Glass. Book COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT I PHYSICAL SURVEY OF VIRGINIA.; HER RESOURCES, CLIMATE AND PRODUCTIONS. PRELIMINARY REPORT. No. II. BY M. F. MAURY, LL D., Etc., Etc. Late Professor of Physics, Virginia Military Institute, WITH NOTES AND ADDITIONS BY HIS SON. JULY 1, 1877. Published by direction of the Board of Immigration, and by authority of law. -^B3i£ ^ M p E R m ^am. N. V. RANDOLPH, 1302 and 1304 Main Street, Richmond, Va. 1878. COPYRIGHTED 1878, BY COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA. PHYSICAL SUUVEY OF VIRGINIA, HER RESOURCES, CLIMATE AND PRODUCTIONS. PRELIMINARY REPORT. No. II. BY / M. F. MAURY, LL, D., Etc., Etc. Late Professor of Physics, Virginia '^il-itary Institute, ■ff'ITH NOTES AND ADDITIONS BY HIS SON. JULY 1, 1877. Published by direction of the, Board of Immigration, and by authority of law. N. V. RANDOLPH, 1302 and 1304 Main Street, Richmond, Va. 1878. "^ PKELIMINARY REPORT. ^ No. 2. CLIMATE AND PRODUCTION. The State of Virginia includes an area of 41,000 square miles, and a white population of 712,089 souls. This allows 37 acres on the average to every white man, woman and child in the Commonwealth. n Belgium the average is an acre and a half to the inhabitant. /irginia lies between the parallels of 36° 30' and 39° 30' N. lat., ich answers geographically to the southern half of Spain and Portu- • , Sicily, Greece and Turkey. As to climate, the chief difference be- een theirs and the climates of Virginia is in favor of Virginia. She better watered than they, and cultivation is carried on without artifi- "al irrigation ; but her climates are more continental, and therefore lOt so equable as the countries above named. Virginia may, for the convenience of the stranger who wishes to un- derstand her agricultural resources, and make himself acquainted Avith her climates and productions, be divided into four climatic belts which range along parallel with the sea coasts and mountains. The first belt lies between the sea shore and the head of tidewater. The tides extend as far up as Georgetown, ten miles above Alexandria, and up to Fred- ericksburg, Petersburg and Weldon ; and a line drawn with a free hand through these places on the map will show this belt. It is the tidewater belt. THE TIDEWATER BELT. The counties in this belt are : Northampton and Accomac on the Eastern Shore; and Princess Anne, Norfolk, Nansemond, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Sussex, Surry, Prince George, Elizabeth City, Warwick, York, James City, Charles City, New Kent, Henrico, Gloucester, Mat- thews, Middlesex, King and Queen, King William, Essex, Caroline, Lan- caster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, King George, Staf- ford, Prince William, Fairfax and Alexandria. In this belt the winters are mild, snow seldom lies on the ground (for more than) a week at a time, and in summer a large portion of it is refreshed by the sea breezes, which, as the land becomes cleared, extend farther and farther inland, reaching in very hot weather to the foot of the Blue Ridge. In certain parts of this Belt, the fig, the pomegranate, the yellow jes- samine, magnolia and other tender plants flourish in the open air. In the southern tier of its counties, cotton is one of the staple productions- According to the last census, they produced 12,727 bales in 1870. Be- sides the five large rivers that traverse the Tidewater Belt entirely, it is reticulated with a large number of arms and creeks of the Chesapeake Bay, most of which are navigable as far as the tides ebb and flow. These navigable water-ways give the inhabitants of this part of the State pecu- liar advantages, for they afibrd free and convenient access to the sea, and cheap conveyance to all the markets of the Seaboard, alnd until the in- troduction of railways, made this part of Virginia, or the " low coun- try," as it was called, the most desirable part of the State. Here the early settlers established themselves, and here are found those elegant mansions and baronial estates which made Virginian hospitality a house- hold word in all parts of the country. Some of the largest plantations n the State are still found in this belt. Its staple agricultural productions are wheat and maize, with oats, peas, beans and barley. These are the heavy crops. The cotton area is of limited extent ; it reaches no further up into Virginia than the counties of Nansemond and Southampton, but the plants will mature in the open air as far up as the Rappahannock river. The small farmers and truckmen cultivate profitably for market a great variety of articles, such as potatoes, sweet and Irish, peanuts, fruits and vegetables of all sorts that thrive in the temperate zone, among which may be mentioned the following : apples and pears, peaches, plum, and figs, grapes, apricots, pomegranates, cherries, damsons, raspberries, strawberries, currants, melons, green peas, asparagus, cucumbers, gher- kins, pumpkins, cymlins, squashes, egg plants, okra, tomatoes, kale, cab- bages, turnips, carrots, parsnips, ruta baga, mangold wurzel, beets, sal- safy, onions, shives, shalotts, lettuce, artichokes, celery, spinach, &c. Growing wild we have grapes, scuppernongs, persimmons, blackberries, gooseberries, pokcberries, alderberries, night shade, strawberries, cher- ries, plums, whortleberries, walnuts (black and white), hickory nuts, hazel nuts, chestnuts, chinquapins, raspberries, crab apples, haws (black and red), paw-paws, and may-apples. On account of the mildness of the winters, and the convenient water carriage aff"orded by the steamers which ply on the Chesapeake and its tributaries, trucking — that is, the growing of fruits and vegetables of the season for the Northern markets — has become an important branch of industry. All parts of this belt are within a few hours of Baltimore and Washington, and most of it lies within 24, and much within 36 hours of New York, and quite near i enough to serve as market gardens for those large cities, which, including Philadelphia and their suburbs, with the neighboring towns, contain a population in the aggregate equal to that of London. Let one conceive the advantage of a district populated as this is, and no larger, having a monopoly for three months with the early fruits and vegetables as they annually come into season in the markets of London, and then he may form an estimate as to the importance and value which this trucking business is assuming. Owing to the difference of climate, the markets of those places can be supplied from the gardens and orchards of the Chesapeake at least that much earlier with every fruit and vegetable as it comes in season than they can by the gardeners in their own vicinity. Every year, at the proper season, a fleet of steamers is engaged in transporting northward fruits and vegetables from the Chesapeake, and those who understand fruit and horticulture make large profits. The markets of Northampton are abundantly supplied with new potatoes early in June. The value of fruit grown in the tidewater and carried to Baltimore for market (Balti- more is the chief place for canning both fruit and oysters), is estimated to be several millions of dollars annually. Some place it as high as $8,000,000. I assume it to be more than $5,000,000. Peaches are the most valuable fruit for canning. Five or six thousand dollars from a few acres in berries, green peas, tomatoes and fruits, such as one family, with a little help in gathering time, can manage, is by no means an uncommon yield. Gardeners who are skillful, sober, saving and industrious, rarely fail to enrich them- selves in this business. Last year [1870] a widow near Noifolk sold her pear crop on a few acres for $8,000. None of the fruits and vegetables are grown under glass. In a recent season, prior to the 4th of June, 10,000,000 quarts of strawberries and 200,000 barrels of green peas were stated by the Nor- folk papers to have been shipped from that port to Northern markets. The United States Commissioner of Agriculture, in his report for 1871, pp. 145-4G, says : " Mr. G. F. B. Leighton has an extensive pear orchard near Norfolk, Va., in which it is claimed have been raised the largest and finest pears on the continent. The orchard available for marketing embraces about 5,200 trees ; another orchard, designed more particularly for experi- mental purposes, includes about 1,000 trees. Of the former, 1.200 were planted in the winter of 1866-67 ; 2,000 in the winter of 1867-68 ; 2,000 in the winter of 1868-9, in a clay soil underlaid at the depth of five to ten feet with sharp sand sinking into quicksand. Dwarf trees are planted twelve and one half feet apart each way, in holes three and one half feet square and three feet deep. To secure perfect drainage, a 6 post auger hole is bored down to the sand and filled with oyster shells, about a'bushel of the shells being left in the bottom of the large hole. Then about six inches of finely cut brush (hard wood) are added, and the hole filled up with a top soil mixed with a compost of muck, woods earth, and lime. The fresh muck is seasoned with a small quantity of salt. In planting, the bunch at the joining of the quince and pear stocks, is placed two inches below the ground. No crops are allowed in the orchard, except occasionally the black pea, to be turned under as a fer- tilizer. The pear tree, which requires a rich soil, is often injured by the presence of other crops. Mr. Leighton finds that the energies of the soil must be given exclusively to this fruit, or the culture will not be profitable. lie avoids barn-yard manure, but supplies bone and ashes, when the trees come into bearing, for fruit food. He finds the following requisites for successful culture in Eastern Virginia : 1. Perfect drainage. 2. Stiffest clay soil. 3. Proper planting of trees. 4. Clean culture. 5. Healthy trees. 6. Timely supply of proper food for growth of both fruit and wood. 7. Determination, patience, and suifioient of the sacrificing spirit to re- move all fruit until the tree has sufiicient wood to sustain it, without checking the wood growth. 8. Judicious pruning [better none than too much]. 9. Careful picking, packing and handling the packages. 10. The right kind of an agent to dispose of them. At the recent exhibition of the American Pomological Society at R.ich- mond, Mr. Leighton exhibited three Duchess d'Angoulemes grown on the same tree, of which two weighed thirty and a half ounces each, and the other twenty-four and a half. His trees of this variety averaged about a bushel each. When California pears were selling at $9. he re- ceived ^12 per box for these pears and $11 for Bartletts. His orchard is composed mainly of these varieties. In quality of fruit he, last year, surpassed the famous pears of California. Fertilizers. — This belt is underlaid throughout its entire extent by beds of marl, both eocene and mioeene, of excellent quality ; it often crops out on hillsides and in river banks, and is generally not too far below the surface to prevent its being advantageously dug and used. The kind known as "White" marl abounds in the Peninsula; it con- tains from 75 to 95 per cent, of carbonate of lime. Blue marl is found in the western part of this belt. Green sand marl abounds in Hanover, New Kent, and King George counties ; it is very rich — phosphorus, pot- ash and ammonia being among its ingredients. Besides these, there is also the ferruginous marl. THE FISHERIES. The waters of the Chesapeake are of themselves a bountiful source of supply, and a mine of wealth to the people immediatley upon its shores. There is no other sheet of water in the country that supplies such an abundance of excellent fish. It is owned by Virginia and iMaryland jointly. Baltimore is the chief place where the oysters, as well as the fruita and vegetables, are packed and canned, although this industry is now as- suming large proportions in and around Norfolk and in other parts of the tidewater belt. They are sent to all parts of this country, and even to Europe, I have not been able to procure as accurate returns as I desire, con- cerning the oyster trade, the fruit business, or the fisheries of the State. Baltiraoreans estimate the annual value of their canned oysters and fruits at ^15,000,000, which is about the value of the entire sugar crop of Louisiana. From the best information I have been able to obtain, it appears that there is a fleet of 1,700 vessels averaging 50 tons each, and over 3,000 smaller ones, manned by 5,000 hands, and employed 8 months during the year, in the oyster fisheries of the Chesapeake alone. Many of the ojsters gathered by this fleet are sold in the shell for im- mediate consumption. In winter the oyster cellars of St. Louis, St, Paul, Chicago, and other inland towns, as well as those of New York, Balti- more and Philadelphia are supplied with them fresh from the shell. It is estimated that more than ten millions of bushels of them are gath- ered annually, and the value of this fishery alone is supposed by those who are best acquainted with it, to be at this time not less than $10,000, 000. The United States Agricultural Commission, in a recent report (1868^ to the President, estimates the area of the oyster beds of the Chesapeake and its tributaries at 3,000 square miles. He says that good planting grounds are leased at various prices per acre, varying from $50 to 8-^00 a year ; that he has known plantations covered by from 3 to 7 feet of water to be sold at ^1,000 per acre ; and that the most valuable groundg command still higher prices, [Agricultural report of 18G8, page 343.] It is only a small part of this vast and productive area that is litteral and is cultivated and private .property. Most of it is commons, upon which all who choose may fish. Next in importance to the oyster business are the herring and shad business of the Chesapeake and its tributaries, and Albemarle Sound, A catch of half a million herrings at a single haul is by means no uncom- mon. Sometimes so many fish are brought ashore in the seine that there is not force to clean and cure them. They are then used as manure on the neighboring farms. These fisheries are in full operation only for « month or six weeks during the Spring. 