Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-01-26
GREAT MINERAL COUNTRY.
sep. Ran Tells Something of the Bcau-
ties aud Resources OF North Carolina.
Nft-ppr4H- y 4 January 2l. 1895.

SIE:-NoEth Carolina may be described
as a slope whose western boundary, the
Great smoky mountain range, has an
average elevation OF 5000 feet, from
which, by gradual gradatiOns, breaches
dead level az the sea coast. East OF
this great range and parallel with IL are
the mountains OF the Blue Ridge, and
between the two are UiateauS aud val
leys broken by spurs from each, and In
all these are powerful water courses
fed by innuue-a5,e springs and by
streams that find their way az last
through many tortuous channels into
the Tennessee river or its greater triOu-
tarieS.
The eastern slope Of the Blue Ridge
is an equally great watershed, on which
are the sources OF many streams that,
flowing across either North or South
Carolina, pour their waters into the At
lantic. These principal rivers aud their
Numerous tributaries, because Of their
elevated sources ana the continuous
slope OF the land, have without excep-
tion. strong, swift currents, all OF which
can be harneSSed 20 mans use; conSe-
euently. in this State, where streams
never diminish because OF droughts,
and are never blocked Ia winter
by ice, Nature has supplied an IN
failing ana inexpensive motive power,
which is unsurpassed, perhaps, by any
other region 10 the United States. The
primary attraction OF the great noun
tain ranges OF Western North Carolina
are their picturesque scenery aud eli
mate, the first always 10 be enjoyed;
she others rgsOrted TO for more perma-
nent results. The climate is remarka-
Die for its humidity, the governments
dala showing 10 10 be the direct region
In the United States east Of the great
plain. There is q sufficient rain fall,
but evaporation is rapid, Malaria is
unknown, because imrOssible from the
surroundings. From the dryness Of
this region the climate is pre-emiuently
suited 10 the prevention aud cure Of
preliminary diseases; and IL Is only
those who postponed this result to It's
eliaCy TOO late that do not derive bene-
e from IL. Tue influence II gratefully
acknowledged 10 many cases Of stub
born rheumatism. A great advantage
20 iuvilids and those Of feeble constitu-
tion which is given by the climate IN
the liberty OF outdoor exercise, walk
ing, riding or driving, given by the eX-
cess Of clear, dry, sunny days, which
tempt so elUQuentiY 90 recreation. DR..
LOOMS, q recognized medical authority
OF New York city, states that the best
results, when consolidation OF the
lungs existed, have been obtained at an
altitude OF from 1900 10 1000 feet above
fea levsl, and that the most beneficial
aud permanent results have been OBJ
tained at Ashsvi.ie, y. G.
The lands of Western North Carolina
are diversified in character, quality aud
adaDtabiIity TO the various uses Of agrl-
culture. The rivers. creek sand branch
bottoms are alluvial deposits and are
rich in vegetable matter. am told Of
an average year they yield, wher han
died intelligently, from fifty TO one
hundred bushels Of corn per acre. They
are also well adapted 10 rye and oats,
aRd with jQdici0us Application OF lime
produce excellent wheat. When prop
erly drained they are very productive
Of red top and clover, aud consequently
make valuable meadow lands. The uD-
lands, both fiat and ridgey, are mostly
atenaciOus and aluminOus red clay,
such lands as respond readily aud
heartily 10 fertilizers. These uplandS
are good corn lsRds, aad when in good
condition often produce fifty bushels per
acre. They are susceptible OF being
brought up TO a very high degree OF
productiyeness. They are also excel
lent wheat lands, especially when treat
ed to a good clover lay or liberal aDpli-
cation OF manure, and they also reward
the farmer who gives them fair play in
an cat crop. These lands are equally
adapted 10 potatoes, turulpS, beetS, car
rots, cabbage, peas, beans, sorghum
and tobacco. In addition 10 this II may
be remarked that red clover, orchard
grass and timothy grow well here. The
mountain lands OF this section have a
character peculiarly their own. All the
mountain faces anu cones on the north,
northeastern aud northwestern slopes
are rich, composed chiefly of rich,
dark mold, containing much vegetable
matter. These lands, when fresh, yield
excellent crops of corn, rye, oats, etc.
Potatoes do exceedingly well on these
steep lands, but they have special
adaptabiity TO orchard grass. while red
clover and timothy come in for q share
OF the honors. Here might be made the
bsst OF pasture lands on which 10 keep
herds for dairyiny purposes. These
mountain lands often have the finest OF
springs that could be utilized in cream
cries and cheese factories. This is also
a good fruit section, as apples, peaches,
pears, ounces, grapes, berries, etc,
will grow in abundance. The people
here are clever, sensible, hOspitable ana
generous TO a fault, but the farmers do
not seem TO understand how 70 cultivate
these lands 10 produce the best results.
II some OF the Ohio, Pennsylvania or
even West Virginia farmers would come
here and give them a few lessons 10
farming it might have a beneficial ef-
feet. The mineral wealth OF Western
North Carolina is by no means insight
icant. The southwestern counties are
trsversed northeast and southwest by
parallel deposits Of the finest varieties
OF mineral having especial commercial
value. These NAV disappear along the
liue, only TO appear at some other favor
ed spot. At all points on mineral belt
It Is quite possible 10 unearth the looked
for mineral.
The character Of the mineral changes
more or less and may be more valuable
at one point than another. Beginning
II the extreme southeastern part Of
Cherokee county there are loads Of cop
per, where they extend into the adjOln.
ing part Of Tennessee and are extensive
" mined at Ducktown. The veins ex-
tend more or less TO the northeast, The
most remarkable mineral belt OF this
part of the State is that which includes
the marble, iron, tale, mineral paint,
manganese aud nre rock. No whore in
the world is the marble of better quail