, 1880-04-15
PUGET SOUND ARGUS.
EContinneh from first rage.l

Corn, tomatoes and melons 40 wen only
in favored localities. Peaches and grapes
have not yet been tried. Apples, pears,
plums cherries and small fruits OF the
finest varieties as to size and flavor grow
here. The writer picked II strawberry i'll
his garden last season that measured ,
inches in circumference.
We have various kinds oftinber, fir and
cedar being the most valuable. All the
land is more or less timbered, and costs
from $40 to $50 per acre to clear and put
under cultivation.
Living water Is found in nearly every
part OF the island by digging from to II
feet In most cases tile water is soft as
that OF the mountain stream and very
purc-no better in the world. There are
roads running to all parts of the Island;
no one need haul produce over l. y miles
to ship or sell the same. Boats will take
produce from any point around the ISL
and. But few running streams are here
tent) although stock ranging at large find
plenty of fresh water the dryest season.
The outside range for stock is good, bu;
will soon be cut off by the fencing in OF
the different claims, which last work is
progressing rapidly. We have two day
schools and two Sabbath schools OH the
island, with good attendance. Preaching
once month by Rev. L. J. Weekes, of
San Juan Island. The various branches
of the Christian churches are here repre-.
sented, and they unite under the leadership
of Mr.. Weekes. The bachelors of this isl
and, in common with the remainder OF lis
are interested in several temperance,
moral and religious reform movements,
and, be it said to their credit, contribute
literally to the support OF our schools and
Christian institutions. There has been mo
liquor sold on this island during the past
two years, and nineteen ont of every TWEEN
ty are advocates of temperance. Our So
ciety is indeed good, and morally and re.
ligiously considered, will compare favor
ably with any place on the Pacific coast.
There are no good mill sites. although we
hear OF parties claiming several good ones
during the winter months.
There are no wild beasts to molest our
stock. Deer are numerous; otter, mink,
and Coons constitute The entire list of our
wild animals. No skunks, weaseIs or
squirrels Of any kind, and no snakes ex-
cept the harmless striped kind are found
We have no lndians or Cinnamon, ard
no place for any. A more healthy local
ity can hardly be found in the world;
everybody Is contented, and there are but
few or no improved places for sale.
There is good opening for a black
smith here, but OF other mechanics we
have u supply. Wages OF farm hands are
from $40 to $50 per month, although the
supply OF laborers is greater than the de.
mand. Those seeking homes here will
find the inhabitants hospiiable aad ready
to render all the assistance In their pow
Although the above extract is taken
from a descriptive article written by an
actual resident OF Lopez Island, we feel
constrained to ieinark that We think it
slightly overdrawn in some respects. In
the main and most important points it Is
undoubtedly correct, yet there ARE few
dissatisfied settlers on the island. What
wonder that there should be? Many came.
without being fully advised as to the few
disadvantages of the Island, and. they
were consequently disappointed to some
extent. Some came without means TO
support them until their. claims became
productive, hence they became Involved
In debt to greater or less extent and are
correspondingly discouraged. Ye: even
this Is no particularly unfIvorabe COM
ment OIL the country. rs the richest and
most desirable localities In the United
States or In any other country would be
subject to just such conditions. Those who
have money enough 10 give them start
the first year or two generally get COM
fortabiy situated without much difficulty. !:
Being unable to present a minute de-
scription si each oi the Islands comprising
the San Juan group, We have devoted
liberal amount ofspace to Lopez regard
Ing it as tair sample Of the others. I'm
proved land can be purchased on perhaps
any OF tie Islands at reasonable prices.
Many Of the settlers aie anxiou to have
families occupy the lands at present owned
BY bachelors, and especially would the
county be henefittetl by the exchange of
Its poorer Settlers for new ones with more
money Tor developing the country.
We may mention the smaller isianCla as