8 There are, however, other fisheries which last all the year, for sup- plying the daily markets of the adjacent country with fresh fish,' This is an industry which has also been greatly enlarged since the in- troduction of the steamboat and railway. The fresh fish of the Chesapeake are packed in ice and sent to all places that may, within 24 or 36 hours, be reached by rail or water. Among the fish so treated are the sturgeon, the rock, the shad, the sheepshead, hogfish, trout, mullet, perch, &c., with a great variety of pan fish and crabs. Upon these waters, and in this belt, the terrapin, the canvass-back duck,* with other delicacies, attain their greatest perfection. The other game birds are geese, swans, the blue-wing, and other ducks, plover, partridge, pheasants, sora, and wild turkeys. The smaller animals are also found in great abundance, such as squirrels, hares, foxes, &;c. All are free to fish and shoot on the Bay and rivers, so that a poor man here can always find the means of subsistence and a source of revenue. Dr. Franklin, of West River, one of the tributaries of the Chesapeake, kindly undertook to procure statistics relating to the fisheries of this Bay. He was not able to obtain any with regard to the principle fisheries, but tells me that from his landing there were shipped during the last season, from June 3d to November 9th, to the city of Philadelphia alone, 41, 880 dozen crabs, worth at the landing 30 cents the dozen. He supposes this to be about one-twentieth of all the hard crabs taken'; from the up- per part of the Bay alone. The soft crabs, he estimates to be about one- fourth of this number. Terrapins are found in all the small tributaries, and are sent in large quantities to market. They sell at prices varying from §3 to %oO the dozen. Fresh fish are caught in untold myriads. Vast numbers of wild ducks too, such as canvass-back, red-neck, blue- wing, mallad black-head, widgeon, &c., the most valuable being the can- vass-back and red-neck from the Potomac river, are killed for market. Canvass-backs in Baltimore bring from $2.50 to $4.00 the pair. Travellers from Europe, especially the Germans, who visit Virginia generally remark upon two things in particular, one is the habitual waste of bread, and the other that they see so few beggars or paupers. In many parts of the State beggars, unless they be of the professional sort from abroad, are unknown. I grew up to manhood before I ever saw one seeking charity. THE FOREST. Oak, sycamore, maple, hickory, walnut, locust, ash, cedar, pine, pop- lar, chestnut, birch, gum, cypress, persimmon, sassafras, mulberry, myrtle, holly, &c., are the chief forest trees in this belt. * The value of the ducks taken on tlie Potomac alone is estimated to be $50,000, aud the fish, exclusive of oysters, at $300,000 annually. 9 Owing to the abundance and the quality of the timber, and the facil- ity of transportation afforded by the rivers, creeks, and bays, a large quantity finds its way to Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and other cities, as shiptimber, firewood, staves, hoops and shingles. LAND. The price of land in this belt, as everywhere else, varies with its quality, its locality, and the improvements upon it. Lands here, with improve- ments upon them, may be had from prices varying from $5 to $50 or even $150 the acre. Unimproved lands can be had for much less, and ■when judiciously selected, the natural growth upon them will be more than sufficient to supply the purchase money. SUMAC. In this belt, and throughout the State generally, sumac grows wild. It is found in the poorest places, and is beginning to form a branch of industry which promises to be valuable. It is extensively used by the tanners ; and the Sicilian, which is of inferior quality, commands §125 per ton in Liverpool market. I have before me the copy of a circular of Alexander S. Macrae, of Liverpool, a dealer in sumac, and quote a few passages from it. "Importation here from Sicily in one day, 6,417 bags. Exported to America in one day, 1,200 bags. Before me lie a dozen certified tests of Sicilian and American [Virginian] sumac, and the average of these tests proves, beyond any question of doubt, that the American is 10 per cent, to 20 per cent, superior to any other the world produces ; for in- stance, Finest Sicilian. 'Lead Seal,' Tojero' and 'Ne Plus Ultra.' Tannin .- 23.65. Sand 1.00. Vegetable Fibre 75.35. 100.00. Finest American. 'Virginian.' Tannin 30.00. Sand 50. Vegetable Fibre 69.50. 100.00." Large areas are covered with it in Virginia, and vast quantities might be gathered annually, but like other resources of this State, which still lie dormant, not the least attention was paid either to sumac, or to oak bark for Quircitron, until the pressure caused by the war compelled peo- 10 pie to look about them. Preparing sumac for market is new to the counti'y people. They do not know how to gather it or to cure it properly. They lack mills for grinding, and other facilities for getting it into the market. Judging of the quantity that one sees growing wild, and of which even those who own the land take no note, it is not too much to say that if properly attended to, the sumac trade would soon, vie in importance with the tobacco trade of Virginia. HEALTH. There are no diseases peculiar to this belt, or to any part of Virginia. Those to which her people are liable are such as afflict the inhabitants of corresponding latitudes in other parts of the temperate zone. The most common complaints, however, are fevers of the intermittent type. No rates of mortality are kept in the country, but if we take those of Norfolk and other cities within the belt as an index, we shall find that the death rate among the whites of the Old Dominion is less than it is in any of the great cities of Europe ; it is also only about one-half that of the blacks. For example : The death rate in Norfolk, which is generally considered not so healthy as Petersburg, Richmond and Fred- ericksburg, averages, for the two years ending with 1889, for which I have the returns, 16 in 1,000. In New York it is 20 in 1,000; in London, 24; in Vienna, 29, and in Berlin, 31. WATEfl. Good springs abound, but in warm neighborhoods the people depend upon wells. These vary in depth, according to locality, from 10 to 60 feet. In digging, you often pass through beds of marl, in which case the water is hard. It is sometimes also impregnated with iron, but as a rule it is soft and very good. SOIL. The soil in the Tidewater belt is, for the most part, sandy. In some places it is clay. It is thin on the hills, but exceedingly rich and pro- ductive in the valleys and river bottoms. The lands along the Meher- rin, Nottaway, and Black Water, the James, York and Rappahannock rivers, and the water courses generally, are celebrated for their fertility. They are fine for wheat and corn; and some of them are sold as high as $150 per acre. There is an abundance of marl and green sand through- out tliis region, with here and there valuable deposits of muck and peat. All the lands arc susceptible of improvement, and most of them of a very high degree. Many of the hill lands have been worn out by long cultivation, shallow plowing and want of fertilizers of all kind. These have grown up in pine, and need again to be cleared for cultivation. Yield 9 Mr. Robert Binford, of Mulberry Hill, Isle of Wight county, 11 gives me the following information concerning the lands in that part of the belt ; remarks of like purport are applicable to the Southside coun- ties in it : " The largest amount of corn which I know to have been raised in up- lands in this county, was 105 bushels to the acre on a lot ef several acres which was highly manured, deeply broken and thoroughly cultiva- ted. 1, myself, have made 18 barrels, equal to 90 bushels, per acre in four contiguous acres without manure, but it was on bottom land thoroughly pulverized, though imperfectly drained, and with a propitious season. My last year's crop averaged, on 30 acres of the same land, 40 bushels per acre after having passed though a severe drouth. It then had to encounter a hurricane, which blew a large portion to the ground and lodged almost the whole of it, and that in the most critical stage of growth, which is about the time of tasseling. This crop was raised on land which, 30 years ago, was not considered to be worth, for agricultural purposes, the meagre amount of taxes then exacted on it. There is a considerable amount of land of a kindred character in this region awaiting the hand of industry and energy to develop it." Estimates ? With the view of furnishing immigrants and strangers, desirous of settling in Virginia, the best information that can be obtained without actual visit and examination, each for himself, I addressed to the farmers, in all parts of the State, circular letters, asking each to furnish such information in regard to his own county and neighborhood, and from his own experience, as intelligent and prudent emigrants would most de- sire to have. Among other things, in particular, this circular asked each one to state the price of land and labor in his own neighborhood, its staple productions, the yield per acre, the convenience to markets, schools and churches, &c., with the request that each would submit a pro forma estimate for the guidance of emigrants, and allow me to refer them to him for further information and for such friendly services and neighborly assistance as a stranger coming to settle among them would most stand in need of. To this they readily assented, and thus the im- migrants who choose to settle among us have friends to go to at once. The names and addresses of these gentlemen are given in connection with their reports. The estimate they were asked to submit, supposed the case of a young married man coming to settle in his neighborhood, with a wife and child, and who was well up to his business — industrious, sober and saving, and with $500 in gold [£100] in his pocket. Each correspondent was requested to consider a stranger in these cir- cumstances desirous of purchasing 40 acres of land with a view of es- tablishing himself upon it, and then he was asked to give an estimate of the expenses and profits he might reasonably expect to make by the in- vestment. 12 Colonel Cutshaw, one of my assistants, was also employed during the greater part of an entire year in riding through the different parts of the State, visiting the faraiers and seeking information for the benefit of immigrants. These reports and this information I now proceed to con- dense and discuss. Bet^inning with the Eastern counties in this belt, the first report in order is that of Dr. Thom, postoflSce Eastville, Northampton county : Aspects? Area of county about 180 square miles. Fronts east on the Atlantic ocean and west on Chesapeake bay. Surface nearly a dead level. Soil generally light and sandy, easily worked and very gener- ous in return for improvements. Industries ? Farming is the chief business ; many are also engaged in seafaring and fishing. Health? Intermittent and remittent fevers prevail in August and September in a mild form ; rest of the year healthy. Water? Wells in universal use — 10 to 20 feet deep. Water good. Staple Productions? Corn, oats, potatoes (Sweet and Irish), cab- bages, turnips and occasionally wheat. Yield Per Acre ? Wheat, 15 to 20 bushels with guano ; corn, 15 to 20 bushels, sometimes 50 ; oats 10 to 25. Fruits? Apples, peaches, pears, figs, pomegranates, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, plums, watermelons, cantaloupes, muskmelons, with a great variety of others. Vegetables ? All kinds known in this climate. Mills, Markets, Schools and Churches ? An abundance of all. Price of Land ? From $10 to $15, some as high as $100 per acre* Labor? From $4 to $10 per month and found. The Most Successful Cases of Industry? Oystering and fishing. From $100 to $300 per acre is the common yield in trucks, especially sweet potatoes. We get two crops a year from some land — Irish po- tatoes in the Spring and another crop followed by cabbages or turnips. Owing to the near neighborhood of large bodies of salt water, we suffer less from drouth and frost than elsewhere. This circumstance, with the facilities to market and the quick, sandy soil, adapt the country par- ticularly to trucks* and fruits. f ♦Trucks — fruits and vegetables. fMr. Robert Ilftrrrison, Garysville, Prince George county, states that the best mar- ket apples lor that region are the Horse apple, Gloria Mundi and early, varieties. One tree of Gloria Mundi produced apples which sold for $10 last season. Grapes brought 10 cents i)er pound. The Concord is the best variety. Very little injury from insects was noted. Dr. G. W. Briggs, Suffolk, Nansemond county, reports the sale at $2,000 of a single crop of 10 acres of Yellow June and Early Harvest apples. He states that 13 ISLE OF WIGHT. Report of Robert Binford, of Mulberry Hill, Isle of Wigbt county and Southampton (postoffice Zuni station, Isle of Wight) : Health? Climate mild and salubrious; not subject to those extreme variations of temperature which are common to many other localities. Health generally good. On the margin of the rivers and creeks ague and fever prevails at particular seasons. Aspects ? A mountainer would call it level, but it is sufficiently un- dulating for good drainage. Soil composed chiefly of clay and sand with vegetable mould. Sandy soil considered the best, especially for sweet potatoes. Marl is abundant, and is used extensively, particularly for clover and peanuts. Peat, muck and mud, with other fertilizers, are also used. Water? The country is generally well watered by brooks and rivu- lets from durable springs of freestone water, fresh and pure. Living water can be obtained anywhere in wells from 15 to 30 feet deep. There is also a sufficiency of water power in every neighborhood for grinding grist and sawing timber. Staple Crops ? Corn, oats, peanuts, beans and potatoes (Sweet and Irish) ; wheat, only to a limited extent. Yield Per Acre ? Depends upon fertilizers used and the mode of cultivation. Wheat, from 6 to 15 bushels ; corn, from 5 to 80 ; peas and beans, from 6 to 10; potatoes, from 100 to 200; peanuts, from 40 to 125 ; apples of marketable quality, from 40 to 120 barrels from orch- ards that are properly attended to. The smaller figures are obtained by those who are treading in the footsteps of the past generation, and who believe that money spent for fertilizers^ manures and drainage, will not yield as handsome returns as if lent to their more thrifty and enterprising neighbors at 6 per cent, interest. Fruits and Vegetables ? Apples, melons, peaches, pears, plums, cher- ries, with all the smaller fruits, find soil and climate in these two coun- ties admirably adapted to their growth and perfection. Grapes thrive wherever cultivated. Scuppernong,* in particular, seems to be in its $150 have been realized from a half-acre crop of Ilorse apples, and that single trees have netted $15 to 630. Sinf!;le pear trees — Bartlett's, Seckel's and Moor's White Pound — have frequently paid !?'