The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1876-03-16

been used for transporting supplies
to the Rio Grande for the army.
During the time he has been in the
business he has raised and sold to
showmen and others two hundred
camels, at prices ranging from $3.50
to $3.50 each. They are of the ordi-
nary African or Humpback species,
seen in circuses, Geological Gardens,
and Parks. They live on Mesquite
grass, and Prickly Pear, and in this
climate are as easily raised as other
animals. They are not troubled aunt
ing water, as they live for months
without drinking a drop. Mr.. Coop
wood assured me that for four months
his camels did not drink at all. bua
this is explained by the fact ths; t,.sss5s3
live to very great extent upon the
Prickly Pelr, which is said to be
so per cent. water.
The Mexicans feed this same plant
to their oxen and mules, first scorch-
ing it enough to wilt the stickers,
which are from one to two inches
long, so that the animal can eat it.
The camel takes it as he finds it,
stickers and all. We were shown
some fine blankets made Of camels'
hair. For lap robes they cannot be
excelled
/ CASHMERE GOATS
are raise extensively in Texas.
We saw drove at Mountain City of
about $50, young and old. They
are she lrel twice yeac, as sheep
are also here, AMI yield from one to
four pounds of wool, which is at
present worth sixty cents per pound.
The kids make fine mutton,
and is sold in market, it is said, un-
der that name.
| MARDI GRAS.
| We had hoped to be in Galveston
or New Orleans. to witness the
great festival, but had to be content
ed with a small demonstration at
New Brlunfels, 5) miles south of
Austin.
This festival, which of late years
has reached 50 m1ch distinction in
the South, anl has even m17el
North hundreds of miles, is of old ori-
gin. We are informed that it is very
generally observed an has been for
centuries in Europe. Shrove Tues
day, the last dsy before Lent, is the
day for its observance.
From a religious OCCASION it has
become season OF fun an I frolic, in
fact, it has become regular ''Jambo-
ree day, when business and steady
habits give place to play, and in
many places to terrible dissipation.
CROPS.
We have inst arrived in the old
City of San Antonio, after a ride of !
eighty FIVE miles overland from Aus
tin.
We saw some very good farms
and farming lands On the way
Wheat and Oats look well. Corn
is being planted, and we have seen
it up aud growing finely already.
The principal objection which we
find to the country through which we
passed is the scarcity of water for
stock and farming purposes, and the
scarcity Of good timber.
There is plenty of timber in many
places, such as it is, but that is Of
poor sort.
Mesquite, live oak and cedar is
the timber usually seen, and that is
of very small growth.
The fences are mostly of cedar.
Some are of the worm pattan,
but mostly picket, with wire at top
to hold together.
We have also seen considerable wire
fence.
PERSONAL.
We have met several OF our own,
and few OF other peoples relatives
in Texas. In Galveston we met the
brother of Philip Jeans, and in Aus
tin Mr.. Orr, the brother of NJ. Orr,
of HiIlsboro. Also in Austin, Mr..
Martin Hughey and brother, Of old
Highland. The latter named gen
tlemen have probably reached Hills
boro by this time, and could no
GO1bt fell yo1 marc aiOTIt Teyas