Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-04-01
Facts Relating to the West.

yer begins its annual rage is close at
hand and "look before you leap" is one
of the safest in practice Of all the " wise
saws in current use, we publish the fol-
lowing statistical facts, which have been
substantially elected in reply to circu-
lars, sent to all the Western States and
Territories, by the proprietors Of the
New York Sun, for information on the
particulars specified. They will show
that there is nothing comparatively to
brag of in the. circumstances of the sue.
cessful emigrant to the West, and these
of the resident agriculturist, mechanic
or laborer in the New England and mid
die States
In Iowa-in such portions of it as are
elible for purchase by persons having a
moderate capitalize average cost Of
good farm lands is from 1926 to $35 per
acre. The soil is very fertile: and water
and wood both good and plentiful. The
climate is generally healthy. Cattle rails
ing is profitable, but sheep not so much
SO. The raising Of ordinary farm pro-
duce is also profitable. Tailors and tan
ners and curriers' are much wanted. Wa
ges for farm labor is rs cents per day,
with board; for carpenters and masons
from $3.50 and $3 per day. A dwelling
house costs from $3.50 to $500, and rents
for about SIS per month. 1t weuld require
about 5000 to start a small farm.
In Wisconsin, lands may be had at
from SIS to $50 per acre, according to
location and Improvement. The soil is
good and easily titled. The oak and
poplar abound, at from So to So per cord;
and though wheat is the principal staple,
other grains are raised. One dollar a
day is the average wages Of farm labor
ers; and from one to two Of carpenters
and nasons. Remit from $75 to 800 a
year. Beef and mutton retail from 6 to
Sc per pound. From $500 to $500 would
be required to start a farm. Farms may
be bought on credit, which under right
management, would pay for themselves, at
from 7 to IL per cent.
In Southern Illinois the price Of land is
from $40 to $50. In the midst Of the
undulating p~rairies is as fine oak and
hickory timber as can be desired. Fire
wood sells at two dollars per cord, and
bituminous coal at 10 cents per bushel.
Water also is abundant. The staples are
wheat, corn, and pork. but grains of all
kinds are easily produced, and the abun-
dant grass crops furnish ample food for
stock. Cattle is more profitable than
sheep raising. Farm labor is in good
demand, and the wages, both of laborers
aud mechanics, are high. Provisions are
very cheap; furniture and clothing can
be had as cheap as in New York.
In Michigan the wild lands can be had
at from So TO So per acre, but farms Of
so acres, with good orchards and build
at $4,000, with one half down, and
the residue at interest at 7 per cent. The
soil is fertile and easily titled. Water is
abundant. and all kinds of wood at about
81 per cord. Cattle and sheep raising
is profitable. No farm laborers would
employment here the year round,
the usual rate. Of wages for such
is from IS to $14 dollars per month";
Carpenters andmasons get from 81 to
50 per day. Beef and mutton are 4 to
3 cents per pound. Furniture is cheap,
but clothing dear. A farm may be had
on long credit, by paying one half down,
and the rest at 7 per cent interest.
In Minnesota Territory lands are from
5 to $40 per acre. and they are not diff
icult of culture, after being first broken
up. The various kinds Of hard wood,
oak, hickory, &C., are in abundance, and
our region is well watered. Fuel is about
81 per cord. Our staples are wheat, corn,
potatoes, oats, lumber, and cattle. Sheep
will be found profitable if our
would attend to it. Ordinary
farm produce is not as profitable as it
has been. In the mechanic arts, we have
wagon-makers as well as mannfacS PRS
Of agricultural implements. We have
also cabinet makers and other trades in
We have no need of farm la
Our farmers do their W work.
Mechanics wages are from So upwards.
A house and garden can be rented at
about SIS or So per month. The houses
generally contain FIVE or six rooms. Beef
averages about six cents per pound. We
no mutton. Neither furniture OF
are cheap here. 1t would take
$500 to start a farm of forty acres, with
my chance Of success. No one car buy
farm here at o low rate of interest,";
ready cash is the only effectual mode of
operation.
Circumstances and locations may alter
the statements made, and modify or aggra-
Vate them; but the average conditions of
States named will be pretty we'll
frnm tho ahavo