The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1867-09-10

lands would range from 50 to Sc per acre-none
would probably range higher than from Sc to
$40, unless it embodied largely of lowlands.
Besides these, Western North Carolina COM
mends herself to the world around US on account
Of her
RESOURCES .
These are comparatively undeveloped and to
some extent unknown. AS one Of her resources
demanding notice, would poin. to her water
powers. Perhaps no county in the State can
excel this county in this particular. No one of
the most extensive New England Factories, of
which the far famed "Lowell" may be taken as
the lead, but what could be run by these water
powers. | have no sort of hesitation 10 avering
that in this county alone there are water powers
sufficient to run all the Factories in any one of
the New England States.
The very best of these are unimproved and
are available, and most of them are within hear
ing Of the Western N. e. Railroad, Surround
ing these water-powers, and throughout our en-
tire county, more especially on the sides and the
valleys of the Blue Ridge, we have such vast
and interminable forests of timber as that they
may we'll be considered Gas perhaps at an early
day they will be) vast resource. Besides, all
the timber, so largely consumed in ship build
ing, cabinet work and musical instruments, the
demands for which could be met by any con-
cevable amount. There are here beyond num-
bering the Spruce or Hemlock, the bark of
which is source of immense wealth to other
portions of our country. Then OF the north
side of the Blue Ridge is the home of the Sugar
tree-huudreds Of thousands of these of gigantic
size have never been touched by the hand of
man, and possess the means of producing an i'm
mense amount OF very popular and marketable
product. But perhaps a. this day there is no
feature Of Western N. Carolina attracting more
attention and Inviting Investigation than her
... MINERAL RESOURCES.
State, have remained to this day comparatively
unknown and undeveloped Of late years at
tention has been directed to this matter, and it
is now very well determined that there is con-
tinuous 'lead" or mineral belt" running through
this entire county on its northern boundary, and
on the south side of the Blue Ridge, which belt
or "lead" following the said range of mountain,
runs into Wilkes, Allegheny and Surry to the
State line of Virginia. Along this entire "lead''
are found deposits of gold, copper, lead and iron,
which it is the opinion of eminent minerologists
have 'great head centre" not yet discovered
or developed, but which, when developed, may
hereafter prove in richness and value unparalleled
on this continent or in the world. This 'lead"
has various out-croppings, some Of which if fully
developed would be amply remuncrative and
might afford an immense and much needed in |
come to our country.
There are here deposits of iron amply suff
cent to stock all Railroads, which this part of
the State may need, and which, if fully
developed, would greatly facilitate if not insure
10 this line
We have in this county some three or four
Mineral Springs of sufficient medicinal qualities
to commend them to further notice and develop |
ment. So far they have been tested the |
waters give evidence of curative powers, com
pairing favorably with springs enjoying very
high reputation.
In conclusion, allow me to speak of our cit- |
zenship Our population are generally ntelli-
gent, sober and industrious, aud would weIco me |
persons of like character from the U s. or any
where else, whether they come as visitors, arti-
sans or capitalists. Every inducement would
be offered to encourage citizenship.
Our village is without grogshop, is favored |
with an intelligent Church going people, first
class Female College in popular and successful
operation, and Male School of high grade |
Our entire community is quiet and orderly, pre- |
senting inducements and advantages it would |
probably be wise to consider and seek after, at
least before it is determined to risk the "Russian
territory" or it's barbarian inhabitants.
.... A. A. ScRoGGs, NJ. D.