The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1875-04-22

WATER.
It has been widely supposed that
central aud western, If not eastern
Kansas suffered from dry climate. |
Like MANY other ideas relative to the |
western parts of the great Missouri
Valley, we need hardly say, this, SO far
as the eastern and central parts Of the
state arc concerned, is exploded. III
springs and water-courses in whose
channels aquatic plants, needing for
their existence constant moisture; If
notwithstanding streams; II rains
occurring and copiOusly de-
scending: if all these are proofs, then
there is abundant testimony that all
through the valley there is ample rain
fall. In fact, after all that has been
written of the Arkansas river, 1t is
almost superfluous to say that the wa
ter of this valley region is abundant
and pure. 1t Is without doubt the best
watered portion of Kansas. On the
bottoms 'sdrivc wells" or tube wells
are universally used. They consist OF
q tube of galvanized iron, with steel
point, the lower end of the tube hav-
ing holes ON the sides, around which is
wrapped piece of wire gauze for
strainer, this pipe is driven into the
ground, through hole in the kitchen
door if desired, or wherever indication
dictates, and water is reached at q
depth of from six to fifteen feet. A
pump is placed upon the pipe and in
an hours time q bOundless supply Of
pure, cold, healthy water is obtained.
UEAI.THFULNESS.
Here is q county in which malaria
finds no conditions favorable to its cx-
istence. Stagnant water is not to be
found either on or beneath the surface.
The air, too, is in constant motion q
fresh breeze constantly fans the cheek
and brings health to the lungs. In
such an atmosphere as here exists, the
system is invig0rated, and labor is
neither irksOme nor fatiguing. These
constant breezes also afford unlimited
and valuable power for windmills of
every description or for all purposes.
CLIMATE.
Here is q climate which exactly meets
the requirements of the Agricultural,
whether he be farmer, Orchardist,
stockman or shepherd. Inearly spring,
when the soil is freed from the slender
grasp Of what little frost it is subject
to during the short winter, it is in adj
mirable condition for blowing and
preparation for crops. Then comes q
season of rains and showers, which
lasts into July, when only occasional
showers occur to interfere with har-
vesting operations.
COAL, ROCK IND CLAY.
There is no longer any uncertainty
as to the discovery of coal in this val
lev. 1t 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. A
test is being made at Wichita with q
drill for coal. One small vein has been
passed through at depth of forty or
fifty feet. The present supply is fur
nished by the railroad at from twenty
five to thirty-five cents per bushel.
Rock is not SO abundant as to be troib-
lesOme, as in some places in eastern
Kansas, but it is found in quantities
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.
Should constant cultivation ever de.
velop the fact in this valley. which IL
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 to be
kept up to their original state of pro.
ductiveness,' have q ne3cr failing sup
ply in the vast gypsum beds which in
terscct the valley in this aud adjoining
counties. 1t is unsurpassed in quality
and inexhaustable in amount. Wher
broken to pieces and ground in mil
it becomes the ''land plaster" of com
mercc, which sells for ten dollars tor
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
miles-boasts of many fine and -four
ishing towns, where mechanics OF
tradesmen may find splendid locations
and where all may find churches, schoo
houses, printing presses and refined
and intelligent society. We may men
ton Hutchinson, the county seat o
Reno county; Newton, the county sea
of Harvey; Wichita, the county seat o
Sedgwick Wellington, the county sea
of Sumner: EldOrado, the county seat o
Butler; and Windield, the county sea
of Cowley, besides Arkansas City, Ok
ford, Belle Plain, Ell Paso, Caldwell
Sedgwick City, Medicine Lodge an,
many others, all of them growing an,
doing an active business.
! Such is the superficial character o
the Arkansas valley in the central part
J of the state, and the valleys of its east
ern tributaries. In conjunction witt
! this favorable surface, is the riches
soil, susceptible Of the easiest cultiva
: ton: abundant flowing water iron
springs and streams; the sweetest fla
yored and most wholesome water il
!. wells in permanent supply at an aver
age depth of fifteen to twenty feet be
low the surface; q pure, bracing air
entirely free from miasma or other TN
, healthy influences, with climate pc
J culiarly favorable for agricultural Op
! erations.
All these considerable advantage
combine to make this beautiful an,
; fertile valley and these gently-swellin
slopes, especially attractive. Tn
Young farmer seeking home, VIII
has few means hey ond his own indus
try and strong arms and willing hand
, wherewith to carve it out, msy her
) find free homestead on Unite State
lands, or purchase at low prices, o.
: remarkable easy terms Of payment an
with liberal discount for improve
ments, from the railrod company. Yer
often he may thus purchase at relative
,. ly cheaper prices than by taking
practically free gift from the govern
ment of o tract of land for his farm
The parents of children who desire L
establish them in homes OF their owr
or to re-cstablish their own or thei
children's health failing, in less favor
ed regions, may here exactly suit thei
needs. Here they will find association
and conveniences equal to those the
desire to leave; schools as good, an a
ready comparatively well-settled couu
trp, with agreeable neighbors, and i
MANY sections considerable towns an
public improvements along side @
! cheap and rich lands. The well-to-d
farmer here, instead Of his prcscn
well-improyed but small eastern farm
nav procure a much larger tract. i
which he can put the pillow to work tn
! day Of his arrival hither. and in shor
time NAV have better improved farr
|; than he before possessed. with the cx
penditure of but small portion Of hi
money: the balance he may safely
uscfuily and probably invest In stock
|; The sheep or stock farmer may her
find extensive pastures available tn
wear round, with abundant water .
; hand always and everywhere. with n