St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1884-09-20

we'll and were better system OF
culture developed, more labor-sav-
ing machinery introduced, and more
brain-work evoked, the increase of
production would be very great.
The land is gently undulating, not
liable to wash from flooding rains, is
easy of cultivation, and susceptible
of perfect drainage with little cost Of
labor. The streams afford an album
dance of water for stock, and the
prairie luxuriant growth of grass
for their support. To the north ex-
tends a heavy forest growth, break
ing off from both man and beast the
chilling blast of winter and, at the
same time, affords grateful retreat
from the heat of summer.
Hay of an excellent quality can
be made from this prairie grass, and
in quantities to supply dense pop
ulation, and leave a large surplus for
expectation. Men used to the la
bor-sa7ing machines Of the North
and West, and combining Herewith
practical knowledge Of curing and
preparing this article of commerce,
has presented to them a sure and
profitable business.
Swine in great numbers can be
raised, and at small expense-the
oak forests affording a heavy mast.
The mildness Of our climate, facility
for procuring salt, and easy access
for market, combining to render this
most lucrative branch of industry.
Timber for making barrels, and for
hoops, as also for the construction
Of all necessary buildings, is imme-
diately at hand.
Sheep raising can. be successfully
engaged in also. The general idea
of the climate being unfayorable
thereto, is entirely erroneous. With
one-half the outlay for sheds and
feed incurred in more northern
ATTITUDES, 3 greater amount of wool
and mutton can be produced, and
the profits realized will be much
larger. The mutton of this section
is Of most delicious flavor, and the
best qualities of wool have been
produced.
Sweet potatoes, as an article Of
food and for the purpose Of fatten-
ing cattle and hogs, yield an I'M
mense crop. It may be put in reas-
enable bounds at $50 bushels per
acre. Pears, peaches, grapes and
figs flourish in great perfection, and
can be made source of great profit.
4 The health Of this section is I'M
exceptionable. During epidemics it
is entirely free from their ravages ;
and as many centenarians will be
found within our borders as in any
other portion of the United States.
TOWNS OF WASHINGTON AND oPE-
/ LoUsAs.
We will now attempt description
Of that portion of our parish en-
braced and bounded by the bayous
Cane and Mallet on the west, Cour-
tableau on the north and east, and
Plaquemine Brulee on the south.
Taking Washington as the initial
point lit being the head of steam
boat navigation and 9 beautiful town
of some twelve or fifteen hundred In
habitants), let US turn our faces
southwest. Crossing the bayou
Carron in the rear Of Washington,
we ascend the bluff, and are upon
the common table, land which ex-
tends to the bayous Cane, Mallet,
Brulee, etc. Passing amidst farms
and a gently undulating country, We,
at the distance of six miles, reach
,, Opelousas, the seat of justice, and
one of the handsomest and most
pleasant towns in the State, contain
ing some two thousand or more In
habitants. It is beautifully located
exceedingly healthy, and is spscep.
| tible of being made one Of the most
} important of our rural cities. L
has a large and fertile country t.
supply, and from which, with the
+ introduction of capital and energy
: it must inevitably reap a large bene.
: fit. Flourishing schools are to bt
found here. And, in a social poin
| of view, we believe that our commu
!, nifty will compare favorably witt
: any place of it's extent. Here vii
: be found that innate politeness anc