Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1867-05-23
Letter from Missouri.
GREENFIELD, DADE Co., Missouri, !
MAY Is. 1867. {

them Information about this part of
the country. i have not had time to
travel about much, and perhaps can
not give as full particulars as l
would like. From my own observa-
tions, and from inquiries, l may De
able to send something interesting.
The land in this county is prinei-
pally prairie, though along the water
courses it is very rough, perhaps not
SO precipitous IS the Gallia hills
The streams are generally lined with
rough. rocky ledges inclosing very
rich bottom lands In these bottoms,
and along the hills, the best timber
is found. On the higher grounds,
commence rolling prairies, rich and
beautiful to the eye. These prairies
are lnterspersed with what is called
here by the dignified name of timber,
but what Buckeye would term brush
or underwood. Small streams trav-
erse the prairies, and along the
borders of these, the timber is keav-
ier, though not so good as along the
creeks. The principal objection l
have to the prairie lands, is that
stones often lie so thick on the sur
face, that it is nearly impossible to
cultivate them. As you approach
the streams, they are more abundant.
All these lands, however, afford the
most excellent pasturage, and more
than thirds of the county is
suitable for cultivation. There are
many creeks, or rivers running
through the county, affording good
mill sites. There are now seven or
eight mills in the county, and many
more could be built if needed. My
confidence in the smaller streams en-
during the summers heat, is by no
means the strongest. l look upon
them very distrustiully, in this re
spect, though now they are full and
flowing. Our late rains have re-
plenished these, as well as enceur-
aged all the crops, and given promise
of fruitful harvest. Wheat looks
well, and all the farmers report that
the indications of good crops, are
fine. Fruit promises well; and here
l might say, that no country can ex-
eel this in its adaptation to fruit
raising. Apples, peaches, cherries,
etc, seem to grow well with indiffer-
ent culture. Wild strawberries, and
gooseberries grow in profusion over
all these beautiful prairies. The
coming season promises us the enjoy
ment of these delicious fruits. Grape
is indigenous. "Vine- clad" France
is scarcely better suited for grape
culture than South west Missouri;
though this matter has not received
that attention it deserves. Every
man here could be his own vintner
with but little labor or expense.
The climate is mild and healthful,
and the winters not so long or rigor-
Gus, as in Ohio. Farmers commence
feeding their stock about Christmas,
and leave off about the middle of
March, and often earlier. The wind
prevails to a greater extent here than
in the more Eastern States; and the
weather is more variable, aud sudden
in its changes. At this time, the
forest is green with leaves, and the
prairies are covered with the finest
grass, and the rarest flowers Cattle
and sheep are now turned out upon
the Grange" (uninclosed aud unbrok-
en- PRAIRIE, and will remain there
until Fall, when stock is sent to
market via Sedalia to St. LOUIS. The
price of stock rates about as follows:
Cows, from S25 to $40; two year old
steers, S15 to $40; three year elds,
$40 to $50; four year olds, $50 to
S45; work cattle, from S75 to $3.50;
and horses, from $50 to $3.50, extra,
5000. Sheep sell for about 81; and
hogs sell at various prices. The
price OF land per acre, is from 50 to
$50. depending on location and i'm
preyements. Wheat averages per
acre about 10 bushels; corn, 40 bush
els. Irish and sweet potatoes are
raised in abundance. Farmers have
always found heretofore, a good
market for their products, at their
doors The flow Of emigration into
the South west, has furnished all ac-
tive demand for breadstufs where
raised, without the necessity of
transportation. When the South Pa
ciGc Railroad is completed, it will
ilnpart new vigor and life to trade,
aid in developing the unknown re-
sources of this portion of the State,
and, in every respect, improve the
country. Our most available market
then will be Springfield, for some time
at least.
The people Of Dade county, how
ever, promise themselves at no dis
tant time, q railway communication
with Sedalia or Warrensburg, or with
some other good point Oh the North
Pacific Railroad. At present dry
goods and groceries are brough ito
this market from Sedalia, distance
of l2O miles, in wagons hauling led
from the CRANKY led mines in New.
ton county. These wagons On their
return, are loaded with goods to sup
ply the merchants of the Southwest.
The same transportation is employed
to a very considerable extent be-
tween here and Rella. But the
Southwest branch of the Pacific Rail
road is being rapidly completed, and
soon the necessity of such distant
transportation, will be dispensed
with. To those who contemplate
coming here, l would say come by
the way of Sedalia, instead of by
Rolla. The distance to both places
is about the same from here, but the
Rolla route is through mountainous
country, while the other is not. Ship
to St. Louis, and from thence to Sc
dalia. Bring good wagons, and
good horses. The latter are indispen-
sable. Only bring such articles, as
are useful, and can be carried con-
veniently.
1t may be important to know that
the politics of Dade county, as well