_*0 to $40. On well-drained soils, carefuly cultivated, the ravages of insects are inconsiderable. Report of United States Commissioner of Agriculture for 1871, p. 147. [R. L. M.] *A sloe, indigenous to these and the neighboring counties of North Carolina. The vine is like the grape, but it bears its fruit not in branches but single like the plum. 14 natural home. The various kinds of turnips, especially the Swedish, do well. I have raised 300 bushels on land that would not have brought more than 2 barrels of corn to the acre. The sugar-cane or sorghum grows nearly as well here as anywhere. I made 14-1 gallons of molasses from two-thirds of an acre, and that with a rude mill of my own con- struction. Its cultivation has, however, been neglected in consequence of its interfering with the peanut harvest. Finally, I will say that the native fruits grow in such profusion, and such little care is taken of them, that enough goes to decay on the spot where it grows to support the entire population, if properly cared for and sold. 3IiUs, Markets, Schools and Churches ? Mills abundant, and outlets to, all the markets of the seaboard, both by rail and water, convenient. The Norfolk and PetersTjurg and the Seaboard and Roanoke railroads pass through these counties. There are several landings on the James, the Nansemond and the Black Water rivers ; the Chuckatuck and Pa- gan creeks, with their tributaries, Jones and Cypress creeks, &c., are navigable almost to their sources for coasting vessels. Churches of va- rious denominations are in every neighborhood. As for schools and postoffices facilities, I am sorry, we are badly off. In some parts of this district the people have to go 10 miles to reach the postotSce. Labor? The price of labor ranges from $8 to $15 per month for farm hands. By the day, from 37 to 75 cents. Mechanics, such as car- penters, bricklayers, &c., from $1.50 to ^o per day. A good, able- bodied man can, at ditching and cleaning out, make from $1.50 to §2.50 per day. Female domestics, from $4 to $5 per month. Cases of Successful Industry ? There might be many instances cited ■where industrious young men, who have little to depend upon besides their own industry, have established honorable reputations and secured an independence, say of ^5,000 to ^20,000. A neighbor of mine pur- chased a farm two years ago, for which he paid $6,000, and has since cleared more than the original price by raising peanuts and making ap- ple brandy. Last year he made on this farm $1,400 worth of brandy and 2,000 bushels of peanuts, worth $2 per bushel. His regular hands were four men and two boys, but there was extra labor employed in cul- tivating and harvesting the peanuts. I know of another instance ; a young married man, who purchased a farm since the war [which ended in 1865] at a cost of $2,500, has, within the last two years, cleared more than enough to pay for it by raising peanuts as his sole crop. Lands ? The price varies from $2 to $30 per acre. I suppose the average would be from $6 to $10, with some improvements, but there is a large amount that might be had for smaller figures. The cost of clearing 15 land depends on the mode; where the trees are girdled and time given for their decay, the cost is comparatively small and the fertility much improved. Where the timber is taken off and sold, its value would pay the labor of clearing. It generally costs about $5 to grub it and clear of scrubs. Timber ? The county abounds in the best of building timber, pine, poplar, cypress, with a variety of oaks growing on the margins of the rivers and brooks, used principally for staves, posts and fuel. Besides these, there are various kinds of ash, gum, walnut, and hickory, &c. JAMES CITY COUNTY. Reports of Geo. Hankius, of Burnt Ordinary, and Gen. Ewell, of "William and Mary College, of Williamsburg. Natural Features ? Generally level, a rise of about 80 feet between the York and James rivers, indented near the water with ravines. Occupations ? Chiefly agricultural. Those not engaged in cultiva- ing the soil are employed in oystering and fishing. The fish are abund- ant in these waters. In the James are rock, perch, sturgeon, and va- rious other kinds. In the York, oysters, terrapins, sheepshead, hogfish, trout, mullet, &c., are in abundance with clams and crabs. Game also abounds. Deer in great numbers, and harmless, but edible '■''varments,'^ to use Cooper's term, such as hares, squirrels, opossums, and raccoons. Beavers, otters, minks, and weasels are less common than formerly. Sawing and cutting timber is also followed. Health ? Generally good, but liable to ague and fever in July and August. Water ? Generally good and cool, but sometimes impregnated with carbonate and sulphate of lime from marl beds. Wells from 20 to 35 feet deep. Soil ? Siliceous, with a mixture of clay. Staple Crops f Wheat, corn, and oats, peanuts and potatoes. Yield per acre ? Wheat from 5 to 30 bushels ; corn 15 to 20 bush- els ; oats 10 to 25 ; peanuts 30. Fruits and Vegetables ? All sorts common to the latitude. Blills, 3Iarkets, Schools, and Churches 9 All convenient save in some neighborhoods where schools are scarce. Price of Land ? From $3 to $130. Average about $20. Labor ? Men from $6 to SlO. Women from $4 to $5 per month. From 50 cents to $1 by the day. The Peninsula is the northern limit of the peanut as a staple crop. The United States Commissioner of Agriculture put the peanut crop of 1868 at 300,000 bushels. He estimated the crop of 1869 at 1,000,000 bushels, and valued it at $2.75 per bushel. 16 Heretofore it has not been the habit of Virginia to advertise herself, and though the peanut has been cultivated by her farmers from time im- memorial, yet, according to the United States Commissioner, the value of this excellent nut was not known abroad until the Federal soldiers, ■who invaded Virginia, spread it after their return home from the war in 1865. It is planted in May, cultivated like the potato, and gathered in October; the vine making an excellent winter provender for cattle. The Commissioner compares the cultivation of this nut with the cul- tivation of cotton and tobacco, and shows that of the former not only more profitable, but less laborious and troublesome. He gives the aver- age yield of cotton per acre as 225 pounds, worth, at 25 cents, $56.25. The average yield of tobacco, 600 pounds per acre, worth, at 10 cents, $60. But, of the peanut, the average yield per acre is given at 50 bushels, worth, at $2.50 per bushel, $125.* Mr. John F. Martin, of James City county, has 3,750 apple trees ■which averaged last season 5 bushels each, worth $2.50 per barrel. His best varieties for market are Striped June and Catshead. Report United States Commissioner of Agriculture for 1871, p. 148. [R. L. M.] HENRICO. Report of Jno. D. Warren, postoffice, Richmond: Aspects? Our county lies upon the navigable waters of the James river, and enjoys all the advantages afforded by its navigation, and its shad, herring and sturgeon fisheries. The city of Richmond divides the county into nearly two equal parts ; my remarks apply more especially to that portion of it which lies below Richmond, and is in tidewater [ and which contains about 100 square miles.] This section is less improved than the upper portion which is above tidewater,t but I think it affords greater inducements than the other to immigrants of the class that we are supposing, young married men each with $500 in gold, well up to their business, industrious, sober, and saving. In the tidewater portion the land is cheaper, the population less dense, the advantages less developed, and consequently a better field is ofi"ered to settlers with small means. The proximity of the coal and lumber yards of the city obviate, to a great extent, the inconvenience that otherwise would result here from the scarcity of fuel and timber caused by the war. The new comer de. ♦Report United States Commissioner of Agriculture, 18G8, p. 224, fBoth Henrico and Chesterfield lie partly above tidewater. The Richmond coal fields are in the upper portions of these counties. They have been extensively worked for many years. There are no mines of any sort in the tidewater region proper. [R. L. M.] 17 rives great advantages also from the facilities of getting manure and fer- tilizers. There are instances in which perfectly waste lands have been re_ claimed by the application of 100 bushels of gas-house lim^ to the acre at the cost of 5 cents the bushel, followed by the ordinary rotation of clover, wheat, and timothy. With judicious cultivation and simple sur- face drainage, such lands have, in a very few years, become fine hay farms. The lands upon the James river are generally alluvial, made so by the deposits from the rich, red lands of the mountain region ; they are of a deep chocolate color, and are among the best wheat lands of that celebrated Valley. The fertility of the soil is kept up simply by using lime, with a rotation of clover, which supplies hay and increases fertility at the same time. Lime is afforded abundantly by the marl, which un- derlies a great portion of our tidewater country, or is brought in vessels from the State of New York. It is also obtained by burning shells brought from the oyster beds of the lower tidewater region, and, to a limited extent, from the gas works in Richmond. I know of no system of improvement so cheap and remunerative as this aided only by the application of coarse manures made on the farm. I have known lands of no great natural fertility to produce crops of 30 and 35 bushels per acre. A premium acre produced 80 bushels of corn. Staple Crops ? Corn, wheat, oats, clover, timothy, hay, with partial cultivation of potatoes, turnips, cabbages, and other garden vegetables for the Richmond market. Some are turning their attention to the raising of fruits. .Mills, 3Iarkefs, Schools, and ChircJies ? Henrico county, in imme- diate proximity to the city of Richmond, offers to the settler seeking a home all the advantages of markets, «hurches, schools and colleges, and railway, river, and ocean navigation. It offers convenient intercourse with all parts of this and foreign countries. Its social advantages arc also very great. There are, in this county, mines of bituminous coal, granite quarries, and abundant deposits of marble. [The coal and granite are found in the upper part of the county which is above tidewater. M.] Price of Land ? This varies from §5 to $30 per acre ; usual terms of sale, one-third cash, balance in one and two years. The river lands are the best improved, and command higher prices, but even of these I have known sales of highly improved farms at $20 ^he acre. It is well to add, that upon some of the best farms the system of leases has been introduced, which offers to skillful and industrious set- tlers, with but small capital, an opportunity to cultivate the best lands in the county. Health? The climate of Richmond and its environs is conspicuous for its pleasantness and health. The only local disease is a mild type of 2 18 intermittent fever and that is chiefly confined to wet, exposed, and unim- proved situations, and places in the vicinity of marshes. The great number of foreign settlers in this country, chiefly Germans, is proof that the new-comer is not subjected to severe or dangerous dis- eases in the process of acclimation. Water? Lying between rivers in close proximity, our county is abundantly supplied in this yespect. Price of Labor ? Ordinary hire of freedraen during the year for farm work, $10 a month and found. Brick layers and plasterers %2>. 50 per day, carpenters from $2 to $2.50. In wheat harvest, fine reapers $2, and gleaners $1 — rations always furnished. Timber ? Chiefly forest pine, oak, hickory, and cypress, all in abund- ance where not destroyed by the armies in the late war. Chickahominy cypress is valuable for shingles. Charcoal is made of long leaf pine [the second growth in this region,] and is becoming the leading business with a large class of our people. Best Season for Coming ? The new-comer should rent, purchase, or lease his farm and begin to prepare for his crops in February or March. He should provide himself with cattle, hogs, and poultry ; sow oats, plant corn, cultivate a garden, set out an orchard, &c., &c. This would much diminish the first year's expense of [supporting his family and feeding his stock, and enable him to enter so much the sooner upon the profits of his labor. I therefore prefer to begin farming early in the Spring — sow oats in February or March, to be reaped in July ; plant corn in April and May, to be gathered in November ; cultivate roots and vege- tables to be gathered in their season. Prepare for vvheat in August? sow in October, to be reaped about the 18th of June following. Grass seed may be sown in the Fall, but it is generally preferred to sow with clover and timothy in connection with wheat or oats in March. Pigs littered as late as May make good pork in December, when well fed, but there is some economy in keeping hogs till they are two years old. Our market off"ers the finest inducements for raising fowls. Early chickens are sold for 50 cents apiece. Eggs at same per dozen at their highest market. A fair average of 25 cents apiece for chickens, and per dozen for eggs can be got. Butter averages per pound rather more than these figures. Veals bring from $8 to $14. There is nothing that a farmer cannot sell at fair prices, from worn plow points, rags and corn shucks, to wicker basketsful of strawberries and delicious grapes. A young married man, with $500 in gold, wishes to settle in Henrico upon a farm of 40 acres, what, supposing him to be up to his business, sober, saving, and industrious, would be his probable expenses and re- ceipts ? 19 ESTIMATES FIRST YEAR. 40 acres land at $15. First year's payment $200 Building, farming implements, household and kitchen furniture 200 Horse, cow and calf, sow and pigs, poultry, &c 161 Subsistence for family and stock 195 Seed 72 Manure and extra labor 300 $1,128 Receipts after deducting for family use : 250 bushels corn [10 acres] at 80 cents $200 400 " turnips 25 " 100 150 cwt. oats $1.00 " 150 200 bushels potatoes 1.00 200 5,000 cabbages [1 acre] 3 cents 15 750 pounds pork at 10 cents 75 Poultry and garden products 112 In currency* $987 SECOND YEAR. Second p'ayment for land $200 Household and farming expenses 350 $550 Receipts (deducting for home consumption). 250 bushels wheat [10 acres] $500 All other articles 1,100 $1,600 THIRD year's expenses. Last payment on land $200 Household and farming expenses including $100 for implements 600 $800 Sales of all sorts $1,800 GLOUCESTER. Reports of John D. Seawell, [postoffice, Gloucester Court-house] Col. Cutshaw, V. M. I., and of Robert Seldon, of Robens Neck [postoffice, Hickory Fork] Gloucester. Soil ? The soil is generally a gray loam mixed with sand, with a light yellow clay subsoil. Miocene marl is found throughout the county, * When this estimate was made, it was at the rate of $1.40 for the gold dollar. 20 and not far below the surface. It has been extensively and successfully used as a fertilizer. Timber ? Once excellent and abundant, has been very much thinned out, especially near the water courses, where it has been cut and carried away both for shiptimber and firewood. Health ? Good. Ague and fever the most prevalent disease. Water ? Abundant. Wells 10 to 30 feet deep ; in many neighbor- hoods water impregnated with lime. Staple Crops ? Corn, wheat, oats, peas and hay. Yield per acre ? Wheat average 6 bushels ; corn 20 ; oats 10 ; hay ^ to 2 tons. Fruit ? Apples, pears, peaches, figs, plums, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, grapes and scuppernongs. Vegetables ? Cabbage, carrots, parsnips, brocoli, kale, celery, cauli- flower, beets, salsify, peas, beans, artichokes, tomatoes, sweet and Irish potatoes, cucumbers, cymlings, gherkins, pumpkins, and squashes. Mills, Markets, Schools, and Churches? Steam and water mills- Markets — Baltimore, Norfolk, and Richmond. Sunday schools and churches of all sorts. Price of Land? Only one piece has been sold since the war, at about $20 per acre. [Several plantations, highly improved, have recently been sold at from $20 to $40. M.] Labor ? $10 for men, $4 for women per month, but difficult to ob- tain for farming purposes owing to the ease with which the laboring class can gain their livelihood by "oystering," fishing, &c. KING AND QUEEN. William Boulware, Traveller's Rest, report. Aspects ? About 60 miles long by 8 wide. Climate mild. There is probably not a month in the year that a husbandman is kept from out- door work. Soil? Silicious and argillaceous with intermediate varieties. It is a part of the Chesapeake region — the Mediterranean of the United States. Adapted to all the vegetables and fruits of mild climates. The seasons are three weeks in advance of those of New York. It is more agreeable than the south of Europe,* much drier in Winter and cooler in Summer. My impression is, it is more healthy. We have beneath our soil, in many parts of the county, a treasure ■which Providence has been pleased to have deposited in anticipation of our peculiar wants — marl in great abundance, and often in great rich- ness, containing 60 or 70 per centum of lime. The cultivator has it in * Where he resided for several years as American minister. 