The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-01-20
ORR PETERSBURG LETTER.
Coryaspondsnce of the Richmond Dispatch.
Surry County Lands increasing Demand 1oi
Observation-Disclosures Offered to Immigrants.
PETERSBURG, January Is,

PETERSBURG, January Is, 1868.
Notwithstanding the adverse Giro um-
stances under which we are laoor'ng-
enough to repel every stranger ou'
the most enterprising from setting
within the limits of the State, the
lands on the margin of James river
are beginning to be sought after, and
are coming into request. This is particu.
larly the case OF this time in Surry and
Isle of Wight counties. Nearer to Nor
folk and the mouth of the river the coun.
try has been gradually filling up tor
number of years, and the price OF land mas
much advanced. But in Surry, for In
stance, there is very large proportion o.
virgin soil, covered for the most part
with dense forest, and having Wooc
enough to pay for the land several time!
over. This is an article that is always II
demand for the northern markets, and If
taken from the wharves or landings a,
good prices. These lands are at present
selling very low-say at $3.50 to IS pei
acre, and occasionally as high as sl5 where
the growth of timber is very heavy. vi
course there are no improvements; Dut
comfortable cabins are soon put up. Sucn
as are built in all new countries, ana
which answer every purpose as temporary
dwellings. In climate so mild, and Win
plenty of fuel at the door, there needs
be no suffering from cold Thus,
while O. new settler is opening his
land for cultivation, he is reaping rich
profit from the natural growth, Wnlch Is
not the case in any part Of the pubic 40,
main. The first crop in oil new ground
should be corn, and as the soil is gradually
cleansed of roots and small stumps 1t may
be planted in fruit trees or vegetables, or
whatever will sell best in the northern
markets. All this country-and every
part Of lower Virginia accessible TO naVl-
gation-should be cultivated as fruit or
vegetable garden. 1t is business which
cannot be overdone as long as the great
cities of the North continue to flourish and
grow as in times past.
It would seem, therefore, that thisi is the
very country to attract small farmers from
the North, and there can hardly be
doubt that, as its advantages become
known, it cannot be long before it is filled
up. The soil is kind, generally light, and
very improbable. With the liberal use OF
lime Tor marD and manure. it may be rem
dered in the highest degree productive.
The waters abound in fish and oysters and
wild fowl of the finest quality.
Some apprehension may be felt on the
score of health. Doubtless ague and fever
will prevail more or less for few years,
but no new country is exempt from its
visitations. AS the land is brought into
cultivation there will be less disease, espe-
cially if the practice of lining should be
adopted, which, in fact, is the basis of all
good farming. The miasma of q country
is corrected by the free use of lime, as mas
been satisfactorily proved on many OF Inc
large estates on lower James river. co.
It is hoped that the efforts now on foot
to make known the advantages OF Virginia,
and draw immigrants to her borders, Will
be like seed sown in a good soil. 10 pro
mote the great object, I add ny mite &c
the general treasury.