The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1876-08-17

that we were fortunate, and began TO look
about for means of anausem ent. and actually |
managed to exc considerable ghostly sport
out of the situation. The fare consisted
chiefly of hot biscuit three times day,
pancakes, bacon cookies and coffee without !
milk or cream-not particularly encouraging
for the dyspepticaly inclined. Small matters,
however, could well be overlooked in coun-
try of such wonderful advantages as the
circular set forth.
We lived thus apart for week, AID then
concluded that three could keep jolly to bet
ter advantage, by living together. Il did not
seem wise TO scatter forces al such time, II
1t could possibly be avoided By further
negotiation at the cottages, it was decided to
allow us to board together, and so, making
the most plausible pretezt possible, We ex
cused ourselves from the shaIty, paid our
bills, and with the aid Of an OK team, moved
our trunks again. Now at last We were In
comparative clover! TIE hostess was noble
seli-sacrifising christian woman, and her
influence in this benighted region has been
like light in thetdarkness. She is the super
Tor other husband in sterliag qualities Oh
char cter, especially in conscientious regard
fer the comfort of new corners. He IS man
of considerable intelligence, has tra7e'ed
enough to gain smattering Of everything
thoroughly absorbed in the work OF making
the wilderness blossom, a soft money repuo-
licaR! and most uncomfortable and nnsatls-
factory man in conversation. No opinion is
of consequence but his own, and nothing can
be said, or incident related. but it immedl rat
ely suggests something more wonderful or
startling with which he has been connected.
But the theme of most unIntermittent dis
course is this wonderful country, its produc-
ing capacity, its corn. cabbages, beets and
grass. whole season of this rattleheaded
discourse, has failed to produce any impress
ion save that of an egotiat!cal bore, and he's
not kindled any enthusiasm at all. so much
for pewerse and unappreciative human
nature!
The country itself is as beautiful and attractive
as nature in the rough can well be. 1t is mostly
covered with forest growth. and remarkably cleac
of urderbrush, owing to frequent burning to make
IL suitable for the ranging of stock Here and
there are small clearlngs which are called "farnls,
though it requires considerable dilie eut search
ing to find them out. These clearings consist o.
from ten to twenty and even thirty forty acres.
The quickest way to make a farm, and the one of.
tenest practiced, is to t'Geaden" the trees by
girdling. This saves the trouble and expense of
hauling OFF the timber, and answers very we'll
when people care nothing for appearances, AS
these trees die, it gives entrance to the sunlight,
and By scratching up the ground between them,
crops Of corn potatoes, and even OF rye, oats and
other grairs may be raised. Corn is the staple
! product at present, corr bread or 'Shoccake be-
ing the principal food OF the average native some
grass has been cultivated and grows well, but in
general it is scarce, as indeed everything else.
There is no doubt that the land is capable OF pro-
ducing all the crops raised farther north, but
more enterprise will be required TO bring this
about than is possessed by the native population.
Land is cheap-can be had for two or three dol
lars per acre, and poorer people from the lower
country have been led to purchase here, where by
little expense and considerable hard work to be
gin with, it ia possible to make living for them
| selves and families,-no small ching when che
lavish numbers which make up most of these
families are considered. Some have come tor
health, and have met several who are apparent
ly healthy and we'll, who have said that they could
not have lived elsewhere. can well believe most
of what it said in reference to the heathnspiring
character of the climate
The country is also rich in mineral resources
but there is little no capital here to be inverted
in mining, and no railroad facilities whatever.
There is some prospect that Western North
Carolina Railroad may be built within few years,
possibly sooner 1t is greatly needed, and the
country cannot we'll be developed until 1t is con-
structed, or some other which shall be within
reasonable distance Next to education, this is
perhaps the greatest need Of the country. SIEVE
raj mica mines are already worked on small
scale. The country abounds in this mineral, or
the very best quality, and capitalists would DO
well to examine the possibilities IL this direction
Corundum also is plenty and iron, copper, lead
and gold are found in promising quantities. Z
have seen several specimens of the finest varie-
ties of marble, which is plentiful. Brains, CAPT
tai. and railroad facilities would soon prove that
the mountain regions Of Western North Carolina
are among the richest sections of the country In
mineral resources.
The natural scenery, IN many teSpects' 10 a'i
that could be desired. There is no reason why
this may not ultimately become resort for pleas
ule seekers, provided the country fills up
with northern settlers, and suitable accommoda-
lions provided. A hotel is imperattvelS needed,
first of ALL and there ia faint prospect that one
may be erected during the coming year Many
would be glad to come here during the summer
months from southern cities and plantations. and
nottheners could hardly ind more romantic
MACE. so far as nature is concerned, while the
elevation insures comfortable weather during
most Of the season at least
But whatever may be the possibilities OF the
country there is little to attract present, unless
new corners can ignore all social necessities and
are willing to begin at the very bottom. There are
hardly more than three or four families for miles