by Philip S. Long (Author)
"Relaxed in the saddle, I looked at the scene below - three thousand head of horses coming in to center from all directions. "My thoughts drifted back to the Madison Valley range in Montana, where the invasion of sheep drove us north - then to the lush sea of grass in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan. This brought back the memory of the hard winter of 1906 and 1907 -- The King of all winters, and to the great 76 Ranch of which I became general manager - and now this. Looking out over the hazy distance I could see that ribbon which marked the new railroad grade. I was overcome by a great feeling of sadness. Why? I know the reason now, but I hesitated to face up to it. I really knew though, as sure as fate, my great range was doomed. Once more I would have to move on. Where was a cowboy going to turn next? My eyes grew misty as I gently tapped my spurs to my horse's side and rode slowly on down the hill into camp . . ." Hearing these words from his father, whom he admired so much, prompted him to get it all down before it was too late. This book is the result.
Author Biography
Born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan of pioneer stock, Philip S. Long knew the ranching country of that province and Montana spending a good share of his life in both places. He went to school riding nine miles to and from the great ranch and finished his education at Bozeman, Montana. He has worked as a cowboy, steam engineer, musician (drums, piano and-band leader) and publisher of a small weekly newspaper. His experiences also include many years as heavy duty truck and bus driver as well as cat operator. From his wealth of experiences the following books by the same author are available: THE GREAT CANADIAN RANGE, DREAMS DUST AND DEPRESSION, PERIL ON THE HIGHWAY, HISTORY OF THE SLEEPING BUFFALO and RANCHBOY HUNTER.