has afforded the principal impetus to the growth of mixed agriculture, and has determined in part the region of its development. Hay is the principal crop, its acreage being more than twice that of all other crops. Native grasses constitute the greater part of the acreage, but alfalfa, clover, and other varieties are also grown. Oats, wheat, and barley yield abundant crops. Corn is but little grown, owing to the short summer season and cool nights. Potatoes are a favorite crop, and other vegetables are successfully raised. The apple and other temperate zone fruits flourish and are largely cultivated. On the whole a greater variety of products can be raised than can be on the plains to the east.
Stock-Raising. Until recently stock-raising had largely monopolized the interest of the agriculturists. This industry is still advancing, though it is of less relative importance than formerly. The State greatly exceeds any other in the number of sheep and in the production of wool. Formerly, the males were shipped to Eastern States to be fed for the market, but with the increased production of alfalfa it is being found possible to fatten them within the State, The number of cattle has also shown a considerable increase, and the breed has greatly improved. The herds are not so large as formerly, but are more numerous. Much attention is also given to the raising of horses for the Eastern market. Although the State is far north, no great inconvenience is ordinarily experienced on account of the weather. In sheltered valleys cattle and horses roam all winter, and the percentage of loss, except in unusual seasons, is small. The tendency of the snow to drift leaves large areas of grass exposed, enabling the stock to feed without assistance. Sheep often require hay and some protection from storms.
In the following comparative tables will be seen the relative importance of the principal farm products (in acres) and varieties of domestic animals, and the changes which occurred in the last census decade:
| 1900 | 1890 | |
| Hay | 875,712 | 300,033 |
| Wheat | 92,132 | 18,696 |
| Oats | 133,938 | 52,768 |
| Barley | 22,848 | 4,652 |
| Corn | 3,301 | 1,019 |
| Potatoes | 9,613 | 4,204 |
| 1900 | 1890 | |
| Dairy cows | 45,036 | 24,143 |
| Other cattle | 923,351 | 667,755 |
| Horses | 329,972 | 142,959 |
| Mules and asses | 2,857 | 959 |
| Sheep | 4,215,214 | 1,859,016 |
| Swine | 49,496 | 17,132 |
Manufactures. The State is too recently settled for manufacturing to have become normally developed, being as yet limited largely to purely domestic industries. In connection with its valuable mineral resources, however, it has a very important smelting and refining industry, the copper product in 1900 being estimated at $36,387,000, and the lead product at $5,264,000. One of the largest copper smelters in the world is at Anaconda, and the abundant water power, afforded chiefly by the Missouri, has also served to develop this industry at Butte, Great Falls, and other points. Coke is manufactured for use in the reducing works. The superior quality of the barley grown has stimulated the production of malt liquors. Slaughtering and the manufacturing of flour and grist mill products are also rapidly developing.
Transportation. Colorado alone of the Rocky Mountain States excels Montana in railroad facilities. Two lines, the Northern Pacific and the Great Northern, completely traverse the State from east to west. Each of these has a number of branch lines or feeders. There are also other lines, principally in the western part of the State. Butte is exceptionally well provided, being the centre for four different lines. The total mileage for the State (1902) is 3234, one-third of this having been constructed during the last decade. There are 2.21 miles of railroad for every 100 square miles of territory, and 132 miles for every 10,000 inhabitants. In many sections stages are the only means of conveyance, and in mountain regions saddle horses and pack mules are largely used. At places on the Yellowstone, flat-bottomed ferry-boats are used, attached by ropes and pulleys to elevated cables stretched across the river.
Banks. Montana has a stringent banking law, which provides for the organization of State banks, trust companies, and savings banks under the strict supervision of the State Auditor. The national bank system existed before Montana was admitted as a State. The first national bank was organized in 1867, and there were 23 in 1902. State (or rather Territorial) banks were first organized between 1880 and 1890.
The condition of the various banks is shown in the following table:
| National banks |
State banks | |
| Number of banks | 23 | 21 |
| Capital | $2,480,000 | $1,335,000 |
| Surplus | 520,000 | 350,000 |
| Cash, etc. | 1,444,000 | 1,256,000 |
| Loans | 11,705,000 | 8,722,000 |
| Deposits | 15,848,000 | 11,891,000 |
Government. The present Constitution is the only one the State has had, and was adopted in 1889. An amendment may be secured if approved by a two-thirds vote of the members elected to each House and by a majority vote of the people. By the same methods a constitutional convention may be called, and the new Constitution drawn up must be submitted to the people and be approved by a majority of those voting. Voters must be citizens of the United States who have resided in the State one year, and in the local districts as required by law. The suffrage is denied unpardoned felons and idiots or insane persons. Women vote at school district elections and are eligible to the office of school superintendent. Women who pay taxes may vote upon such questions as are specifically submitted to a vote of the taxpayers.
The Senate consists of 26 members elected for a term of four years, and the House of Representatives is composed of 72 members elected for a term of two years. The Legislature meets every two years and its sessions are limited to sixty days.
