Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1910-07-14
A Trip Through the West.

Editor Reglster-The writer OF this aru-
Gle had the opportunity to travel over a
mart. at least, Of eleven different States,
namely: OHIO, Indiana, Illinois, Mis-
souri,. Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New
Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado and
Kansas. saw very few good grain
fields, except in California. The weather
conditions were unfavorable in most OF
the States. In Ohio they had very Sc
we're freezes, destroying the entire irult
crop, extending south through Indiana
and Missouri, but less severe the further
south. The fruit in Arkansas is unhurt.
The natural resources OF Arkansas are
very good-natural gas, plenty OF oil ooz-
ing oui of the river banks, also Goa! can
be had by penetrating the earth to depth
of a few feet, that is, in certain localities.
travelled over roads that had been
treated with oil, which become very ilrm
much like concrete, making very SUB
Stantlal rOadbed.
The people OF Oklahoma are largely en-
gagged in herding cattle, horses and mules.
In Texas find climatic conditions range
from mild and seaSonable to extreme heat
and drought, with the mercury up to ll5
and much stock periShing. In one place
a gentleman told me it had not rained Tor
two wears. Texas is blessed with every
class and condition OF people under the
| sun.
find conditions in California different,
although from an eastern point OF view
not very congenIal-every class and KIND.
The climate varies, as, do the people. In
the southern part the wheat crop was
harvested, while in the north it was Just
in bloom. California also has the oiled
roadbeds, which keeps the road free OF
dust.
California has no rain from March to
November. The agricultural districts de-
pend largely on irrigation for crops.
There are various kinds of mines in the
mountain regions. There is some very
level land in this State, and some very
mountainous, some productive and some
the reverse. The climate varies accord
ing TO altitude.
It was my privilege to visit the Maripo-
so Big Trees in the Yosemite Valley.
| The largest tree saw measured lO4 feet
in circumference and was pa feet high.
II is estimated to contain 200 feet OF
lumber and TO be 5000 years old.
There is large amount OF government
land in different parts of the west open to
settlers. A man can settle on and Guilt
vate l20 acres five years, and for about
$50 can obtain patent or deed for same.
| improved land in the west that is pleas
antly located is higher than in the east
Land near cities is held for 5000 TO $3.50
per acre-land no better than can be found
in Jefferson county. Anyone contempa-
| ting home in the west, advise 90 see
for Yourself before you move your family.
| California is noted for two extremes, the
smallest matches and the biggest liars. |
visited at MI Jacob L. Hoffman'S, son Of
Mr.. David Hoffman, who went TO Calfor-
MIA about II years ago. He is prospecting
in his far western home. Doubtless ma
ny readers fthiS article are well acqualnt-
ed with Mr.. Hoffman, and will be glad to
know he is doing well. The Register is
weekly visitor in his home-it arrives
about one week after publication.
|. c. LINGAMFELTER.