The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1859-09-13
NORTHWESTERN COUNTIES OF N. c.
Letter from Prof: EmmsOns to the Editors OF the
Franklin NJ g. Observer.

Letter from f'FoJ. EmnaOHS ~ "'o 1''''o'" " "
Franklin N. C. Observer.
SIRs-It seems to the writer, that the question
relative to the Mineral and Agricultural resources
of the south western counties is, what are the pro-
liabilities of the future in these respects. and not
what they now; for in country where the IN
ducements for deve opment and improvement are
limited, it cannot be expected that remarkable
and inviting prospects can be shown Immediately
upon the surface Both the mining and agncnl-
tural interests are slowly developed, and 1t is only
upon and by encouragements which markets ana
profits hold out that men are induced to act; and
hence when market facilities are provided, an en-
tire change in the feelings of community take
place. which result in enterprise which either
bring to light mineral resources, or lead to sys-
ten,atic and profitable husbandry
In the southwestern counties, agriculture has
to contend with the disadvantages of distant mar
kets, where intercourse is difficult and expensive;
and hence, the inducements to labor energetically
for large crops too small to move community,
though Individual exertions in few instances are
met with which have resulted in proving the capa-
city of the soil for the production of great crops.
When all things are taken into consideration,
which affect the capacity of the SOIL climate,
position and depth, few sections can compare with
the southwestern counties of North Carolina. 1t
is true it is studded with mountains, but they
are clothed with great depth OF soil, and bear
the finest and most valuable forests of hard and
soft woods or timbers in the world Nothing sur
prises the traveller more than the extreme depth
of the soil and the massive timber tree which it
supports from the valley to the summit Of the
Balsam and Nantahala mountains.
But the writer does not propose to speak par
ticuary of the agricultural interests now, neither
indeed upon the mineral interest except in few
particulars. OF the mineral interests, they may
be divided into two branches of industry LIST,
the interest connected with the production of
metals. I'd, that connected with and existing in
the rocks proper. Ofthe western counties which
are destined to furnish metallic material, Jackson
county is rich in Copper, while Macon and Chero-
kee will produce the most iron The Savannah
copper-mGes of the Cowee mountain, those OF the
Colowhee and Way-ye-hut-te-are sufficiently
developed to enable the miner to base safe opinion
and entertain the expectation they are destined
to become profitable mines, provided a way to
market is opened.
The hematitic iron ores of the Nantahala, are
certainly inexhaustible BEDS whose character
for goodness are not exceeded by the best ores of
Salisbury, Ct, which has long been celebrated for
its iron.
OF the rocks of these counties may feel
sured of the existence of fine marble, suitable for
statuary and other purposes for which marble are
employed. The most important variety is the
clear, .FesA-colorcd marble of Nantahala, which is
really unique for the dclicacy of its tints.
The same region furnishes also, fine roofing
states of blue color Plates of slate may be OBJ
tanned, five and six feet in length and two feet
wide. 1t splits with ease and with perfect plane
The quartz rock of the Nantahala are suitable for
mill-stones, and besides this variety there is
species of porous chalcedony which resembles the
common French Birthstone. We have whet-
stone, milestone and erindstone grits; fire stone
and rock suitable for glass, and in Macon county,
the finest Porcelain clay. Fhe foregoing, embrace
some of the important mineral products which
inexhaustible, but which, under existing circum-
stances are nearly useless; but which will become
of immense value when cheap and commodious
way is opened to the markets of the world.
| am, gentlemen, truly yours,
+. EMMONS, State Geo!ogist.
Franklin, Aug. 30, 1859