21 his power to enrich his lands to any degree by means of this fertilizer. With a scattering of marl, and a crop of clover, he often finds his farm producing double the former crops. There is an estate near me owned by one of the wealthiest men in the county, who is indebted exclusively for his wealth to the purchase of poor lands and their improvement by marl. Sealth ? We have no diseases peculiar to this climate ; those who are imprudent, are sometimes attacked by chills and fever in Autumn, but they are usually slight and can be easily cured by quinine. These chills are found more or less in all climates where heat, moisture, and vegetable matter to decompose, are brought together. They produce only a slight temporary inconvenience. Staple Crops ? Corn and wheat. We also make tobacco, cotton, rye, barley, oats, and potatoes [sweet and Irish]. As to fruits and vege" tables, they are in great variety and abundance, so much so that but lit- tle market value is attached to them. Strawberries and blackberries grow spontaneously in the fields. Persimmons, which make very excellent beer, may be had for the gathering. No proprietor, within my knowledge, has ever made any charge for them. We have forests of chestnuts, many wal- nuts, a variety of nut producing hickories, and everyspeciesof timber to be found within these latitudes in America. Industries ? There is a considerable trade in lumber, and a great gain to be derived from it. A very profitable trade has also sprung up within the last two years in sumac leaves. Fish, also, principally shad and herring, constitute a large item in the productions and exports of the county. But the fortunes in this section have, for the most part, been made from the soil. Heretofore a young man of industry and econ- omy, with a few hundred dollars to begin with, was sure of supporting his family and making a comfortable fortune. In truth, I know of no county in which the population live more easily and enjoy a higher stand- ard of comfort than here, in the Tidewater section of Virginia. Our for- ests furnish game, our rivers the finest of fish, and our lands nearly everything else necessary for comfortable subsistence. The wild grapes of our forest produce a wine but little inferior to the be?c that are found in Europe. It is from this stock of vine that the Nor- t(>n Seedling has sprung, which has been so extensively diffused, and so tighly thought of in all parts of the country. In the lower parts of this county, on the York river, we catch large quantities of the best oysters* This business is so profitable, that agriculture on the slopes of that river is often neglected. It is difficult to obtain field laborers when a good oysterman can make $2 or $3 dollars a day with his tongs. Price of Land ? You remark, "we have no public lands to offer the 22 new-comer ; " that is true, but what we have is better and cheaper. We have lands already arable, houses already built, orchards in full bear- ing, and an old settled and secure society. Price of land varies from $5 to $30 ; the average would be between $10 and $15 the acre. As to so- ciety, there is none better in the country ; the people are educated, re- fined, and religious. Mills, Markets, Schools and Qhurches ? Churches convenient. Schools, public buildings, and all the conveniences appertaining to an old and well organized society. A young married man, with $500 in gold, desires to establish him- self in King and Queen upon a farm of 40 acres. What, supposing him to be up to his business, would be his probable expenses and receipts 9 FIRST YEAR. 40 acres at $15 First payment $200 Building, horse, cow, and calf, &c 185 Seed, provender, and provision 155 Total expenses $540 Sales (deducting for family use) : 200 bushels corn at 80 cents $160 170 " wheat at $2 340 Garden, dairy and poultry 50 Total receipts $550 SECOND YEAR. Second payment for land $200 Groceries, &c 39 Total expenses $239 Sales (deducting for use) ; Corn and wheat $500 Proceeds of garden, &c 70 Total receipts $570 THIRD YEAR. Last payment on land $200 Expenses of all sorts 185 Total expenses $385 Sales (deducting as before) : 250 bushels wheat $500 200 " corn 160 Orchard, garden, &c 70 Total receipts $730 23 ESSEX COUNTY. Report of Edmund F. Noel, Esq., (postoffice, Tappahannock). Industries? Chiefly grain growing. Physical Aspects ? As in Tidewater country generally, except that the tops of the hills are sometimes covered with boulders of sandstone, layers of which crop out at their sides several inches in thickness. Health ? Generally good, except in the Fall, when chills and fevers of various kinds prevail. Epidemics ? Influenza, measles, whooping cough, &c., are the most prevalent. Water ? Good freestone, from wells and springs. It is sometimes impregnated with iron. Wells from 25 to 35 feet. Staple Crops ? Corn, wheat, oats, and rye. Yield ? Wheat from 5 to 10 bushels ; corn from 10 to 20 ; oats from 10 to 12 per acre. Fruits ? Apples, peaches, and pears, with the smaller fruits. Vegetables ? Peas, cabbage, beets, potatoes, and the like. Mills, Markets, Schools, and Churches? Plenty of all. Price of Land? From $5 to $10 the acre. Labor ? 50 cents the day — from $8 to $10 the month and found. About 1 hour for breakfast, and from 1| to 2 hours for dinner. Those that pay more allow less time for meals. KING GEORGE. •Reports of Col. Edward T. Tayloe, of Powhatan Hill [postoffice, King George Court-house] ; Jno. D. Rogers, Esq., of Farley Vale [postoffice, Fredericksburg], and of Col. Cutshaw, Y. M. I., Lexington Virginia. Col. Tayloe keeps a meteorological register, and, according to the mean of his observations for twenty-one years, the average monthly rain fall is : For January, 1.7 inches; for February, 1.5; March, 2.1; April, 3.1; May, 3.6 ; June, 3.2 ; July, 3.8 ; August, 4.3 ; September, 3.2 ; October, 6. This, allowing for the difference of latitude and the distance from the bay and seashores, will afford a very good idea as to the rainfall of the Tidewater belt generally. Physical Aspects ? This county forms a part of the Peninsula, which is generally called "The Northern Neck." It fronts both on the Poto- mac and Rappahannock, and its western boundary comes within 8 miles of Fredericksburg. It, with the counties of Essex, Gloucester, James City, and a portion of New Kent, forms a belt of country presenting sim- ilar topographical features and agricultural resources. 24 Col. Tayloe is of opinion that ,?250 in gold -will buy 50 acres of land, •which, he says, is as much as a man and his wife can well cultivate. It will furnish a garden for their vegetables, and the rest may be put in grain. Of less fertile but yet improvable land this sum would buy 75 or^80 acres- Forty acres of clear, open land would produce 1,000 bushels of corn in favorable seasons, and, under judicious management, much more. A good farmer would vary his products, and have others more valuable than corn. Facilities to market are abundant, and he can send there "whatever he has to sell. A horse and plow, or one yoke of good oxen, a cow and a calf, a sow and pigs, a cart, and a few simple implements, 'will Suffice for a beginning; $250 in gold will buy them. Staple Productions ? Corn, wheat, tobacco, rye, oats, potatoes, and leguminous plants succeed well, with a plentiful supply of vegetables. Ap- ples, pears, peaches, with berries, are abundant. Yield ? Corn from 20 to 60 bushels per acre ; wheat from 10 to 40. A fine country for watermelons. Col. Cutshaw thinks the yield should be stated at for corn 15 to 20 bushels, and for wheat 10 to 15. Wood and Timber ? Near the rivers, Potomac and Rappahannock, there is an abundance of wood. A great deal of pine wood is sent from here to market in Alexandria, Baltimore and Washington. Freight $2 a cord, cutting and hauling $1. Price in market from ^4 to t?6, and sometimes $10. There are, in King George and the neighboring counties* marshes or swamps called "pocosins," that are heavily timbered with ash, maple, sweet gum, &c., and from them vast quantities of shiptimber have been cut and sent to the North. On the uplands and ridges are forests of pine and oak. Lands? Vary from $5 to 60 an acre, according to situation and im- provements. Labor? From 50 cents a day to $12 a month — rather hard to get. Markets ? "I am on the Rappahannock river, and deliver 1,000 bush- els a day for'any port." — Rogers. "Our rivers are rarely closed by ice more than a month, and some winters pass without hindrance to naviga- tion. The steamboats suspend their trips usually in January and Feb- ruary for repairs, and commence again in March. The landings are nu- merous and convenient." Stock ? Succeeds finely. Except in very cold weather, and when the ground is covered with snow, very little provender is required for them and the corn ciops furnish this abundantly by its blades, without the ex- pense of providing hay. Sheep do well, and the finer breeds bear good fleeces. Manures? "Marl of both the eocene and meocene formations are ^ound in abundance in the river banks and blufl*s, and has been success- 25 fully used for many years as a fertilizer. A thin stratum of iron ore (brown hematite), seldom more than a few inches in thickness, but ex- tending over a large area in Eastern Virginia, is generally found in the clay, overlying the marl." Supposing a young married man with $500 gold, sober, saving and industrious, and well up to his business, desires to establish himself in King George upon a farm of 40 acres, give an estimate of expenses and receipts : 40 acres at $5 — First payment $ 66 66 Buildiugs, horse, cow and calf, sow and pigs, poultry, fruit trees, &c... 143 00 Farming implements, feed, &c., subsistence, including cost, &c 133 75 Total expenses $343 41 Sales. 200 bushels corn* [10 acres] at 75 cents $150 00 Second Year. Second payment on land, interest-8 per cent ...$ 72 00 Guano, Groceries, &c 163 75 $235 75 Sales. 50 bushels wheat at $2, and 250 bushels of corn at 75c. [10 acres]. ..$287 00 700 pounds tobacco at 25 cents 175 00 Poultry, garden products, &c 85 00 $497 00 Third Year. Third payment on land, 8 per cent, interest $ 77 36 Guano, groceries, &c.... 140 00 Expenses $217 36 Sales. 250 bushels corn at 75 cents (10 acres) $187 50 200 bushels wheat at $2 400 00 Tobacco 175 00 300 pounds bacon at 10 cents 30 00 Garden, poultry, &c 40 00 $832 50 Sales third year over SSTo.f *After deducting 10 acres for house, garden and lots, the remaining 30 acres are supposed to be divided into fields of 10 acres each. If the settler choose to cultivate more land, as he may, he can rent land near by for one-third the product. This will increase his receipts without additional outlay. t " It is to be observed that a settler cannot raise sheep on 40 acres of land, there being no commons with us; nor can he make wheat the first year, nor oats in any year without taking from the wheat land. I have omitted the cost of seed wheat, which you will correct. Proceeds from garden and poultry can hardly be counted the first year. "The labor of the man and wife makes the costs of cultivation. Additional la- bor, if required, may be returned in kiud between neighbors." — Tayloe. 26 A few notes from Colonel Tayloe's meteorological register will, per- haps, give the stranger as good an idea of the climate in this belt as a new comer can generally derive after several years' residence. Powhatan Hill, latitude 38° 13' ; height above sea level, 100 feet. Monthly maximum and minimum temperature [Fahrenheit] at 7 A. M. for the 12 months beginning May, 1860: MONTH. MAXIMUM. MININIMUM. May 76 46 June 80 55 July 83 63 August 83 60 September 76° 53° October 72° 33° November 54 28 ^ December. 18 23 January, 1870 51° 16° February," 55° 14° March, " 52° 27° April, ■" 68° 35° May 1st, 1869, coral honeysuckle, birdcherry flowering : almond in bloom. 3d, calicanthus in bloom. Corn planting began April 20th, and goes on yet. 3d, roses, horse chestnuts and snow balls begin to bloom. 10th, planted cucumbers and melons. 12th, planted black- eye peas. 17th, blackberry and furze tree in bloom. 18th, locust in bloom ; many varieties of rose in bloom. Strawberries plentiful ; whortleberries in bloom. 27th, sheep sheared. June 3d, 1869, kalmia in bloom. 5th, tomatoe and potatoes in bloom. 12th, new potatoes ; planted navy beans. 14th, corn has now advanced to over 90 cents per bushel of 56 pounds ; smoke tree and pride of China in bloom. 18th, cutting rye ; elder in bloom, catalpa also ; strawberries continue ; currants gathered ; gooseberries ripening. 21st, harvest commenced. 26th, mimosa in bloom. July 1st, 1869, harvest finished; crop of wheat good — best since war. 10th, threshing in progress with satisfactory yield ; cutting oats ; althea in bloom ; crepe myrtle in bloom. 28th, red wheat, Baltimore, $1.45@i5l.65 ; white corn, $1.08@Sl.l2 per bushel. August 7th, 1869, annular eclipse of sun ; mercury fell two degrees. 16th, a distressing drought prevails ; melons have been abundant. 27th, began to pull fodder. 30th, sowed turnips. September 4th, 1869, drought continues ; corn crop estimated to be two-thirds of a fair crop ; that of the county, less than half an average. 6th, wheat in Baltimore, ^1.25 to $1,60 the bushel ; corn $1.05 to $116, 6th, cantaloupes abundant to this time; a few good peaches, pears and apples, but these fruits are not plentiful this year. 17th, fine rain ; droughts have not been frequent. The years 1833 and 1837 27 were very dry. In 1838 there was not rain enough to set out plants from July 12th to September 7th. The summer of 1866 was very dry. 28th, a little frost observed on straw ; began to sow wheat. 29th, another light frost ; morning fires very comfortable. 30th, wild geese appeared. October 4th, 1869, 5,055 inches of rain fell on the 3d to about mid- night, 7th, slight frost. 9th, corn, Baltimore, $1 per bushel. 10th, heavy frost. 18th, much frost. 21st, finished sowing wheat. 25th, a killing frost. 26-7th, a skim of ice. 28th, digging potatoes ; yield very light. November 1st, 1869, very heavy frost and skim of ice ; aurora borealis last night. 2d, 3d and 4th, heavy frosts at night; days mild. 6th, a week of fine Indian summer weather. 8th, yesterday cold; to- day colder; snow squalls ; 28° at 7 A. M. ; ice one and a fourth inch. 9th, 31° 7 A. M. ; ice half an inch. 13th, heavy frosts yesterday and to-day; cold Indian summer this week; 22d, heavy frost; ice. 25th, frost ; ice over one-fourth of an inch. December 1st, 1869, bright mid-day; at 7 A. M. 68°. 4th, ice an inch thick. 