Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1867-09-26
THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY.

The following is letter from Scotch tray
eller descriptive of the James River Valley:
"It is not extravagant to say that the Valley
of the James River, from Richmond to the
mountains, distance Of about two hundred
miles, is unsurpassed by any portion sof the
Old and New World that l. have seen. The
scenery is of the most picturesque, beautiful!
and varied character Many Of these scenes
are exquistely lovely, and to be appreciated
must be seen. The fine old mansions that
crown the heights along the river are tastefully
situated, and rival the country seats OF the Old
World in everything except architectural dis
play. These have long been the abodes of the
lavish hospitality and high social virtues which
have rendered the Old Dominion so celebrated
in the annals Of this country. Many of these
fne old estates may now be purchased at very
reduced prices, and will doubtless fall prey to
Northern spectators. Many of them are still
held by the descendants OF the Scotch and
English families, who settled in this valley at
very early period. If their friends and kin
dred over the water would only embrace the
opportunity to occupy this beautiful country,
and receive cordial welcome and rich return
for the investment Of their money. The eli
mate is delightful. One coming from the fogs
and mists of Britain feels a pleasure that is new
to him in breathing this atmosphere, while all
nature seems to dance and ring under the in
Auence of the bright skies. The soil is natu-
rally very fertile, and when exhausted is easily
reclaimed. When these lands were new, sixty
told of wheat was quite common yield. have
been shown lands which are said to have been in
cultivation for one hundred and sixty years
without manures, and still produce fair crops.
The head waters OF this stream drain an exten-
siye limestone region, and the alluvial bottoms
contain an admixture of lime which renders
them inexhaustib!e The bottom lands on
streams flowing entirely through sandstone
regions are not so rich, and said not to be so
durable The productions are numerous and
valuable. The chief among them are wheat,
maize, and tobacco. All the vegetables and
fruits of the temperate zone grow here IN great
profusion. The apple is the finest | have ever
seen, and the pear equal to any. The soil and
climate are admirably suited to the growth Of
the crane, and this country is destined at no
distant period to take high rank among the
wine producing regions of the world. Expert
ments show that one thousand dollars per acre
may be realized from that business. Hop cul-
ture might also be made very profitable. The
hop plant is indigenous and very prolific. It
is worthy Of note that larger amount OF
money is made to the hand here than in any
other portion Of the United States and with
judcious management and manuring these
lands would very soon produce more per acre.
The present mode Of cultivation is exceedingly
careless and trying to the soil. The forests, in
beauty and grandeur, far supass anything that
can be seen in Europe. The great variety of
majestic trees, with their rich and many tinted
foliage, shrubs wild aowets, and clinging vines,
presents one Of the richest and most beautiful
pictures have eyer beheld. These forests
clothe the hills and mountain sides to the very
tops. This is one of the most charming tea-
lures of the mountain scenery OF Virginia.
Coal, and all the most valuable minerals abound
in this region, and will ere long become q
source Of immense trade and wealth. Water
power, too, is without limit, and the whole
country is filled with springs of the purest and
best water. A canal runs through the whole
length of the Valley, and drailroads on each side
few miles distant These railroads connect at
Lynchburg, large and fourishing town, about
one hundred and forty miles above Richmond.
This valley is the natural route tor cheap and
easy communication between the Great West,
and the Atlantic seaboard, and will one day be-
come the great thoroughfare of theNorth Amer
lean Continent Surely nature has showered its
choicest blessings upon this lovely valley. The
average price of river lands may be put down
at about thirty dollars per acre. Lands, in
the valley of the Connecticut river, in bleak
New England command readily three hundred
dollars per acre. With such advantages Of
climate, soil and production, this difference in
price cannot long exist. This country is now
open for occupation, and is well suited to the
people OF every cline. 1t presents, in my hum
bic Judgment, much greater advantages at this
time, especially to the English, than the far
West Here, all tastes may be gratifed, and
every class and condition Of men find employ
ment. When this field is fully occupied and
developed, it will be one Of the richest and
most beautiful countries that the sun shines