The Rugbeian. (Rugby, Morgan Co., Tenn.) 1881-1882, 1881-02-01
COM M II NICATION S.
Communicated By Visitor from New England

1t is but fair to say that did not visit Tennessee
with any intention of becoming settler, but simply
in search of rest and recreation, and mpeed by a
natural curiosity to see the beginnings of colony
in which both Old and New England have felt so
much interest At the same time was interested
in the question of climate, but inclined to be skep
teal regarding the great superiority of the Tableand
Notwithstanding the extravagan praise of the Boston
Bulletins And by appearing in December, secretly
hoped to steal march upon its perfection and to
find out-the truth The night of my arrival it did
seem as though had found out--the worst. At
Sedgemoor the rain had all the characteristics of
Scotch mist, and our night ride up to Rugby was a
slow progress through Slough of Despond.
But l soon found there were good and sufficient
reasons for the existence of the Slough, and all our
chagrin vanished as caught sight of the illumn-
ated 'rabard And, Notwithstanding this experience,
soon was forced to confess myself convert on the
subject of climate. On this point at least, the
Bulletins do not exaggerate; though one increduous
friend suggests reason for the low death rate
the Plateau that hitherto the population has been too
small to compute. However that may be, l could
not fail to notice the change from the seaboard the
heavy dampness of our winter days was gone, and
the air seemed equally exharating, while at the
temperature the cold was less penetrating than with
us, owing to the extreme dryness Of the atmosphere
Even the cold rainy days lost their chill, and the
bright sunny days were simply perfect.
Of course every newcomer to Rugby is chiefly
interested in the town. its ste the plans for its de-
veopment, and the progress made in the realization
of those plans. AS soon as had become familiar
with Rugby present and future, found my aten-
ton attracted to the surrounding country and its
inhabitants. And here the almost entire lack Of the
means of locomotion surprised me. There are but
very few roads, and those few simply cart paths
through the woods; but bride paths are sufficiently
numerous, and on horseback one can traverse the
country in every direction, save when the way is
barred by mountain stream, which winter rains
have swollen so as make it impossible. But the lack
of roads and bridges is explained as as one
makes the acquaintance of the mountaineers.
When the hunters came to these mountains, years
ago. they found that life could be supported by the
little labor necessary raise scanty crop of Indian
corn; for the corn-meal furnished them with bread
and the hogs which flourish on the mast and the
abundant game, gave continuous supply of flesh
and the wool from their Sheep when spun by the
women, suf6ced to clothe them. There was no
market which surplus products could be exchanged,
and why raise than absolutely necessary to
support life?
Naturally this system has vsiby affected the char
acter of the people. They have never had any in.
ducement to improve their farms, yet their character
is excellent. They are exceedingly peaceable, though
habitualy accustomed to the use of firearms and
ALL save perhaps some old hunters, who regret the
invasion of their ancient preserves, favor the advent
OF settlers Another marked trait is their hospitality
which is exceptional. Strangers whom they never
saw and may see again, they welcome with
the same cordially as an old friend, and however
short the larder may be, the guest is sure to get the
best it affords.
Their log cabins are often picturesque, especially
when black with age. Some Of them are plastered
with mud, but most of them delightfully."- airy. Yet
their cabins are by no means uncomfortable, and in
case of need NAV he well warmed from their huoe