The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-08-23
Erttsr from 1uma.
Correspondence Of The Cecil Wing.
FAIRFIELD, JEFFERSON Co. Iowa. J
.3uguyt AN, 1851.

Failure Of the Crops--Re'nrn of Emigronts--
The Climate The Soii--7br PrGirirs- Rates
Of htercS--THc Mercantile Busincss--7 The
Tagrs Of Hcchanics and Loborers-7he Pro-
.tcsSions--Ihe Measure Of Weahh--.Adricc--
Timber, &c.
p. C. RICKETTS,, Esq:-To day the election
for county officers comes off here, and though the
thermometer is but 60 above zero, the great
anxiety manifested by the conending parties will
run the blood up to fever heat.
This season has been anything but promising.
The Oldest settlers say it is the most unpro-
pitious weather they have seen in Iowa. The
corn crop is almost total failure; wheat not
medium; oats not fair average crop, and in
short, with the exception ofthe hay and pototoe
crops, the farmers hopes are almost entirely
blasted. Agricultural products being here the
chief dependence OF the citizens as might be in
terred, all other vocatons are to feel the effects
of the failure.
This has been the rainy season in Iowa-in
consequence of which emigration thither will be
retarded several years. Many of those who
came last spring will return home this fall; and
many who own property on account of which
they will have to remain, would return if they
coul! but max" sale of it. We are of the opin-
ion more Will leave here this fall than came in
la,t spring. 1t is a good chance to get bargains
in improved Land, as many who have become
discouraged BY this rainy season would sell out
very low.
We regard this as one Of the most cold yet
warm, dry yet wei, calm or bu>lry climates stu
atcd in the same latitude anywhere. The soil
is loamy, and We are told does not dry sufficiently
during drought TO cause crop to parch. We
have not seen the dry season, but are told il is as
much on the extreme when ii comes, as it has
been noted this season for rain. We are sure OF
ono fact: that the ground becomes muddy sooner
from the effects Of shower than any soil we
have ever seen. The soil is ola very dark color;
what its constituent properties are we know
not, but its adhesive qualities are great; il sticks
to the boots like to wax, when wet: and when it
commcnceS to dty, 50 upily does it dry up that
the rca Is are dusty IN Il very short time.
The warm weather is not so protracted as in
the south. but The heat Is quite great while it
be 100 above zero in the shade during the sum-
mer, AMI in few days subsequent il will proba-
bly, be 40 below that point. We generally enjoy
the pleasure ola breeze on the prairirs. Sub
lGctel as we arr to vciystudes of climate-one
.tf. 'l,cs 90. w.nd--anl it being unimpeded
W :, tssa-f over these extensive and reeless
t.u!glrs, we have almost continual lulling
ZephyrS. or brisk gales. The nterims OF calm
are delightfully."- picaslng-the clear blue vault
the rolling prairie, covered with tall wild
grass interspcIsel with its wild flowers, stretch
ing ont SO broad and wide that you cannot
view in some points their fnrthcsl prccn,s
upon the summit of the gracefully shav-
ed mounds, the herds are to be seen eraz-
ing, whilst by SOM curve of The highway
may be seen the humble cabin of the recent set
tier We cannot describe a prairie and do not
belive any one can, though many would make
some srand efforts towards il. When viewed
during one Of those calm intervals it is surprs-
ingly beautiful.
We sail in our former letter, the average crop
Of wheat was 90 bushels per acre. We gained
our information from what we Judged authentic
sources, but recent observation and close inquiry
teaches US it was an eXtravagant estimate
Though instances have been known OF the crop
averaging 10 bushels, yet the general average is
not over II hush, we think, per acre. This
may be accounted for by the three following
causes: the soil is light, or oamy, and il not Gov
cred with snow in the winter. is liable TO he
blown away from the root oithc wheat it is not
sOwn early enough to allow il to take deep root
before the stalk shoots above the snrincc, and If
the ground is exposed TO frost 1t cracks omen,
leaving assures so large that the wheat is up-
rootcd and thirdly the soil is too rich to produce
wheat until its strength has been exhausted, to
some extent, by growing corn. Spring wheat is
sown almos, altogether, it proves more profta-
bic than tina, sown in the fall. The wheat drills
are coming in vogue, and we doubt not. fpro-
pcrly used, the wheat crop hereafter will be
more certain.
4 writer from Wisconsin for your paper adj
viSeS no one TO conc 10 that country, which he
Acknowledges himself well pleased with. We
are positively and decidedly differently inclined,
and since we have given true and plain state
ment of the country, we also feel disposed to say
what avocations would be the most lucrative,
and also what situation would be attended with
the greatest privations. This done we ask no
one to come nor bid any to remain at home;
though we do say, in many cases they would
materially better their fortunes by coming, and
in somc eases it would certainly prove the re-
verse.
The usury Laws are abolished, the lender
can ask what he chooses for his money. Money
is loaned at 20, 30, and sometimes 40 per cent.
W 10 moderate capitalist has the conscience to
-; His ruincus per cent. he can have good real
rF.a'' security for it, and must suddenly grow
ric aad "" would add il would to us seem I'M
just Il "e ii not suddenly grow poor, after hav-
ing thus amassed his gain.
The Mercantile trade is cut up by competition
their numbers reduce not the price of goods.
Store goods o! all kinds are enormously high.
The retail merchants buy principally at St Louis
or Cincinnati, generally on long credits, and
judging from the prices they ask, they buy a:
heavy advances. If goods we're bought for cash
in the Eastern markets, and shipped via, Lakes,
to this State the vender could moi fail to profit
bv it, provided he understood the trade Me-
chanics get good wages. BIacksmths do adj
mlrably--cabinet makers and wagon Makers
wa res are high-tailors charge for making fine
coats from 81 TO 50, shoemaker's wages are high;
when compared with Eastern prices. Car