Iowa news. [volume] (Dubuque, Upper Mississippi Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1837-1841, 1837-06-17
THE WEST.

; ing one ofthe loveliest and most extensive pro
poets both of the Mississippi aud Of the stat
OF Illinois and Mssouri, on which the eye G
or rested. An immense volume OF trade CO.
centrates in it. previously to its final transhi
ment for New Orleans, or the markets of ii
east; and so exorbitant are the rates of prof.
realized by the merchants Of th:t place, til;
scarcely room can be obtained in any part
the city. Many of the stores rent for as niue
money as it originally cost to build them. 'fh
textravagant rents. combined with the enol
nous prices demanded for real property; re
tafd the prosperity Of the city. Its populatio
cannot be more than $1,000 souls. but if rea
property could be purchased or leased on rea
sonable terms, am convinced that in ten year
4 !OO,OOO people would be found within it's lin
It's. It's appearance at the distance of sever
or eight miles is very imposing. The houses
seem crowded together on gently sloping bu
very lofty hill---the face of the country in tue
rear OF the town slevel, and abundance of ma.
terals for the construction of dwellings,, and
the paving Of the streets, are every where to
De found. When that section of the state, wa.
tered by the Missouri, shall have increased In
population to that extent, which the richness
and fertility Of the soil, the healthfulness of
the climate, the great demand for some of its
valuable staples, all seem TO indicate it will
speedily obtain, the city Of st. Louis will be
nailed queen of the west, and shall scatter her
wealth with lavish hand over the whole of
this beautiful and almost fairy region.
Alton Is thriving and fourishing town. In
fact 1t consists of three towns---Upper Alton,
Mlddletown, and lower, all embraced within
space OF two miles and half. 1t is situa-
ted on range of high, but broken hills, and
every where the lover of nature can enjoy the
delight OF beholding enchanting perspectives.
The Mississippi is here very beautiful. its wa
ters being clear and transparent above the con-
fiuence OF the Missouri, and in my opinion the
scenery, which more nearly resembles that Of
the land of my birth, is the most beautiful on
earth. Here, as in the east, the blue waters
OF the river lend beauty and freshness TO the
prospect, which the grandeur of the mountain,
the lmpetuosIty Of the torrent, the varied and
undulatlng surface Of the country, with its
murmurIng streams or rapidly gliding but dis
colored rivers, can never bestow!
SILK CULTURE AND MANUFACTURES.
The report on this subject, made by the
committee of congress, embodjes mass of
statistical matter showing the condition Of the
business in this country at the period when
the document was prepared. The following
extracts. copied from the Richmond Compiler,
will be read with interest:
SOUTHERN STATES.
In Virginia, public attention is much devo-
Ted to the subject. Several companies were
granted liberal charters, with large capitals,
1t the last session Of our Legislature. These
Fredericksburg Silk and Agriculture
Il Company. the HARDWOOD Silk and Agri-
cultural Company; the Virginia Silk and SUI
gar Company, lfor the manufacture of silk
md beet sugar. land the West Virginia Silk
md Agricultural Company. There are also
he Virginia Silk Company, and the Potomac
Silk and Agricultural company. The two
asst are in operation. Mr.. j. B. Gray, near
Fredericksburg, has large number of Chinese
rees in Aourishing condition. In addition
o the above, the Enquirer states, that the U.
5. Arsenal which has beon some time dscon-
inued for that purposes. and was going to ril-
N, will probably be converted into a Silk La
,oratory, and that 60 or 80, 900 mulberres are
expected to be planted out in the grounds. In
his vicinity, attention is turned TO the cult.
'ation of the mulbetIy, particularly the broad
eafed Chinese mulberry, which is now east
y propagated by slips. Among others, Mi.
John Garter, the skillful and successful culti-
vator of the vine, has planted out this spring
bout 10000 slips of this succulent species of
individuals in many sections are
Engaged in the business. The prospects in
his state are fattering; climate is most appro-
'riate; and our worn out tobacco lands are adj
nirably adapted to the cultivation of the null
Jerry. The business, ifliberally undertaken;
viii stay the tide Of emigration.
From North Carolina, South Carolina, and |
Georgia, accounts are Of the most cheering
haracter, Planters are disposed to give the
ubjecta fair trial. Climate and soil admira-
ly adapted, according to the results Of expe-
iments; and from the signs many planters /
viii make a silk as we'll as cotton crop. t
In Florida and Alabama, the tree grows lux
rlantly, and PRODUCES an abundant foliage.
;ome Of the inhabitants are convinced that silk !;
would be the most profitable crop they could
make. At Pensacola and Mobile there are a
arge number Of mulberry trees. At the lat
Or place, Chester Root, Esq, is preparing 1
arge plantation. The black mulberry is IN {
igenous, and the foliage makes as good SIX +
$ the Chinese. The value Of sterile west
florida lands will be enhanced 1t Is supposed
y their adaptation to the production OF SIM
WESTERN STATES.
The soil and climate is admirably adapted
0 the silk culture. Ohio has commenced the
usiness under flattering auspices. The Ohio
ilk company is going on swimmingly--they
ave large plantation on the rich cotton bot
oms Of The Scioto, fast stocking in varieties
f mulberry. They design extending their
,Iantation of Italian. to 100 acres, with 1000 i
) the acre; and an equal number Of Chinese.
company in Jefferson countrp---capital $780,
OO.--The Massilloh manufacturing company
ave had their capital extended to $500, 600 /
nd design commencing largely. Several COM
anies formed, and others have petitioned for
narters. Seventy families are said 10 be en-
aged in the culture, in the vicinity Of Cam
N in Stark county. Individuals in many Of
e counties have Ilnkerfak en- The business with