6th, corn all put in granary; crop, two-thirds .of an aver- age per acre. 7th, ice three-fourths of an inch, 19th, ice one-fourth of an inch. 20th, ice one-fourth an inch. 30th, heavy frost yesterday ; much heavier this morning ; very mild for the season ; no freezing for several days. 31st, frost ; mild and pleasant day. January 6th, 1870, plowing. 9th, 16°, coldest day so far. 11th, gathering ice. 13th, plowing. 17th, lightning. 22d, plowing every day this week. 25th, papyrus japonica, purple magnolia and elm coming into leaf. 29th, plowing all this week. February 5th, plowing all this week ; filberts and elms in flower. 12th, plowing all this week ; periwinkle blooming. 18th, thunder. 21st, 14°, the coldest day in the yeat 23d, first snow of the winter to cover the ground. 24th, snow all nielted ofi" in open places. March 5th, plowing all this week. 9th, thermometer 25°. 24th, ice. April 6th, early peach, apricot, P. japonica in flower, 11th, plums in bloom. 13th, began to plant corn. 14th, cherries, spirea, wild plum in bloom. 15th, pears in bloom ; corn selling for 95 cents on the river. 21st, early apples in bloom. 23d, first whip-poor- will ; red bud and white lilac in bloom. 26th, slight frost. 30th, apples, quinces, purple lilac, yellow jessamine, azahas [wild honey- suckles] in bloom. These observations and remarks from the admirable meteorological journal of Colonel Tayloe, will, after allowing for diiference of some lo- cation, give the immigrant a very good idea [as to the climate in other portions of this belt. In early spring the seasons in New Kent are ;28 about a week, and in Southampton, about two weeks in advance of those in King George ; while in the counties of Norfolk and Princess Anne they are about a month. Gloucester, Matthews and Northampton are in the same latitude, but on account of the difference as to their situation in regard to the sea, the early fruits and plants of Northampton are in leaf and flower, at least a week, before they are in the other two counties. The counties of Stafford, Prince William and Alexandria all front on the Potomac where the tides ebb and flow. They lie mostly within the Piedmont belt, yet, for convenience, they are included with the Tide- water region. Here the face of the country changes its features : in- stead of being flat and sandy, most of it is rolling. Sandstones, gneiss, marble (breccia), shales and quartz are all outcropping here and there; gold, with copper, iron and other minerals, has also been profita- bly mined in several of these counties. They are convenient by water to all the markets of the seaboard, and have communication by rail, river and canal with the cities of Alexan- dria and Washington, Georgetown and Baltimore. PRINCE WILLIAM. Reports of Messrs. Crawford Gushing and G. H. Hunton. These gen- tlemen live not far from the celebrated battle fields of Bull Run and Manassas, and though not in the same neighborhood, they have the same postofnce, viz: Gainsville, Prince William county. Industries ? The people in this vicinity are engaged in farming and grazing cattle, horses and sheep. Within an area of five miles square, we have, says ]Mr. Hunton, "Four mills, three blacksmith's shops, one wheelwright, three carpenters, two coopers, five merchants , two shoe- makers and two physicians." Aspects ? The surface of the country is rolling, with good streams of lasting water ; large portions are covered with oak and pine timber. The oak is good; pine of the "old field" sort. Health ? Most excellent. Epidemics ? There has not been one in twelve years — the time I have been living in the neighborhood. Heard of none before. — [Hunton] Water ? Springs of freestone. W^ells from 25 to 50 feet deep ; some Boft, some brackish. Staple Crops ? Wheat, corn, oats, hay, buckwheat and some tobacco for home consumption. Yield per acre ? Wheat from 5 to 20 bushels, average, say 10 ; corn on unimproved land, 15 bushels ; ordinarily good, 30 ; highly improved, 60 to .75 ; oats, 10 to -10 ; hay, one-half to two tons. I i9 Fruit% ? Apples, peaches, pears, apricots, cherries, damsons, grapes, strawberrieafand other small fruits. Vegetables ? Irish potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, peas, beans, turnips onions, celery, carrots, parsnips, in short, all vegetables grown in the temperate zone will do well here with care. Natural Groivth of Timber P Every variety of oak, walnut, hickory, poplar, gum, sycamore, elm, chestnut, pine, and various kinds of the dwarf trees, as dogwood, spicewood, redwood, ironwood, &c. Natural Groivth of Berries and Briers ? Whortleberries, blackberries wild gooseberries, wild cherries, raspberries, &c. ; bramble, sweetbrier, the latter a dwarf species of bramble, tall and running briers, which produce the black and dewberry. Natural Growth of Weeds and Roots P Hemlock, ragweed, ironweed (frequently used for brooms), pursely careless, snake root, bloodroot, Indian onion, rattlewood, wild carrot and wild potato. Natural Growth of Flowers ? Wild violet, wild pink, wild scarlet geranium, wild honeysuckle, wild flowering pea, sweetbrier, several va- rieties of roses, touch-me-nots, senna and many others. Mills, Markets, Schools and Churches ? Well supplied with all except • schools. Sparse population, and the misfortunes of the late war causing the lack of schools. Land? Price ranges from $6 to $25, according to quality and im- provements. Land about Manassas selling from $60 to $80 the acre, mostly on speculation. Labor? 50 to 75 cents a day; $10 to $12 a month. Hard to get and hard to control. FAIRFAX COUNTY. The eastern portion of this county is in the immediate vicinity of the cities of Washington, Georgetown and Alexandria, and the attention of the inhabitants is directed chiefly to fruit raising, market gardening and dairy farming. Reports of Mr. Thos. R. Love, Fairfax Courthouse ; B. Caswood & Son, postofBce, Herndon, Fairfax county; Chalkley Gillingham, Mount Vernon Nursery, and Thos. I. Peacock, postotfice. Prospect Hill, Fair- fax county. Industries ? In the neighborhood of Herndon, the chief industries are dairy farming and cheese making, and in the county generally, farming, manufacturing, market gardening, fruit raising, &c., &c. Health? Excellent. Epidemics ? Bilious fever of a mild type, with ague and fever, on the Potomac river, but no epidemics. 80 Water ? Soft and pure, from springs, and generally so from wells from 15 to 30 feet deep. Sometimes impregnated with irflpi. Staple Crops ? Corn, wheat, oats, grass, and small fruits, potatoes, &c. Yield 'per acre ? Wheat from 10 te 20 bushels ; corn from 35 to 50 bushels ; oats from 20 to 50 bushels ; hay one-half to two tons. " Col. Cutshaw, my assistant, reports 10 bushels of wheat, 15 bushels corn, 15 bushels oats, 14 bushels rye, as the average yield in this county." Fruits ? Apples, peaches, pears, cherries, quinces, plums, and small fruits. Vegetables ? All kinds. This county is second only to the State ot California in the production of all kinds of vegetables, melons and sweet potatoes only excepted. Natural Growth of Cirassesf Herds grass or "red top," blue grass, apd white clover. Mills, Markets, Schools and Qhurches ? Badly off for mills — destroyed during the war. Good markets. Poor schools, and but few churches. The latter destroyed during the war " to promote civilization." Price of Land? From $5 to $100 the acre. ^ Labor ? Farm hands from $10 to $15 per month. Women $5, and inferior at that. Mechanics from $2 to $3 a day. The most Successful Case of Industry/ ? Market gardening is the most profitable business in connection with farming in this county. Those that do not live further than 10 miles from Washington, go to market from three to six times a week, carrying fruit and vegetables, butter, poultry, pigs, &c.; in short, everything that can be raised upon a farm of small size, all of which finds a ready sale in Washington city, at high prices. Consequently all of these people are making money, many of them are becoming rich (T. R. Love). Many of my neighbors by hard work have acquired competency (Thos. J. Peacock). Grazing is very profitable indeed. One farmer near me purchased ten head of stock cat- tle last Fall and sold them this Spring, early in June, at a clear profit of $300. No grain whatever was fed to them. This business is increas- ing (T. R. Love).* *The United States Commissioner of Agriculture, in his report for 1871, p. 146 says: " A prominent fruit growing enterprise in Virginia is that of Mr. Chalkley Gillingham, Accotink, Fairfax county, embracing 100 acres of peaches, 100 acres of apples, and 10 acres of pears. The planting of these trees dates from 1849, continued by annual additions up to the present time. Of apples. Summer and Autumn varieties form each one-fourth of the planting, and Winter varieties one-half. The best early mar- ket apples are the Edwards Early, Early Hagloe, Astrachan, Early Ripe, &c. Of Fall apples, the Fall Pippin, Gravenstein, Maiden's Blush. Of Winter apples, the Abram, Albemarle, Bowling's Sweet, Ridge Pippin, &c. From 600 peach trees in bearing, 300 bushels of fruit were sold last season at an average price of $1 per bushel. The pear trees are mostly young. Those iu bearing last year fruited finely, the fruit bringing $4 per bushel. R. L. M.] 31 GENERAL REMARKS. It would be difficult for an immigrant to find a more interesting and in- structive account of a country in which he is about to make his new home, than that which is contained in these reports from the farmers, and from which the foregoing statements have been chiefly derived. It should be borne in mind that the gentlemen who make these reports are for the most part strangers to me, and strangers to each other. Each has conferred only with his neighbors, and answered in his own way certain interrogatories that were propounded to him for the benefit of the immigrants. I have given the purport of the answers in the fore- going pages, with the address of those who submitted them, and am au- thorized to refer the stranger to those gentlemen for further and detailed information concerning their neighborhood and counties. It will be ob- served that nothing is said about many of the counties in this belt ; that is simply because no reports have been received from them, nor is the omission of vital importance, considering the abundance of the informa- tion given by those who were kind enough to submit reports. It should be remembered that the counties are municipal not physical divisions of the State, and that their climate and productions difi"er according to geo- graphical laws, and not according to municipal laws. By considering these reports attentively, the immigrant will have no difficulty in forming a pretty correct idea of the climate, health, water, productions, and industries, of any part of this belt, concerning which we have no special report. The proper way of treating it, perhaps, would not have been by counties, but according to natural divisions, four of which are peninsulas, each one having its own peculiar features, climate and productions. Beginning with the South, we come to a part of the region known as the " Southside," because it is south of the James river. It will be ob- served that the reports from the Tidewater counties of the " Southside " make no allusion to grass as a staple crop, nor to the dairy as a branch of industry. But if reports had come from any one of the counties ad- joining North Carolina, mention would have been made of cotton as a staple crop. Cotton will mature in the open air any where within this and the Piedmont belt. Stimulated by the high prices since the war, it has been cultivated as a commercial staple as high up as Maryland and Delaware. This will be diff'erent in the Southside counties of the Pied- mont belt; they are further from the sea, higher above its level, and though they may lie between the same parallels of latitude that bound the Tidewater counties, yet, since they are further from the sea, and higher above its level, it will be found when we come to discuss the re- ports from them, that their climate and productions differ materially from those we are now considering. 32 The difference of production in these several Tidewater divisions, is owino- chiefly to latitude, but partly also to distance from the ocean. The mean elevation of the Tidewater belt above the sea level will average be- tween 50 and 100 feet. In the " Southside " division, peanuts and sweet potatoes, figs, cotton, scuppernongs, arid trucking are counted among the staple productions and principal branches of industry. The "Eastern Shore" forms the second natural division. The "Eastern Shore " is the peninsula in which the counties of Northampton and Accoraac lie. Here, nothing is said of cotton ; but among the pro- ductions and industries, Dr. Thom mentions pomegranates, trucks and seafaring, and alludes to wheat as only an occasional crop. West of the Chesapeake, opposite the "Eastern Shore," and between the York and James rivers, is the third natural division. It is designated in Virginia as " The Peninsula." It embraces the counties of New Kent, of Charles City and James City, and of York, Warwick and Elizabeth City. The climates and productions in these two peninsulas are similar, except that we find from our reports, that while wheat was only an occa- sional crop in Northampton, it is a regular one in James City. And as we go West, get higher above the sea level, and farther from the influence of the Gulf Stream and the open waters of the ocean, we shall have even a more marked diff"erence than this in climate, character of diseases, pro- ductions and industries. The third peninsula or fourth natural division lies between the York and Rappahannock rivers. We have reports from the counties of Essex, King and Queen, and Gloucester in this division. These reports make no mention of peanuts and pomegranates. But mention is first inade by the farmers here of sumac as a source of wealth. They are silent as to peanuts and the scuppernongs, because the geographical limits within which they may be profitably cultivated have been passed. The " Northern Neck " forms the fifth natural division. It is the peninsula which lies between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, and is divided into the counties of King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, Northumberland and Lancaster. Here there is a marked change in productions, and stock raising and wool growing are mentioned for the first time as some of the important industries. North of this peninsula, and fronting on the Potomac river, is the sixth natural division. Here we first hear of buckwheat. Now, by ex- amining the reports of the farmers in Prince William and Fairfax, and comparing their statements with the statements from the " Southside," or first division, we see how vast is the difference in productions, climate and diseases, between these two extreme divisions. The intelligent stranger, bearing in mind this diS"erence, will be able to draw pretty 33 correct conclusions as to the staple productions and chief industries of the interjacent counties, though he may have no special report from them. In like manner the information contained in these reports about the Tidewater belt will greatly assist him in forming a correct estimate as to the climates, productions and health, in various parts of the Piedmont belt. Tiie difference between the two