The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1873-05-02
DOUGLAS Co., Oregon,
An,.ii Ok 1879.

diSDOSlIlcffs aIiu ueSlTOuS, rs Solue OiiS
has it, of novelties, and a change oil
scenery and faces, find myself loca-
ted, or domiciled. among the delight.
full hills and valleys which surround
the enterprising city of Roseburg, hav-
ing arrived ut that place after half a
days ride in one of Holladay's grind
ing' rail cars.
AS Roseburg is represented by two
"organs," and as your readers are
doubtless acquainted with its situation
and general features, l will pass IL
without further notice; or rather, foi
convenience sake, we will make ret
rogade movement back into the vicin-
ity of Oakland-another of the princi-
pal towns OF the Umpqua country
From thence we will pursue a westerly
course down Calapooia creek, where
we find an undulating valley, well
populated, and the lower part is of un-
surpassed fertility. The hills adjoining
furnish range for numerous herds OF
sheep, horses and cattle, the number
af the former alone being estimated at
100000. Stock-raising appears to be
the principal occupation of the inhabi-
tants throughout the entire country, as
it is generally of an open, hilly nature
and particularly adapted for that busi-
ness. These "hills" (there are quite Il
number of them in Douglas county,
and suppose that there would have
been more had there been room) are
alsowell represented by different vari-
cites of wild game, "yarminss" in
cluded. Among the latter. a new spe-
cies of wild cat has lately been discov-
ed, some of them having rudimentary
horns, and they are said to be very de-
structive to growing vegetation. We
know by occular experience that they
are excellent swimmers.
At distance of about twelve miles
from Oakland we cross Umpqua river,
near its confluence with the Calapooia,
and find ourself in one of the princi-
pal valleys of the Umpqua region. 1t
is known as Coles Valley, and con-
sists of several thousand acres of very
productive bottom land, generally lev
e., and is surrounded by verdure-
crowned hills, and abrupt and precip-
itous mountains. Here We found an
excellent school, presided over by Mr.
Ferguson, one OF Al5any's old teach
ers, and Il gentleman OF rare expert
ence. His pupils are said to be re-
markably well advanced in education
al requirements. y mock Legislature
is also i'll full blast at this place, and
furnishes a vast fund of amusement
and instruction to its members and
visitors. The Coles Valley Steam
Saw Mills, an extensive numbering es-
tablishment, is located in the edge of
the Coast mountains hard by, and we
believe is the only mill run by steam
in the county, excepting, perhaps, one,
in the Pass Creek canyon. I've under
stand, however, that the numbering
business, besides teaming and other
occupations, have been greatly dam
aged by the advent OF the railroad =
and as sending produce away by that
route Is out of the question, on account
of exorbitant charges, anathemas
against the ''bioated monopOiist' are
OF frequent occurrence.
4 short distanceaboYe Coles Valley,
on the river, Or near it, is an embryo
city which has recently been ehristen-
ed Cleveland. It contains grist mill,
saw mil, blacksmith, cabinet and shoe
shops, and a good school house. There
is also leather manufactory in the
''suburbs," and stock of dry goods
will soon be opened out for the accom-
mediation of the surrounding commu-
nifty. A Good Templar Lodge is also
in successful operation.
On the left bank of the river, near
the junction of the north and south
branches, is Garden Bottom, tract OF
land celebrated for its beauty and fer
tility. It is succeeded by other bot
toms above, which extend well up to-
ward Roseburg
But we will return to Cleveland, take
the road leading south, and after trav-
cling distance of fou- or five miles,
over hiiIy and sparsely settled regiolI
we enter the "French settlement,"-5
collection of about dozen ranches, ei
there may be more, as this "settle.
ment" seems to be rather a scattering
arrangement. We here noted school
meeting, convened in solemn string
on long pine log. 1 presume that
they were taking into consideration
the propriety of building new school,
house, as their old one had fortunate.
ly?) been destroyed by fire; or per.
haps it was veritable case of "Ios
rolling"
A few miles further south brings US
to the summit of hill overlooking
Looking Glass Valley, or prairie, and
from this elevated position we have an
excellent view of that beautiful land
sparkling with its floral gems, and ra.
diant in the gorgeous splendor of the
vernal season; but we have writer
enough for the present and will finish
at another time. Thanks to friend:
alongthe route for favors.
Yours abruptly.
ALPHA.
THE OVERLAND MONTHLY FoI
MAY.-This literary product of oul
far western country always has an ex.
ceedingly inviting appearance, and fol
one feature of its mark-up we must ac
cord it great credit-it never disap
moi fofs IIs in ifs stdevotion 70 +,,o 40