Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1892-07-16
A Trip to the Country.

4
were fabulous accounts of the growing
crops and took the opportunity to inyes-
tigate as we went along. From our per-
sonal knowledge we now wish to empha-
size the statements that we have hereto
fore made from information and to say
that better small grain crops, already
assured-and better prospects for corn
and other late crops we have never seen
since our sojourn Of seven years in Trego
county. Farmers are all hopeful and
much encouraged and are already plan
ming to increase their acreage for next
year. A very considerable quantity of
sod has been turned over this year and it
will all be sown to crops this fall.
After leaving Collyer the first thing
that we particularly noticed was the
grass which we believe was the best we
have ever seen at this season of the year.
| The pralries were almost as green as In
May and we're dotted over with beautiful
| flowers, while as far as the eye could
reach was seen fields of waving, golden
grain, the dark, rich green of the grow
ing corn, beautiful groves to relieve the
monotony of the landscape, and the
merry music of the harvester and header
without which we could have easily mag
ined that it was but beautiful panorama,
an elegant picture from nature, executed
by master hand.
We passed the "Geo Kessler" farm.
about two miles from Collyer, now Occupied
and owned by E. Hit. This is one of
the Oldest farms in the county and one of
the very best. It is well improved with
a good house, barn, windmill and beauti-
full groves of shade and ornamental trees.
We are informed that those who are
skeptical with regard to fruit raising in
western Kansas can have all their doubts
dispelled by visiting this farm and seeing
almost every variety of fruit which can
be grown anywhere in this latitude.
A couple of miles further on we passed
the farm and residence of Joseph Brown,
one of Trego county's Oldest and best
citizens. We didn't have time to stop
but we noticed splendid farm and evil
dences of prosperity. His crops were
very fine.
On the Sheriff Courtney farm, on the
blackberry we noticed very fine grove,
the trees large enough to afford shade
for picnics and alliance celebrations.
r. S. Force and Willis Cronk were
operating binder on the latter's farm
just west Of Banner. The field was
good one and fully ripe for the harvest.
We were kindly received by these gentle
men and are under obligations to them
for favors extended.
We next called upon Riggs Bros,
of Banner, and Daniel Mcknight. They
were also very busy in the harvest field
and we would not take up much of their
time. They gave us good report in
regard to the crops in their neighbor-
hood and we hope to meet them again
when time is not so valuable as it is just
now.
Charles N. Hawkes., residing about two
miles west of Banner has one Of the finest,
most home like places in the county and
it is well improved. Everything gave
evidence of thrift and i'll reply to our
question as to how he was getting along
he said: Il have nothing whatever to
complain of. My crops are all good this
year." Mr.. Hawkes. is an intelligent.
industrious farmer. He made us feel at
home and brought US ice water and Ice
cream and we enjoyed our brief stay
very much indeed. 1t may be out OF
place to speak of these things in this
article but why do not more of our
farmers put up ice for the summer? The
outlay in money is almost nothing and it
is luxury that would certainly be appre-
ciated by your wives and daughters Try
it this winter.
On our way home we called on our
old friend, A. j johnson. Like all the
rest Mr.. johnson has good crops and
good prospects. Our stay was necess-
arily brief and we left with promise
to make him visit some time IN the
near future-a promise which we will
certainly endeavor to keep.
Rev. J. w. Hickman attended us In
our meanderings and those acquainted
with him VIII appreciate the statement
that We had congenial company, which
always contributes largely to the enjoy
ment Of any journey. Mr.. Hickman
should receive the title of general, of
general utility. He is a minister OF the
gospel, Justice of the peace, notary pub
lie, hotel keeper, iveryman, and we have
probably forgotten several of his pro-
LESSONS.
Ne met Capt. Fouts, oae OF Trego
most substantial men, and
William Bowers, the manager OF L. A. |
Fishers large store in Collyer. Both OF
.heea stores have good patronage and