regions in this respect Avill be owing entirely to difference in distance from the sea, and difference in height above it. Thus with these reports and the map before him, the emigrant, who fancies to make Virginia his home, will have no difficulty in fixing his residence in that part of the State which is best adapted to the special productions, and best suited to the peculiar industries, in which he takes most delight. A census is taken of the whole country every ten years, in which an account is rendered not only of the population and its occupations, but of almost everything else that touches the common weal ; such as the price of lands, their production, the area of improved and unimproved lands, value of live stock and farming implements, health, disease, mor- tality, &c. The last census was taken in 1870. According to it the rural white population in the Tidewater belt in Virginia was as nearly as can be as- certained 177,739 ; this is exclusive of blacks, and also of the white in- habitants of the cities and towns. Neither these or the blacks are sup- posed to be owners of real estate. It is a rare thing for a negro ever to own a farm. With these exceptions, and supposing the 177,739 to rep- resent the land owners and their families, and each family to consist of five persons, we have 170 acres as the average size of farms, and 34 acres as the ratable quantity to each person. A little more than half of this 170 acres consists of unimproved lands ; besides this, there is an area of about 1,800,000 acres, consisting of water and lands that do not belont^ to the farms. These census statistics, which are very voluminous, have tables for every county in every State in the Union, in which are given, among other things, the "number of improved acres in farms," and the "num- ber of unimproved acres in farms," with the cash value of their live stock and farming implements of all sorts. In order to ascertain the number of land holders in any county, as per subjoined tables, the wliite popula- tion of the cities is taken from the ivhite population of the counties, and the remainder are considered to be land holders, for example : the white population of the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, in the county of Nor folk, is deducted from 21,380, the total white population of the county, 3 34 leaving 7,044 as the owners of 104,162 acres, whicli are embraced in the farms of the county. By this mode of treating the subject, the following tables have been constructed. They show the white and black population of the Tidewater belt for the year 1870; also the white population of the cities and towns, which last has been deducted from the first in order to arrive at the av- eraae quantity of land for each white man, woman and child of the rural population. 'Population and Acreage of Counties Composing the Tidetvater Belt — Shoiving also the Average Number of Acres to each White Person of the Rural Population in 1870, and the Average Value of the Lands Per Acre. FIRST DIVISION OR SOUTHSIDE. Counties. Population. Acreage. White. Black. Whites in Towns. Impr'ed. Unimp'd Acres per rural white inh'bit'nts. Isle of Wight 4,874 6,059 24,380 2,774 4,309 5,468 2,393 2,902 3,446 367 5,517 542 56,317 56,238 46,055 55,551 46,940 123,059 34.009 68 064 106.217 106,400 58,107 52,005 5", 809 166.257 67,111 119,400 37 30 14 40 23 53 43 63 Norfolk 22,382 5,046 3,902 6,796 3,192 4,923 17,336 Southampton Surry Total 53,259 55,203 18,245 486,693 729,372 38 $9 00 SECOND DIVISION OR EASTERN SHORE. Accomac Northampton Total 12,567 3,198 7,842 4,848 78,556 68,728 137,284 84,070 37,985 122,055 15,765 12,690 13 33 23 $15 00 THIRD DIVISION OR PENINSULA. Charles City. .. Jaoies City Elizabeth City, Henrico New Kent Warwick York Total 1,822 1,985 2,832 35,148 2,005 620 2,507 46,910 3,153 2,440 5,471 31,031 2,31)1 1,052 4,091 48,199 8'.i3 4(:0 27,928 29,281 41,338 15,071 12,213 62,029 29,115 10,489 20,666 190,920 52, 31, 16. 62, 48, 22, 23, 862 124 447 926 799 082 003 257,303 52 42 12 17 08 52 17 37 $18 00 35 FOURTH DIVISION. Counties. Caroline Essex Gloucester , King and Queen King William Matthews Middlesex. Total Population. White. •7,077 3,277 4,782 4,221 2,943 4,104 2,459 28,863 Black. 8,038 6,650 5,429 5,488 5,455 2,096 2,522 34,078 Whites in Towns. 462 462 Acreage. Impr'ed. 137,176 91,599 56,777 75,646 71,848 25,370 32,834 491,256 Unimp'd 120,008 64.632 49,813 78,826 91,587 18,007 34,839 458,372 Acres per rural white inh'bit'nts. 89 50 22 36 56 11 28 34 3>« $8 00 FIFTH DIVISION OR NORTHERN NECK. King George Lancaster Northumberland Richmond Westmoreland... Total 2,927 2,198 3,808 3,475 3,531 2,815 3,157 3,054 3,028 4,151 60,404 34,432 51,238 50,206 58,850 41,016 38,133 52,080 52,100 45,592 15,939 16,205 255,130 228,921 35 33 27 30 30 30 $7 00 SIXTH DIVISION. Alexandria City.'' Fairfax Prince William.. Stafford Total 18,993 8,367 5,691 4,935 4,284 1,813 1.485 7,586 354 354 103,099 69,739 46,090 128,926 103,420 71,026 85,324 259,770 25 27 29 27 $20 00 In 186) the negro population, bond and free, of this belt slightly ex- ceeded the Whites as to numbers. In 1865 the rest of the negroes were emancipated, and it is believed that the Whites are now in considerable ex- cess of the Blacks, who are constantly diminishing in numbers, while the Whites are increasing both relatively and really. The mortality among the Blacks during the war was very great. Immense numbers went from this part of the State to the North. The decrease from death is, owing to the proverbial improvidence of the race, and other causes, sup- posed to be nearly as great now as it was during the war. Infanticide has become very common among them, and the marriage obligations are but little regarded. Moreover, there has been a great exodus of them *The county of Alexandria is very small and principally occupied by the city. 36 from all parts of the State to the more sunny climes of the Gulf, and the time is supposed to be not far distant when Virginia will be relieved of this thriftless class.* The Tidewater Belt embraces about 3th of the area of the whole State, and it contains about ^d of the negro population, so that on the other side of the Blue Ridge the proportion of Blacks to Whites is by no means so great as it was here. THE PIEDMONT BELT. Situation. This Belt lies between the Blue Ridge and Tidewater re- gion. The breadth of it varies from 75 to 120 miles, with a mean ele- vation above the sea level of 600 feet. Where it meets the Tidewater Belt, the average height above the sea is not more than 80 feet ; but when it reaches the crest of the Blue Ridge^ the height varies from 1,000 to 1,800 feet. Water Power, ^c. The streams that traverse this belt assume the proportions of mill races at an average height above the sea of 800 feet^ Its average breadth is about 100 miles, and the rivers, as they cross it, have a fall sufficient for the most ample water power. Fall 'per Mile. At Richmond, where the James river tumbles over the ledge of granite and other rocks to meet tidewater, there is, in the distance of 3| miles, a fall of 84 feet. Just before the Rappahannock joins tidewater at Fredericksburg, the Potomac at Georgetown, and the Roanoke near Weldon, this same ledge crops out and has to be crossed, and the rapids formed by these rivers have a fall corresponding to that at Richmond. Between Richmond and Lynchburg, a distance of 146J miles by the river, there is an effective fall of 429 feet, being an average of 2.9 feet to the mile. Between Lynchburg and Buchanan, distance by the river 50 miles, the effective fall is 299 feet, being an average of 6 feet (nearly) to the mile. Between Buchanan and Covington, distance by the river 47 miles, the effective fall is 436| feet, or an average of 9.3 feet to the mile. And on the North river, one of the principal tributaries of the James, from Lexington to its junction with the main stream, distance 19^ miles, the effective fall is 188 feet, being an average of 9.5 feet to the mile. From these data, it appears that the average fall of the James river, from Covington [which is on its head waters,] to its junction with tide- water at Richmond is 4.8 feet to the mile. For the last 14G| miles of its course the average fall is only 2.9 feet, with the exception of the last 3^ miles, when it is 24 feet. "The majority of Whites in this belt is shown by the U. S. census for 1870 to be about 25,000. [R. L. M.] 37 For the first 97 miles of its course, from Covington to Lynchburg, the average fall is 7.6 feet to the mile.* This statement furnishes a fair criterion as to the water power afforded by the other rivers which traverse the Piedmont Belt of Virginia. It will be observed that in the first part of their course the effective fall is greater than it is in the last part, with the exception of the 3 or 4 miles where they descend the ledge of primary and secondary rocks to join tidewater. Discharge. As they fall over this ledge, they are estimated to dis- charge, in the dry seasons of the year, as follows, namely : The Potomac, 1450 cubic feet per second. The Rappahannock, 320 " " " " The James, 1300 " " " « The Roanoke, 1350 " " " " By consulting the map, these data are made very instructive. Let the immigrant and those who wish to avail themselves of such excellent water power, study it in connection with the foregoing statistics. Then, bearing in mind that all the streams which flow from this Belt have, just before they reach the Tidewater Belt, to pass over the ledge just spoken of, and form rapids which offer fine water power and capital mill sites exactly where land transportation ends, and navigation begins — let him count the tributaries of these rivers, and reckon the fall of the moun- tain streams, and he will see that there is no neighborhood, in all this Belt, wanting mills or lacking convenient water power for manufacturing purposes on a large scale. Indeed, the James river and its tributaries alone afford water power enough to line their banks from Covington and Lexington, with a single row of factories, all the way to Richmond. Within this distance, there are 46J miles of slack water navigation, the rest being canal, with rapids in the river. The Industries and Natural Resources. For this Belt they are very different from those of the Tidewater Belt, and this difference is owing chiefly to those laws which regulate climate and govern the geographi- cal distribution of human labor. Shipbuilding, seafaring, fishing, and trucking, which form such important branches of industries in the Tide- water Belt, have no place here. Some of the agricultural staples, too, have changed. The farmers in the Piedmont Belt, attach, in their re- ports, little or no importance to peanuts, or sweet potatoes, though these may be grown there, but, to use their own expression, "they don't come to much." Indian corn and the cereals are common to all parts of Vir- ginia, but wheat and tobacco may be considered as the chief staples of the Piedmont Belt; tobacco more especially on the "Southside." * The average fall of the Mississippi is about 2 inches to the mile. 38 Mining also forms an important branch of industry in many parts of the Piedmont region. It contains minerals enough to raise this branch of industry to one of great importance. Minerals. The gold region of the Appalachian chain passes through this belt. Rising in Georgia, and passing through the Carolinas, it crops out in the counties of Amelia, Powhatan, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Gooch- land, Louisa, Orange, Spottsylvania, Stafford, &c. In the official documents published at Washington, it is estimated that not less than $40,000,000 worth of gold has, from first to last, been taken from this region.* The gold is found both on the surfiice and in quartz veins, included between walls sometimes of clay, sometimes slate and hardened rocks. The most profitable mining has been from surface washings. As long as the farmers, upon whose lands these deposits were found, washed for themselves, and at such times as their hands couldj with the least inconvenience be spared from the farm, the business was often very profitable. When the washings were first opened, a yield to 3 or 4 farm hands of $15, $20, $30 a day was by no means uncommon. I happen to know of an instance in which a common water bucket of ore, taken from one of these places in Orange county, yielded $1100. But when the speculators came along and began to form companies to raise capital, sink fhafts, pay officers, and work on a large scale, results were not so satisfactory. There is, however, still a considerable quantity of gold annually taken from this region in a quiet way by the country peo- ple. Chesterfield and Henrico, Powhatan and Goochland are rich in bitu- minous coal, which is extensively mined. There are also in this belt deposits of iron, copper, mica, barytes, slate? and other minerals, most of which are being utilized. Other Minerals. There is a vein, 40 or 50 miles broad, of talcose and micaceous slate, interspersed with limestone, running from Halifax and Franklin counties obliquely along with the Blue Ridge, passing through Louisa and Albemarle, Culpeper and Rappahannock counties, up into Loudoun. Very valuable beds of this limestone are crossed by the James river between Lynchburg and Scottsville. The river makes fine expos- ures of it, and it is quarried extensively. Lime for building and agricul- tural purposes is obtained from it, portions of it yield excellent hydraulic cement, and some of it is magnesian. REPORTS FROM THE PIEDMONT BELT. This Belt is composed of the counties of Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Appomatox, Bedford, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Culpeper, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Charlotte, Dinwiddie, Fauquier, Fluvanna, * Mineral Resources of the United States — Pub. Doc. 89 Franklin, Green, Goochland, Greenville, Henry, Hanover, Halifax, Luo- doun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Madison, Nelson, Nottoway, Orange, Patrick, Prince Edward, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Spottsylva- nia and Rappahannock. BRUNSWICK COUNTY. Report and estimates by E. R. Turnbull, Esq., (postoflfice, Lawrence- ville). Health ? Very healthy. Water? Excellent and abundant. Staple Crops ? Wheat from $2 to ^2.50 per bushel ; tobacco $12 per 100 pounds ; cotton 28 cents per pound ; corn $1 per bushel. Timber ? In the forest, white, turkey, red Spanish, and post oaks ; hickory, pine, poplar, walnut, &c. The cleared lands, which have not been in cultivation for 18 or 20 years, have on them a very heavy growth of what we call "old field pine." [This is the case throughout the Pied- mont and Tidewater Belts generally. — M.] Lands ? Very low in this county. Large or small tracts can be bought at from $2 to $6 an acre, having on them, in some cases, excel- lent dwellings and other improvements. The cost of clearing our forest lands is very heavy, and it is thought to be greater than improving the worn out lands. Labor ? Negro labor can be had at about ^100 the year — rations and quarters being furnished them. To industrious working men who will aid H3 in the advancement of the material interests of the county, the right hand of fellowship will be gladly extended, no matter whence they come. Mills, Markets, Schools and Churches ? We are not convenient to market, at present, but hope soon to be by the construction of a railway. Churches, schools, postoffices, and manufacturing mills in almost every neighborhood. The Most Successful Lndustries ? Tobacco and cotton at present, but with proper facilities to market, it is thought that vegetables and fruits, including grapes, could be cultivated with more profit. Best time for Emigrants to come ? September. Wheat is sown in October, and harvested in June ; corn is planted in April or May, and gathered in October or November ; tobacco is planted in May and June, and housed in September and October ; cotton in the early spring, and picked in the three autumnal months. Estimate for a young married man, well up to his busines'g, sober, sav' ing, and industrious, ivith $500 in gold, ivishing to establish himself upon a farm of 40 acres in Brunswick county. 