The Washington herald., 1909-05-09
ALBEMARLE COUNTY HAS
RARE NATURAL RESOURCES

Albemarle County has an interesting
history. and enjoys distinction among the
counties Of the "Old Dominion" II was
founded in I744 from GoochIand County.
IS tkirty-fve miles long. with a mean
breadth OF twenty miles. Albemarle is
near the geographical center Of the State.
in the Piedmont region. amid the beauti-
ful scenery OF the Blue Ridge Mountains,
a section famed for the fertility Of us
soil, the excellence Of its waters. and the
salubrity Of its climate geographically.
Il Is rolling. with many beautiful valleys.
The elevation is about 100 feet in the
eastern part Of the county and loo feet
IN the western part. with an average
temperature Of 50 degrees. and rainfall
OF z2-S5 inches. The James River flows
along the southeastern boundary, and six
other rivers. besides several smaller
streams. afford water supply.
This section could be nothing less than
rich and healthful. when nature has so
abundantly provided it with blue grass,
amid a wealth OF springs ana streams
containing pure free-stO1e water
Through summer DAYS frequent show
ers never cease to refresh this thrifty
land. If the traveller viii note the robust
farmer as he bUstIes around in his in
dustriOus manner. he never has 10 make
the inquiry as 10 his healthfulness, his
energy. and thrift. bat. looking around
sees the answer in the fine fruit. grain
and cattle, as they. Ike the farmer
thrive on the rich soil
Adapted TO Agriculture.
The soil is adapted 70 the agricultural
operations Of the temperate zone. Farm
machinery IS used almost everywhere
In this county may be found farmers
who have made as much as forty-fouI
bushels OF wheat TO the acre over large
fields. and from fifty TO seventy-fve
bushels OF corn. Clover does well; tim
othy and orchard grass are also success
fully grown, and where tine and con-
tinued grazing are given the land runs
into the blue grass sod The finest po-
tatoes are raised. and tobacco IS culti-
waited. though not so much as in former
times.
Winter oats have been known 10 yield
eighty-seven and a half bushels 10 the
acre on hill land. The region being one
Of the finest fruit belts in the world
gives the wine sap sales all over the
earth Apples, pears. plums. peaches
ounces. and cherries bring annually hun
dreds Of thousands Of dollars.
Five Trees Yield $3.50.
The writer understands that one small
farmer netted $50 from five young cherry
trees Others get from 5000 10 $500 for
their apples in the orchard, and yet many
persons. looking at these orchards on I'll,
hiIlsides and in the mountain hoIlows
would think $500 a great price for th'
land. trees and all. The soil and climate
IN this section unite 10 give fruit th'
finest color and the richest favor. tn,
AIbemaTle pippin, which requires q spe
cias soil and elevation, has taken the frs
premium at the London Pomological Elk
hlbition as the best apple in the world
Il viii bring from s. 10 IS a barrel Il
Liverpool. when other American apple.
are selling for from $ 10 s. FirSt-class
apples Of this kind are all exported.
Strawberries, dewSerTies, blackberries
and raspberries grow wild in abundance
and for months form wholesome articI.
O. diet for rich and poor. The first ant
last are also grown in gardens. and brfns
a good price in the markets. There art
many fine vineyards Of table and wine
grapes. Annually about 1900 gallons OF
superior wine is made in this county.
Life Worth Living Here.
Life in the heart Of Virginia IS really
worth living; around you Craze, gambol
and frolic the horses, COWS, and sheen OF
The natural blue grass ot this land. STOCK
raising is a remuneTative employment
Sheep are protected from dogs by law
and easily return 100 per cent. The
run In the fields much OF the winter. need
ing little feed or attention Lambs read,
for the market in March bring S to $1
q head. falling in price in June 10 about
IS Wherever stock raising here is fnteIn
gently pursued. according 10 bushes.
methods, IL is successful, whether IN,
farmer raises registered stock for tn.
breeders or fat cattle. sheep, OF hogs fo1
the Washington and Northern markets.
II a circle were described from th.
dome OF the rotunda Of the Universit,
Of Virginia as a center. with radius O.
twenty miles, the circumference wouIS
include the homes Of more men Of dis
tinction in American history than an,
similar region in North America Thre.
miles away is Monticello, the home O
Thomas Jefferson, where his bones rest