Stevens County tribune. (Morris, Minn.) 1877-1880, 1878-09-26

A trip TO Alexandria, last week, amply
repaid US for the tiresome journey, as it at
forded an opportunity to see portion of
country new to us, and also gave US
chance for personally observing what pro-
gress had been made by the farmers in fin
ishing their fall work. The country for
the first few miles is slightly rolling prairie,
and is very similar to that in this immedi-
ate vicinity; after few miles ride over
this prairie, we entered the groves at the
/ ScanJia settlement. Here we find in the
comfortable houses, substantial! sheds,
barns, and graineries, evidences of an old
settlement, it also shows that their labors
have been crowned with success, and they
are now in comfortable circumstances.
After leaving this strip of timber, we again
found ourself on the prairie, but it is much
more rolling, and the farm houses do not
look as cosy, nor do they wear such an air
of thrift as they do when surrounded by
groves. But perhaps the chilly northwest
er biased our Judgment, for it was quite
chilly on the prairie and almost the reserve
in the timber So. perhaps, the prairie
looked more dreary than it would under
different circumstances. After driving
for ten or fifteen miles, we entered the Big
Woods at Oscar lake, and it being dinner
time, we stopped for an hour, and think
Mr.. Solberg can testify that prairie drive
such as we had is a great appetizer. Hun
gry-weil that is mild, very mild name
to give it. After this, it was up and down
hill through the timber, and it was treat
to us to have such drive. There is not
much opportunity here afforded of learn
| ing any thing of the farms, as every
thing is timber, and it is rarely farm is
| in full view. Arriving at our journeys
end, those who had not previously visited
this section were surprised agreeably So
at the size and appearance of Alexandria.
| 1t is situated on the banks of lake, or
lakes, thickly studded with timber, and is
beautiful location for town. The all
abs orbing topic, aside from politics, was
the railroad, and we are glad TO hear that
the prospects of its completion at an carly
date, was an assured fact. There are evil
dences of good management and energy
both in business blocks, dwelling houses,
churches, &C., but principally displayed in
the two fine school houses and handsome
and substantial court house. We took oc-
casion to visit the latter buildings. and
they are a credit to any county or town.
| w ipfO cd NV nf
| ty officials, that the court house was built
and paid for without issuing any bonds,
their being sufficient funds for the appropri
alton. Alexandria's future as an import
ant and prosperous village is assured, and
it only needs time, to build up and virtually
control much larger share of travel and
trade than she now does; this may be say
ing great deal, for the trade at this poin
is very large now. but as she has shrewd
and wide awake business men, her future
is safe in their hands. Along the entire
route the farmers were mostly all busy
blowing, though some were finishing thei
haying, the sudden ripening of the crops
having forced them into the harvest fielt
before sufficient hay had been secured
Little if any threshing has been done, ant
it was pleasant TO see the whole countr.
dotted with good sized stacks, as it CAV
assurance of bright outlook during tn
coming season, which was peculiarly graft
flying when we considered the meagre har
vests of the two previous years.
An interesting communication from
Browns Valley, is received to late for pub
LEGATION this week.
: Prairie fires have done considerable dam
age in the vicinity of Traverse and BIZ
Stone lakes.