Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-05-23
Letter from Colorado.


bountifully bestowed upon southern
Colorado. 1 have never seen a more
genial winter or more brilliant sun
shine. But since spring has set in
there has been great change. April
had more cold and windy days than
the four preceding months collectively
and now, on the 9Th of May, we have
twelve inches of snow on the ground
and steady Christmas out pour from
the heavens.
| But this very snow that seems so in.
congruous, and sends chill through
ones marrow, delights the Colorado
ranchmen, as it insures good crops
This light, porous soil possesses the
power of retaining moisture in a re-
markable degree. The rainy season
begins early in the summer. If the
showers are not sufficient, the snow
melting on the mountains fills the little
streams, enabling the ranchmen to dig
sacas and irrigate.
NSometimes these sacas are miles in
,enSfS: the ranches nearest the head of
the stresH having the first use of the
water.
Irrigation is rathei curious to the un-
initiated, though the cust0mas Y as ola as
time. From the main SAGA sm8ll sacas
are dug in straight lines across the gaf4
den or field, and the water allowed to
flow over the whole ground for several
hours. This is done about twice sea.
sou, and if properly attended to, the
crops cannot fail!
| Rosita is not as f1ourishing as 1t has
been, owing to the cessation of several
large mines. Quite number have be-
! come discouraged, and are preparing to
leave. This is an untailing feature Of a
mining camp, and does not detract one
iots from the real value of the mines.
Since these large mines, referred to-
above, have shut down, several grand
strikes are reported in new mines that
will cause our population and busin ess
to increase. Two dry-gOods houses are
again in San Diego, but in their place
the other millinery and notion store,
both carrying the best stock of goods in
their line.
The public schools have just closed.
But for low state of funds they would
have continued several months longer
The closing exercises were most inter-
esting. Mr.. Barker, prominent citi-
zen, who has several children in school.
presented Prof. McGintry with beau.
tiful gold pen as a token of love and re-
spect from his pupils.
We had an interesting visit from
Bishop Spaulding last month, accompa-
MED by the Rev. Mr. Gaynor, of Silver
Cliff, and several other clergy men.
Rev. Francis Byrne, the residing
clergyman, has beeen with us now sew
erral months. He is the father and
founder of the church in southern Col.
orado. We cannot congratulate our
selves too highly upon securing the SER
vices of this pure and holy man. Though
laboring under great difficulties, he has
awakened an interest in religion that
was never felt IN Rosita before.
A sociable was given in the town hall
last Thursday night by the ladies of the
Episcopal church, which was we'll at
tended and the result very handsome.
The intention is to repaint and other
wise adOrn our already very comfortable
church.
The town presented lively spectacle
last Wednesday, and one that I don't
think that shall ever actively partici-
pate in again. refer to the election of
school officers. The ladies were allowed
to vote! It is needless to say they elect
ed their man; but it was strong work,
and the cause of much merriment.
I received yesterday letter from Ev-
ereit Donaghe, Esq, formerly employed
in the SPECTATOR Office. He is in Rs-
ton, New Mexico; is assistant editor of
the Ration Guard; also a real estate
agent, and is much pleased with his
new quarters
Nicholas Trout, Esq, formerly of
Staunton, was in town last week seeing
after some important mining interests
here. He looks well, and has taken
hold of Colorado with a grip that in
sures success.
Occasionally a beautiful wedding
card wings its way to the far West from
Staunton, showing that the young men
and maidens at least are not materially
changed since Teunyson's beautiful po-
em was written!
At this season particularly one longs
for home. Imagine no blossoms-no
fruits-no leaves-just snow and blank
cts in May. Whatever else Colorado
may be, and it is the best country in the
world for poor people, it can never,
never compare in beauty and loveliness
with old Virginia. IN"