED VALUE AT $6 PER HEAD. $16,000 $9,600 $16,000 $41,600 16,000 9,600 16,000 41,600 32,400 i;!,440 22,400 58,240 28,800 17,280 28,800 74.SS0 37,760 22,656 60,416 49,280 49,280 at $6 per head 38,628 3 YEARS' OLD, VALUE IN- CREASED AT $10 PER HEAD. VALUE AT $26 PER HEAD. Total $364,644 TOTAL PRODUCT IN SEVEN YEARS, OF 4,000 COWS. .$730,953 DISBURSEMENTS. Original cost of 4,000 cows $'13 000 Take oH 10 per cent, for any possible loss 73,095 Cobt of herding and ranch expenses for seven years, more than ample 40,000 Bull accouut, horses, etc., ample, say 45,000 Total net profit in seven years. $230,095 $500,857 The following tabulated statement, showing the increase from 100 cows and 100 calves, has stood the test of time, and we believe will be rather under than over the mark, always assuming that the business is managed industriously and with good judgment : 18 GRASS IS KING. A TABLE SHOWING THE INCREASE FROM 100 COWS AND 100 CALVES, FOR A PERIOD OF TWELVE YEARS AT 80^ INCREASE, TAKING OFF 20/o FOR DRY COWS, CASUALTIES, LOSS, ETC. OP THE INCREASE ONE-HALF WILL BE HEIF- ERS, AND ONE-HAIiF STEER CALVES. RECEIPTS. TWO THREE FOtJR SALE OF FOUR YEARS. cows. CALVES. YEARLY. YEARS YEARS YEARS YEAR BEEF OLD. OLD. OLD. STEERS AT ,|25 EACH. 100 100 1 150 120 50 2 210 168 60 50 3 294 235 84 60 50 4 411 329 117 84 60 50 $1,250 5 576 461 164 117 84 60 1,500 6 806 645 230 164 117 84 2,100 7 1,128 902 322 230 164 117 2,925 8 1,579 1,263 451 322 230 164 4,100 9 2,210 1,768 631 451 322 230 5,750 10 3,094 2,475 884 631 451 322 8.050 11 4,381 3,464 1,237 884 631 451 11,275 13 6,063 4,850 1,732 1,237 884 631 15,775 $52,725 Now, supposing that you should wish to settle up the business and realize, mark the results, notwithstanding the uncommon de- ductions I have made. Selling, average all cattle at $25, the price at which large sales have been made within the past few days : 6,063 Cows at $25 $151,575 4,850 Calves at 10 . 1,732 Yearlings 1,237 2 yr. old Steers 884 3 " " " j 2,109 4" " " sold J 48,500 at $25. Disburgements for Rancli outfit. Expenses, Herding, Horses, Bulls, etc., Original Cost of Cattle and 8 jier cent. int. on investment.. 149,050 $349,125 $50,615 Total Net Profit, end of 12 yrs. $298,510 The following carefully-prepared statistics show the result of an investment several years ago of $100,000, and gives some reliable data in this connection. It should be remembered, however, that the prices for cattle are now all much higher. Seven-eighths of the heifer calves will commence to bear when two years old, and a herd of 5,000 or 7,000 cattle to begin with would have cost no more to run. GKASS IS KING. 19 H Ph oo o o o o €©■ OOIOICOOOO O ■<* O '3D O LO O OT ffl C5 05 CO c; CQ t- o' ^o" o" o* t-' i-T @@(§)(§)(§)(D®® XT. !h o ii o ^ S SUj3, ^ a m<5 « C *^ o s t^ '^ S 6C iX) i2 c3 o 00 lo irr • pq m- 5 " ca o a « bt o o o o o > r« 'A PS »— I ■< w O pH W o 1— 1 o N u — 1 Ph O H J2! P H W O C/2 1 00 = 000000 00 30 o o o L-: i.o oj • o c__ x_ ^_ 'il 'rr o_^ 00 i-^Cioi--£ r' Qi oo" o' SQ oi CO eo eo Tji o -^ 00 T-l o t- i- :o O c-" ai fii ci sT 35' 0" 00 c» c^ CO oi oj c>» eo ■* 5 co" CO s T-H 07 eo "* J> 00 "3 1 20 GBASS IS KING. O o w O I — fin O W ^ r « o aS'E'^ 5 § ,- = c c5 oooooooo oooooooo o o o o o o <= o^ OOOO — oooo i- c; 7( •^' x' T? X O C? ^( CC CC 00 TT iS ^ OOO O"* CD O lO C5 »0 S s 5 « ;!; (>? c^ w (7< Ci c;* CO "- ■'b O c o c o -r? oc o jn i- ^ CO iO i_- CD lO CO 1^ 23 0^ r^^ O ^ ^ ? ? 5 S^ g ?i « C3 m: o oiO o s- o g ^ o £ o '^ T* -^« o >^ »f^ »f^ CO «c lO iC -1" 00 CD 00 OC CT '- i^- '■" — !5 t;; ?= i;: c: c:- c^ cr. GC iC i'^.Oi^ (N !^?' cj co' ^^ in'io i- lOio >o M :c ir i>- 00 ObOCOCOD'T^O^GO If; »f5 »o O »f5 ^ t- CO Q0Q0^QC©?»O^GO CCCOCC-^IOCDCCiXJ tH ^l CO tT in CD l- X 0-*f-QOCTCOa3COOOip>00000 n'lOcoco'TJcocDiOO'i'frjogcooo CDOi-QOO' 0000000 000000=©^ o o in S S ifJ •" in o o 1(5 It: "O o o o_ o' t- w c; t-' lo -*' CO ■*' o' 01 1- ■* o o o ?