Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-05-31

EFFECTS OF THE TIMBER CULTURE LAW IN
KANsAs-FARMERs BREAKING UP TIRE CATTLE
RANGEs-A MODERN EDEN AT wICHIrA-A
BOON IN REAL ESTATE, AND ONE FOR ARTHUR
Correspondence OF TIRE EVENING STAR.
WICHITA. KANSAS, May %, 1884.
From North Platte, Neb., l proceeded to
Denver, Col. The country one passes through
is most desolate, but it appears to be just the
place for stock. The soil is so largely composed
of alkali that it will never be used for agricul-
tural purposes, and so the stock men will be
left atone in their glory. at $50 pm. We ar
rived at Denver. The city viewed by the
glow ofthe electric light is very handsome and
daylight does not decrease its beauty. The
sidewalks are well paved. the business blocks
churches and public buildings imposing In
appearance. The Tabor opera house is indeed
worthy of extravagant praise. Some of the
residences are extremely elegant, especially this
is the case on Capitol Hill. The views of the
Rocky Mountains are grand. From the hill the
sight of their peaks, clad with eternal snow,
inspire one with enthusiasm impossible to de-
scribe. During the day spent in Denver we
had warm spring sunshine, shower snow, and
toward night cold wind blowing direct from
the mountains. In fact. the weather ia about as
varied as the bill OF fare at the st. James. was
fortunate In forming the acquaintance of Mrs.
E. J. Brooks and daughter. who are well known
in Washington.
GARDEN CITY.
From Denver / came south and east over the
D. and r. G., and A. 7. and s. F. railroads to
Garden City. My first impression was that it
was called Garden City because there were no
gardens, but a better acquaintance with the
place inciines me very favorably to it. drove
out last evening to a farm, about two miles
from town, and it was surprising to see what
partial irrigation and cultivation would pro-
duce. Here was fine orchard Of apple and
peach trees. both giving every promise OF an
abundant crop. vineyard. of which the grapes
are said to be large and fine Mildew ia I'M
known. Strawberry beds. luXuriant fields of
wheat and alfalfa lent charming aspect to the
view, and in the distance flowed the shining Ar
kansas. This morning rode up on the high
lands away from the river and In all directions
the country is being developed agriculturaly,
which indicates that people have come here to
stay. Wherever it is possible to irrigate the
soil the farmers are eager to purchase. The
crops raised are said to be enormous. / was
told by parties, whom i consider reliable that
one acre of land had produced at one crop
over GOO bushels OF sweet potatoes. Wheat and
oats are considered good crops to grow. but corn
does not do so well owing to the cold nights.
The country is slightly rolling and the presence
OF numerous young cottOnw God groves adds
much to the general appearance. Cottonwood
grows rankfy. was shown three year trees
which were six inches In diameter and stakes
are cut of that size and planted in the ground,
watercd. and make in one year good trees.
This sounds incredible, but am assured it is a
fact.
Stock does well here but the ranges near the
town are much interfered with by the farmers.
New houses are sprnging up like mushrooms
in all directions aud the price of property is rap
idly advancing.
Mr.. H. P. Myton, the register of the U. S.
land Office here, is young man Of agreeable
manners and energetic business habits. The
local paper is managed by Mr.. A. Bennett, who
was formerly of Washington.
LARNED.
From Garden City followed the A. T. and 8.
F. r. r. to Larned Kansas. visited Larned
in the summer OF 1873. and am surprised at the
growth and improvement of the place. Brick
and stone buildings have taken the place of the
frame houses that formerly gave to the town a
cheap and undesirable appearance. The land
about the city has also been much improved
and the prairie is dotted with groves of cotton
woods. which have sprung up since my last visit.
While 1t is my opinion that the so-called timber
culture act should be repealed one cannot but
admit that Kansas has to-day thousands of acres
OF timber which are the result of that law. As
rule, however, think that land entered as
tree claims" is held mainly for the purpose Of
speculation. 1t is seldom the trees can be made
".
the long, severe drouths to which this country
Is subject Is an obstacle to tree culture which is
seldom overcome The people of the west are
facetlous. Quite recently one of them stated in
an affidavit that he had tried his best to comply
with the law and make his trees grow 'but
God Almighty and the hot winds beat him"
Vegetation withers in the breath of these terri
Bile parching winds as though it blew from the
Desert of Sahara. Notwithstanding this, how
ever. the country is settling rapidly; indeed the
m m lie mi 10
plate. and the cattle-men, who require extensive
ranges. are being broken up by the farmers
Miles of the vacant public land is fenced by the
stockmen, and the Interior department has
special agents for the express purpose of break
ing up these ranches, SO that actual settlers may
occupy the land. / am inclined to think, how
ever. that farming In this country will never be
profitable unless 1t can be irrigated. / met
many men who are anxious TO Sell out and get
away.
STOCK RAISING
Is certainly profitable when conducted By expe-
rienced men. and think that it will eventually
happen that this land will be used almost exclu-
sively for that purpose recent pre-emptor of
the public lands, being duly sworn, stated that
he was the head of a family, which consisted of
"himself, wife, and at the last round up' of
twelve children" The language Of the COWBOY
Is everywhere employed. 1t is stated on good
authority that the profits Of stock raising are in
many instances as high as forty per centum, and
yet Kansas Is importing stock constantly /
think that after time there will be q reaction
In this business and it will not be so lucrative;
but capital Is constantly pouring into the state
to be used for this end.
At Larned met DR.. Wilson and wife Judge
W. r. Brown. formerly Representative from this
district and now register OF the United States
Land office; Nh. Frank Medberry, who was a
clerk in the Pension office; also Mr. @. A. Nor
ris, who has many friends In Washington. Capt
Morris and his lady gave large party on the
evening of the 18th instant in honor OF their
daughter Anaa's eighteenth birthday.
LOVELY WICHITA.
Leaving Larned, a few hours ride brought me
to Wichita, fine thriving town situated in the
valley of the Arkansas river In the southeastern
part of the state. A lovely uxuriant little city,
do not wonder that all unite in singing its
praises. Here, for the first time since entered
Kansas, from the western part Of the state, l be-
held trees grasses, roses, corn, wheat, oats. &c,
growing almost spontaneously; that is the requi-
site moisture and fertility Of the soil are here
The residences Of the town are fine In many in
stances and almost EMPOWERED In trees. Straw
berry plants look like those we obtain from nur-
serymen; they are so thrifty. Real estate has
taken prodigious boOm-lots worth year ago
1925 per acre are now worth $500, and with
farming lands prices have advance proportion
ately. One gentleman purchased two years ago
100 acres for 81 900. He has already collected
$500 from two railroads that have run through
1t, and is holding the remainder at g, 600, with
good prospects OF getting his price. The night