Tombstone epitaph., 1888-01-14
AS OTHERS SEE HER
Dr. Monk Writes Another Letter Descriptive of Arizona

Dr. J. A. Monk, which we herewith give to our readers:
 WILCOX, Arizona, Dec. 9, IS87.-A stranger coming into this country is i'm pressed with the newness and wldness that surrounds him. Indeed the change is so great that it is like going to sleep and walking in new world. Everything he sees is different from the familiar objects of his home, and he is filled with wonder and amazement at the many new and curious things that are brought to his notice. Judging this country by what is common in the States, makes the average person disappointed and prejudiced against it, but considered on its merits tits grand and beautiful scenery, curious and valuable products, and diversified natural resources, it takes its place as the peer ofany land. A hasty trip through the country by rail can give no adequate idea of its intrinsic worth, as it only gives glimpse of what should be closely and leisurely examined. At the first glance it has the appearance of a desert, but to one who is familiar with it's pecu- liarities it is by no means desolated. It furnishes strong contrast to the wooden countries of the far east and the bound less prairies of the Middle States, and while it may never be developed on the plan of the older States like California, it has a charm and value of its own that in due time will be appreciated and sought after.
 Hitherto it has been greatly retarded in its growth and progress by its isola ton and remote position in Uncle Sam's domain, but with the comparatively recent advent of the railroad within its borders, and the removal of the trouble some and dreaded Apache, there is promise of new life being infused into its dormant industries and undeveloped resources that will start immigration toward this land of great possibilities, and will not stop until its mission is ac- complished.
 The Territory is rich in traditions and arcbleogical remains of an extinct race who once grew and hourished here. No written record of this interesting peo- pie is left to tell us of their life, but suf- ficient evidence is found to prove that portion of the country was, al one time, long ages ago, densely populated by in. dustrious and prosperous people. Ruined and buried cities, houses like the cliff dwellings and casa grande, immense acequias or irrigating ditches, and quan- taties of broken pottery and stone imple- men,s attest the fact. When the Span- J iards came into the country three hun i dred and fifty years ago, the people whom they subdued could give no definite in formation concerning these relics, only that they existed as far back as traditions ran, and that they were the works of Montezuma; and whether they are of Aztec or Toltec origin is still question that is unsettled. If the country in the remotest part was capable of sustaining such population, it is not only possible but probable that it will be So again.
 The landscape is strikingly peculiar and facinating It embraces all the elements of earth and sky to make scenery that is scarcely equaled by any other land. It combines mountain and valley, forest and plain, vegetable pro-
 ducts that are unique and peculiar to the
 country, remarkably rare and pure
 atmosphere that covers the land as with
 enchantment. and over all is arched .
 cerulean sky, that, on theauthority of the
 noted traveller and author ]. Ross Brown
 even far.famed Italy cannot equal. It i:
 country of magnificent distances
 composed of wide valleys, broad mesas
 and lofty mountain aanges, so blended
 and harmonious in their proportions a:
 to produce the finest possible scenic
 effects. Distance is deceptive and can
 not be estimated under the skies
 Objects that look near are much furthe
 off than they seem to be, and what ha'
 the appearance of being smooth and soft
 in the distance is found on near inspec
 ton to be rough and rugged. Over th'
 landscape hangs veil of purple haz'
 that is exquisite, and produces the be- witching effects of the mirage which i seen here in its perfection. The magi- cal light that shimmers inthe air impart to surrounding objects soft and mel low tone that soothes and refreshes the senses. The tints of the sky and the , variety and toning of colors make the dawn and twilight, sunrise and sunse f marvels of beauty. The furnished sky, reAec,ing the rays of the sun above thu
 horizon, brings out the distant mountain
 range in distict profile, as if cast by al electric light. The magic spell wrough . by the vision falls with gentle ant . dreamy influence over the senses ant
 brings quiet and rest to the heart ant f mind. It is retreat where the tire' f body and brain find perfect recuperation "away from the dwellings of care-worl men,"
 ...1 .- v~1a