The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1873-08-14
ter of all this valley region is abundant

are universally used. They consist of
tube of galvanized iron, with O steel
point, the lower end Of the tube having
holes Oh the sides, around which is
wrapped a piece of wire gauze for a
straincr, this pipe is driven into the
ground, through hole i'm the kitchen
floor if desired, or wherever indication
dictates. and wafer is reached at a
depth of from six to fifteen feet. A
pump is placed upon the pipe and in
an hours time boundless supply of
pure, cold, healthy water is obtained.
HEALTHFULNEss.
Here is country in which malaria
finds no conditions favorable to its eX-
istcncc. Stagnant water is not to be
found either on or beneath the surface.
The air, too, is in constant motion: a
| fresh breeze constantly fans the check
and brings health to the lungs. In
such an atmosphere as here exists, the
system is invigoratcd, and labor is
neither irksomc nor fatiguing. These
constant brcczcs also afford unlimited
and valuable power for windmills of
every description or for all purposes.
CLIMATE.
Here is climate which exactly meets
the requirements of the agriculturist,
whether he be farmer, orchardist,
stockman OF shepherd. In early spring,
when the soil is freed from the slender
grasp of what little frost it is subject
to during the short winter, it is in adj
mirablc condition for blowing and
preparation for crops. Then comes a
season of rains and showers, which
lasts into July, when only occasional
showers occur TO interfere with har-
vesting operations. The corn crop is
safe before the rains cease, and after
that time the grass cures upon the
ground and makes natural hay, re-
tanning much of its nutritious qualities,
which serves as a perennial pasture for
stock. The fall and winter seasons,
which east of the Missouri are marked
by the prevalence of cold rains and
chilling storms SO trying to stock, here
are marked by dry and bracing wealth
er. Occasional storms, in which light,
dry snow is driftcd and wreathcd upon
the surface, occur, during which the
farmer will feel called upon to shelter
and feed his stock. Thus this country
is specially adapted for sheep and
stock-raising in conjunction with grain
growing. and must undoubtedly soon
become great source of supply of
beef and mutton to the eastern markets.
COAL, ROCK AND CLAY.
There is no longer any uncertainty
as to the discovery of coal in this val
lev. Ii has been found in several places,
and there is not the least doubt that it
will be developed in such quantities rs
to supply fuel at very low rates. a
test is being made at Wichita with a
drill for coal. One small vein has been
passed through at depth of forty or
fifty feet. The present supply is fur
nished by the railroad at from twenty
five to thirty-fivc cents per bushel.
Rock is not so abundant rs to be
troublesome, as in some places in east
ern Kansas, but il is found in quanti-
ties sufficient for building purposes.
CLAY, suitable for brick making, is
abundant, and the best quality of sand
being everywhere accessible, there is
no lack of excellent building material.
GYPSUM.
Should constant cultivation ever de-
vclop the fact in this valley, which is
apparent in all other countries in the
world, that fertilizers must first or last
be applied TO all lands which are not
subject TO overflow, il farms are to be
kept up to their original state of pro-
ductivcncss, we have a never failing
supply of manure in the vast gypsum
beds which intcrsect the valley in this
and adjoining counties. 1t is unsur-
passed in quality and ineXhaustable in
amount. When broken to pieces and
ground in mill it becomes the Gland
plaster" of commerce, which sells for
ten dollars a ton in eastern cities.
TOWNS.
That portion of the valley of which
we have been more particularly speak
ing-an area of fifty by one hundred
miles-boasts many fine and flourish
ing towns, where mechanics or trades
men may find splendid locations, and
where all may find churches, school
houses, printing presses and refined
and intelligent society. We may men,
ton Hutchinson, the county seat of
Reno; Newton, the county seat of Har-
vey; Wichita, the county seat OF Sedg-
wick; Wellington, the county seat of
Sumner: EldoradO, the county seat of
Butler; and Windfield, the county seat
of Cowlcy, besides Arkansas City, Ok
ford, Belle Plain, Ell Paso, Caldwell,
Scdgwick City. Stevenson, Medicine
Lodge and many others, all of them
growing and doing active business.
Such is the superficial character of
the Arkansas valley in the central parts
of the state, and the valleys of its east
ern tributaries. In conjunction with
this favorable surface, is the richest
soil, susceptible of the easiest cultiva-
ton: abundant flowing water from
springs and streams the sweetest
favored and most wholesome water in
wells in permanent supply at an aver
age depth of fifteen to twenty feet be-
low the surface: pure, bracing air,
entirely free from miasma or other I'M
healthy influences, with a climate pc
culiarly favorable for agricultural OPP
crations.
All these considerable advantages
combine to make this beautiful and
fertile valley and these gently-swelling
slopes. especially attractive. The |
Young farmer seeking home, who has |
few means beyond his own industry |
and strong arms and willing hands
wherewith to carve il out. NAV here |
find free homestead on United States
lands, or purchase at low prices. on |
remarkable easy terms of payment and
with liberal discounts for improve
ments. from the railroad company.
Very often he may thus purchase at rel
atively cheaper prices than by taking
a practically free gift from the govern
ment of tract of land for his farm.
The parents Of children who desire to
establish them in homes Of their own,
or TO re-cstablish their own or their