The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-04-28

| Heuy suos'Autihi improvements Wcre mAuc.
During the months OF June aud July Of
the year, the first assessment OF the taxable
property OF the county was made, which ex.
exhibited personal estate. in tho county
amounting to 81 ,76A dollars. and real estate
amounting TO l66, 907 dollars--total S234,-
GIL.
II should be remarked that, owing to this
being the first assessment and many other
difficulties in the way Of an accurate esti-
mate, the assessment was but impriectly
made, besides the valuation was set down,
at the lowest figures, in consequence Of the
great depreciation in the cash value Of real
estate. produced by the monetary crisis.
We may, therefore. justly estimate. the &C.
tual valuation Of the real and personal pro
perry in the county, At this time, ut not less
than 100000.
Although the county has been organized
over three years, having oil the necessary
county officers, and during this time many
roads having been laid out and bridges
built, yet, owing to the public spirit Of our
citizens, and the prudent management OF the
public affairs by the several County Boards,
the county is but very little in debt, and the
rate Of taxation for county purposes, for the
year just past, was but one-fourth Of one per
centum on the dollar.
What other county in the State can boas,
~ muchi
The county is well watered by numerous
streams of pure, fresh water. the principal
Of which are, the Blue Earth, Maple and
Cobb rivers.
Beside these. there are many smaller
sreams, tributary 10 the above, in all parts,
to the county, and many Of those clear wa
ter lakes, with which Minnesota abounds,
the largest Of which are White Walnut,
Minnesota, Ozatanka, Weasel and Bass
Lakes, and which. il is said, were in timer
past hvoritc resorts OF the Indian, for re-
pose, after the tolls and dangers OF tho was
path and chase.
The above named streams and lakes, with
many Of the smaller streams, are well tim.
bcred Black and White Walnut. Oak,
Eastwood and Maple, are the predominant
kinds and are found In quantities amply
sufficient to supply the wants Of large set
Elements throug hout the country.
The general surface Of the country, though
not billy, is quite undulatng aud fewer
and smaller sloughs and low wet lands arc
found, than In the eastern portion Of the
State.
NJ. Nicolct, in bis report OF the hydro.
graphic Basin Of the Upper Mississippi,
says, in speaking Of the countries adjoining
the Cotsdu DIES Prdriss. that among these,
that which appeared to me most favorable,
is the one watered by the Bold Mankato
or Blue Earth river And 10 that inter
esting work, Minnesota and It's Resources,
1t il stated that IN pointing out the most
favored portions Of our Territory, for agri.
cultural settlement, we are guided more by
the travels Of scientific aud experienced men,
than by practical knowledge. The strip OF
land lying between the St. Croir and Mis-
sissippi, while Il proves sbundsntIy produc-
tive OF luguminus plants, grass, oats etc,
does not appear so we'll adapted, In body
and depth Of soil, for the more wcigbiy &C.
reals, as the lands 10 the southwest OF the
Mississippi, toward the sources Of the Can
non, Vermillion and Blue Earth rivers.
Practical experience, within the last two
years. has amply demonstrated the truth Of
the above statements. in this county. Crops
on the new broken sod. have proved abun
dant and much exceeding expectation, while
on lands Of the second or third years cult.
walton. crops are produced satisfactory 20
the most sanguiDc.
The soil IL q dark, warm, sandy loan,
emnently adapted TO this northern climate,
and varies from two 10 four feet in depth
The river bottoms, though far from being
80 extensive as those Of the Wabashaw and
Mama. are worthy rivals Of these famous
bottom lands in depth and fertility OF soil
Certainly, il one portion OF the State is
entitled to pre-emineDce over Others, 10 re-.
spcct TO produciivenc1 OF the soil aud ease
OF cultivation, this and several Of the ada
cent counties, may justly be termed the Gar.
den District OF Minnesota Indeed the Blue
Earth country has already become famous
for ia fertility.
The county contains AGO 200 acres Of land,
ADD it il estimated that. at least, seven
eigh,s are tillabc and about one eighth Of
the whole * already pre-. cmptcd or claimed,
leaving many thousands Of acres yet 20 h.
taken aud improved.
The principal settlements are confined To
the neighborhood Of the streams and lake,,
but many have gone Tar out on the pralrlcs
and opened farms.
II should be observed here. that our ~,
tiers are principally from The Eastern and
Middle siatss. and Tor intelligence, industry
enterprise, substantial ,hrift. and public
spirit 10 encouraging scbools, churches and
other intellectual and moral institutions, are
not behind the age. nor the people n any
other portion Of the state.
The advantages for settlement in the
county may easily be inferred from the
above statements.
There are two towns 10 the county. Win.
nrbago City, was laid out in January, 1851,
II is situated On an elevated, level. and beau
tiial prairie. within mile Of excellent tim
Der aud the main stream Of the Blue Earth
riv'r. I, contains quite . number Of sub.
ytsriial frame dwellings, steam saw mill in
successful operation. two stOres. several law
OHiee., q school house occupied by a regular
daify sclo0l well attended a comfortable