The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-02-10
Grtming State galtmal.
MONDAY EvEN'G, FEB'RY 10, 1873.
Wythe TO smythe-F Farming Mills
Marion A.. d. Il M. II. H.-Goneral
Railroad LaW-DOg Law and Sheep.
Especial Correspondence of the State Journal

lDPtNAhA ttDh "a 1h1hD SOash hA
MARION, SMYTHE COUNTY, VA.,(
February a., 1873.
At moor to-day left Wytheville for this
place, and arrived before night. Ran along
Duck creek, till we reached the summit OF
the Allegheny mountains, at Mount Airy,
said to be the highest point on this route
about $500 feet above the sea and all the
way up we saw some orchards, and many
herds Of fine cattle and occasional flocks
Of good sheep. On some farms we saw
fields of wheat looking well and plenty of
good timber, including sugar maple |; also
many splendid meadows and pastures, on
the sides of the mountains and in the val
leys.
The warm weather to melt the snow,
together with several hours rain, has
swollen the mountain streams so that they
rush along in torrents, making the creeks
like rivers.
The general farming, flecks and fields,
look so well, away up here, you could not
conceive yourself at such an altitude, only
that the air is light. fresh and bracing.
We see much cord wood banked along the
railroad, cut from the forests, and the
winter has been q favorable season for
EebbltlR ~ Outs lICIC 10 hluCh SuUSlautldi
rail fence here, and it would be we'll
If the builders would put the stakes on the
middle of the panels, instead of at the
corners; then the fence would not take up
SO much ROOM, and the foot of the stakes
would not stand out beyond the line of
the fence in the way of the plow and drag.
And another thing; the farmers would find
it greatly to their advantage to use the
swivel or side-hill pillow more generally;
we have heretofore used it with greater
benefit even on level ground, as it leaves
no dead burrows, and does not allow the
team in turning corners to tread IN the
plowed ground.
All through this country we travel on
the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio railroad,
and have been continually carried in safety,
comfort and on time; to the satisfaction OF
all.
This we are glad to say for General
Malone, although he s~trenuously differs
with us in regard to a general railroad, and
ingeniously does as much as any other man
ITO make the worse appear the better rea-
son. Such a law can Go no harm to his,
or any other justly-managed road, but
will benefit the people, all over tho state,
by enabling them to have side and cross
lines, wherever needed, and which will
serve as feeders to the great through lines.
In addition to the vast quantities of coal
and iron ore, we meet with frequent beds
of yellow clay, or ochre, and red or
brown paint stone, which might be ground
and utilized to much profit for fences and
out-buildings.
One thing is curious to observe most of
the rock through which this line of road is
cut dips or pitches to the north, SO that
the work on the south side is generally
pretty smooth, the slope of rock being
about the same is natural for the slope of
the banks, while on the north side it is more
ragged, like a Yankee boys work IN whit
Ting against the grain in a cross-grained
stick ; and there is much grand and beau
tiful scenery along the route worth the en-
tire journey to view.
At Marion, county seat of Smythe county,
from the pleasant room in the Exchange
Hotel" which | am now occupying, there
are several handsome views toward and
among the mountains, beyond Staley
creek, and up and down the Holston river.
These two streams which form their juno
ton in this ancient village, afford very
extensive and convenient water-power,
which is considerably occupied by mills
and ~foundries. There are three hotels
here.
WEDNESDAY, February s.
The most considerable establishment
here, is that of G. G. Goodell, esq.,, who
runs a foundry, and o mill for grinding
barytes, the sulphate of baryta, used in
paints, enamelling paper and paper collars,
with many other uses, the consumption
of this article, in the United States, being
above fifty thousand tons annually. That
ground by Mr.. Goodell is dug near this
place, and compares favorably with
the best article imported from
Germany. and is purer than any other
found in this country ; and affords the
operator fair profits, his sales being made
mostly in Philadelphia and New York.
He also has coal and iron lands, partially
developed.
Mr.. Luken Lincoln also has a -four mill,
plow factory, &C., near the village. There
are several furnaces near by which turn
out good pigs.
THURSDAY. February 6.
Have just received your letters with
packages of JOURNALS; several persons
here are subscribers to the semi-weekly
and weekly JOURNAL. 1t is now raining
hard here, making uncomfortable locomo-
ton about the country.
Very laudable efforts are being made by
the people here to have the fish in the
Holston river and its tributaries protected
by the same law that applies to New river
and some others, and legislators will take
notice. l am happy to acknowledge my
Indebtedness to Captain Wagner for USE
full information in regard to the mineral
developments in this section. He, with
others, is about engaging in extensive coal
and iron operations, of which there are
large quantities in these mountains and
valleys.
This place is supplied with usual number
of churches, stores, shops, a newspaper
office-The Herald-and two free schools,
one each for white and colored pupils,
which are flourishing.
Already the people begin to catch fish
with hooks and lines, and our landlord is
among the first in the line, giving usa treat
Of fresh fish for breakfast. d.. S. G.