The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-03-07
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evening State So,,rnal.
"MOnticellO" Farms Sheep -GOrtlOns.
ville-Grass and Sod.
From our Special Correspondent
GORnnNctrrII VA March &

| From our Special Correspondent
GoRDoNsvILLE, VA, March 6.
This morning we had a pleasant run tc
this place, on the o. A. & M. railroad; the
morning was bright, but cool.
In leaving Charlottesville we pass "Mon.
ticello" on the right, high up the hill, with
the Rivanna river running along in rapid
current at the base. The old Jefferson
dwelling is in sorry state of dlapidation,
though a family, Wheeler's, have long
lived in it. The estate is in some SQUAD.
BILE of litigation. 1t was, at one time,
bought by Ficklin of Levy it was, in some
manner, bequeathed to Virginia for benevo-
lent purposes, on certain conditions, which,
l am informed, have not been complied
with, in consequence of war disturbances ;
but | could not get a very distinct idea of the
exact status of the famous estate, which
ought to be owned bv either the United
States or state of Virginia, and appropria-
ted to some purpose worthy the name OF
the republican statesman who early owned
it, and whose principles of government
ought to prevail throughout the world.
On the way we saw more sheep than in
most of our travels, and it was pleasant to
see goodly number of lambs jumping
about in healthy condition; and there
should be ten times as many. In this conuec-
ton, a ludicrous discussion was listened to
in one of the hotels. A regret was ex-
pressed by a gentleman that there were no
more sheep in the country, when a young
sprig-a knight of the hound and spur"
wildly spoke up in frightful tones, that
I'VE can't have no sheep nor lambs till we
have law to protect the dogs SOS to kill
off the foxes that are roamin' about killing
pigs and lambs" The proposition was so
profound, and the logic so logical, that no
one was found able to respond and refute.
The farms along the route, and generally
all about Gordonsville, seem to be of a
very good and inviting character, if only
thoroughly worked and properly stocked,
but generally are lamentablY naked of
fruit trees, grass and grape vines. In most
cases and locations it will be found that
grass and sod are the real, sure basis of
high, profitable farming. Make plenty of
good sod, then raise and feed plenty of
good hay to good stock, returning the
manure to the land, and there will be no
trouble in keeping up rich soil, in high
filth, at the same time producing profitable
crops and returns; but | have not here
time and room for details, which could
readily be given, but the suggestion is
enough for intelligent, rejecting farmers.
Gordonsville is very thriving place,
business and building on the increase; and
it will compare favorably with any town
we have seen in the state, of its age and
size-it has now from fifteen hundred to
two thousand inhabitants !. and all seem to
be busy and prosperous.
At the post-office find there is a good
package of THE JOURNAL taken here, and
the postmaster, Mr.. Atkins, is making
kindly efforts to extend the list. Enclo sed
| send you another club. This is quite a
railroad centre for lines in all directions.
D. s. @.