The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1875-05-13

duIitv of eastern men. No doubt,
dense forests would have generations
since covered these rich rolling prai-
ries, but for the destructive of fires
that annually swept over them. But
it is much cheaper, better and quicker
to build up homes and make farms
here than it was for our forefathers
east and north, who were compelled to
first remove heavy forests from the
grounds. For fencing the Usage Orange
as hedge will in time be the univer-
sal fence. Cheap, sure and efficient as
a fence. wind break for stock and
relief to the eye, most of our farmers
arc already growing such fences, not
withstanding the .'herd law which
compels every man TO take care of his
own stock.
WATER.
1t has been widely supposed that
central and 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 are concerned, is exploded. If
springs and water-courses in whose
channels aquatic plants, needing for
their existence constant moisture: if
frequently-occurring streams; if rains
frequently occurring and copiously de-
scending: if all these are proofs, then
there is abundant testimony that all
through the valley there is ample rain
fan. in fact, after all that has been
written Of the Arkansas river. it 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 drive wells" or tube wells
are universally used. They consist of
a tube of galvanized iron, with steel
point, the lower end of the tube hav-
ing holes on the sides, around which is
wrapped a piece of wire gauzc for a
strainer, this pipe is driven into the
ground, through a hole in the kitchen
floor if desired, or wherever indication
dictates, and water is reached at a
depth Of from six to fifteen feet. A
pump is placed upon the pipe and in
an hours time a boundless supply of
pure, cold, healthy water is obtained. |
HEALTHFULNEss.
Here is q county in which malaria
finds 10 conditions favorable to its ex-
lstcnce. Stagnant water is not to be |
found either on or beneath the surface. |
The air, too, is in constant motion a
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 |
breeZes also afford unlimited |
and valuable power for windmills of
every description or for all purposes.
CLIMATE.
Here is climate which exactly meets
the requirements of the agriculturast,
he be farmer, orchardist.
or shepherd. In early spring,
when the soil is freed from the slender
grasp Of what little frost it is subject
10 during the short winter, it is in adj
condition for blowing and
for crops. Then comes
season of rains and showers, which
asts into July, when only occasional
showers occur to Interfere with har-
resting operations.
COAL, ROCK AND CLAY.
There is no longer any uncertainty
Is TO the discovery of coal in this val
ey. 1t has been found in several places,
md there is not the least doubt that it
viii be developed in such quantities as
o supply fuel at very low rates. A
est is being made at Wichita with a
irill for coal. One small vein has been
passed through at a depth of forty or
iity feet. The present supply is fur
lished by the railroad at from twenty
i've TO thirty-five cents per bushel.
Rock is not SO abundant as to be troub-
esomc, as i'll some places in eastern
but it is found in quantities
efficient for building purposes. Clay,
uitable for brick making, is abundant,
nd the best quality of sand being
accessible, there is no lack
# excellent building material.
GYPSUM.
Should constant cultivation ever de-
elop the fact in this valley, which is
III all other countries in the
World, that fertilizers must first or last
C applied to all lands which are not
ubject 20 overflow, if farms are to be
ept up to their original state of pro-
uctiveness, have a never failing sup
ly III the vast gypsum beds which in
erscct the valley in this and adjoining
ounties. 1t is unsurpassed in quality |
nd inexhaustable in amount. When
roken to pieces and ground in mill
becomes the ''land plaster" of COM
lerce, which sells for ten dollars ton
4 eastern cities.
TOWNS.
That portion of the valley of which
re have been more particularly speak
lg-an area of fifty by ono hundred
liles-boasts of many fine and -four
'hing towns. where mechanics or
'adesmen may find splendid locations,
nd where all may find churches, school T
ouses, printing presses and refined |
nd intelligent society. We may men-
on Hutchinson, the county seat of
emo county: Newton, the county seat
Harvey; Wichita, the county seat of
edgwick Wellington, the county seat
fSumncr: Eldorado, the county seat of
utter; and Windfeld, the county seat
Cowlev, besides Arkansas City, Ok
,rd, Belle Plain, FL Paso. Caldwell,
edgwick City, Medicine Lodge and
lany others, all of them growing and
DING an active business.
Such is the superficial character of
ne Arkansas valley in the central parts
the state, and the valleys of its east
n tributaries. In conjunction with
lis favorable surface, is the richest
iii, susceptible of the easiest cultiva-
on; abundant flowing water from
brings and streams; the sweetest fla
Ored and most wholesome water in
ellis in permanent supply at an aver A
&c depth of fifteen to twenty feet be- A
w the surface; a pure, bracing air, J
ltirely free from miasma or other I'M s
ealthy influences, with climate pc
iiiarly favorable for agricultural OPP
'ations.
All these considerable advantages
,mbine to make this beautiful and
rifle valley and these gently-swelling
opes, especially attractive. The
)ung farmer seeking a home, who
rs few means beyond his own indus
V and strong arms and willing hands
herewith to carve it out, may here
I'd q free homestead on Unite States
nds, or purchase at low prices, on 70
easy terms of payment and
it'll a liberal discount for improve
ents, from the railrod company. Very
ten he may thus purchase at relative
cheaper prices than by taking
free gift from the govern
ent of a tract of land for his farm. C.,
he parents of children who desire to
tablish them in homes of their own.
to re-establish their own or their
ildren's health failing, in less favor
regions, may here exactly suit their
eds. Here they will find associations
ID conveniences equal to those they
sire to leave; schools as good, an al