Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1856-02-07

DUBUoOE, Iowa, JAM 2Ulrf 1896.
EDITOR DEMOCRAT.
Dear Sr:-The face o.
the country, for some Ten or twelve miles from
Dubuque, is rather uneven, in fact, may be
called broken, and great portion Of which is
covered by growth ofyoung timber. Though
broken, it is ell, with little exception, sus.
cepiible OF cultivation good soil, and when
improved makes delightful forms. To one,
who had been accustomed 10 The hills and
uiountoins Of some of the Eastern STATES, il
would be considered good farming land, but
10 those who had long resided on sOrne OF
those extended level pmries, such as are com
mon in Southern Illinois, it would seem ton
broken for successful cultivation.
These lands in an unimproveI state. are
worth from Is 10 100 dollars per acre, owing
to location apd nearness to the city. Just now
! sm reminded that enquiries havebeen made
of me, "How near 10 Dubuque, can land
be Ioco,e,l ?" answer, that no government
,lsnd can be had within fifty miles to my
knowledge. Hav ing attempted to give some
idea OF the city OF Dubuque, and its surround
I Ing country. | VIII now ',mfH my attention tc
Northern Iowa generally; and will first call
your attention 10 the country on west line
trom this point 10 the Missouri River.
After leaving this unsEen or broken coun.
Try, before alluded TO, at diSlence Of some
ten oil, twelve mile frome the city, we fnj
ourself on the borders OF fine undulaling prai.
res, with occasional groves aud skirts Of tim
ber, which extend through the whole breadth
OF Iowa.
These prairies are yet but sparsely settled
though signs Of recent emmigration are visible
from the few shanties that are perceptble.- =
Buta few years will elapse till these Shantie'
will give way to neal white cottage houses
which are characteristic OF the prairie coun
tries; and the mark Of the husbandElan viii
be observable in all that makes country rici
and prosperous. Northern Iowa is unGoubt
edly the best portion Of the State. Bette
soil, better, and greater quantity of timber
Better water, and greater amount OF waite
privileges, this together from The fact, that |
is less liable 10 that most TO be dreaded Of al
Malades--,he chills andfever-make It Ger
tainly the most desirable.
The first river of any note, after leaving
Dubuque, in westerly direction, is the Wap
sipincan which is some 10 miles. 1t is abou
200 feet wide, and affords considerable waie
power. Independence, the county seat o
Buchanan county, is located on this rver.ant
is attracting considerable attention from il,
beautiful location. Surrounded by a gooi
agricultural county, with sufficient timbe
for oil reasonable purposes. These consider
atoms, together with the energetic and high
toned class otciiizens, renders it one Of the
most desirable OF inland towns.
The Cedar River "a miles further west, il
perhaps the most beautiful river in Iowa.
Some 400 feet vide, afIording any amount o
water power, and lined on either side with
good timber. Waterloo, the county seat o.
Black Hawk county, and Cedar Pa lis, six o.
seven miles apart, are situated on this river
and are both thriving towns. ''Tbe vallies o.
the Wapsipinican and Cedar rivers are o.
much interest, for it is presumed that The
first Railroad which penetrates Minnesota, vii
pass up either one OF the other nf these rivers
Though these rivers at this point are distan
some twenty miles, there are points at which
they are only ten OF twelve miles from each
other" The valley OF the Cetor, is destined
without doubt 10 be the Miami valley o.
Iowa, Next is the Iowa river, distance al
miles, some 200 feet wile--is also well tim.
berei and afording considerable water power,