Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-05-06
Maime--Her Resources.

delivered by Mr.. Elwel:
The halt century finds her just prepar-
ing TO enter upon 4 career of prosperity
and progress. A great future is opened
before her She is substantially n new
country with her means of growth still
uuexhaustcd. Il is not so much what she
has done rs what she may and will do in
the development other great resources
that command our admiration. Her sons
need not 90 West 10 find virgin lands. un-
broken forests or undevclopei resources
affording opportunities for remunera,ive
investments.
Otthc Al. 800 square miles forming the
total area OF the State, $1,000 square
miles or two thirds of its whole extent.
are still covered with the primeva woods
an extent seven times that of tho famous
Black Forest of Germany. As Mr.. Wells
tells Us, The states of Rhode Island,
Connecticut. and Delaware could bc lost
together in our Northern forests, and still
have about each margin OF wilderness
sufficiently wide 10 make It's exploration
without comD1sS work of desperate
adventure" Whatever else may be said
OF the State. its greatness cannot be dcni-
cd Presenting broad base of 30 miles
10 the Sea, it extends in triangular
form nearly 10 the ST. Lawrence, dis
lance of 2J0 miles 1t has width of pa
miles at is widest part, and an extreme
length O.! sol miles, the whole circunfer.
encc OF its boundaries being nearly one
thousand miles. It's territorial extent is
only l,2u0 square miles less than all the
rest Of New England combined
lnreSpect 10 her possibilities OF produc
ton. manufacture aud distribution, taken
~ n whole, where shall We find them ex-
ceiIed; The state is adapted by its con
ugUration and resources To the most cos,-
pick life and the most manifold industry
The climate i healthful, and seasons
regular, the scenery delightful. Maine
Is not only good state To get living
iii; is a good state TO live in.
Look first ut It's agricultural capabilities
always moderated. We need but glance
at the fertile valley of the Kenncbec, with
is broad, green intcrvalcs, enriched by
the overflow OF the river, and lis alluyial
islands without q stone upon them. pro-
dUcing without dressing most beautiful
crops OF hay and corn. Nor can we lin
/ ger oy CT the great body of productive
land wing between the kcnnebec and
/ PerobScot rivcrs-a region of gentle
>wclls and high ridges, well watcred and
{ ,im)ered. The uudulating landscape
beautifully diversified with woodland
end cultivated ficlds-a goodly land
/ rich in agricultural and mineral resources
and dotted with thriving manufacturing
/ villages Come with me rather to the
ArooS,ook cUUulry-a land cqualling in
size the territory of Massachusetts, with
soil equal in depth and fertility to that
of any portion Of the United States, vast
forest land, threaded with crystal streams
and dotted with pelIGcid lakes Here, in
one body, with scarcely any waste spots.
/ lie nearly . million acres of setting and
I timber lands. From the Molunkas 10
/ the Madawaska settlements ON the ST.
Johu. is distance by road, of more than
/ $50 miles. From iIouton TO Fort Kent
is as far as from Portland to Boston.
ArooStook is state within state q
region distinct in its soil, its watershed,
and lis geological formation, from the
southern portion OF Maine 1t is u
gently rolling country, with deep lime
stone soil, the noble forest Springmg
from its surface attesting its strength and
fertility. Here is paradise tor the poor
man, if he will work If he has not
money to buy land the state gives it to
him for the mere labor Of making his own
roads. He may then 60 into the forest
and hcw himself out home. The soil,
without dressing, " i'll return him twenty
10 thirty bushels of wheat TO the acre.
The settlers of Aroostook are prospecting.
They went in indebt, they are coming out
rich. The farmers of Aroostook will rank
among the most intelligent, prosperous
and independent citizens of the state. Her
rich soil. her noble forests. Astounding
with animal life. her clear lakes. her
pebbly bottomed river, serving as natural
canals Tor the transportation of goods
all these offer field to the adventurous
and enterprising young men of the state.
unsurpassed in any other section OF our
broad land.
But agriculture isproGtable only where
related industries give it a home market.
This brings US to the consideration Of
the manufacturing facilities of the State.
Few if any. portions of the earth's sur
face approaches Maine in the extent, the
volume, momentum and constancy of its
water power. 1t would seem to be ex-
pressly fitted up with running power tor
manufacturing purposes. 1t has all the
conditions which 60 to produce never
failing supply of running water-corru-
CATION of the surface. extent of lake sys-
TEN, elevation above sea level, rocky
character of river beds, favoring winds
to bring moisture of the sea and extensive
forents TO absorb il like sponge. One