The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-01-14

the valley from 81. Cloud to Crow Wing.
which is principally covered with heavy
forest growth. The soil Is usually Of light
sandy character. Some portions OF it have
BEEN under cultivation for many years with.
out giving any signs of exhaustion. and an
examination Of the crops grown during the
past season, which were excellent where
they escaped the rayages Of the grasshopper,
is conclusive rs to its capabiiiy OF enduring
u protracted drought Although il cannot
he called first rate western soil, il is sure,
easy OF tillage, and produces well. The ac-
feasibility OF this valley at all seasons by
means of excellent roads, has conduIod large
~ TO its prosperity. Ii already numbers
many four,shiug towns, among which are
Anoka, ST. Cloud, Sank Rapids and Little
Falls.
The region between Crow Wing and Or.
ter Tail Lake. Il distance of about sixty miles.
is usually represented as possessing but little
agricultural value, except in some few $50.
lated portions but is well tlnbered with
pine, oak. maple, bsSwood aud tamarac.
Immediately OF passing the summit between
the Mississippi and Red rivers, at Otter
Tail Lake, u decided Improvement in the
soil and general aspect OF the country occurs.
From Utter Tail Lake 10 Pemblna, along
the route Of the trail, the surface is rolling
prairie interspersed with fine groves Of tim.
Der, amply sufficient for the purpose of u
dense population, and well wa,ered. Its
soil is universally described AZ excellent, and
many do not hesitate TO declare il superior
20 any other in the Territory. There can
exist no reasonable doubt of It's perfect aiap
ta,on 10 the purposes oi agriculture.
To the westward of the trail the Red
River meanders through great plain, aver
aging forty miles in breadth which may
properly be called The river bottoms, though
elevated above forty feet above ordinary
water line. TO the eye this plain appears
perfectly level, but doubtless like that OF the
Bots des Sioux, Of which it is tn extension
northward, IL has Il gradual descent towards
the stream. 1t is nearly nil prairie, the
timber being confined to the margins Of
the river and It's tributaries. but OF excel.
cellcnt quality. aud the deficiency, when any
shall exist, may be readily supplied from
the ncighboring uplands
Portions Of this plain are subject 10
overflow during the spring ireShets only. but
not 10 such ali extent as 10 render il uncul-
tiyable, In fact this periodical overflow
affords the chief source OF It's marvellous
fertility.
SO much has been said aud written Of
late concerning this wonderful region. that
but little can be added All agree IN as
signing it prc-eminent rank among the
unsettled portions Of the West, aud the old
and lonrishing Selkirk Settlement, NUMBER
iDg now upwards OF 500 souls. a. well as
that Of later date az Pembina, may BE-
cited in support Of lts claim 10 ,b,s posi-
ton.
II Is asserted by numerous authorities that
the basin of the Red River of the North is
one Of the finest wheat growing districts in
North America, AT the Seikirk Settle
ment thirty five 10 forty bushels Of wheat
per acre IA an average yield. Fifty aud
even sixty bushels Ia sometimes realized.
REVENUES. RESOURCES AND COMMERCIAL IN.
PogTAScI or THE WORK.
Proper estimates OF the probable revenue
OF n contemplated work ssp oi great worth
in determining It's claims upon public cont.
dence. yet even when based upon the most
reliable data, the final results are Generosity
subject 10 NO many unforeseen contingencies
that they are viewed with much disirust.--
Nevertheless, there are lights which guide
with almost unfailing certainty to the solu-
ton Of this question, and among them 10 not
wanting that Of experience. upen which the
following significant facts-are established
Fast. The construction of railroad lines,
either in course or in immediate prospect,
has becof'e an indispensable condition TO the
settlement and development cf any country
which IL destitute Of water communication.
.Soond No railroad has yet been con.
structed through new country at u rate of
progression 30 rapid that the infux of emf
grafton has not kept PACE wish, aud in most
instances preceded 1t.
TuTd. Aon-comptiDg lines Of railroad
hui,; through fertile and habitat bic portions
VI the Wcsi, have, with very rare exceptions.
proved cell sustaining wotks. even when de-
pending entirely upon the reyenne actually
created by Their construction.
Among the lapd grant roads 81 the West
the Illinois Central holds the foremost rank.
and under on excellent management has I'D.
yabced 50 far as 10 place beyond cayIl lis
ultimate success as a source oil profit 70 the
stockholders Indeed, il is likely 70 prove
by far the mos, profitable work IA yet con.
still Il is weil Known TACT that
G37 ont 81 the I0i mies which make up iis
entire length ran directly counter - all the
fstAbl shed currents Of trade. The bnk Of
its business mast b. entirely local, and vii
eek an escape through the five
great east and west avenues by which IT il
tapped between il tefmni. lts bands are
good, but poorly wa,ered. and almost dcsti-
tute o. timer. while the climate ia II most
doubtfll saiubriir.
IL is 90 disparsgcTpcut Of this great work |
% compare il gilh THIS, which has grant |
Of lapds nearly as large. and 81 equal value /,
acre for arr. whta al the elements that are /.
necessary 20 make 1p perfect agricultural /
country are CONSIDERED, and whieh can be /
constructed al cOst pr mile tRcrliy Ter I
cent less. with proper ecomony DeI'her do |