Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-09-15
Crops Of the Valleys Valley Farm -Unfathom
able Well.

able Well.
Though recent rains have somewhat improv-
ed the condition of crops, the prospect is still
discouraging, especially along the principal
thoroughiares East Of the mountains. Lands
capable of producing five to ten barrels, pro
mise now about two to four. The wheat
crop is found to turn out less than two-thirds
of the expected yield. In approaching the
valley q gradual change for the better. il OBJ
served. In Frederick. Clarke, and Warren,
there will be a halfcrop of corn, unless sharp
frosts occur during the present month. The
wheat crop Of the limestone region is good.
Farm Of ID. ". Sorcrs, eJ.--This estate
distant one mile from Berryyille, formerly
y'clept Battletown. from the many rem.
countries of Gen. Morgan, Bill Davis. and
other redoubtable pugilsts of bye-gone days,
contains some $50 to 500 acres. 1t Is gently
undulating covered with healthy growth
of clover, where not under crop of forest. 1t
is worked by 10 or II field hands, and 70
horses, under the supervision of the proprlc-
tor in person. Though lime may be had acl
Hbitam for the trouble of burning the rocks,
and mari, (travertine) exists in numerous Hats
adjacent to the water courses, few applica-
tons are made in this favored region, the re-
novating powers of clover and plaster, being
deemed sufficient Mr.. Sewers wheat cropis
very heavy, and includes quantity, of Llm-
norman. of perfect purity. which ought to
be bought by the low-landers for seed. VI
corn Mr.. S. expects only half crop, viz;
seren to eight barrels per acre.
The UntathomaLh JreA.-Leaving the pa
latial residence of the hospitable proprietor,
short walk through lofty grove, where
dark towering columns support the immense
mass of vendure above, with no underground
to obstruct the vision. led to an undulating
| field. This was bounded West and South
by heavy forests, but open TO the East and
North, with fine view Of the Blue mountains
bending Northward to IIarper's Ferry. In
the midst of the field is circular chasm 81
or GO feet in diameter, of gorge. Jefferson
and other tourists ofolden times tell us that
the waters of this abyss were believed to com
municate with the Shenandoah river, only
few miles distant: that they rose and Tell
with the waters of the latter: that the long
est sounding lines failed to reach the bottom
of the Questionable we'll" How many
living creatures have plunged headiong into
this pit, which, for thousands Of years, yawned
in darkness, must be left to conjecture. Only
lately q fine goat lost his footing, while graz
ing too near the brink of the chaSm, and was
hung to death by the horns, amid the over
arching vines and brushwood. But the days
Of the "unfathomable well' are numbered.
Trees and rocks have rolled in, and earth
has been brought down by the torrents from
the higher adjacent grounds. Thus floor
| is already formed 50 or 40 feet below the
general surface; and in half century, or
less, the ploughman will drive over, uncon-
scious Of the deep pit beneath him. All this
fine region is more or less caycrnous-long
ranges of sinks marking out the localities OF
extensive caves.
Plough-teams break IN sometimes. but are
rescued without great difficulty. There is u
single instance on record, where horse and
plough went down to depths unknown, lcav-
ing the driver well satisfied with his own
escape. This occurred in distant county,
possessing the geological features above des-
cribed.
Death of Tlees.-lIcre, rs in other parts
of the State, cold wet winters, dry and hot
summers. are making havoc among the for
ests. Mr. Sewers has adopted the wise plan
of converting the decaying oaks into cord
wood and slaves. a very simple machine,
worked by three horses, was in operation,
turning OFF 20 slaves to the minute.
Fruit GrapcS-Fruit of every sort has
failed in the Valley, with the exception OF
grapes; these are abundant and fine. Some
portions of this region are too broken and
rocky for any other than the grape culture.
Such lands may be bought very low. Those
who would invest in vineyards, and at the
same time become residents Of the healthicst
region on the continent, should take look Ut
the limestone lands of the Valley. J. L. ID.
WINCHESTER Sept. eth lS59.-Rich. Eng.