The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1860-03-15

Janesvlle and Waverly, exhibits appear
ances of having been, at sometime in the
past, subjected to violent internal aglta-
ton. Many rocks that | saw bore evil
dence of volcanic origin. In some places
the alluval strata Of the earth was heav-
ed up, by some vast internal force. in the
form of a cone or pyramid. And some
stones resembling granite. in which
quartz and feldspar entered largely into
their composition, were forced through
to the surface. also noticed large bluffs
and ravines composed almost wholly OF
stratifed rock and disintegrated quartz,
the layers of which were thrown togeth-
er in the widest confusion. A tradition
is extant among the Indians that the
whole country was once covered with
water, story which acquires some sig
nifcance from the fact that large num-
bers of shells and other aquatic produce
tions have been found in the highest and
most insulated places. One of the set
tiers, in digging well. found piece of
cedar, in perfect state of preservation,
twenty feet from the surface. 1t was
fourteen inches long and about FIVE inch
es in diameter. Other specimens were
also found. consisting of broken twigs.
leaves, etc., disposed in eccentric eddies,
and bearing every mark of having been
left in that position by the receding of
waters from the land. 1t is fruitful
theme for speculation and inquiry how
these vast prairies of the west were form
ed. and one which I shall not attempt to
solve, but will leave for learned savans
and professors to digest and wrangle
over.
Water is generally found in abundance
by digging from fifteen to twenty feet.
and of excellent quality, unless we ex-
cept few places near the timber, where
it appears to be slightly impregnated
with sulphur, or tinctured with fossil de-
posts. Stone is found in sufficient guam
titles for building purposes. They are
generally collected from quarries where
they appear to have been placed for the
especial use of man. The soil of the
Cedar Valley forms an agreeable contrast
with the stony surface of the New Eng
land States, and is suggestive of the idea
that the west is the designated spot for
agricultural resources and genius to de-
velop themselves in the greatest capacity.
Indeed agriculture is now beginning to
assume tangible shape, and farmers,
Notwithstanding the hard times, are press
ing on with their improvements, over
turning the virgin soil. erecting comfort
able buildings. and supplying themselves
with the most improved farming uten-
sils, with spirit and zeal that is truly
commendable. But few years will elapse
ere the citizens of the Cedar Valley will
successfully compete with those of any
district in the country in raising grain
and other products. Possessing tract
Of country unsurpassed in richness and
fertility of soil, and population possess
ing intelligence, perseverance and indus
try. it cannot be otherwise.
Large quantities of Maple Sugar are
manufactured annually by the people
Of this vicinity. AS your readers are no
doubt we'll acquainted with the process
of making, l will not attempt to describe
it. The greatest amount is made in
March, although it depends considerably
upon the severity of the winter. If that
is mild and open, many commence in
February.
There is now no denying the fact that
a railroad will be the great means of Sc
curing to the inhabitants a good and per-
manent market, but whether they will
succeed in getting it for two Or three
years yet, remains to be demonstrated.
especially as the county has refused to
grant loan to the company.
A large majority Of the inhabitants
that occupy the country between the Ce-
dar and Wapsipinicon rivers. are Ger
! MANS Many Of them have beautiful
locations, and are taking great pains to
improve their farms by importing the
choicest stock and seeds. Your true
German is no drawback to country as
far as improvement is concerned. Under
his steady and untiring industry, the
most difficult obstacles are overcome.
By some strange fatality he always ap-
pears to settle near spot requiring the
most labor, say for instance, near large
swamp, and forthwith, with his spade.
commences to drain it, and fit it for tllage,
and soon the plow and harrow are pass
ing over it, and the golden grain gar
nered from it. G. J. REED.
Our correspondent will see that we
have been compelled to cut down his let.
ter in order to adapt it to our available
space.-ED.
On the goth of September. Slavery
was completely abolished in the Dutch
East Indies. Compensation was provi-
ded for the masters, the value being as
sessad hy n Commissioner and tha