In the spring of 1885 a stream of settlers came to settle upon lands previously entered ai the land office.

eastern investors by mortgaging to secure funds to pay the government $1.25 per acre on pre-emption claims, and the crop failure of that year, combined with land prices, made payment of interest impossible, and the value of the lands depreciated to almost nothing. Many eastern investors refused to pay the very small taxes then levied, together with the expense of foreclosure suits necessary to secure title, and allowed their mortgage liens to lapse. This was so general that the county itself was compelled to foreclose on lands for collection of taxes under what was known as the tax scavenger act. The bulk of these foreclosures by the county came in 1900. during-which year 110 cases were brought in the district court by

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

the county attorney and the lands sold. Sales of farm lands of this kind forced by the county, and numerous foreclosures of tax liens by individuals, was the opportune time for the formation of ranches and putting together tracts of 1,000 and 2,000 acres by those who "hung on" to the country, and the laying of foundations for many fortunes amassed by ranchmen in later years.

The season of 1885 was good, and although farming operations were, of course, limited, returns were satisfactory, and inspired the newcomers with faith in the country and to doubt the statements so often put forth by cattlemen that it was fitted only for range cattle and Indians.