Mariposa Democrat., 1857-12-17
OUR v1sALIA CORRESPONDENTS.
VIsALIA, Dec. 13, 1857.

VIsAIIA, Dec. l9, 1857.
MEssRs. EDIToRs-According to promise,
write you from this flourshing section of our
State. Tulare county, in my opinion, will
prove to be one of the richest in the State, as
farming and stock-raising section. The land
is of a most excellent quality for every des-
cription Of farming purposes, being easily irri-
gated, and produces, annually, an abundant
crop Of natural clover and other grass. The
population of the county has greatly increased,
lately, and ! am happy to say that they are
intelligent, industrious and thriving They ap-
preciate literature, and look after the news
from the rest of the world, as | see by the
large packages of the Democrat which arrive
here by every mail. This town is in a very
flourishing condition. Dwelling houses, prin-
cipally of brick, are being put up, as well as
ediices for stores, etc.; splendid brick build
ing is being erected, the upper part of which
is to be used as Masonic hall, and the lower
part will bo occupied as store-rooms. A beau
tifu brick church is nearly completed, belong.
ing to the Methodist denomination.
Orchards and vineyards are being planted,
and I notice that they all appear to be under
excellent cultivation The trees of Dr. George
bore some excellent fruit last fall, and | re-
member having eaten some very luscious
peaches from them, which were kindly pre-
sented by the worthy proprietor. In a black
smith shop, saw some large plows, which, |
was informed, were to be used in constructing
the proposed canal from Tularc Lake to the
San Joaquin river the lines of which are sur
vcyed and marked out When this undertake
ing is completed, great advantages will no
doubt accrue to the inhabitants of this thriving
country, draining, as it will, many thousand
acres of land that is now marsh, and thus
rendering it capable of being cultivated At
the same time the canal will afford means of
sending productions of the soil to ready
market, and way of obtaining necessary sup
plies.
Game is abundant, myriads of geese, ducks
and waterfowl of every description at this
season congrcgatc at Tulare lake, and hunters
from that locality make their appearance daily
in this place, loaded down with game. The
citizens of this place avail themselves Of the
good sporting to be had at tho lake, and
among those who enjoy the sports of the field,
may be counted your correspondent, who may
in fact, be called young "Nimrod." Hunt
ers at the Lake, inform me that they frequent
ly shoot both otter and beaver there as they
are quite abundant. hear good deal said
about the Kern river quartz mines, and there
appears to be some very rich veins recently
opened, which yield larger than any that has
heretofore been prospected. Quite number
of new mills arc being erected, and several
others lately completed have commenced ope-
rations. will endcavor to give you some ac-
count of their progress POGO tempo. The an
cient and honorable Order of Il. c. V. are to
have grand ball on the 10Th. In conclusion,
Messrs. Editors, if you wish to see flourish
ing town, come down "our way" you will
find nice accommodations at the Eagle Ho-
TEL" kept by Messrs. Raggio, Burrough & Co.,
who do things up right AT the same time
you would find agreeable exercise at the
Bowling Saloon of Mr.. L. r. Ketcham, who is
very attentive to his visitors. ITEM.