40 First Year. Purchased 40 acres at $5 per acre — First payment • S 66 67 Horse or mule - 150 00 Cow and calf. 20 00 Sheep, sow and pigs 20 00 Poultry, fruit trees and seeds 80 00 Buildings, &c 100 00 Fertilizer, $200 ; feed for horse, $50 ; cart and farming utensils, &c., $60 310 00 Planting and cultivating 20 acres wheat, 10 corn, 5 oats, 5 tobacco with vegetables, &c., including extra labor, provisions and groceries 300 00 Total outlay $1,046 67 Sales (reserving for home use). 200 bushels wheat at $2.25, 150 corn at $1, 4,000 pounds tobacco at $12 $1,080 00 Garden, dairy, &c 10 00 Total receipts ...$1,090 00 Second Year. Second payment on land $ QQ 67 Cultivating wheat (20 acres), 10 corn, 5 tobacco, with extra labor included 250 00 Another horse 150 00 Fertilizers, $200 ; groceries,'; $25 225 00 Wagon and harness, $100 ; clover seed, $10 110 00 Total outlay $ 801 67 Sales (deducting as before). 200 bushels wheat at $2.25, 100 bushels corn at $1, 4,000 pounds tobacco at $12 $1,080 00 Garden, dairy, &c., $30; increase of live stock, $50 80 00 Total receipts $1,160 00 J Third Year. Last payment for land $ 66 67 Extra labor, fertilizers, farm expenses, &c., $450; groceries, $25; clover seed, $20 495 00 Total outlay $ 551 67 Sales. 250 bushels wheat at $2, 150 bushels corn at $1, 5,000 pounds to- bacco at $12 $1,250 00 Orchard, garden, dairy, &c 100 00 Increase live slock 50 00 Total receipts $1,400 00 I 41 MECKLENBURG COUNTY. Estimates as above by W. D. Haskins, Esq., of Clarksville, Mecklen- burg county, §500 in gold=$665.62 in currency : First Year. Purchase 40 acres of land at $5 per acre — First payment $ 66 67 Buildings, &c 300 00 Two horses, $250; cow and calf, S20; sheep, $7h', sow and pigs, $10; poultry, seeds, &c, $59.55 347 05 Wagon and harness 120 00 Provender 176 00 Timber for enclosures, if delivered where used 88 20 Fuel delivered at house 52 00 Farming and other utensils 50 00 Cultivating 15 acres corn, 10 wheat, 12^ oats, 2j tobacco 150 00 Groceries and provisions 125 00 Total outlay $1,474 84 Sales (reserving for home use). ^ 175 bushels corn at 80 cents, 115 wheat at $2, 100 oats at 62 cents, 2,400 pounds tobacco at $10 $ 672 50 500 pounds pork at $12 60 00 Garden, dairy, &c 40 00 Total receipts $ 772 50 Second Year. Second payment on land $ 70 67 10 acres corn, fertilizers, &c 47 00 22 acres wheat and oats, fertilizers, &c 140 00 3 acres tobacco, fertilizers, &c 30 00 Potatoes and vegetables, fertilizers, &c • ■. 14 00 Extra labor 60 00 Groceries 25 00 Fuel, if purchased 52 00 Total outlay $ 436 67 Saks (deducting as before). 100 bushels corn at 80 cents $ 80 00 245 bushels wheat at $2 490 00 100 bushels oats at 621 cents 62 50 3,000 pounds tobacco at 10 cents 300 00 15 pounds wool at 30 cents 4 50 Orchard, Garden, dairy, &c 40 00 500 pounds pork at $12.. .' 60 00 Increase live stock and poultry 35 00 Total receipts .$1,072 OO 42 Third Year. Last payment for land $ 74 67 Farm expenses, extra labor, fertilizers, &c 350 00 Groceries and fuel 82 00 Total outlay $ 506 67 Sales (deducting as before). 265 bushels wheat, 100 bushels corn, 100 bushels oats, 3,000 pounds tobacco '. $ 972 50 27 pounds wool at 30 cents 7 10 700 pouuds bacon at 20 cents 140 00 Orchard, dairy and poultry 40 00 Increase live stock 50 00 Total receipts 81,209 70 From Mr. Haskin's report, which relates to a district of 100 square miles, of which the village of Clarksville, Mecklenburg county, is the centre. Situation ? The village is on the south side of the Roanoke river, at the junction of the Dan and Staunton rivers. Produce for the Rich- mond market is conveyed by batteaux, either up the Dan river, 3) miles, to the Danville railroad, and thence by rail, 108 miles, to Richmond, or down the Roanoke river, 60 miles, to Gaston, and thence by rail, 62 miles, to Petersburg, or 84 miles to Richmond; cost being the same by both routes, viz: per bushel of wheat, including freight and tolls, 39J cents ; corn, 24^ cents ; tobacco, 78 cents one hundred pounds. The Norfolk and Great Western railroad is intended to pass through this county. It will greatly lessen the expenses of getting to market and enhance the value of lands. Aspects? Generally undulating, so as to require but little drainage, more attention being required to keep the hillsides from washing than to keep the bottoms drained. The hills are not too steep to prevent the use of reaping machines. Water? Delightful freestone, and in great abundance from natural springs. Wells from 30 to 60 feet deep, but the undulating character of the country renders brooks abundant. Forests ? Oak predominates in the original forests, of which there is every variety, save live oak. After oak comes pine, then hickory, dog- wood, black and sweet gum, poplar, ash, maple, elm, beech, persimmon, sassafras, walnut, sycamore and cedar. Exhausted or abandoned lands grow up rapidly in ''old field pine." Health ? Compares favorably with that of any locality in the United States. 43 Climate ? Temperate and uniform. It differs from that of the States further North, chiefly ia its longer summers and milder winters. Snow- rarely exceeds 6 inches in depth, or lies upon the ground more than 10 days. (Ice from 2 to 4 inches thick is generally ohtained to fill the ice- houses)." Mr. Haskins gives, from his journal, the mean monthly temperature at 3 P. M., average of 3 years : "January, 42° 1; February, 49° 1; March, 56° 3; April, 62° 6; May, 69° 1 ; June, 77° 5 ; July, 81° 4 ; August, 78° 2 ; September, 71° 2; October, 63° 4; November, 60° 2; December, 42° 7." Staple Crops ? Wheat, corn, oats, tobacco, hay. Yield? Varies according to fertility of soil and mode of cultivation. Wheat, from 10 to 40 bushels per acre : corn, from 15 to 60 ; oats, 15 to 50 ; tobacco, 500 to 1,000 pounds ; hay, from 1 to 2 tons. The largest yield in this locality was, for wheat, 35 bushels per acre from 36-| acres ; from another lot of 16| acres, the yield was a little over 43 bushels the acre. A lot of 40 acres yielded 158 bushels 3 pecks per acre of corn. A lot of 5 acres yielded 1,500 pounds tobacco per acre. Cultivation ? Cost, including seed, is, for wheat, $14 per acre; oats, $10.50; corn, $10; tobacco, $60.50; hay, $5. Grasses ? Clover, timothy and herds grass* (red top). Clover is mostly cultivated. Hay will not bear transportation to market. Farm Work? Fallowing for corn from December to January inclu- sive. It is planted in April and gathered in November. Fallowing for wheat is done in August and September ; seeded in October, and har- vested about the 20th of June. Tobacco is planted in May and June ; housed in September and October, and is in a marketable condition as soon as January. Fruits and Vegetables ? Admirably adapted to peaches, apricots, ap- ples, pears, grapes, cherries, strawberries, &c. Indeed, all the smaller fruits may be grown in great perfection and abundance ; they are now grown only for home consumption. Excellent vegetables, &c., of all varieties due to the latitude. Land? The present assessed value of land in this county averages a fraction under $7 the acre. Unimproved open land without buildings may be had for $5 the acre; with buildings, in small tracts, for $10. In tracts of from 300 to 500 acres, with all necessary buildings and en- closures, from $8 to $10. Usual terms of payment — one-third cash, *Being sowu with wheat, requires no separate cultivation, and is only changed with harvesting. 44 the balance in one and two years; but sucb is the disposition of land- owners at this time to encourage immigration, and so much of the land is held by persons holding large tracts, that much more favorable terms will be given to immigrants, especially those who are thrifty. Labor .^ The only labor to be had at present is negro labor. The large farmers, who hire by the year, get good men for from $7 to $10 per month with rations, furnishing houses and fuel for them and their families. The ration is 3J pounds bacon and IJ peck corn meal per week, besides fruits and vegetables. When hired by the single month, the laborer is paid $15 the month, but then he furnishes his own rations. Reapers in harvest time get $1.50 per day and rations. Buildings ? A frame cabin for the immigrant's family] would cost $150, a tobacco barn $100, and a stable $50, if the lumber was pur- chased oflf the farm and a carpenter paid for their construction. * Enclosures ? Estimating the price, both of timber and labor, the cost of fencing would be about $7 the acre. Fuel costs $2.50. the cord ; the fuel, therefore, for such a family as I have intimated for, would, if the immigrant had to buy it, cost $50 a year; but it would be economy for him to purchase 60 instead of 40 acres of land, of which 20 might be timbered, and he would thus save the expense of purchasing the lum- ber for buildings, fences and fuel. It would also afford some pasturage for his cattle. A pair of serviceable horses or mules cost §250, cow and calf, $20 or $25, sow and pigs $10, sheep $1.50 each. Churches and Schools ? Both abundant and convenient. Cases of Successful Industry? Two of the wealthiest men in this county commenced life with less than $500 ; the one as a blacksmith, the other as a deputy sheriff. One of them is now the ownor of 4,000 acres of land, and has, besides, more money than the land is worth out at interest. The other owns 6,000 acres of the finest river land in this section, besides a large amount of money out at interest, which yields him an ample income independent of his lands. Both of these gentle- men acquired their wealth by their own exertions, and none of it by marriage or inheritance. PATRICK COUNTY. Reports of Robert M. Clark, postoffice Sandy Plains ; of Thomas G. Petzer, Mayo's Forge, Patrick county, and of Colonel William E. Cut- shaw, Virginia Military Institute. Aspects? Hilly and rolling with fine bottom lands along the numer- ous streams of water, by which the country is drained. Soil on the hillsides thin, but susceptible of improvement. G-eological Structure ? Primary and metamorphic with outcroppings 45 « of gneiss, slates, hornblende and quartz. Copper ore of good quality is found here, and has been worked in several places. Industries ? Principally farming and some grazing. Health ? Very good. Epidemics? Typhoid fever and pneumonia. Water ? Freestone ; very pure ; cool springs abundant. Wells, only occasional, depth from 50 to 75 feet. Staple Crops ? Corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, tobacco ; wheat yields very well when it is properly cared for. Distance to market is so great, however, that it is not much cultivated. Yield per acre? Wheat, from 5 to 10 bushels; corn, from 20 to 35 bushels ; oats, 30 bushels ; tobacco, 500 pounds. Fruits ? Apples, pears, peaches, plums, quinces, &c. ; abundance of yield of wild grapes ; very fine when cultivated. Vegetables ? Potatoes — sweet and Irish, turnips, pumpkins, tomatoes, with a great variety of others. Forest ? White, red, black, Spanish, post, water and chestnut oaks, hickory, tulip, chestnut, dogwood, walnut, &c. Wild Berries ? Raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, whortleber- ries, gooseberries. Mills, Markets, Schools and Churches ? Plenty of mills and churches ; few schools and no good markets. Price of Land? $2 to $10 the acre. ■ Price of Labor ? 50 cents a day. Tobacco the most profitable crop. CHESTERFIELD. Report of Colonel S. Bassett French, of Whitby, Chesterfield county, editor of the Farmer s Grazette, 1117 Main street, Richmond, Va. Aspects ? This county is a long and narrow peninsula between the James and Appomattox rivers, with several creeks passing through it. On these river and creek bottoms, the land is very fertile, and, under the slipshod culture prevailing in this State, have never equalled their capacity. Away from the water courses, the land is lighter and less fer- tile. Health? Climate salubrious and healthy. I have lived in this place over 20 years, and never, before the war, when it was well drained, knew of a case of bilious fever, or one of ague and fever to originate on it. The average medical bills did not exceed $1 per head per annum. Staple Crops ? Wheat, corn, oats, &c. Irish potatoes and hay are beginning to assume the dignity of staples; fruits, also, are commanding much attention, and trucking is an important branch of industry. 46 • Grapes, blackberries and raspberries grow wild in great abundance. To- bacco is raised with great success in the uplands ; and hij in larger quan- tities than ever before. The lands produced it well, and much profit is realized at $20 the short ton. Lands can be made to carry three sheep to two acres; and it has been demonstrated in the adjoining plantation that there is no crop superior to sheep. (See May number Farmer's Gazette, p. 45 ; herewith sent you). [This account is given by Colonel F. G. Ruffin, of Chesterfield, editor of the Southci'n Planter and Farme?, I condense from it, — M.] Col. Ruffin had two lots, one of 100, the other of 65 acres, which had been grazed to death during the war, and in 1865 had grown up into a go'od pasture of blue grass, herds grass, red, white, and yellow clover, but overrun with blackberry, dewberry vines, broomstraw, and the Vir- ginian creeper. He renders the following account of a flock of sheep (by no means such as he wanted). In this estimate, he has taken no ac- count of feed, because, as he says, the flock had none of any value, their food consisting chiefly of the refuse trash from hay, sheaf oats, corn stalks, &c. The small value of these was more than returned by the amelioration of the land. He goes on to say, "Neither is there any charge for shelter, because there was none. The winter was uncommonly severe. My sheep yeaned in February and March, and in the latter month it rained or snowed twenty-eight days. Cost of Stock. July 21, 174 sheep purchased at S3. 30 $ 574 20 August 7, 57 ewes ; grade Southdowns, at $3.50 199 50 September 1, 3 rams, Southdowns, for 100 00 $873 70 Sales from above Stock. 