The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-10-27
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT.
ARKAN SAS.
The Famous City of Little Rock.

Of ArkansaS-tnls enlplFo ol udZZlluB mineral wealth, agricultural resources and commercial opportunities-delves into the mystic realms of unrevealed knowledge concerning the common wealth, and discovers its untold min eral riches, it's amazing variety of val uable hardwood timber, its adapta- bility for the establishment of manu- featuring enterprises, and it's future assured prosperity and magnificent progress, cannot fail to be amazed that the people of other sections of the Union really know so little of this state, which, in all that goes to make up great and prosperous common wealth, is equaled by few and excelled bv none of her sister states. Arkan- sas is no more the home of the back woodsman, the desperado and the scheming politician. The squabbles of the past have disappeared into the tathomless ocean of oblivion, and in their places unity of interests and concert of action have spontaneously developed. From these have sprung the workshop, the railroad, the con- mercial enterprises of more than mo- mentary significance, and the success full conduct of these valuable aids in the upbuilding of state has naturally resulted in attracting hither capital ists and business men from abroad, who have pulled of their coats and gone to work in dead earnest, and un- der whose leadership Arkansas is fast assuming the proud position for which nature has 80 abundantly fitted her.
 The agricultural productions of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kansas are produced equally well in Arkansas In addition to these, more cotton is grown per acre and per hand, on an average, than in any other southern state, and Arkansas has earned besides a reputation not excelled as a fruit growing country, having taken the premium over all competitors, except as to tropical fruits, at the exposition at New Orleans. Its annual rainfall is much greater than any of the states named; consequently crops are less liable to be injured by drought. Its equable climate and agricultural re- sources make it 8 good stock-growing country. Coal, iron, manganese. cop per, zinc, and lead, as we'll as marble, granite, limestone, building stone, roof ing and other states, and clays of the finest quantity, abound in inexhausti- ble qualities in various portions of the state, besides antimOny snd silver, and probably gold in paying quantities.
 It is estimated that there are in the state SO,OOO square miles of heavily timbered lands, and eighty different varieties of timber, of which pine, oak, ash, hickory and red gum may be said to be the leading varieties. There is also wild cherry, cedar, walnut, and, in fact, all varieties of timber necessary for manufacturing purposes.
 THE STATE CAPITAL.
 In the midst of this great wealth in agriculture, timber and minerals, is situated the city of Little Rock, the geographical, typographical and pol. itical, as we'll as the commercial, financial and social center of the state. Situated high, overlooking the river that winds its way through the foot hills of the Ozarks, the site is all that could be desired for beauty or health. Here the valley of the Arkansas widens to a broad expanse of agricul- tural country that can not be excel red, The valleys and uplands of the ooun- try are fine agricultural lands. The hills and mountains are especially adapted to the culture of fruits, veg etables and grapes. Situated prac- tically at the head of deep- water navi- gation the city has the advantage oi other points as to water transporta- tion. The Arkansas and its tribu- taries drain large portion of the state. Up the river on the south side is, first, Little Maumelle, next, Big Maumelle, both streams ample for floating pur- poses, and penetrating far into the surrounding country. Next is Fourche Ia Fevre river, then the Petit Jean river, both navigable for long dis tance, and good floating streams for 100 miles. In regions penetrated by these streams arc coal, iron ore and timber that can all be brought to Lit tie Rock down stream. On the north side of the river are various tributa. ries, good floating streams. It will b< seen that the general topography of | broad region of country makes 1t all tributary to this city. There is an abundance of timber, iron orc, maga- nese, lead, zinc, granite, roofing slate and the finest of clays 1t the very door of the city, with the best of coal for manufacturing purposes within sssy reach. Memphis on the east, 1Sa miles, n tho nsaze1t oommsrcial rival,