, 1877-11-23
rnI1OI&AG-ChGREsP0NDESCE
Kasessasa&Ir RIVER.

Conner, a good opportunity TO eIer-
ciss muscle at rowing was not neg
I,c,ed. We were very agrsestly /
surprised, upon reaching the latter !
rI,ce. to notice the marked degree |
Of progress and improvement since
our las, ,,2t4. ce,rr.
b,. much upon which to b a.e its
claims for a pourisbing town, chief
,morg whichdsthe fact that tits sur.
rounded by q large body of fine
farminSyiEAdS pl,fact of the most
fruitful soil in the Territory. a
feature, however, deprsciating some.
what the prospect Of a rapid dsvel.
tbe tpsa fact ,h.sf4om majority of
the set!lhYtuDa aSni,y are not
practical farmers, many OF them be
ing men who, after rowing over the
world, during the best period of their
lives, have finally settled down to
"1""se%n'ea1ss9fqsyy2skre Re several ere S,.aS years
in learning how to farm prohtably,
while enterprising and practical farm.
ers fr61llfssMand Iowa, would
get rich slongF4f of them.
THE skAGIT VALLEY
embraces larger body of first class
agricultural land than any other in
the Puget Sound basin. 1t is fast
being settled,qp and brought under
cultivation, ahd the immense crops
of grain which are being annually
harve stedl uest the fruitfnlness Of
the soil. The large tide fats near
the salt, water, have been formed by
the alluvial deposits from the river.
These lands are very rich and ex-
tend from the highlands on the south
side -sf-tAe valley across to the Saa.
misb, including the famous Swino-
mish flats.
From I.aConner, we went to Stan
wood, on the stoIoguamish river.
This thrifty looking little town has
heeEstarted on the banks Of beau
tiful navigable stream; and, like its
sister towns, anticipates support
from the surrounding farming settle
ment. The marsh at the mouth of
this river is merely an extension Of
that formed by the Skagit Here
are a few farmers approx ching state
of independence in their business
which can only come after persever-
ing industry among favorable sur
roundings. The most Of them de-
vote their entire time and money
to the sole occupation Of farm
ing, however the adjacent lumber
woods are by no means neglected.
Mr.. VIM. b. Moore, besides conduct
ing a large farm with that success
which is marked by comfortable
dwelling, good fences, fne-looking
stock, etc, has hauled a large amount
Of saw.logs, doing rather an exten
sive business in each line of action.
Mr.. Moore is rs untiring and ambi
tions in his efforts as he 10 pleasant
and entertaining in conversation.
Mr.. Oliver has q very favorable 10
cation; and, We believe, intends tol
turn his entire attention TO darying.
Mr.. Ovenell has lived here several
years, aud the prosperous condition
OF bis farm shows that skill has not
been wanting in its management.
Itissaid that a very large amount
OF good farming land lies yet un.
touched by settlers, up the valley Of
the Stuloguamish river. Like most
other rivers, th,s one has'its Jam
which ms.i be removed before The
rich bottom land sbove it can reach
iis proper valuation. IL seems un-
fortansie that the attention Of Con
gress has never vet been properly
directed % she value Of these lands,
and she u.cessity of appropriations 30
rsmovs obstructious in The rivers.
From lhis place ~s made our way up
ths sasta Ora Of tbs SEagii rVsrs
passing settlers ia oil grades % pro
gr-ss irum the slaAfter In BIS saaniy
n ths wsl go.aa coaniry farmsS ia
be tsslinE. unsi ne stachss whas
has bss1 8ahissd
eNAarr CRY.
Af.sr looting arean3 iug soms
tms In ths sabaras, eAd wAfing
sssfst o. she Citr. ws u0aessdea
thst 4 ~ns oumpas.d e ssbgrnt.
ID a stssa~d nhoai sA niles above
10 uo@fA az tAs saafh issE, on tas
uPpsr sospsr cf she Gslsa, and has
Flsuty fuSz ~ spfsMe snd gfuv iu
a. a,rsrIoua kf pssia horus,