The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1876-09-07
Trip to tho Mounsasns',., =
THE MoUNTAIN RANGE.

81 THG MOUNTAIN RANGE.
Strange to say ySthe range In this mouatasti
region is yearly becoming less and less val,
liable, although the number Of cattle and
ether stock fesding upon eStensiyo pastures
is not sufficient to aceotint for the deteriOras
tion in the value. Col Nimmons thinks il is
partly owing to the fact that tho range isSuot
burnt of 80 regularly and extensively as
formerly. But If the increasing scantiness Of
the mountain range should force the farmers
of that locality TO substitute the improved
grasses, such as clover, herds grass, orchard
grass, and last but not least, the BSrmtda or
Tom Bell grass, ON their sterile hill eides, for
the native wild grasses, the transmutation
will bring to that region 9f country ON sgri-
cultural development and Improvement, far
ahead of anything in the past. Strange to
say, We did not see single clover patch on
our whole route, although the climate and soil
of Piokens is surely peculiarly adapted 10 the
lproduction Of this valuable plant. Let the
farmers Of that region but make the expert
ment fairly, and they will be more than saa
tisfed with the results.
DIsTILLINo.
The practice of illicit distilling is evidently
on the wSne, and the good men Of the County
are anxious that it shall entirely cease. To
effect this desirable reform, however, it is be-
lieved that it will be necessary to establish q
Isuficient number Of licensed distilleries TO
meet the demands of the country. This would
be a great mitigation of the evils Of the pres
lent system. Situated as those people are,
remote from market, hemmed in by rugged
mountains, over which it would be impracti-
cable to transport large quantities of grain
by wagon, it is not strange that they should
(evidently turn to the distillation Of grain, as
the quickest and most profitable way Of turn
ing their grain into money. We are not now
discussing the morality Of the question, but
looking at it in its business aspects, which,
after all, will for many years at least, be the
controlling principle governing the noun
Itaineers as it does the rest of mankind. The
distillation of grain to the hardy mountaineer,
is almost as great necessity for the making
of money, as the raising Of cotton is to the
low lander. Gradually, however, there as
here, when agriculture becomes diversified,
and new and improved methods are adopted,
distilling in the mountains nor cotton raising
in the low lands will not be so general nor so
necessary to their financial prosperity. So
mote it be. ....... ..-- r.
LARGE TREE.
In the yard of Col. Nimmons, stands very
large pecan tree, the spreading limbs on op-
posite sides measuring some 25 yards across,
and the body of the tree, measuring some two
| 10 %,
when Col. Nimmons first moved to the place,
it was small tree, not larger than the body
of small man. The tree bears fruit, and
affords ,ls ? dense shade during the hot summer
with his numerous guests, can Sit and talk Of
matters and things in generaL$
On the farm of Col. NimmonsA We saw the
best matured cotton we had sesSh anywhere
since we left home. On the barn I>feld, as he
calls it, some years go go, he mads'tW0 Ieaxy
,hasgs-6f cotton, weighing 500 pounds each,
ON sixty three rows, averaging about 100
yards long. Pretty well done for the noun
tains.
THE PEABODY INSTITUTE AT NINE TIMEs.
A very encouraging feature in the past
history Of the people of this region is their
attempt year ago, to establish an Academy
of high order, under the patronage of the
Peabody fund. Although unsuccessful in this
attempt, yet we would say to the Eastatoe
people, persevere in your efforts in the cause
of education. and, sooner or later, by your
own energy and perseverance, you will see
rising up in your midst, q school Of o high
order, where your sons and your daughters
may be thoroughly educated at home.
T. II. r.