“The rainfall is sufficient to nourish crops, and the climate is dry and equable for long seasons. The rainy season coincides with the growing season. There is abundance of rain and heat during June and July. As the weather cools the rainy season ceases, the air becomes dry, hardening the grain and giving it a colour and hardness which accounts for the splendid quality of Canadian wheat. Even the frost of winter exerts a beneficial influence, as it pulverizes the ground and puts it in ideal condition for the rains of the following season. A prominent scientific authority says: As long as the West is blessed with winter frosts and summer rains, teeming crops will be the product of her soils.’” [Illustration: STEAM PLOUGH IN ALBERTA.] On the question of wages a publication of the Ontario Government says—and the wages will not vary much from this rule in the Prairie Provinces:— “The standard of wages at present for a twelve months’ engagement is as follows:— “_Experienced Men._—Farm labourers, well able to plough, to milk, and to do general farm-work, £4 to £5 and over per month. “_Partly experienced._—Eighteen years of age and upwards, strong, well able to handle horses, £3 to £4 and over per month. “_Inexperienced._—Eighteen years and upwards, strong, unused to any kind of farm work, £2 to £3 per month, according to ability. “Each class is supplied with board, lodging and washing free. “Families, as a rule, are provided with cottages and such extras as milk, firewood and vegetables in season. They are expected to board themselves and sometimes the hired men, but getting payment for the latter. The man accustomed to farm work receives from £50 to £70 per year. Where the wife assists the farmer in housework, milking, &c., she is paid in proportion to her services. Part experienced and inexperienced married couples are paid according to the scale. Children are often more of an asset than a liability, and receive payment when able to render any assistance in the work of the farm.” Per month. Female domestics (General servants) £2 to £3 ” ” (Cooks) £2 9_s._ to £5 ” ” (Housemaids) £2 1_s._ to £3 ” ” (Tablemaids) £2 9_s._ to £4