The Mena star., 1899-08-10
POLK COUNTY, ARKANSAS.
Some of Her Advantages and Re- sources-The Land of the
 Homeseeker.

towards the South-the West and the North west has had it's day. and the antiquated advice of Horace Greedy, "Go West. young man. go Vest" has been superseded by the more timely advice of Chauncy DePew, and others Go South, young man, go S0uthl'
 Shrewd investors have observed that the South is on a dawn of a new era of prosperity, and are rapidly investing their wealth, where sound judgement assures them that values are increasing.
 Every section of the South has taken new life and through the coming in of new cap ital a new impetus has been given to the de- velopmcnt of the rich resources so abund. antly lavished upon tho South by kind providence.
 Especially is this the case with the state of Arkansas with the immense store house of diversified wealth and the many natural advantages of location, climate, SOIL ana transportation.
 lt is but natural that the tide of immigra- tion should turn to Arkansas, when we con- sider the fact that this state enjoys the envi- able distinction of having the most glorious and healthy climate; an abundance of pure water, everywhere easily obtained; rich soil we'll adapted to the greatest variety of products as we'll as for stock raising; A long season maturing two crops; the most favor- able climate for agriculture, splendid markets for all products. and an inexhaustible supply of raw materials for numbering and manu- featuring industries in the 4arious branches. With the speedy development of these won derfal resources, the state of Arkansas will soon rank among the foremost in the nation.
 Iu gong to Arkansas like any other state or country, with the intention of engaging in agriculture of any kind, fruit growing, or general farming, or both, 1t ls Of the greatest importance to settle in n place of moderate altitude or elevation above the sea level where the soil IS rich and productive, suitable for general farming and gardening; US well as fruit growing; where there is grass land for stock where railroad facilities are established, and above all, perfectly healthy climate, good and pure water, and perfect and natural drainage
 After thorough and careful investigation iu several states, and counties in this state, we have found that the territory which best complies with All these conditions. and there fore is best suited for colon2ing purposes, and for those seeking new homes. to rid themselves of the more severe Northern climate of eight months winter, and four months spring, or the sick kly or uncertain crop conditions in other sections, is situated in
 POLK COUNTY
 This county is in what is known as South west Arkansas. and borders on the Choctaw Nation of the Indian Territory, 150 miles north of the south line of the state. It was organized in 1s45, and has an area of 55S. .000 acres. Its population is l7,000, nearly all Americans. Jess than 100 negroes in the entire connty1; in wealth and population the increase is nearly 30 per cent: the mean eleva- tion Is 1850 feet above sea level. but Rich Mountain, of the north line of the county, rlses to a height of 2070 feet, but no other mountain in the county is over 2000 feet above sea level; the climate is very temper ate it's southern latitude gives it medium winter. with little snow or ice, and its alti- tude protects it from the extreme heat of the summer season-a truly enjoyable climate the year round; splendid spring and we'll water. always soft and absolutely pure.
 SOIL
 Tue soil IS of light color inciining to- wards red of q clay nature, quite stony on the hill and mountain sides, but free from stone in the basins and valleys. and especially adapted to the growth of the pear, plum, grape apple, peach, blackberry, raspberry, QHinee and strawberry. This B of the hill lands and mountain sides. and the land re. member. is we'll watered, and produces good erass aud is, in it's native state. fine pasture lands. and there are thousands of acres of it.
 This is not a prairie couniyy-it is the re- verse. it is hilly and covered with extensive forests of pine and oak, This is true of about one half of the surface of the county. while the valleys are nearly level. The principal er1rs grown are corn, cotton and oats and the fruits above named, together with vegetables
 
 potatoes; yet not over one sWenueth of the conntry is in cultivation, and nearly all is susceptible of cultivation, either in fruit general farming or stock raising; hogs and cattle do spendidly here and command a good price, and what should not be lost sight of, it has nc superior for poultry and eggs not only that the hens do well and are healthy. hut on account of the demand and market for chickens and eggs We are blessed with good transportation facilities the Kansas City, Pittshurg X Gulf railroad rues through the county from north to south. west of the center. and in tue near future we are certain to have an east aud vest line from Paris, Tex to Hot Springs, Ark through Mena--the county seat oi Polk county Re- member that in Polk county there are thous- ands of acres of good fertile lands.
 CLIMATE AND WATER.
 The climate of Polk county is very fine, pleasant and healthy. Several places here are already noted as summer resorts: various kinds of mineral springs with clear and re- freshing water of strong curative properties ase also found in different places; numerous other springs, forming creeks that wind their course through the country in all directions. give an abundant supply of excellent water those streams empty towards the east and soutsi, into aud forming Orachfa and Noun tain Fork rivers. Water of the same quality may also be found at any place ia wells, from 70 t0 30 feet deep.
 We know that in the North and East very erroneous impression prevails about the eli mate and temperature of the South. The ex. treme heat and cold are n0t experienced here, it is possible even during the hottest period of the summer to rest every night and get renewed strength for the work and toll Of the day.
 Fne winters are short and mild: snow sell dom falls and always melts within a day or two. stock graze all the winter: hogs fatten on