Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-01-23
Especial Correspondence of the Herald ]
letter from Georgia.
SAVANNAH, Ga. Jan. II. 1878


Editor Rutland Herald. Since my
last, written from Markham, Virginia, |
travelled through that State, passing
through WaTenton, Culpepper, Gordon
vile to Richmond, and thence down the
James River to Norfolk, thence along
the usual route through Weldon, Will
mington, Florence, Charleston, to this
place.
In regard to Virginia, my impression
is that the general fertility of the coun-
try is very much overrated. I mean not
only with reference to its present but
also as to its original condition. Al
most all of the forest is oak which, when
cut off and not cultivated is succeeded
by pine. This statement is to the far
mer, the most accurate description of
the quality of the land. There are blue
grass belts of country which are valu-
able for grazing, but saw no lands on
which the raising of corn or wheat would
be profitable industry. Whatever of
profit there is must be sought for
think in the climate rather than in the
soil. Lands of equal fertility in Eirgi-
MIA and Vermont may be more profitably
farmcd in Virginia by reason Of The short
er winter. Then again there are pro-
ducts of the soil possible to Virginia
which are not possible to Vermont.
Again, there are some products possible.
indeed, in both climates, but which are
better adapted to the southern climate.
Thus, grazing may be more profitable in
Virginia. The grape, the peach, the
pear may be produced in good profusion
and perfection. Indeed, have no doubt
that in time these latter will be vast and
accordingly productive industries. am
inclined to think that the banks of the
James in some parts will, in time, he the
pear gardens of the continent. For here
the pears grow almost as large as in
California, and of much better flavor,
The great breadth of the James, the
depth of its water. must have much to
do with the question of early or late
frosts and this question touches all fruit
industries This river, navigabe at all
seasons by vessels of considerable
draught will settle fav0rably tn the fruit
grower the matter OF freight FOR these
reasons, and for the additional reason
that all experience shows that extensive
peach culture is not possible for a long
time in one piace-that as peach trees
nave grown diseased In ne" Jersey so
they are beginning to tail IN Delaware.
1t seems to me that the opportunities for
these comfortable fortunes in peach cul-
ture which, for a time distinguished
Delaware. must next hesought along the
banks Of the James
South Of the James no northern man
need think of coming for any cultiya-
tion of the soil, unless he wants to 90 to
understanding. From Norfolk to
Ship Island extends belt Of pine plains
about one hundred and twenty five miles
wide, pitch pine plains mt that, much OF
it an unbroken forest. with but scatter
ing clearings at most, and everywhere
mere novels and apparent poverty; some
narrow fertile belts are found along the
river bottoms, Among the pines the
land Is too poor; along the bottoms the
fires are too fatal ever to permit north
ern emigration.
The only industry along the whole
route which promises much Is that OF
lumber. In the whole pine belt, not one
per cent Of the timber is yet cut, and the
only Use at present made Of it in any
large way is in the matter Of turpcntino,
tar, etc.
Tell NJ. G. F. that ducks and geese are
not SO plenty as is commonly believed.
I found them most abundant near But
ler's Dutch Gap Canal, on the James
river and on the Charleston Harbor, and
this for the reason, | suppose, that these
are waters the least troubled with veX-
atious ships and storms. Woodcock are
abundant here, snipe have gone south.
Woodcock were on the table here this
morning. Indeed, game of almost all
kinds may be had cheaper in New York
folk