The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-11-05
NO. 80

find this State producing greater variety
of agricultural products than any other
one in the Union. When we take the pro-
duct OF wheat, we not only find it enor-
nous in quantity, but even far superior in
quality. It being so hard and dryin con-
sequence of the climate. that 1t is con-
stantly shipped into various ports of
foreign lands, and is consequently carried
twice across the torrid zone, and half way
around the globe, and then pronounced
the best in the world.
The entire Southern part Of the State
and also the Eastern slopes of the Coast
Range are destitute Of forests. This he
ing the case, common fire wood for cock
ing is scarce and inferior in quality, be-
ing light and spongy-so much so as to
render the ashes worthless, and species Of
blue gum have been extensively planted
which are of such vigorous growth as to
reach 80 and 40 feet i'll two years. Good,
durable lumber for building is plenty,
but 1t is all shipped from the northern
quarters of the State Forests are found
only IN those portions of the State that
have more the average rainfall. That
noble species OF mammoth and redwood.
and sugar pine, which trees are nos only
the pride of California, but even the won
der and admiration Of the world, all grow
north OF 959 and are therefore beyond the
boundaries of the five Southern counties.
The public schools are open to all be-
tween six and twenty-one years of age,
and are Under the general control of the
State Superintendent of Public Instruc-
ton, the Governor, and the Principal OF
the State Normal School The system
embraces primary, grammar, and high
schools, having in all about 5 500 teachers
and 22O, 900 enrolled scholars. All schools
are well provided for, having large, well
furnished houses with everything needful
Teachers are well qualified and well paid
whose sessions continue for ten months il
the year.
The climatesof Southern California may
not contribute to that vigor and elasticity
OF constitution enjoyed by those of more
Northern and Eastern elimes. Being
native of the elevated Valley Of Virginia,
am inclined to fear that this is true.
especially with that class Of strangers who
carry the weight of years. The experience
OF few months may convince the aged
that waning system will become more
relaxed, and past energy will give way
in a corresponding ratio. This may not
be the case with young and vigorous per-
sons, whose activity urges them forward
with no serious abatement of vigour but
that is more than can be said of aged
ones.
The climate being similar to Oriental
lands we may expect peopieto more or less
initiate those who lived there. This may
be observed in the manner of the build
ings. The greater portion of houses are
Of ordinary size, square built, of one
story high, hipped roof with a square
cathedral around the crown. The ma
terials are durable, The style is call
ed rustic, which is not only supremely
simple, but it is good, neat and lasting
The outer doors are double, one OF wood.
the other of wire gauze to exclude the flies.
Windows large and high, porticos various
and beautiful. Yards, gardens and vine
yards are not ashamed Of those of Da-
maseus.
Pomana, with 1880 inhabitants, about
900 feet above sea-leyel, on Il gently sloping
plain, is pretty place. Although vet in
it's infancy, it contains a fine and extensive
school, depot express office. telegraph
Office, nurseries, lumber yards, brick yards,
grist mills, hotels, banks, and eight or ten
churches. These churches. doubtless, all
teach more Or less of Bible truth, vet, alas,
some outside renopnee them all by such
skepticism as Ingersoll has scattered
abroad. What sad calamity to the pro-
gress Of truth is being made in places by
the whitening influence Of that remarkable
man.
Los Angeles with II 200 inhabitants is
the county town, and is one of the most
important cities in the State. Five lines
of railway centre here and carry vast guam
titles OF grain, flour, fruits, wine, bacon,
and honey. It is indeed the city among
cities adorned with flowers and feasted
with fruits and spices. Millions of grape
vines, thousands on thousands Of orange,
lemon, lime and fig trees, gently culver in
the sun light. The palm and the cypress
wave their piumes in the breeze over the
business scenes of the city.
NED ORANGE.