r had worked on farms in the
past.[62] They were in narrow circumstances financially, and the
transportation expenses of all except one of these families were paid by
the Army. With this migration as a basis, the number of colonists was
greatly increased by families from different cities and also from the
surrounding country, until in 1905, there were thirty-eight families.
Several were brought to the Colony as experienced men to act as
pace-setters for the others.[63] Some came with a small amount of
capital.

Owing to the fact that the land was covered by a heavy sod which needed
considerable working, no crops were raised the first year, and only
fair crops the second. During the first year, the colonists were
supported by cash loans which were charged against them. After the first
two years, crops were good[64], and the outlook was promising, in spite
of certain insect pests, but after about seven years a great difficulty
showed itself. The land on which the Colony was located was alkali land,
and bottom land, without any drainage. The result of constant irrigation
was that the alkali rose to the surface in larger and larger quantities,
until no good crop could be raised. The only salvation was to drain the
land and thus rid it of the blighting alkali. This meant an expense of
from $30.00 to $40.00 an acre. At the present time draining is being
rapidly pushed forward and is proving very beneficial, but it can be
easily seen what a discouragement the alkali has proved to the
colonists, and what an additional expense is laid upon them and the
Colony; an expense which it will take years of good crops to
overcome.[65]

Up to 1905, about eighteen families, not satisfied with the results
obtained, had moved away, and their places had been filled by others. A
very few of the departing families moved because of ill-health; some
thought that they could do better elsewhere as farmers; some even had
considerable money as a result of their holdings in the Colony[66].
Since 1905, there has been a good deal of changing, and at present a
large part of the Colony land is rented out by the Army to settlers;
some being from the country, and some from the city[67]. A small number
of the old pioneer colonists still remain and have done well with their
holdings in spite of all difficulties.[68]

The Army stated in 1905, that the financial standing of this Colony
showed a net loss to the Army of $23,111.50, and a gain to the colonists