Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1906-02-02
Crumbs Picked Up Through Potomac
District,

Though the weather at times has been fa-
vorable and the ground In good condition,
but little Spring blowing has been done.
1t is noticeable that some of the largest
farmers in this section have been compelled
to abandon farming in consequence of being
unable 10 obtain the labor, and that which
is to be gotten lie at high prices and thor
oughly unreliable.
One OF the striking features OF this section
OF the county is that its people are thorough.
ly progressive and In close touch with the
times. Since the establishment of the free
rural delivery, neat and attractive mail
box is found at every crossing of the public
highway and also in front of every home
stead. A Washington or Baltimore daily
paper is taken by everyone and it is receiv.
ed by 10 O'Clock, A. NJ.
Sheep raising seems to be increasing from
the fact that experience has fully shown that
it Is the most remunerative industry on the
farm and attended with the least expense
and labor. Speaking OF this industry, it
was but short time since when In CONVEX.
sation with Mr.. William l. Schaeffer, near
Seneca, he remarked, ~ purchased flock
OF So sheep. In the Fall the revenue from
the lambs alone was $3.50. One eve had
three lambs, all of which were raised and
brought me SIS, and the fleece of the dam
brought $3.50. This was at an expense of
$50 for wheat bran and the fodder and hay
Nhax, "a . hah ar ~ ho has
had the run oil pasture OF SO acres, but
this same pasture answered for my horses
and cattle. The return OF the sales of my
lambs and the wool covered much more
than paid for the sheep-indeed, not very
far short OF twice the amount. Sheep and
hogs pay. There is no money in cattle-it
Is an easy way Of getting transportation OF
your produce to market, that 10 about oil"
Communication with other parts of the
county or elsewhere is slow and poor In
consequence OF the fact that the telephone
line is seldom In good working condition.
Thus, the U. s. mail is the only means OF
communication that this community has.
Potomac, the metropolitan center OF this
aourishing part OF the county, has grown to
be an attractive and thriving little town.
It's merchants, Messrs. John Stone and Thos.
Perry, are popular and have good trade.
Mr.. Stone is the surviving member of not
only one Of the oldest, but most historic
families in the county. His homo and the
grounds around present, throughout the
year. q coy and pleasing appearance.
Burrissville Is q neat, modest and interest
mac. The late George Washington Burrlss
was not only the pioneer, but torch bearer
of this community. Within one hundred
yards OF his late home are the relics Of the
first gold mine ever sunk In the State, and
from which the Rev. James Rattery, of the
then Campbelite Church, obtained the first
gold dust, which he for several years sold TO
the elder Gault, OF Gault q Bros, on Penn
sylvsnis Avenue, Washington, d. @. This
was in the early lorties. Mr.. George Bell
Is one Of the enterprising, wide-awake and
deservedly popular residents Of the village.
Mr.. "Dink" Havener has blacksmith and
wheelwright plant and is doing fine bust
ness. Potomac Chapel, situated in beau
tiful oak grove just outside OF the village,
CLAIMS TO have the largest congregation of
any OF the Southern Methodist Churches In
the county. After all, 1t can be said that it
has been the preacher, the school teacher
and Intelligent and aggressive labor that
have given wealth, dignity and character to
this whole section.
The usual Christmas melodies Of Poto-
macs two poets were much missed during
the holidays, but the hope is INDUCED that
they WILDE heard from with the first whis
perings OF the blue bird. 1t has been said,
birds never sing in the dark 1t can be said
with equal truth, poets are never 80 much
inspired as In the Spring OF the year, 1t Is
the season in which they love to MARBLE
their thoughts.
January 81, 1905. VISITOR.