The Rugbeian and district reporter. (Rugby, Tenn.) 1882-1883, 1882-11-25
A VISIT TO MISSION RIDGE,
To tho Editor of the Rogbeian,

S"' VA va 4h'oololi hiuSc, CuaItduUOSd, ny Mt.
Walton and myself, with reference to the fruit
industry that Is so rapidly developing in tins
historic region. AT the outset let me acknow-
ledge our deep obligation to Mr.. Bennett, who
is the President of the Fruit Growers Asso-
citation, and whose courtesy will not be soon
forgotten. We visited the ridge in response
to hearty invitation from this gentleman,
given US at Monteagle with a kindness that's
evidently characteristic, from its unobtrusve
Spontanelty. We were met at Chattanooga,
driven over the ridge, and introduced to
several members OF the Association, and
landed at Mr.. Benefits residence and shared
that hospitality for which Mrs. Bennett is
proverblal, and leaves the impression 1--WE
have been there and still would go" indullbly
impressed upon our minds.
believe am perfectly correct in stating
that this tlourshlng industry, which lis now
bringing the region into public notolety for
the second time, is due to the far sighted
Judgment of Mr.. Bennett he first cracked
this STRAW berry egg," and led the way-a
pioneer in peaches and grapes. This entire
region is rich in thrilling associations. On
either side of the. road are distinct traces OF
the strife that swept over this region twenty
years ago. There are earth works, here, rifle
pits, some filled up. but the reedy Show
indicates their place and size; while yonder
IS fort once belching forth fire and
smoke, but now being quietly carted away
to form brick houses Tor peaceful citizens
The view from the ridge is magnificent. At
our feet lies the plain upon which the city is
built, once covered with armed men, fighting
for cherished ideas, love and life. Beyond hes
the growing city of Chattanooga whose people
well know how to entertain strangers and
whose network of railroads feels the CONNER cla.
pulse Of the States. Northward and below
glints the Tennessee river, flowing with silver
sheen along the rolling valley, Look out
Mountain, like grim sentinel Watching the
city from the west, silent now but once
disturbed by the thunder OF cannon the whz-
zing bullet and the shouts of those who strove
for the mastery. 70 the right is Orchard
Grove, the headquarters Of the puguaclous
Grant, who, silent and watchful, watched the
ebb and flow of battle: while on the ridge,
under a spreading tree, stood the gallant
Bragg, striving to seize the coign of vantage
and in the distance, the rolling land, where the
splendid strategy of Thomas and hislndomitable
braves rolled back the tide of battle Midway
in the plain, on lovely knoll. stands the lovely
Military Cemetery, with its green-sward and
marbes-a nations graceful tribute to its
heroic dead and the tender Arc which is
s>yusss~s.,,,--.se rrafs s..irc-,Jtf
she love with which phe American People cherlsi
the memory of their chivalric sons. Traces o
fierce conflict are everywhere visible; Mr.. Ben
nett's house is built Oh the site of Confederate
battery, the trees show traces of the hot can
nonade, while everywhere on the ridge rellct
r in the form Of bullets, bayoncts, swords ant
skulls may'stlll afford congcnial employment
to relict- hunters and others. Mission Rldg
is covered with ferrugnous soil, OVERLAPPING
fine clay on magnetism limestone. 1t
adhesive and sticks to the boots so peril
naciously as to call forth the anathemaS Q
the woolly headed shoeblacks. Possibly tn
presence of iron in the soil may to some exten
account for the flavor and beauty Of the truI
which is here produced,
few years ago, not exceeding five, thi
entire ridge might have been bought for a
old song. We were shown farm of 80 acre
! which three years since was bought for $40
and subsequently sold for $4,000, and tn
fortunate owner thereof has since quietl
. refused IS, O0O Here there are no sellers
but BUYERS abound those who have bough
hold to their property like mussels to the rocl
, the more you pull the tighter they cling-wis
men, all of them, they delve. and sell, al
make great gain. Give years ago, the ship
, ment of fruit from Chattanooga was almo,
unknown, and not until the past three yeal
:, had it attained sufficient Importance to exclt
remark, but its marvellous growth now rouse
the wonder of the community and we fail
conceive what it may finally reach (vid
Weekly TimeS).
Mr.. Bennett cultivates As acres in peach{
and plums, Is acres in grapes, and seven acre
in strawberries. These orchards are in prim
condition; the strawberries looked particular
fine and in strong leaf. have heard a leger
of youngster who was recently working
this same strawberry patch, who found so la
as November, six or eight fine ripe strawberrie
and which this Vandalc youngster deliberate
5 ate The shipment of fruit from the
i orchards is remarkable: the figures appel
o are the exact numbers for this season. taxi
3 from the books of the Express Company al
It do not include the daily consumption
" Chattanooga:
Peaches. ...... l47, l69fb value SIS, 733. 20
Strawberries. l43,o22tb e, 1882 20
Blackberries. 73,07ffb ~ 5.S45. so
y Grapes ......... l02,o20D - ll,523 30
10 Tomatoes lbs i2lib IL 233 6S