Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-04-22
Western Correspondence.
GLENCOE, April 4, 49,


Mr.. Editor:-The dreary reign Of winter
is over, the balmy breezes of Spring have
swept the snow from our broad prairies,
and the deep. black, sticky mud. for the
making Of which our rich soil is admirably
adapted. will for short time render all
kinds OF travelling task of no small
magnitude.
Our farmers are encouraged by the
prospect Of an early spring, as owing to
tho heavy rains of last Autumn. much
blowing yet remains to be done. Hard
times and the general depression Of
business caused thereby, have given the
agricultural part of our community
severe fit OF the blues and in consequence
of the low price OF wheat, much less
quantity than usual will be sown the
present year. In this vicinity the average
price has not exceeded so cents per bushel.
which hardly pays the expense OF cultiya.
ton. For stock raising this is one of the
best States in the Union prices high,
pasturage free, and in the country plenty
Of good hay can be bought even in the
spring. for four dollars per ton in fact,
the great length of the haying season. the
abundance of grass which is cut at pleasure
until killed by frost, renders it An easy
task Tor two men, aided by span Of
horses. and the improved machinery in
general use, to stack sufficient hay for
large stock Throughout the west tho
season for high prices and excessive labor
is during harvest.
In my sketches of MINI, IL il my in
tention Ia give a truthful and impartial
account Of our STATE ~ it now il, rather
than to indulgr in the over painting which
So strongly charac.erizos The pamphlet
issued by Girart Iewett uf 81. Paul, aud
sen, gratuitously, not only over the
country. but Europe, IL induce cm!Sra-
ton neither would assume the spirit of
prophecy. and let my fancy sketch such
absurd and glowing rhapsodies in regard
to our future, as are INDUCED in by
Carleton Of the Boston Journal, but
rather let time with its advancing foot
steps proclaim the process Of develop
ment.
OF our climate and its advantages to
inyalids. about which so many contra
dictory statements have been made. will
give my opinion based on my own expert
ence during years residence. and tho
testimony Of others who have had more
extended opportunities for judging. Pos
sessing the advantages of an elevated
position, lar removed from the sescoast,
tho air is dry. pure and bracing, and the
almost entire absence Of pulmonary COM
plants among our established residents.
has given rise TO the common saying that
there is no consumption here, save that
which is brought from the Eastern States.
believe il TO be true that the disease IL
seldom generated here, and would advise
all who are thus afflicted To come here il
at all, during the tir,t stages, n our dry
air often proves too bracing when the
system i, dcblitatcd by disease. During
summer the heat is seldom oppressive.
anil after sunset delicious coQlncss over
spreads the landscape, insuring sweet res:
when the Mosquitoes are carefully cxcIad-
ed, rs their delightful rcy.ls are held
mostly in the night. We have about the
same amount of cold weather as in Maine.
more wind on the prairies, and but little
snow. At this date, the weather is warm.
ground all bare, and the farmers will COM
mence sowing their wheat the present
week {. y. Il.