The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-02-01
NORTH CAROLINA.
Something of It's Industries and
Resources---Rich in Every Ele-
ment That Produces Greatness.
fCOntributed.]

others have various others KINDS OF
pride, but most Of us are gifted with
State pride. One may be taken from
the home of his birth when young and
carried to a distant country, but his
mind will revert back with pride to the
home of his childhood. State pride is
more prominent in our feelings, and
that is natural feeling, particularly
when we know that we started our e1-
istencc in old North Carolina. This
we should be proud of. In writing
sketch Of the advantages and resources
we should begin at the western or
mountainous part showing its plctur-
esque natural scenery and then travel
south and east showing the beauties
and advantages as they appear. The
western part Of the State surpasses
any other in the grandeur of its natural
scenery. My words are inadequate to
fully describe the beautiful views that
nature has SO literally bestowed upon
that part of the State. One may as
cend to the summit of one of the noun
tains and look with amazement On
what you behold. AT a glance you
can see what the god Of nature has con-
terred with lavishing hand wonders and
beauties with which the scientific skill
Of man can not compete; one can see
the range of mountains with their lofty
peaks peeping above the trees, and ap-
parentIy above the clouds; you can
see the table lands at a distance, also
the valleys between the mountains
covered with luXuriant vegetation and
large herds Of cattle nipping the green
grass, preparing themselves for ship
ment to the various markets Of the
world. In retracing our steps from the
summit we see water gushing from the
mountain sides, forming the sources Of
some Of the western rivers, and wind
ing its way down their slopes and
emptying into some other larger
stream. Following the course Of the
river we perceive that the water power
is sufficient to propel any kind Of ma
chinery, and we see manufactures OF
various kinds on the banks producing
fabrics Of every variety from the raw
material. Another advantage the west
ern people have is the pure water that
bursts out of the mountains and forms
springs of a wholesome and refreshing
nature, and there are other springs
which an unknown hand has medlcated
with properties that will relieve the
afflicted and restore them to health and
strength. There are many other ad-
vantages the western counties have
the mineral deposits, such as gold,
conIor onl ~ hnr minerals alGO
beds Of marble and granite of excellent
quality. All Of these are calculated to
attract the attention Of scientists and
induce immigration, which has COM
menced, as some Of the wealthy men
of the North are investing in land and
building beautiful homes and spending
the summers with their families here
where they can breathe the invlgor-
ating air and sip the healthful noun
tain water.
Being afraid that | am trespass-
ing On the patience of your readers
in occupying so much time speak
ing of the advantages and beau
ties of western North Carolina, l will
trace my steps south and east.
Beautiful scenes and great advan-
tages may be seen on our journey. The
country is not so thickly settled
and large bodies of timber untouched by
the lumberman, and we see the lofty
turpentine pine and the marken box
| ing, gathering and preparing it for ship
ment; also the black smoke ascending
from the tar kilns, burning tar for the
markets. This is profitable business
in this part of the State, and where the
name tar heel'' originated. Tar,
| pitch and turpentine are some of the
| valuable resources of the eastern sec
ton. In travelling east we observe
| that the country changes from hills
| and mountains to level and swamp
| lands, some of which are drained and
ready for cultivation. They are rich
| with alluvial deposits and produce
| splendid crops. In fact, the surface of
some of these swamps is hauled out to
enrich the less fertile portions Of the
farms. Some have deposits of shell
mari extending several feet below the
surface, which is very rich in fertilizing
| qualities. There is no doubt but the
whole or great portion of the eastern
counties was once part of the sea and
when the waters receded quantities of
| shells were left and the farmers of the
present day are availing themselves of
these deposits to enrich their lands, as
| it adds greatly to the yield. There are
some beautiful farms in this part of the
State, and where they have been prop
erly managed and drained are very
valuable. The staple of this section is
cotton, but they have recently engaged
in raising tobacco, and have succeeded
in growing a fine article of the yellow
leaf which finds ready sale on our mar
ket; so you see they have the advan-
tages of two staples. The tobacco is
of better color and texture than ours,
but is lacking in body and substance.
We will now trace our steps further
east and strike the river bottom lands
which are very rich and produce fine
crops. Another important industry of
the eastern counties is the fisheries
The rivers furnish great quantities of
fish and large fisheries may be seen
along the different rivers. and great
numbers are caught and sold on the
banks or barreled and shipped to the
various markets both of the North and
South. The shad and herring caught
here stand higher than those of any
other place. North Carolina herrings
are sought after all over the world and
find ready sale.
In conclusion will say that this State
presents more advantages to attract
Immigration than any other, North or
South of Mason and Dixon's line.
| There is no vocation in life but will
| find profitable employment and people
| coming here will receive a kind wei
come by our citizens. c. RI.
Granville Co., n. c.
yHLora @l1