The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-08-16
BY THOMAS J. MORGAN.
[Continued.]
PRODUCTIONS OF TEXAS.


Scarcely species of timber grows in the Uni
ted States which may not also be found in Texas
besides others which are here rarely or never me
with Live oak, white, red, and black oak, abount
r there in great abundance. In 1887, Presiden
Houston, in his message to the Texian Congress
observed that four-ffhs of all the live oak in III,
world are to be found in Texas, and at that TINT
estimated the value of this timber (then wasting
from want of men and money to transport it tc
market at five millions of dollars. Hickory, wild
cherry, walnut, elm, mulberry, yellow pine, RED
cedar, pecan, lime, gum, poplar, China tree, syca
more, sassafras, holly. and the musquit tree, are
also common in the republic.
Grapes of the best qualities-the yawpin, the
leaves of which furnish tea, little, if any, ine-
ror to the China article-ndigo, cayenne pepper
and tobacco, are also Indigenous TO the soil oi
Texas. Indigo, to the value of three hundred
thousand dollars, was annually exported from Vera
Cruz, prior to the Texian revolution.
Cotton and sugar are the staples Of Texas at the
present time, and will continue 10 be, unless the
policy of the United States forces the republic
to rely upon her own resources ic. the supply OF
all her wants. She can produce every staple arti-
Gle OF the north, but it will be more profitable to
Texas, to confne her attention chiefly to southern
products unless compelled, in sefdefense, to pur-
sue contrary policy. 1t is conceded that Texian
soil produces better cotton and more sugar than
any part of the United States. The celebrated
writer, MARRYATT, Captain in the British Navy,
in his book called GA Diary in America, says that
SIN the southern portion of America, there are
millions of acres on which cotton can be success
fully cultivated, particularly in Texas, the soil of
which is so congenial that they can produce one
thousand pounds to the four hundred pounds rails
ed by the people of the United States, and the
quality OF the Texas cotton is said to be equal to
the finest Sea Island. 1t is to Texas, particularly,
| that we England must look for this produce"
Rice is also cultivated in Texas and coffee may
be produced in abundance. Wheat, barley, rye,
and oats grow luxurantly in the hilly districts Of
Texas. Corn will there yield more to the acre than
in any of the States. Irish and sTeet potatoes.grow
in the greatest profusion. Holley mentions that
five hundred bushels of sweet potatoes are produ-
ced to the acre. Lemons, oranges, elves, prunes,
figs, peaches, and numberless other fruits can be
raised in Texas in the utmost abundance. In
word, nothing grows upon the West India Islands
which may not also be cultivated in Texas The
dahlia, lily, geranium, violet, a great variety OF
roses, and an endless number of other choice flow
ers are indigenous, and may be found wild upon
her soil.
oh and hapax f1pp 70 10
ties.
HORSES, CATTLE, HOGS, AND SHEEP.
The climate of Texas is peculiarly adapted to
the rearing of horses, and every description of
cattle No greater attention is devoted TO them
in winter than in summer. They are their own
providers throughout the year. The farmers nei-
ther stack up hay nor lay away fodder for winter
use, the meadows and praires furnishing nutritious
pasturage in endless profusion. One person in
Texas can, and frequently does, own thousands of
cattle. His only trouble consists in branding them
when yearlings, and driving them to market, or
the slaughter pen, as may be required.
The Texian horse is not, generally, equal to the
northern horse in size and appearance, but more
resembles the Canadian pony. He is easily kept,
exceedingly hardy, and capable of enduring great
fatigue Large droves of them are 10 be found in
the western and northwestern sections of Texas
The country already contains considerable num-
bers OF swine, which subsist (year in and year out
without cents expense to their owner Sheep
are not yet numerous in Texas, although the |
the billy and mountainous regions are well adapt |
ed to their reception.
WILD GAME AND FISH.
The buffalo was not long since found in droves
Of thousands in the interior of Texas Multitudes
still remain beyond the settlements, but their num-
Der is rapidly decreasing. At one glance hun
1reds of deer may be seen grazing upon the same
prairie. They will continue in abundance for
many years to come. Bear meat is not an unusual
dish in many parts Of the territory. Wolves,
although somewhat troublesome to the farmers
pigs sheep and poultry; are not dangerous to man.
The rackoon, fox, opossum, squirrel and rabbit,
i'd to the sport Of the huntsman. Wild cats are
occasionally met with, but the panther is seldom
cen. The number Of wild turkeys geese and
lucks, is incalculable.
Excellent fish, of almost every variety, are to
e found in the rivers of Texas, and delicious oys-
ers may be readily gathered from the bay of Gal
'eston [
THE BEAUTY OF TEXAS. d
9 The most prolific imagination can scarcely con-
ecture the beauty the grandeur, yea, the sublim-
y of Texian scenery. Its description has been c
tempted by others, and their testimony is both t
mple and striking. Read the glowing language r
sed by the discoyerers of Texas in 1856. In I
neir joy they exclaim ga most delicious country 4
-fertile-beautfu PRAIRIE covered with grass and c
owers-vast meadows, and most delightful cham
aign country-dry. pure, elastic ar--springs Of i
veet waters--cear and rapid streams swamps d