• pa t- 53 — o o « ' dj" > ^ d' « ClS^r __ mwSgS pq-< _ ^ tc °bZ ttSC E-S f-H ^ 03 c =3:; ;^ ?^.w 03 a 103 c i- ■* c _ eo 00 r-Tfffr-roi cj so' CO f •* o in i-i 01 *■ : £ i^ £ .== = 2 t- ■ a* C ^ oP5S a>_, c:; :; :; c5 ' « O ^ ^ ^ K i; S o P jON, No. 2. rnment under 6 th ngress, approved ed under coutracfc al of New Mexico, ft 1+ ■i 21 21 35 36 11' ^31 28 L'(^ 33 3V 36 35' S. GRASS IS KING. 21 BACA LOCATION No. 2. Report of the Ex-Unitcd States Surveyor-General of Xew Mex- ico, Hox. James K. Proudfit : Denver, Col., Jem. 27th. Sir : — In reply to the request contained in your favor of the 18th inst., that I furnish you at convenience a detailed description of the "Baca Location No. 2," together Avith my opinion of its nat- ural resources and prospective value, I have to say : That on my last visit to Fort Bascom on official business I took occasion to inspect quite carefully a large portion of the estate, and from- my own personal observation will endeavor to comply with your desires. The estate is situated on the Canadian (or Red) River, in the northeast quarter of the territory. The bottom lands of the Cana^ dian (or Red) River are from three to four miles Avide, and the stream on its meandering course traverses the estate, so that nearly, or quite, one-half of the estate is capable of irrigation and cultiva- tion. The soil of the river bottom is the richest of alluvium mixed with loam, and is unsurpassed for fertility. Throughout the estate outside the river bottoms, the face of the country is diversified by open plains and elevated table-lands, dotted with groves and belts of trees, forming a most agreeable landscape. Nutritious grasses abound in a natural state throughout the en- tire estate, especially the deservedly celebrated grama grass, upon which live stock thrive all the year through. The grass becomes cured in position after the rainy season, be- coming excellent hay, and so remains until the growth of the fol- lowing year takes its place ; and in the river bottoms the Sacatom grass grows six feet high, and as thick as it can stand. This and other vegetable growths sufficiently attest the richness of the soil in these bottoms. Other natural productions, apart from trees, con- sist of wild flax, onions, oats, etc., and wild grapes of fine size. The prevailing rock on the estate is white and red sandstone, in alternate and nearly horizontal layers. A large bed of firm white gypsum has also been found and opened on the estate. It is used for Avhitewash, cement, etc , and is valuable for many purposes. Limestone is found, and good sand and clay for brick. At the time of my visit a fine stock-yard was completed on the estate, and another ■commenced. They Avere of good hard brick, laid in mor- tar, all produced near at hand, and Avere the best structures for the uses intended that I have seen in the Western Territories. L.I04! 36" N 35° S 22 GRASS IS KING. The bottoms of the rivers are well covered with large cottouwood trees, from two to three feet in diameter, and great quantities of smaller ones. Pinon, bearing an oily, nutritions nut, resembling in flavor the beachnut ; a fine variety of cedar, bearing very large berries, and a variety of oak, bearing sweet acorns, as well as other natural fruits and berries, furnish fine food for game. Larger sorts of oaks, hackberry and other sorts of timber, not now remembered, also abound in different parts of the estate. There is no deficiency of fuel and building material. Good stone for this latter purpose, as well as for general use, is plentiful in nearly all parts of the estate. The Canadian (or Red) Eiver, which enters the estate at its north-west corner, and leaves it at the south-east cornet*, making a great bend, is a brisk, rapid and permanent stream, from thirty to forty yards wide, of good average depth, and carrying a large body of water. It has many tributaries flowing through