The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1873-09-25

when the soil is freed from the slender
grasp of what little frost it is subject
TO during the short winter, il is in adj
mirable condition for blowing and
preparation for crops. Then comes n
season Of rains and showers. which
lasts into July, when only occasional
showers occur to interfere with har-
vcsting operations. The corn crop is
safe before the rains cease. and after
that time the grass cures upon The
ground and makes a natural hay. re-
tanning much Gifts nutritious qualities.
which serves as 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 10 stock, here
are marked by dry and bracing wealth
er. Occasional storms, in which light,
dry snow is drifted and wreathed 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
| ley. Ii has been found in several places,
and there is not the least doubt that it
will be developed in such quantities as
to supply fuel AT very low rates. y
test is being made at Wichita with a
drill for coal. One small vein has been
passed through at a depth of forty or
fifty feet. The present supply is fur
nished by the railroad al from twenty
five to thirty-tivc cents per bushcl.
Rock is not so abundant as TO be
troublesome, AZ 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, if farms are 10 be
kept up to their original state of pro-
ductivencss, we have n never failing
supply of manure in the vast gypsum
beds which intersect the valley III this
and adjoining counties. 1t is unsur-
passed in quality and ineXhaustable in
amount. When broken to pieces and
ground in mill il becomes the ''land
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
milcs-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 llar-
vev; Wichita. the county seat of Sedg-
wick: Wellington, the county seat of
Sumner: Eldorado. the county seat of
Butler; and Windtied, the county seat
of Cowley. besides Arkansas City, Ok
ford, Belle Plain. FL Paso. Caldwell.
Sedgwick 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 am aver
age depth of fifteen TO twenty feet be-
low the surface: pure, bracing air,
entirely free from miasma or other UNI
healthy influences, with a climate Pc
culiarly favorable for agricultural OPP
crations.
All these considerable advantages
combine 10 make this beautiful and
fertile valley and these gentlv-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. may 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 al 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-establish their own or their
ehildren's health. failing in less favor
ed regions, may here exactly suit their
needs. Here they will find associations
and conveniences equal to those they
desire TO leave schools As good. an al
ready comparatively well-settled coun-
try. with agreeable neighbors and in
mauv sections considerable towns and
public improvements alongside of
cheap and rich lands. The wcll-to-do !
farmer here. in place of his present
well-improved but small eastern farm. !
NAV procure much larger tract. in |
which he can put the pillow 10 work |
the dav of his arrival hither. and in a |
short time NAV have better improved /
farm than he before possessed. with 1
the expenditure of but a small portion 4
of his money: the balance he may safe /
IL. usefully and profitable invest in |
stock. The sheep or stock farmer may
here find extensive pastures available
the wear round. with abundant water
at hand always and everywhere. with
no need TO ieed his stock except during
the few weeks in which the usually
short winter prevails: in fact. he here
finds the abundant grasses of the north
with the genial climate OF the south
for his advantage.
In conclusion we will unhesitatingly
declare that in the course of our life,
and through extensive travel, embrac-
me- almost the entire west, we have
seen no country SO inviting nor one
hat offers SO great inducements witt
ever objections to settlement the., ta.s
yreat valley Of the Arkansas, az: in
saying this the whole sto-y ic fla. II