Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1862-09-10

Our WISH 10 HUDSON duu the SuffOunu-
INC places has been indeed pleasant
New friends have been formed in the
valley of the St. Crox-new ideas OF
the future greatness of this section nave
been gained-a better knowledge OF the
resources of this rich farming country is
the result. When one considers that II
is but a few years since the white settlers
of this valley could be counted on ones
6inoers, the present exhibit of taste,
wealth, enterprise, luxury, good morals
aud improvements is nothing less than
marvellous.
This afternoon, by the kindness OF
friend SMITH we were g set across the
lake, and the Minnesota shores are now
about half peck of beautiful comedians
The poorer, for the forced tribute to the
curiosities, gifts and memeutors adjoining
the walls of our sanclum in La Crosse.
Some of the stones found along the
shores Of the lake, worked out of the
gravel bank by the rains, are most beau
Iiful, aud some day portion Of them,
after passing through the hands of some
New York Lipidary will como forth
splendid ornaments and keepsakes.
Opposite Hudson is the village Of
Lakeland. Some years since when west
ern villages sprung into existence as
highholder pops his head out Of his hole
III n tree, and when cities were built and
dgnifed with n mayor in less time than
z careful mother would Wean child
Lakeland Was in its prime. But the
founding of Hudson, proved that Lake
land was on the wrong side Of the river,
aud now it stands there, a second edi-
ton to Goldsmith's deserted village. At
least CITY cut of seventy houses are ten
Antless, while many of the others had
better he, though the village is on the
water edge of handsome prairie.
After dinner, and a shake hands with
a score of kind friends after q few
words with an impromtu stand in the
street. (erected for the occasion of Capt.
sam Hartman, one of Gods nobleman)
10 large company of volunteers just ar
rived, in company with Lieut.. Arthur
Cox, son of Senator Cox, of Pierce Co.
we started homeward, by way of River
Falls.
The distance from Hudson to this tru-
II rural, picturesque aud thriving village
OF nearly one thousand inhabitants, is
about twelve miIes-over a splendid
farming country, we'll improved. On ev-
cry side, for miles in either direction, was
wheat ripe and golden, to gladden. the
heart o: the sturdy farmer who can
thank God that he is independent of all
save His mercies. The number Of agri-
cultural implements in use is wonderful.
In this section farming is very nearly re-
duced to q science, and profitable one
too.
River Fall village is on the far famed
Kinnikiunick creek, the finest soft water
trout stream we ever saw. The village is
settled principally by persons from Ohio,
New York and Pennsylvania, and a
more honest, homelike, mind. our own
business village is not to be found in the
west. There are here several beautiful
residences-quite a number of stores,
churches, etc.. and an excellent academy.
X fine water power runs two grist Mills
which do thriving trade,
As an evidence of the wonderful
growth Of this reg on, we will give some
weighty facts.
In tie veal 1851, Senator Cox erected
the first Touring mill in Clifton, (Pierco
county, 1t hal but one run Of stone,
and was visited by the few farmers who
raised grain, for circle of 300 miles,
That wear. the mill ground 1900 bushels
of wheat, ana earned 5000. Wheat,
corn, barley aud POTATOES were then
worth 81 per buShe. The second year,
in 1852, the mill ground SOC bushels
of gram, and earned $500, ana another
rim Of stone WIS added. The third year
II earned $4,000
In l854-eight years since-Mr. Cox
fut UP two mi.ls-one at Hudson, the
other at River Falls, which paid for Itself
Tie first year il was put in operation.-
The first busl'el of wheat sent out Of
this valley was from Prescott, in the fall
Of 1850. Before thi-, -four, pork, corn
and oats were brought up FROM Illinois
hy steamer. Inl86l, pork was first sent
out from this section. TIL 1860, the
people had to import butter, which was
strong enough to break up hard winter,
or give cannon the vomit. Till 1851,
cattle were very scarce. Immigrants had
10 bring Them 500 miles, beyond civiliza-
ron, with no feed 10y the way except grass
and browse. Now, we notice there is q
surplus, and cows which year or two
years since were worth $50 in cash, will
not now bring over SIS in trade.
Much attention (but net euough) is
paid TO improving the stock of horses
The favorte blood is Morgan and Black
Hawk We saw several fine Morgans
on the different farms, as we'll as few
full aud half blood devons among the
cattle.
The land in this vicinity is q rich, dark
loan, very quick and deep. Theayerage
yield of wheat is twenty-five bushels to
the acre. The price for this, at River
Falls, twelve miles back from the Missis
sippi at Prescott, is this year 20 CENTS
For the Inst two years 1t was worth but
GO cents. So it will be seen that with
the heavy yield, increased price, easier
raising on old than new land, and i'm
proved agricultural implements, the farm
ers OF this section cannot help being rich
IN q short time, If the least economy be