The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-05-12

1 Bl1fneSS
which so often spoils an actor in this coun-
try. He is not afaid either of himself or his
audience, and he works out his conception
/ of a character with free dom and yigor. He
| is. in fact, genuine and genial humorist,
and throws his humor into all he does.
CAPTAIN KINGS LITTLE HOMESTEAD
WHERE THE CAPTAIN LIVES AND HOW THINGS
ARE ARRANGED-THE AMOUNT OF HIS LAND
ED POSSESSIONS AND HIS STOCK.
The farm or territory of Captain King, of
Texas, has become a subject Of interest from
its immense extent and the great quantity
of stock which is annually sent from it to
the eastern markets. In speaking of it, the
Missouri Democrat says: The main rancho,
Santa Gertrudes, is situated on high hill
between the Santa Gertrudes and San Fer
nando creeks. A tower or lookout, erected on
the top of large brick warehouse, COM
mands an extended view, the eye taking in
at one glance a scope of country for twenty
miles around. The sight is delightful. COM
bining the pleasant with the picturesque.
On this hill the captain has erected large
and commodious dwelling, with the neces-
sarv outhouses. He has also stable built
| for the use of his rancho, capable OF accom-
modating from fifty to sixty head of animals
at a time The houses for his vaqueros are
constructed with view to comfort and dur
ability, at respectful distan % from the
| main house. A neat and substantial picket
| fence encloses several acres of Bermuda grass
around his dwelling; its appearance ID
spring resembling we'll cultivated park.
| interspersed here and there with beautiful
shade trees. Several immense brick cisterns
furnish an abundance of water tor the resi-
/ "a * m
piled from the tanks and the adjacent creeks.
The CAPTAIN has endeavored to arrange his
\ matters so as to render himself entirely indie
pendent of all the annoyances connected with
| the successful operation OF so large rancho
at so great distance from city, and has fur
nished himself with all the modern appli-
ances of a well-regulated farm. The work
is prosecuted under hts own supervision,
and from the forging of a horseshoe nail to
| the erection of a first-class house can all be
accomplished by those living upon the ran
cho. Upward of one hundred men are con-
stantly employed looking after the various
interests of this immense hacienda. The
Santa Gertrudes tract of land contains 49,
| 226 acres, and originally was an old Spanish
grant, the title from the Spanish govern
meut running back through a long series OF
years. OF this tract ABOUT 5000 acres are
under fence, embracing within its folds graz
ing lands unsurpassed in the known world
| for it's abundance in producing and in point
| of quality. An almost impenetrable belt of
meZquit timber borders on both sides OF the
Santa Gertrudes creek, within the pasture,
extending for distance of twelve or fifteen
miles, and abounds in wild game-deer and
turkeys predominating in numbers. In the
construction fthe pasture fence great care
was evidenced in the selection of both posts
and lumber. Like the pasture fence OF Cap
tain Kennedy, wire and lumber have both been
brought into requisition. The entire fence is
FORTY MILES IN LENGTH,
portion of which is constructed of first
class heart pine planks, sawed in accordance
with orders to specified size-ssy "a feet in
length by inches wide, and IL inch in
thickness. The gates of the pasture are
guarded by men employed for that express
purpose, and for whom are erected comfort
able quarters. There are six gates, distrib-
uted as follows: One on the road leading
TO this city, one on the road leading to
Brownsville, one at the EscOndidas, one at
the Borregas, one at Las Conchas, and one at
Los Indios. These openings have all been
left with a view to confer the greatest ac-
commodation possible to all concerned, In
addition to his landed interest embraced in
the Santa Gertrudes tract, Captain King had
added thereto the Rincon de Santa Gertrudes
containing 1880 acres; 1881 acres on the
Aqua Dulce, controlling magnificent water
ing places and grazing lands; I3, 2S4 acres on
Padre Island; 1900 acres on the Saus Creek
two leagues at San Diago; and by a recent
purchase of the Iona Alto and dependent
ranches, twenty-five leagues, known as thu
San Juan de Carricitas. The whole Of this
immense scope of country consists of the
finest pasture lands in Western Texas, and
must some future day be Of almost incalcula-
BILE value. The stock of the rancho consists
mainly of cattle, horses, and sheep, although
a great number of Jacks and jennets goats
i - ..nls In1 10 kkn 49,
The cattle stock number about $4,000 head
out or which are branded annually 1900
head of calves. Great efforts have been
made by Capt. King to introduce a fine
breed of cattle in which we believe he has
succeeded, his last importation having
weathered the past fall and winter in remark
able condition, now being thoroughly sccli-
mated and out of danger. Next comes the
horse stock, consisting of mares, colts, mules,
jacks and horses, numbering about 5000
head, out of which, in favorable seasons are
branded from 400 to 1850 head of colts.
have been expended in the introduction of
fine stations and jacks. until the stock has
attained to degree of finenees unsurpassed
in this portion of Texas. The sheep stock
number 10000 head improved merino, yield
ing an average of four pounds Of wool to the
head. In this, as in his other stock, the
owner has spared no pains nor means. To
improve the texture and staple OF their
f1eeces and increase the size of their bodies
has been his great aim, which frequent i'm
portatiOns of fine bucks amply testify. His
main sheep rancho is known as Los Borre-
gas, taking its name from the stock most
frequenting that range. From here the
stock are distributed to best suit the grazing
grounds. This stock has for a number of
years been in charge of Captain J. S. 8 reer,
who has taken pains and pride in their sue
cessful cukNre. This last but not least of
the stock of this rancho consists in an un-
known number of hogs. Five years ago
1000 head were purchased and turned loose
upon the range, since which time but few
have been slaughtered or moles.ed in any
manner. They will probably now number
between 5000 and 1000 head. A packery
two miles above the rancho, for the slsughf-