different parts of the estate, and these, togetlier with a great number of enduring- springs, render this a splendidly watered property. The main river having a heavy fall through the estate, with many fine situations for dams, a great quantity of water-power can be easily and cheaply utilized. The river and its tributaries contain plenty of fish, such as pike, and other sorts characteristic of the region. Game abounds, such as black-tailed and white-tailed deer, antelope, wild turkeys, rab- bits, quail, etc. The climate at this point is delightful, mild and equable at all seasons, and stock never need shelter. The region is exceedingly healthy, especially for persons afflicted or threatened with pulmo- nary complaints. All sorts of grains, vegetables, fruits, or useful plants, such as grow in Southern temperate regions, can be successfully cultivated here ; and with its practically boundless facilities for rearing live stock, it is safe to say it is unsurpassed in natuj-al advantages by any portion of the country. I am, very respectfully. Your obedient servant, (Signed), James K. Proudfit. GRASS IS KING. 23 24 GRASS IS KING. Expenditures. 5,000 Cows, i, 3, and 4 years old, at $25, say $125,000 2,250 Hcifc-r calves at 10, " 22,500 2,250 Steer " at 10, " 22,500 4,000 Steers, yearlings, at 16, " 64,000 3,000 " ayearsold, at 19, " 5T.00O 200 Bulls, coming 2 j'ears old, at 60, " 12,000 $303,000 Ranch outfit, horses etc., bulls, etc 12,000 $315,000 Balance and working expenses for 2 years, to invest in yearlings 25,000 Investment in cattle $340,000 in land , 260.0(10 Capital $600,000 Inventory at end of 1893. Calves, J heifer and steers 35..394 at $10 $353,940 Yearlings.*" " " 26,808 at 20 536,160 2yearsold,J" " " 20,306 at .30 609,180 3 " "heifers 7 692 at 35 269,220 4 " " " ll,870at 35 ,.... 415,450 5 " " " 6,286at 35 220,010 6 " " " 3,.354at 35 117,390 7 " " " 2,509at 35 87,815 114,219 $2,609,165 Profit in sale of cows and replacement of heifers 38,340 Receipts, sale of 3-year-old steers, 1884 to 1892 1,171.038 Sale of 1,.573 young graded bulls at $.50, say 78,650 Ranch outfit, horses, wagons, etc., etc 60,000 Sale of land, say at end of 10 years, for 300,000 ^4 257 193 Deduct account for additional bulls, horses, etc., and working expenses for 10 years, ample, say 160,000 ^ , $4,097,193 Deduct ongmal capital 600,000 Net profit 10 years $3,497,193 TO INVESTOKS. The aim and object of the foregoing pamphlet need no explana- tion, demonstrating as it does the profitable character of cattle- raising as a business, and the adaptability of New Mexico to it. It is now proposed to form a company to engage in this business in San Miguel County, on what is knovvn as "^Baca Location No. 2." This company will have a capital stocic of |G00,000, divided into 12,000 shares, at -150 per share. The capital represents the amount necessary for the purchase of the land (about 52,000 acres) and of the cattle required to stock the ranch, and the working ex- penses ; a considerable portion of 'the Capital Stock has already been subscribed. You are invited to take shares in the enterprise, Avith the assurance that the investment will yield a large return, and is absolutely safe. The demand for cattle is constantly increasing with the population of the country and the requirements of the exj)ort trade. It is not intended fully to organize the company until after 75 per cent, of the Capital Stock shall have been taken. Each subscriber will be required to deposit ten per cent, of his subscription Avith The Union Trust Company, 73 Broadway, New York City, at the time of making it. Eor further particulars or any information that may be re- quired, address or apply to the undersigned. JuDSON Jarvis. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS mil III 1 1 002 819 392 '0 ■IbJl LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 002 819 392 HoUinger Corp. pH8.5