The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1861-06-26
OUR CLIMATE.
Attention, old Settlers.

Attention, old Settlers.
There is an opinion quite prevalent
in many localities in the older States
that the atmosphere of Kansas is very
arid and the country subject to blight
ing drouihs; and this notion is imbibed
BY many intelligent persons. whose in
formation on general subjects gives to
their views certain weight and in
flueuce which are no, without their
effect.
Interested parties seize this notion
and ring out :he charges upon it. This
is particularly the cas-. with those who
have lands TO dispose of in other States,
or interests there which will be sub
served BY directing emigration from
Kansas TO other points. We lave found
that something like systematic effort
is put forth in this way in favor Of
Minnesota as opposed 10 our State.
New Minnesota is fine country. and
We have nothing 10 say against it by
way Of disparagcment; but advise all
to go there Who like cold climate. who
wish 10 do without fruit in a great
measure, and like TO feed stock in the
stable six months Of the year; indeed,
We think our sister Of the norih.wes,
is able to get along without "taking up
evil reports against her neighbors," or
building up reputation by ,raducing
others. ~
These things seem to call for action
on the part Of our people. that the mis-
representations Of interested parties
may not result to the disadvantage OF
this young State. Unfortunately the
great drou.h Of 1860 gives plausible
color to these stories. ard is used with
diligence BY those who circulate them
as proof of what they assert.
Wehase previously shown in these
columns that ii Kansas is TO be con-
demned for the drouth of last year. then
all the Southern States south of the
middle Of Kentucky and including the
most of Missouri. mus, be condemned
likewise, and for the same reason. In.
deed, all over he United States there
was anunusually small quantity of
rain in 1860.
But facts are the best refu ta,ion of
falsehoods and Misrepresentation; and
facts we wish to have. We therefore
ask Of The old settlers in Kansas the
sum Of their experience in the climate
ology Of Kansas. Some have lived in
this country for thirty years; and some
intelligent Indians for a much longer
time. and from these we shall be pleas
ed to hear. with as full particulars oi
their experience. and as many facts as
they chose TO furnish US for publica ion
it The lndTendem. We particularly
ak answers TO tie following questions
based upon actual results and events:
Has there ever before been real
drouM in Kansas within The memory 0!
the Oldest residents
Ii no real drouih. then how many
partial ones and 10 what extent were,
crops damaged BY them ?
How does Kansas compare with 9TH
er States in this respec.
Have hos Uinds prevailed in the coun.
Try ii SO. to What extent, and what
the damage done BY then,
How does tie soil bear drou.h ?
Has there ever been a failure OF
crops before. similar 10 that of last
year? -sr -
These i*terFoga;ories properly an.
swered ~ill give all the light needed
ON the subject of lack Of moisture in
III. region; but We wish answers to the
following inquiries: -
What grain crops succeed well in
Kansas What vegetables?
Does the soil produce garden and
Geld truck" to advantage ? s;
How do fruits succeed? (Let the
answer cover the whole range from
APPLES down 10 the smallest bush aud
vine fruit.
What is the average product per acre
Of the staple crops as wheat, corr. oats.
potatoes. &c. !
We, should ike as full Information
as we can obtain ON these points. Also:
As stock-raising country how does
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