The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-06-27
Kansas Letter.

Inc lOllOWlnb though u private lctter
has been handed to us for publication, and
we doubt not will be interesting TO our
readers and especially to the former
friends Of the writer.
Saina, Kansas, June It'll 1871.
S. b. ROCKWELL Esq, Dear Hiend:-
1t is a long time since have seen you
but | have not forgotten You or our former
travels together. | have been two months
in the Central Port Of Kansas, [ find il
a very fine country and for sheep and
cattle raising think it cannot be surpas
sed. There has been great missapprc.
hension as to the real worth of this region.
The early impression conveyed by the
maps that this was desert is hard to be
cradicated. 1t is as green and grass is
as thrifty here as in Iowa and Illinois
Since | have been here we have had rains
frequently and they have been abundant
Already some are cutting hay near the
village. was in the Little Arkansas
River country Rio Co., May IL, | there
saw herd of $500 cattle that had ranged
out all winter. They had not had a
mouthful of hay or grain all winter, and
yet they were all in sleek nice condition ;
some were fat enough to send to market.
1t is incredibly more easy to keep stock
here than in Iowa and Illinois where the
pitchfork has to be used over half the
year. The Atchison Topeka and Santa
Fe Railroad is soon to be completed to
Sedgwick Co., and then to be extended
up the valley of the Arkansas to Fort
Zorukc thence southwest to Santa Fe.
The region here has been neglected by
settlers owing to fear of Indians that has
passed away and now colonies by iifties
and hundreds are coming in.
| have been much interested in Nc
Phcrson and Rice counties They con-
tain immense quantities Of government
land for homesteds and the two Railroads
that have grants have land to sell to those
who have more means, in any quantity
to suit.
Lincoln County has some superior hill
country for stock raising 1t will not
be so densely populated as Rice but it
will surpass them for stock for that reason.
The range will contain greater. Soil is
excellent, grass is as rich as grain. Horses
and cattle fatten on it as though it had
grain in it. The Kansas Pacific Railway
Co., have some good stock lands that they
offer cheap, say at So per acre for first
class land in some watered valley and then
the herdmcn may have 10000 acres
around to range his cattle in free of all
cost.
Rock, sand and limestone abounds in
great quantities for house building and
stock yards and sheds &c. Water from
springs ever flowing and pure. Climate
wild and free entirely from all malarious
influences. Winter wheat a sure crop il
has never failed and the yield is enormous
The farmers here are talking of 40 bushels
per acre this season and it is already
ripening,
The aggregate amount of rain fall is q
little less here than in the more eastern
states, but it comes principally in the
growing season so that for utility it is
better. The winters are usually dry and
men can work out Of doors nearly all the
time. Not few from Iowa tell us that
the winters are no worse here than in thai
state. Now the winds are very gentle
In March and April they sweep along
with long continued though not destruc
tive power.
Should you know Of any one wishing tc
secure fine stock rancho or good farm
but who cannot come and take immediate
possession | would select good tract and
have it contracted for. 1t requires -
down in the X. p. r. r. Co., and balance
in five payments, one payment only the
interest and then four equal to the first
with interest at 6 per cent on unpaid
balance.
In the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fc
II. II. there is only Ito required down
and eleven years are given if desired il
which to pay. Interest ! per cent. In
both 10 per cent is deducted if paid fol
at once. | expect to be here if my health
and strength continue good for severa
months. Should you find time to write
to me here at Salina | should feel much
pleased. My family are at Wheaton III.
all well | should be pleased to heal
how things move on under the governor
ship of my old playmate }. W. Stewart
How does the college prosper. Had
time and means at disposal | should much
like to revisit the green hills of Vermont
and see the familiar faces of former
friends. Profs. Hyde and Boardman
have seen in Chicago, also young Warner
and others. My kind regards to you
family,
Very truly yours
j. A. bent.