The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1894-10-05
A Letter fren. York.

hoi'HWestefn part ul the equity on the
G. 4 . II. II. formerly 3-C's) in the
midst of very profitable mining and
agricultural region, and through the
thrift of the surrounding people, is des-
tined to become the center Of con-
siderable domestic trade. On account
of the lack Of connection which this
road makes, it is rather difficult to reach,
but i; is like the nugget of gold h,ddeo
in the black wcather-beaten rock, it is
worth your tune aud expense 10 visit it,
The physical aspect of the country is
rough, hiIly and picturesque. The
high hills arc crowned with forests Of
oak aud hickory, whiio the valleys be-
low, some from which has just been
gathered crop of finc wheat or oats,
arc verdant with grass and flowers,
othcrc arc now golden with au abundant
crop Of corn almost ready to be gather
cd, and clustering among the trees or
the hill tops, or swcctly sleeping in the
midst of Il grove at the mountains S foot
arc the homes of these progressive far
mcrS. Added to the grandeur of one
OF these valleys is magnificent struct-
ure known as tho Kings Greek Tres
tic. lO6 feet high. An artist standing
on this and looking westward, and could
his sight and taste not be gratiied by
the scene there presented, would be
devoid of any. The green hills fripged
with gold by the setting sun, the corn
fields and grassy plains stretching in
"pensivc quictness between" and, nest
ling at the foot of the hill in a grove Of
cool, shady elms, mulberry, ETC., is the
pleasant and hospitable home Of sturdy
well,to-do-farmer, surrounded by all its
convcnicnccs-a scene to charm the eve
of the most fastidious, SO much for
the appearance. Now for some of the
realities.
The soil is not very we'll adapted to
the cultivation Of cotton, upland being
somewhat rocky, and bottom land. |
would suppose, would not mature we'll.
Therefore cotton receives little atten-
tlon, four or five horse farm making
scarcely as many bales. These bottoms,
'hough, produce corn in abundance,
also, wheat and oats. Comparatively
little upland is in cultivation, being
till uuclcaned. Raising corn, wheat,
"ats, etc, as they do many of them arc
unacIuaintcd with this business Of pay
Ing off liens, provision bills, and so on,
with which some Of US down here are
30 familiar.
We enjoyed the fun of a 'rat kill
;ng at Que of these farmers cribs. He
had two cribs, and so much corn in
hoth, that with the help of about half
.i0zcn men, aided by three or four (?)
t his daughters who stood back and
Justly chccred on the fight, we succeeded
ia capturing only about fifty of the
enemy, others escaping from one strong
hold to the other. We were told, and
attcrward learned for ourselves that this
"as only sample Of the cribs.
Mining receives much attention, the
chief mineral being barytes, somewhat
resembling granite, not quite SO hard,
hut heavier. 1t is all sent north, ground
into powder, and, for what it is used,
We were unable to learn. Gold is also
mined near by with profitable results.
1t is probable that other minerals will
bc found.
The health of the community is ex-
ccIcnt 1t is. doubtless in the near
future to become one Of the best health
resorts of our State. 1t j. high above
sea level, and therefore, free from all
malaria. The Piedmont mineral springs
which arc being highly recommended
Tor dyspepsia, indigestion, worn down
constitutions, arc close by. They are
not as yet, in very high state of i'm.
provemcnt. There are no hotels, but
few cottages for the accommodation of
health seekers. They are being widely
advertised by those whose health has
h",n o,,na, wholly or partially restored: The
pror;H Iuv";.H Of building a hotel and i'm
cou';Is '.e springs is being earnestly
Ia"' a'fcu " the owners, and doubt
rI;'h ~ i Smo't time this will be accom-
Pllshed. The sooner the better for suf-
1er,ng humansty.
.on,n PcoR'SSis that goes to maks up
satnnnity. Without uhcm scenery
soil, minerals, and all things are moth
ing, and sometimes all these things are
n"'hing with people, because they do
not approve and take advantage of
III" t'inSs by which they are sur
rounded. But NOS SO with this people.
They are thrifty and fruy"l: and do not
h'y" their smoke houses in Cincinnati,
with their corn cribs in Tennessee. They
a." social, hospitablc, kind to strangers,
dung all they can to make them enjoy
themselves. More attention is being
paid to education. y comfor table school
house has been built near the station,
and - attended by 80 or Sd Of the most
"brdicnt, most studious, (and any other
good supcrlativc you may wish to use)
pnpis that it has been our lot to meet.
w" shall ever entertain the best wishes
for their success in life, and the colnpli-
mcnts OF some will ever be kept as
token Of the most pleasant remembrance
Of them.
cannot close without a word about
the young ladies'. They arc noted for
their beauty, pleasant mirth, and socia