The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-03-29
GIVE UP OYSTERS;
TAKE UP FARMING.
Many People in Tidcwater Leav-
ing the Water and Returning
to Agriculture.
FARMS ADVANCE IN VALUE
Some of Those Around Urbanna
Increase 100 Per Cent. in
Few Years.

URBANNA, VA, March 2S.-Now that
equinox, with its usual storms, WIND.
rain and snow. has passed and beau
tiful spring weather has come. the far
mers have turned their attention to the
cultivation of their lands and are busy
preparing for their next crop, with re-
newed hope for good seasons and re-
muneratiye prices. There are In this
section of Tidewater, on the Kappa
hammock. as fine trucking lands as arc
to be found anywhere in Virginia, and
since the drain upon the oyster rock
has made that industry of less profit
to those heretofore engaged in it for
living, many have become farmers
and are looking to that source as
revenue instead of relying exclusively
on the oyster.
There are as fine oysters in the Rap
pahannocl. as are to be had anywhere
none excel them in quality-but they
are becoming scarce and the present
season now about to close has not
been profitable to those engaged IN the
business. AS a market for them, tile
people have Baltimore TO rely on. and
the dealers in that city generally pay
liberal prices, whenever their orders
from the West Will Justify 1t. Resi-
dents OF this section have to depend
exclusively upon that city as market
for everything they ship as well as to
buy in. as there is only water trans
portation and no other means of COM
munication with any other The peo-
pie have been hoping for many years
TO see railroad at Urbanna, as was
promised when the engineers were sur
veying for company through here
some six or seven years ago, upon
the assurance given by them that their
company would certainly build 1t and
| in less than two years time our cltl-
| zens would be able to visit Richmond
by that route. but, alas. those promises
have never been kept. Now the people
are trusting that after the present cry
OF money stringency and lack Of con-
| fdence has passed, we may see that
hope realized.
Enhancing in Value.
Our lands and houses are steadily
advancing and all around are signs Of
prosperity. Many places that have
been a few years back neglected. are
now sought after at advanced prices,
and one hears Of sales around urbanna
and in the town at such prices as
would have been considered high
figures few years ago. One farm
about a mile from here was sold for
$4,000 cash, which was bought three
or four years since for $4,000.
Several of tho lots in this town
which have been recently bought will
have good, substantial buildings
erected upon them. which no doubt
Twill be ornaments to the town, Severa
residences We're constructed the past
year, one of which of brick and marble
not quite completed, Is as handsome g
1houseE ms can be found In all Underwater
section. This house is owned by Mr.
IL. Il, Wegenen, who has probably con
structed more wharves on the Rappa-
! Hammock and It's tributaries for the
steamboat companies, than any Other
4 man In the State, and that Is one 'raa.
son he can afford such f,ne residence 'HfI
!, erected. which will be quite an ac-
lQuis!tinn to the town and COZ immunity.