The Nevada Democrat., 1859-03-16

SONORA.
A writer in an Eastern Journal gives the fol
lowing interesting description Of Sonora:

A writer in an Eastern journal gives the fol-
lowing interesting description Of Sonora:
The State of Sonora extends from lat. &c to
81 N, in the Gulf OF California, and is bounded
on the southeast by the State Of Sinaloa on
the northeast by the State of Chihuahua; on
the north by the rivers Gila aud Colorado at
their junction, and on the Vest by the Gulf OF
California. It's only port at present is Quay
mas, which is one of the safest in the Pacific,
being completely land locked. The entrance
Of the port is formed by the island Of Pajoros
and main land, mile in width, and free from
all danger Entrance north and south, sound
ings seven to FIVE fathoms. On the eastern
most part of the island there Is another narrow
channel for small vessels drawing six feet.
The rise and fall Of the tide Is from four to six
feet. and irregular, owing to the winds that
prevail in the Gulf. The anchorage Is good
holding ground, being soft blue mud. From
November to April strong northerly aud north
west winds prevail, producing ashort heavy
sea in the Gulf The wind blows constantly
from four to fourteen, and sometimes twenty
days, lnllng at times toward morning. After
Northwestern lull Of three or four days sue
ceeds with light airs from the east, south aud
southeast. In June, July and August calms
ensue, together with squalls and rain, chiefly
from the south and east. About this time the
rainy season commences, although the fall of
rain in Sonora is very scant, and sometimes
the year passes without any rain to speak of,
From the month Of September up to November
the equinoctial gales prevail, aud some years
they are felt very severely.
Guaymas is surrounded by hills, which from
all appearances have undergone volcanic ac-
tion at some former period. During the north
westers the winds form in eddics, whirllng
about large quantities Of dust, thereby render
ing the town very unpleasant
The country throughout is dry, and in the
vicinity of the coast is almost wholly destitute
Of water, producing shrubs and trees Of stunted
growth, chiefly Of the mimossa class, affording
the gum arabic. Different species OF cactus,
from the most dimnutive to the largest size,
abound. AS you advance into the interior the
aspect changes, and shrubs and trees Of supe-
riOr growth, luxuriant foliage and lively YER
dure, present themselves. Along the margin
of the different rivers and rivulets the soil is
rich and fertile, producing abundant crops OF
wheat, maize, beans, peas, lentils and legumes.
An abundance of cattle is reared, besides hor-
ses, mules, asses sheep and goats. Two or
three successive showers Of rain, with the inter-
vening space Of ten or fifteen days, are su01
cient to furnish the fodder, which the fields and
woods spontaneously yield every year.
Mines of gold, silver, copper, iron, antimony,
and lead, are abundant, aud have no doubt
that other metals will be discovered when the
geological investigations are made by some sci
entifc person. This country, although inhab-
tied by civilized men for more than two hun
dred years. is still in state of nature, and con-
seqneDtly unexplored. This state OF affairs is
owing to various causes, but principally to the
want of active and enterprising inhabitants,
who are so necessary in new country.
The immense area OF the State of Sonora 10
thinly peopled, on account OF the frequent in :
cursons Of the Apache Indians, who overrun
the country, burning dwellings. stealing horses,
mules, and cattle, and numbering all who OPP
pose them. By these inroads Sonora at the
present day is reduced to mere skeleton Of
what it formerly was. Farms where thousands
Of cattle were raised are now entirely aban-
doncd fields which formerly produced abun-
dant crops now lie in fallow; while mines with
out number are deserted, not only on account
of the Indians, but owing to the scarcity and
dearness Of quicksilver. In fact, Sonora to be
elevated from the abject condition in which she
now lies PROSTATE, requires rapid influx Of in
dustrious, energetic, and enterprising men. The
richest mines are in the very haunts Of the
Apsches. Gold placers and gold mines; all are
abandoned, for want Of bold and active people
TO defend and work them
The exports are gold, silver. and four Cop
per was once an article Of export, but Of late
years little or none has been sent out OF the
country.