Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-04-17
THE" oPEN GROUND PRAIRIE"
NEwBERN, March %, 1852.

NEwBERN, March %, 1852.
IO. II is ErceNency, David S. Reid:
Sir: have the honor to inform your Excellency
that Immediately on receiving your instructions
proceeded to'Carteret County, and entered
possible upon the examination of th0Open ground
Prairie belonging to the State. In order to qualify
myself the better to give opinion respecting this
markabe variety of soil, have examined similar soils
wherever ] could find them, especially where they
have been under cultivation. Notwithstanding have
pursued this ready to report in full,
inasmuch as have not been able to make analysis
of the specimens of soils have taken. l will, how
ever, express my views far they have been form
ed and then as soon possible furnish you with the
analysis when made.
These lands are situated in the neighborhood of
Beaufort. They lie between Wards Creek and the
North River at the northeastern terminus. entered
upon them at the head of Wards Creek. My land
ing was what is called Chinquepin ridge, which
leads directly to them towards the North. 1t termin
ates In belt of Prckly evergreens, eighty rods
In breadth. These evergreens gradually diminish to-
wards the open grounds though they do not entirely
disappear. The grass increases these diminish,
and finally at about the distance of half mile the
open grounds proper reached. This open ground
is sPongy and Wet, though less than l expected,
for at Newbern and Beaufort and the surrounding
country four days prior to my visit there had been
fall OF snow previous to which there had been also
heavy rain There Were places slightly elevated,
which were comparatively dry. Numerous small
pools of water scattered over the ground, which
supposed to have been made by deer breaking up
the turf and moss.
began my examination at the outer rim of these
grounds in the belt occupied by the briers The fol-
lowing results l obtained by numerous Soundings,
many of which did not record, inasmuch the
characteristics obtained accorded with those have
given:
No. l. Chnquepn ridge. Depth of soil 81 feet,
consisting of vegetable matter mixed with sand and
clay, bottom hard, though sandy. 2. Evergreens.
Depth feet, soil vegetable, mixed with Sandstone
logs beneath 3. % feet, vegetable much mixed
quantity of sand. 5. Depth feet and no bottom,
vegetable matter. s. 7 feet do. 7. feet, and at
the depth of AZ feet logs. 8. 10 feet, much as the
preceding. 8. Sounded u feet, bottom, some
sand and clay mixed with the vegetable matter. 10.
u and no bottom IL. 81 feet of vegetable matter.
The preceding soundings carried me fully into the
open grounds where the surface is grass and m oss
at its roots. IL. 81 feet. vegetable matter, small
quantity of sand and clay nermixed. 49, 5 feet do.
IA. 81 feet 49, 81. Is. 81 feet, sand at the bottom
II. feet, struck clay. 1s. feet, bottom sandy.
10. do. 20. feet and logs 81 feet.
1t will be observed from the foregoing that the
depth of soil is at least 81 feet, consisting mainly
of vegetable matter, changed into black sub
stance intermixed with living The bottom is
sandy and hard and difficult to be penetrated by the
sound. | continued my examination for long time.
until indeed satisfied myself and the gentlemen who
accompanied me, that the tract is uniform, some Of
them having seen the same characteristics at more
distant points still.
| The impression W hich has been made upon my mind
respecting this is favorable upon the whole.
That is, when thoroughly drained it will be produc
tive. Of the feasibility Of draining it have not the
| least doIbt. The water flows from it with quite a
ripple places. into Wards Creek.
This opinion of its value is founded upon the fact
LIST, that it has produced trees, trunks of which
main. Now if soil has fertilizing matter sufficient
TO bear and mature trees with their leaves and fruit
it is fair inference that it will produce In the
grass with which covered there slcates Of the
alkalies. H. the leaves and seeds of fruits have
the phosphate of line iron and magnesia. 1t is
in the stumps of the bay, which scattered
The ground it is supposed we have the indications OF
cold acid soil, yet if SO, draining becomes effec-
taal remedy. The whole tract is cold and bleak now
from the great extent of evaporating surface. End
have examined lands Of this character which have
been quite productive for years, though there is
this difference the latter evidently contain sand
but it is than that of the open grounds; still
wish to determine the amount of actual soil, sand
and clay, which this vegetable matter contains be
| fore shall feel confident of certain results.
feel that is very desirable that these lands should
be reclaimed. They situated in very favorable
position, easily accessible, and should they
productive the Hyde County lands, would furnish
more annually than the whole State of New
York produced. But do not expect they will
be productive though that the outer rim will be
have doubt, where it is bearing the thickest o.
the brambles. The State may very properly take
prospective view of the matter. Draining will es
sentialy change the soil-the surface will sink and
the whole mass will become compact and more solid
and will, in process of time at least, be fitted for sue
cessful cultivation.
| l am sir, most respectfully,
! E. EMMONS.