Mariposa Democrat., 1858-02-04
Editorial Corrcspondcnce-visaiis.

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Since the goth, several refreshing showers
Of rain have fallen in this vicinity, which have
tended to enliven the spirits of the farmers, as
the coming season promises to be good one
The whole of the large tract lying in this vi
cinity, and known as the Four-Creek coun
try" is very rich and productive, and is easy
Of cultivation and also Of irrigation. The chic
reason that more land has not been titled here
tofore, is, probably, that all the time and mo
ney of the first settlers were devoted to stock
raising, it having proved the most remunera
tive. But the agricultural worth Of the coun
try has now become generally known, and the
consequence is, that it is fast being settled by
industrious and experienced farmers, who, ir
few years will reap a golden harvest for theiI
labors. In passing through the country, the
traveller is forciby reminded Of the " settle
ments" of the " Western States, by the re
sounding axe of the stalwart back-woodsman
engaged in wood-cutting, fence building, and
the avocations peculiar to the pioneer farmer
The hearth, too, of almost every habitatior
here is made bright by the presence of wo
mans humanizing influence, and happy chill
dren are seen sporting in almost every door
way--a pleasant sight to one who lives in 0
mining region, where the cabins are seldom
blessed with the presence Of more than theil
bachelor occupants.
In the vicinity Of Tulare Lake there arc
many thousand acres of land which may be
classed as overfowed lands, and are exceed
ingly rich for agricultural purposes. 1t will
probably be brought into use as soon as they
are drained by the proposed canal, the work
on which is about to be commenced, the con.
tractors having transported their large plow to
the starting point at Tulare Lake. The mode
by which the draining is to be effected and a
canal made, Is somewhat novel: Tulare Lake
is estimated to be much higher than the San
Joaquin river at the point where the canal
emptics into it, and it is therefore thought to
be necessary only to pIow few shallow fur
rows after leaving the Lake, and let the water
finish the work. We notice that the Legisla-
ture has taken steps to inquire into the move
ments of the contractors of the work. This
will give great satisfaction in Tulare county,
as the operations thus far, on the canal, have
failed to inspire confidence, and the people ap-
pear very much dissatisfied with the terms Of
tho rtacant contract
The good people of Tulare are at no loss for
amusement, as witness the frequent reunions
and parties held here, at some Of which VIC had
the happiness to be present.
Game being plenty in the neighborhood, we
accepted kind invitation to join party for a
days shooting, the recital of which would
make a very readable article in "Porter's
Spirit" One Of our party killed an eagle,
which measured seven feet from tip to tip Of
the wings.
The town has been unaccountably dull for
few weeks, but begins to assume livelier
appearance. The work of building goes on
as fast as lumber can be obtained The new
Masonic Hall will be opened with a grand ball
about the first week in March. The same
week the District Court will commence its ses-
sions in the new courthouse.
On the oath, we took n seat in Heston's
began our journey homewarj, leaving, with
regret the fair town Of Visalia. At the Kings
river Reservation, we were informed by the
Agent, Mr.. Campbell, that some three hun
dred acres of land were under fence, and
would all be cultivated this season for crops Of
wheat barley, etc. About three hundred In
dians are attached to the Reservation.
At Millerton, we stopped but short time,
but promise longer visit at an early day
The lands generally of Fresno county, are well
adapted for cultivation, and afford excellent
"ranges" for grazing We noticed some Of
the most beautiful tracts of rich, level lands in
this county that we have ever met with. The
finely selected location Of Fort Miller was
looking fine-everything in and about the pre-
misses wore the neat appearance for which our
military posts are noted-the fort is now occu-
pied by lightweight U. S. troops. AT Miller
ton we met host Of friends, among whom
was one of the corps editorial, ycept the
"Chief," whose caul-likc cranium- covering ex-
cited universal admiration. The Millertonians
welcomed the "prcss," however, and after
hearing the last good thing" we pursued our
journey homeward.
STAGE LINE TO SALT LAKE-A correspon.
dent of the Sacramento UniOn writing from