The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

Oxford is between the seventy eighth
and seventy ninth meridians, situated
near the centre of Granville county, OF
which it is the county seat Granville is
one Of the middle counties in the north
ern tier, and marks the eastern limit OF
foot hills to the Blue Ridge. Height
above sea, five hundred feet
This is the Piedmont section of North
Carolina. Its rolling surface IS trayersed
by many streams Wood lands, alternat-
ing with old fields make it a sportsman
paradise Quail, wild turkeys, squirrels,
rabbits, and deer are abundant In sea-
son. Absence of fences does away with
much fatiguing climbing for the hunter;
neither are there any hedge rows oil
brambles and thorns to be passed
through. Cattle not being allowed to
run at large. wild grasses and other
cover come close ON both sides of the
public roads, affording excellent shelter
for quail (which are reported ON the I'M
crease), wild doves and larks.
CLIMATE
This is the true temperate zone. Winnie
the heat is seldom as great during the
summer as at New York, cold snaps III
winter are few and of short duration, the
thermometer usually ruling. in the cold
est weather, ten degrees higher than IN
the above city. There is no rapid falling
of temperature, nor dampness at sum
down: a breeze from the coast reaches
this section from 8 to 10 p. m, making
the nights, with rare exceptions, cool,
hut never cold; fogs and high winds, at
all seasons. are conspicuous by their
absence: the air is dry and soft without
being enervating.
Ihe sun being more nearly overhead
than in the Northern States, the shortest
days are from one to two hours longer
than in the latitude of New York. FIRST
frost is due in October. Autumn lasts
three months, and frequently January
brings the ARREST and most enjoyable
weather of the year, the rainy season
coming in February and March. As an
ssall the year round climate. it has no
equal Free from oppressive heat, with
neither intense nor long continued cold
weather. still there is marked differ
ence in the four seasons, giving pleas
ant variety. Each season blends so
gradually into the succeeding one that
the weakest constitutions are not subject
to the strain of sudden changes.
<
The country is rolling, well drained and
of entirely different aspect from the
fat. sandy section extending back one
hundred miles from the sea coast. whose
unattracfive features are familiar to
Florida Measure seekers.
Tar River, into which run numerous
streams. takes IFS rise in the northern
part of the county Springs abound, the
water of many of them containing
large per cent of mineral matter Of great
medical value on account of their thera-
peutical efficacy. Soil is Of a clayey ma
ture: in consequence there is little or
no dust in the dryest seasons. Much OF
the adjoining country is heavily wooded
with pine and oak. Atmosphere is well
adapted to weak lungs. Grapes and
roses are foHnd in their perfection here.
fine latter blooming out of doors It'll
Christmas. Vegetables as susceptible to
frost as cotton, and figs also succeed.
Below is analysis of Rock Brook
Spring water. This spring is ON the
property of DIR. r.. Il. White, some four
miles from town by fayorite drive,
and is frequently visited by towns people.
The water has been found very effective
for kidney troubles; it is free to all. and
highly esteemed by the resident physl-
clans for its diuretic and stomachic
qualities.
ANALYSIS.
Mineral matter in solution and suspen-
sion. 1890 grains per imperial gallon, ex-
listing mainly as carbonates of lime and
magnesia, and chloride of potash. There
are also present in smaller amounts
silica, chloride of soda and sulphate of
lime. Within a radius Of twenty-five
wards of the above, there are six smaller
springs Limestone is scarce.
Oxford has long been known for the
favorable climatic conditions obtaining
here. Before the war it was q health re-
sort for many families from the eastern
part Of the State. A doctor, who has
a large practice inl all sections Of Gran
vile county. recently said he had not
been called for a case of consumption an
a white family in seven years. For DELI
cate children and invalids, the opportuni-
ties for an almost constant 0ut-of-door
life are unsurpassed.
SOCIETY, HISTORY, ETC.
Granville county was laid out in 1743.
The tract of land on which Oxford ~
situated was granted by the Earl OF
Granville in 1860 The town of Oxford
was incorporated in 1916. In 1877 the
Oxford Academy was established, and
to this institution and it's successors is
due the wide reputation of Oxford as an
educational centre.
From the above it will be seem that
this is one of the first settlements, and
the renowned old-time hospitality of
Southern homes is extended to visitors
and those coming here for permanent
residence find themselves at once absorb
cd into the social life of the community
The Presbyterian society was organic
ed in 1918: has no debt. and is in a thirty
ing condition. The Methodist church
dates from 1921, and the Episcopal from