Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-03-06
Observation-Disclosures.

l. s'Give me general description of the face
of Minnesota; as regards its rivers, lakes, noun
tains, " &c.
The face of Minnesota is quite clean, in other
words, we have praires, bluffs, undulating lands,
in fact, all kinds and descriptions of lands, adapt
cd for all kinds and descriptions of people. We
have no mountains. Our territory abounds with
lakes, some of which are unsurpassed in the
world. Generally speaking, the face of the coun-
try is even.
2. ssGive me description of its climate. Is
it subject to sudden changes? Do you have much
rain in winter 90
We can boast of one of the most healthy and
pleasant climates in the Union. 1t is not subject
to sudden changes, such as are experienced in the
States. We have no rain in winter. AS gener-
al thing the weather is cold, and the atmosphere
dry. We learn from ''the oldest inhabitants"
that the present winter has been the most change
able of any for years.
8. ssIs your section as much subject to the
intolerable cutting, piercing winds, as those of
Iowa 2"
We cannot answer this question definitely, be-
cause we have never experienced ssthe cutting
winds of Iowa." but have a good deal of
wind, not however Of that piercing, chilly char
acter, represented by our correspondent. The
winds in Minnesota tend to invigorate, instead of
to depress.
4. ''To what kinds of grain is your climate
best adapted?"
1t is hard to say, as farmers have not yet had
an opportunity to fully test the matter. So far,
we know that wheat, oats and buckwheat, can be
raised here of as good quality and in as great
quantities as in Illinois. In raising sscawn,' We
can beat the world, and as to the production of
beets we can beat all nature. We are of the
opinion that nearly every thing which can be rails
ed in the Northern or Middle States, can be rails
ed in Minnesota.
5. s:How far is your country settled into the
interior ?''
We should say, on an average, from seventy
five to one hundred miles from St. Paul. 1t is
settled up the Minnesota, up the Mississippi, on
the Cannon river, south, and up the valley Of the
St. Croix. There is plenty of good land, unoc-
cupied, in the space to which we have alluded.
6. ssGive me the names, locality, present, and
future prospects of your principal towns"
That's impossible We will do our best. From
St. Paul, nine miles, is st. Anthony, possessing
an excellent water power, and well located to be-
come large and prosperous town. Directly op-
posite St. Anthony, is Minneapolis, one of the
most thriving towns in the territory. Still far
ther up; is Sauk Rapids, surrounded by an excel
lent agricultural region, and above Sauk Rapids
the pinncries, where large number of lum-
bermcn now engaged cutting and hauling logs.
On the ST. Croix, there is Saltwater, where large
numbering business is carried on. At the juno
tion of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, is
Mendoza, an old trading post. Further up the
Minnesota, is IIennepin, new town; just above
this place is Shakopee, which bids fair to do we'll,
is doing we'll now. Above Shakopee, are
Travcrs des Sioux, LIE Sucr, st. Peters, a new but
fourishing town, Mankato city, &c. &c. &c. All
of these towns arc we'll located, and in time must
become important points. There are other places
in embryo, which cannot really be dignifed with
titles. Below St. Paul, is Winona, Red Wing,
and Hastings, all good points, and growing rapid
ly. On Lake Minnetonka, there is Excelsior,
very finely located and very thriving.
I. Generally, what proportion of your coun-
try is prairie, and what wood land 20
Generally you will find part wood, part water
and part prairie. Perhaps the wood and prairie
predominant.
8. ssTo what section would you advise COM
pany of emgrants to 60 in order to make good
selections of lands for homes?"
We do not feel qualified to give any advice on
this subject. Emigrants will find excellent lands
in all parts of our Territory. Some may desire
rolling lands, with wood-others prairie-others
lands near a lake, &c. Agriculturalists will find
good land on or near the Cannon River, or up the
valley of the Minnesota; persons in search of
Lake lands, can be accommodated at Lake Har-
riet, Calhoun or Minnetonka, the last of which is
the largest. Persons in search of lumber should
direct their steps up the Mississippi, or the St.
Croix. Those in search of water power, can be
accommodated at St. Anthony.
9. "At what price can improved lands be
bought?"
Ranging from S., $40, SIS, and s25 per acre,
just according to the location.
10. "Does the Homestead Bill extend to the
lands in Minncsota?''
We know of no Homestead Bill now in exis-
tence; should one pass Congress, it would prob
ably extend to the lands of Minnesota, as we'll
as other places.
Our correspondent adds that quite large num-
Der of persons are coming to Minnesota, from
Iowa, in the spring. Come on.
Another inquirer wishes to know
l. "What is the ratio of increase of popula-
ton in Minnesota?" H.e' .a
We can only say, that in ls49, Minnesota was
organized, and there were probably at that time
not more than 5000 persons in the territory. There
are now from 5000 to 10000. Putting the fig
at 35 ,0O0 there has been an average increase
in each year of about 5000. The coming year
will undoubtedly witness an increase of nearly
$4,000.
"What are its advantages for manufacturing
purposes
Excellent. St. Anthony has water power
equal to Lowell. Hundreds of mills can be run
by the various streams in Minnesota.
3. "What is the extent of its trade and COM
merce?" n
That has not yet been definitely ascertained.-
The lumber trade is the most extensive. Some
twelve steamboats, were engaged in the river trade
last year-there will be an increase this.
4 "What portion of the year is water COM
munication closed?"
Navigation closes in the latter part Of Novem-
Der and opens from the lst to the 10th Of April.
We believe we have now answered all the ques-
tons of our correspondents, but We advise them
to come to Minnesota and see for themselves.-
We think they will be pleased with our climate
and our soil, and when once among us, they will