Western Carolina Democrat and French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1913-1915, 1915-06-03

NEHoanOf Louise Duncan, Henderson,.
vile High School 10th Grade.)
Henderson is one of the most de-
ightfully situated Counties of Western
North Carolina, lying in the very heart
OF the far-famed Land of the Sky
among the fertile valleys and rugged
hills of the beautiful Blue Ridge
ranges.
1t is divided into 2 equal parts by
one of these ranges, the Southern por-
ton being bordered by the Sister-State
of S. G. on the South, and by Polk Co.
on the East. The other half, bordered
on the East and South by ranges Of the
Blue Ridge, and intersected by low
ranges, extends towards the North
West, and is closed in by the Pisgah
range, the peak of that name forming
the common center for the County lines
of Pennsylvania, Runcombe, Haywood
and Henderson.
The County is intersected by numer-
Gus streams. Green River at the foot
of the Blue Ridge, flows eastward be-
tween that range and the Saluda
mountains, and is an aff1uent of the
Broad River flowing south into S. G.
The French Broad flows thro the
North Western part of the County, re-
ceiYing the waters of mills river, Och
lawaha and other considerable streams
becomes bold stream which has been
navigable for small steam boats.
A remarkable feature of this County
is the apparent great depression of its
surface, and the width of the valleys
along the streams, assuming as along
the Ochlawaha, the character of wide
swamps. The whole interior, of the
County presents the aspect of one val
ley, into which project, like elongated
promontories, small ranges of noun
tains. Looking Northwest from Hen
Jacksonville, the eye sweeps over level
expanse of twenty miles, closed at that
distance by the Pisgah range. This
depression is apparent rather than
real, the most depressed portion being
above the mean level of the Blue Ridge
plateau $3.50 feet and presenting the
appearance of a broad uplifted valley.
Altho this county has been called
"The Pearl of Counties" by many visi-
tors, the wealth does consist en-
tireIy in it's marvellous scenery and me
climate. Gold is found in several Sec
t1ons exceeding 500 per ton; iron ap-
pears also Manganese and granite. Here
are located the famous zircon Mines.
Zircon is found in large deposits in the
valley of Green River and exhumed in
large quantities to be exported to Ger
many. This is the largest deposit OF
this mineral in the U. S. The rare
Auralite, tale, the finest feldspar and
corundum are found. It's gems have
quite a reputation-garnet, amethyst,
sapphire, beryl, rhodolite and quartz.
Most of the mineral parts of the
county are great and largely undevel-
oped Limestone Of excellent quality
for the kiln is found on the West side
of the French Broad.
AS a health resort it can not be sur
passed. The influence of elevation
prodominates; the summers are cooler.
the winters are more severe, yet the
GOODNESS which is perfectly dry and
invigorating, renders the climate more
salubrious. There are picturesque and
charming valleys looked down upon by
lofty peaks, which have a very mild
climate. The situation and altitude
of Henderson Co. explains its unique
immunity from fogs. Hence the year
" increase of those who come to seek
renewed health among our rugged
hills.
The climatic conditions are favora-
BILE for the growth of great variety
Of crops, as corn, tobacco, and small
grains, which are stable crops of North
Carolina; as we'll as almost every kind
of fruit and vegetables.
ID Temperature
The annual mean temperature is %.
In respect to temperature Henderson
County corresponds to Northern
France and Belgium.
~ Precipitation
The natural average precipitation, Is
So. 30. One advantage must, not pass
unnoticed, namely that of the rainfall
is uniformly distributed throughout
the year, and that during these man
ties, when growing crops, require the
most moisture the amount is greatest
(2) Snowfall
The precipitation occurring as snow
is not always sufficient to serve as
nrotectiorr to small grains. The aver
age snowfall is about five inches.
"a FrOsts, Ice and Storms
Frosts rarely do damage. The forma-
ton of ice to any thickness only &C.
ours during exceptionally severe win
tiers. Light storms occur In August
September and October, and are accom-
panied by heavy rains and wind. Inc
damage to crops and property is very
small
The soil is Henderson County is OF
average fertility. The valleys are very
productive in grains and grass. Frults
are abundant and excellent, and vege-
tables grow to an enormous size. the
soils of the basins of the great rivers
of this section and the mountain val
leys are noted for their fertility. Al
tho the soil is being wasted by lnexpe-
rienced farmers the capacity for the
production of cereals, superior nay
grasses and clover, if properly fertlilz-
!, -. 4 -,io,ntifcallv cultivated, is moi