The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1875-04-15

frequently occurring and copiously de
scending: If all these are proofs, thel
! there is abundant testimony that al
|, through the valley there is ample rain
fall. In fact, after all that has beer
written of the Arkansas river, it il
almost superfluous to say that the wa
ter of this valley region is abundant
and pure. 1t is without doubt the besl
watercd portion of Kansas. On thu
bottoms ''drive wells" or tube wellt
are universally used. They consist o
tube of galvanized iron, with stee
point, the lower end of the tube hav.
ing holes on the sides, around which il
wrapped piece of wire gauze for 9
strainer, this pipe is driven into the
ground, through hole in the kitchen
floor 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 bOundless supply OF
pure. cold, healthy water is obtained.
HEALrHFULNEss.
Here is county in which malaria
finds no conditions favorable to its ex-
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 invigorated, 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.
Here is climate which exactly meets
the requirements of the agriculturast,
whether he be farmer, orchardist,
stockman or shepherd. In early 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 AND CLAY.
There is no longer any uncertainty
as to the discovery of coal in this val
ley. Ithas 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 fUrty 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 troub-
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.
GYPSUM.
Should constant cultivation ever de-
velop the fact in this valley. which lis
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-
ductivencss, have never failing sup
ply in the vast gypsum beds which in
tersect the valley in this and adjoining
counties. 1t is unsurpassed in quality
and inexhaustable in amount When
broken to pieces and ground in a mill
it becomes the Gland plaster of COM
merce, which sells for ten dollars a ton
in eastern cities.
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 or
tradesmen 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 county; Newton, the county seat
of Harvey; Wichita, the county seat of
Sedgwick Wellington, the county seat
OfSumner: EldOradO, the county seat of
Butler; and Windfield, the county seat |
of Cowley, besides Arkansas City, Ok
ford, Belle Plain, Ell Paso, Caldwell, |
Sedgwick City, Medicine Lodge and
many Others, all of them growing and |
doing an active business.
Such is the superficial character of
the Arkansas valley in the central parts
of the state, and the valleys of its east
crn 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 fla
vored and most wholesome water in
wells in permanent supply at an aver
age depth of fifteen to twenty feet be-
low the surface; pure, bracing air,
entirely free from miasma or other I'M
healthy influences, with climate Pc
favorable for agricultural OPP
sratiOns.
All these considerable advantages
to make this beautiful and
fertile valley and these gently-swelling
slopes, especially attractive. The
Young farmer seeking home, who
mas few means beyond his own indus
Try and strong arms and willing hands
vherewith to carve it out, may here
ind free homestead orr Unite States
ands, or purchase at low prices, on
easy terms Of payment and
With a liberal discount for improve
nents, from the rsilrod company. Very
,ften he may thus purchase at relative
y cheaper prices than by taking a
practically free gift from the govern
ncnt of tract of land for his farm.
The parents of children who desire to
them in homes of their own.
n to re-establish their own or their
hildrcn's health failing, in less favor
d regions, may here exactly suit their
reeds. Here they will find associations
md convenicnces eqaal to those they
lesire to leave; schools as good, an al
eady comparatively wcll-scttled coun-
rp, with agreeable neighbors, and in
many sections considerable towns and
,ublic improvements along side of
heap and rich lands. The wcli-to-do
armer here, instead of his present
but small eastern farm.
nav procure q much larger tract, in
7hich he can put the plow TO work the
ay of his arrival hitler. and in short
ime may have better improved farmi {
han he before possessed. with the ext
enditure Of but small portion of hiss
loney: the balance he NAV safely5
scfully and proftably invest in stock
he sheep or stock farmer NAV here
nc extensive pastures available ths
ear round, with abundant water 81
and ALWAYS aud everywhere, with nj
eed TO feed his stock except durinl
le few weeks in which the usually
tort winter prevails; in fact, he her
nds the abundant grasses of the nortt
it'll the genial climate OF the south A
,ujoined for his advantage.
In conclusion we will unhesi;atingif
.clare that in the course of our life.
ID through extensive travel, embrae-
z almost the entire west, We have
en- no country SO inviting nor ore
ut offers so great inducements with
wer objections TO settlement than this {
cat valley Of the Arkansas, aud In So
vin1 Ills he whals story u told. iE