10 muttons. $50; 43 wethers, $261 $ 311 00 98 lambs 420 00 40 drafted ewes 160 00 Pulled wool and pelts 20 00 Wool 173 55 $1,084 55 Stock on Hand. 48 ewe lambs ; grade Southdown, at $5 $ 240 00 121 choice ewes at $5 605 00 3 rams 100 00 $945 00 Sales $ 1,084 55 Improvement in value of stock 72 00 $1,156 55 132|- per cent, on cost — ^7 per acre on 165 acres worth $60 per acre — or 11.67 per cent, on value of land. 47 This shows 132i per cent, on cost of sheep, $7 per acre rent on land or lands worth, before the war, by estimate $G0 per acre, or 11.67 per cent, interest on that valuation. But the land (whose contiguity to Richmond makes its special value) is generally a stiff clay — second low grounds of James river, as we call it, though eighty feet above the first low grounds — and ranks, by no means, as a first class soil. Many farms excell, and still more equal it in fertility, and rate, according to locality, from ten, fifteen, up to twenty dollars per acre, gaining proportionately on my per- centage of rent. But, really, as our lands possess no market value at present, that question is unimportant, compared with this. Can we af- ford the outlay for the sheep ? Col. French furnishes the following statement, as to his profits, from 18 ewes and 1 ram in 1866-7-8 : 1866 : 18 ewes, 1 ram, long since fully paid for : Sales of lambs, 14 averaging $7. 5C* $ 105 00 Sales of wool (pounds not stated) 28 00 Cash sales $ 130 00 Consumed in family 8 Iambs, charged at the rates of 14 sold CO 00 Retained 5 to supply the place of old ewes to be drafted 20 00 Yield of flock, all profit $ 213 00 1867 : 22 ewes, 1 ram : Sales of lambs, 16, at $5.60 per headf, $ 89 60 Sales of wool 38 00 Cash sales $ 127 oO Consumed 6 muttons at $5 30 00 Consumed C lambs at So. 60 33 GO Retained 11 to add to flock at $4 each 44 00 Yield of flock, all gain, .. .' $ 235 20 1868: Sold the whole flock — 27 ewes. 1 ram, 1 wether, with their lambs, 54 in number, at 63.83 per head. $ 206 82 Consumed iu family 3 muttons at $5 15 00 " " 3 lambs at $4 12 00 AUagain $ 233 82 The lambs were dressed at home, and retailed to friends in the city. No account of pelts and offal was taken. The field had all been laid open by Sherman a few weeks after the surrender at Appomattox Court- house ; so their range was free and wide. "No pent up Utica confined their tours." No estimate of the profit on the land nor of the rental per acre can therefore be afforded. To the owner it was tvaste land. He never gave a'dollar's worth of provender to his sheep from the day he purchased them to the hour he sold them, except to a mutton stalled for Christmas • Retailed at 25 conts in Richmond. tRetailed at 20 cents per pound. 48 dinner, and for a few weeks in 1865 when he was obliged to conceal them in a cellar from the Federal troops camped on his farm. Sheep sheltered every night. The stock was native, and was very prolific. In 1866, eighteen ewes yeaned twenty-nine lambs; two died, or were lost. In 1867, twenty-two ewes yeaned thirty-six lambs ; three died. In 1868, twenty-seven ewes yeaned thirty lambs, of which two died. Yield j)er acre? River lands — 50 bushels corn, 28 wheat, 30 oats. While the average on high lands would be from two-fifths to three-fifths less. Prices ? Vary ; last year (1868), wheat from $2 to $2.50 per bushel ; corn, $1.20 (now, 80 cents) ; oats, 80 to 83 cents ; potatoes, 75 cents to $1 the bushel ; tobacco, $12 to $25 the hundred. Fruits and Vegetables ? Apples, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, &c., with all the vegetables known in the State. Natural Groivth ? Mostly pine and oak, chinquapin, hickory, chest- nut and cedar. I am not prepared to give the cost of clearing the land for the plow, but some of it in my neighborhood has been cleared for the wood and timber upon it. Mills^ Markets, Schools, and Churches ? There is no portion of the county that is not within 10 miles of ready communication by rail or wa- ter with Richmond or Petersburg. Churches and postoflSces are conve- niently distributed throughout the county ; as to schools, I cannot say. Land f There have been no recent sales. Anti-helium the river lands varied from $50 to $120* the acre according to situation, while the lands a little way back varied from $5 to $10*. I suppose the same figures would be asked now in greenbacks. A good piece of land, not over 5 miles from rail or river, might (with fair improvements) be pur- chased at $12 per acre, 3th cash, the balance in 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. Without improvements and \ timber land for 65 per acre on same terms. Labor ? Not very high, certainly not higher than in 1860 when farm hands hired for $150 per annum, board and clothes. First rate plow- man 612 per month and board, common laborers for $8 to 610 and board. Cases of Individual Success ? A negro woman, in sight of my house, on the hills about 80 feet above tidewater, on a freshly opened and un- drained lot of 4 acres, made last year 15 barrels corn, 400 bushels po- tatoes, besides feeding her family with meat and vegetables raised by herself; she also kept a cow. On six sevenths of an acre I made, with miserable cultivation, after manuring with a superphosphate (one-half Peruvian guano, one-half bone ash, at rate of 300 pounds to i\\Q acre), 250 bushels early Goodrich * [From $3 to $50 is the usual price now.— R. L. M., 1877.] 1 49 potatoes. Garden vegetables pay handsomely. Perhaps there is but one wealthier man in this county than a German, who, when I first came into the county, 'IS years ago, was a gardener on the "Falls Plantation" (man on wages); he made his fortune gardening. Estimates. A married man tvith $500 m gold, if industrious, thrifty and up to his business, could not fail to do well in this county. A log house (and none are more comfortable) would cost the labor of felling the trees, building the pen, riving the shingles, and a cash outlay of S3 for nails, $5 for help, $15 for shingles and sheeting; total, $30 at the most. Outhouses for stock and crops, &c., at same rate. Good horses or mules vary from $150 to $200, but at the horse marts late in the fall and during the winter, very fair animals, but low in flesh, may be had for from $40 to $00 ; a middling cow and calf from $45 to $60 ; a sow and six pigs from $18 to $20 ; 6 sheep for $18 ; hens and cocks, 50 cents each; turkeys, $1.50 each; two-horse plow, $10.50; single horse plow, $5.50; cvltivator, $7; corn planter, $15; vegetable seed drill, $S ; spade, $1.50; hoes, $3 per dozen ; axe, $2; wedge, 75 cents ; second-hand carts and wagons, $20 to $50 ; wheel-barrow, $8 ; vines and fruit trees — grapes, $6 per hundred ; strawberry plants, 60 cents to $1 per hundred ; peach trees, 25 cents each to $8 per hundred ; apples, pears, &c., 25 cents each. On 40 acres of land, one-fourth in wood, I would not advise the sta- ples of wheat, corn and oats, except for family use, but would prefer trucking and the fruits. To the man and wife with $500 in gold, I would say, of your 30 acres of arable land, set aside 20 for hay and pasture as soon as practicable, and put out your strength on the remain- ing 10. Set 8 out in apples, pears and plums ; the last two 18 feet apart each way ; the apples 30 feet, with the peach trees half way be- tween them. [These will be out of the way when the apples are in full bearing.] The remaining 2 acres set in grapes. In the grape rows plant tomatoes and early potatoes. Between the grapes may be sown, for two years, garden truck or strawberries. Four acres of orchard set to raspberries, two acres to blackberries, and two to currants and goose- berries. When the fruit trees have grown to overshadow the land, the small fruits may be mov^d to another spot. Price and Yield 9 Cabbages, 5 cents each, 500 per acre, $250 ; rasp- berries, $200 per acre ; strawberries, 1,800 quarts per acre, at 10 cents, $180 ; blackberries, 2,500 quarts per acre, at 10 cents, $250; 20 acres in grass, 20 tons, at $20, $400 —total, $1,530. Costs of trees, plants and labor, $765, leaving a profit of $25.50 per acre. When the fruit 4 50 trees and grapes begin to bear, the income will be largely increased. Milk in Richmond is worth 10 cents a quart, buttermilk 4 cents, and butter 40 cents the pound. It would be better for the stranger to settle here in the fall ; he would then be ready for a fair start in the spring. 1 will most cheerfully re- ceive any deserving stranger ; give him all the desired information, friendly counsel and neighborly service in my power ; and if he under- stands vine-dressing and wine-making, would give him an interest in my vineyards, &c., on such terms as would enable him to establish himself comfortably. AMELIA. Report of Dr. M. Bannister, Amelia Courthouse: Aspects 9 "Undulating; no level surfaces of considerable extent. The hillsides not steep enough to interfere with cultivation. The county presents an endless variety of hill and dale, which, if brought to a high state of cultivation, would render it, with the richness and variety of its forest foliage, a land of great loveliness. The soil is a grey loam rest- ing upon a substratum of clay. Of the latter, our best wheat land seem to be composed. They are of a stubborn character, but capable of great fertility. The grey lands are more readily improved, and are especially adapted to corn, oats and tobacco. My remarks apply espe- cially to the northwestern portion of the county. This whole section of country has been subjected to a system of tillage, which, perhaps, in a much shorter period of time, would beggar Great Britain. The soil, naturally of a generous character, has been in every way imposed upon, and thus, with a continuous draft upon it for more than a half ceatury, during which nothing has been returned to it, it cannot now be profitably cultivated without the aid of resources, necessary even at the present day to the English farmer. It responds promptly to judicious efforts at improvement, and during its progress, to a high degree of fertility, is abundantly remunerative. Abundantly manured and skilfully cultiva- ted, as the land of England is in every respect, the production of the lands in this country would, I believe, not be inferior. Such culture and improvement would require four or five times as much as the origi- nal purchase money, yet it would pay.* Health ? The sun does not shine upon a more healthy land ; no dis- eases are peculiar to it. Water? Springs of freestone water abound, and never failing wells of good water may be had at an average depth of 30 feet. Brooks are abundant, and no country is better watered. *Iu this county numerous families from Great Britaia have located, aud are pleased and prosperous. — 11. L. M., 1877. 51 Staple Crops ? Corn, wheat, tobacco and oats. Yield? Varies from 10 to 40 bushels corn per acre, 5 to 20 bushels •wheat, 10 to SO bushels oats, 500 to 1,500 pounds tobacco. The smaller figure are obtained by the scratching system of cultivation, generally pursued without manure or fertilizers of any sort. Last year (1868) the wheat crop was a fiiilure, owing to rust caused by excessive rains in May; but the year before (1867) my next neighbor made 428 bushels upon 20 acres, and I 500 upon 26 acres. We sold at $2.65 the bushel. The highest yield of wheat ever known in this county was 80 bushels the acre on 20 acres. 22 bushels the acre is the largest yield I have known upon a field containing as many as 100 acres. Usual prices : wheat, $2; corn, $1.; oats, 75 cents per bushel; tobacco, Sl2 for 100 pounds. Climate? Temperate, with occasional excesses for short periods both in winter and summer. It differs from that of Pennsylvania, chiefly as to length of seasons. Our winters are shorter and milder, and our summers longer, but the extremes of heat and cold not so great. Here the ground is rarely covered by snow more than two weeks in the aggre- gate, and it occasionally happens that ice is not thick enough during the season to be harvested. As early as the latter part of February the winter is usually broken, and the seeding of oats begins, and by the end of the month out-door work has made considerable progress. Except for the rains, there is subsequently no interruption of farm work until the end of December. December is usually dry and pleasant, and in it much of the plowing for the next year's crop is accomplished. Dur- ing the whole year but vei^y few days are lost to the farmer, for the wet days of winter and spring are profitably devoted to the handling of to- bacco and other in-door work. Seed-time and Harvest ? Corn is planted in April and May in &c. The oak, elm, chestnut, and woods pine, are the largest trees. Oak, hickory, poplar, and woods pine are best for timber ; for shade and grand- ure, the elm, and oak of our section will, I suppose, compare favor- ably with the grandest trees of any country. There are large timber forests in Buckingham county. Cattle? Not much attention has been paid in this county to cattle raising, but I think on some of our improved farms it would be profit- able, especially those which have large bodies of woodland in which the cattle could live during the summer, and require very little attention. Water ? The James river runs along the northern border "of this county, the Appomatox along the southern, and the Willis along its western border ; they afford a vast amount of water power. Sheep f They are generally allowed to do the best they can for them-, selves in summer and winter, and have veri/ little attention paid to them, unless the snow remains on the ground for some time, or during a long spell of bad weather, when, perhaps, occasionally they get a few bundles of fodder and oats. Judging from the way they thrive in this county [where they are so inhumanly treated] I should say they would greatly flourish and multiply, were proper attention paid to them. Fruits and Vegetables? Peaches, apples, pears, cherries, quinces, apricots, nectarines, watermelons, plums, persimmons, blackberries, dew- berries, currants, raspberries, paw paw apples, &c., with sweet and Irish potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, asparagus, onions, celery, cab- bage, beans, peas, snaps, turnips, parsnips, salsify, corn, cyralings, &c. Successful Cases ? I know a gentleman who purchased a farm of very poor land in this county in 1852. It was covered principally with hen-nest grass, broomstraw and old field pine, and was washed into gul- leys. By a liberal use of Peruvian and other guanos, salt, superphos- phate of lime, etc., the farm, in a few years, was made to produce very fine clover. Although tobacco was cultivated on it every year, and large crops produced, as well as oats, corn and wheat, still his farm continued to improve. It was sold [in the latter part of 1862, I think] for nearly 6 times its cost ; this fact shows what a liberal application of fertilizers will do for our lands." Estimates for a young married man with $500 in gold, well up to his business, sober, saving and industrious, ivho wishes to establish himself in the county of Cumberland on a farm of 40 acres. 57 FIRST YEAR — OUTLAY. First payment on land, $70; buildings, ^175; horse or mule, $90; cow and calf, $18; sheep, $10; seed, poultry and fruit trees, $25 : sow and pigs, $5 ; farming and other uten- sils, $25; cultivating 10 acres of corn, 10 do of wheat, 10 do of corn, with potatoes, vegetables, extra labor, etc., $192; groceries and provisions, $150. Total outlay $760.00 Sales {after deducting for liome use). 200 bushels corn at $1, $200 ; 115 bushels wheat at $2.75, $310.50 ; 72 cwt. oats at $1.70, $122.40 ; 12,000 pounds to- bacco, at $14, $1680; garden, dairy, and poultry yard, $170. Total receipts * $2482.90 SECOND YEAR— OUTLAY. Land, $65 ; cultivating 10 acres corn, 10 wheat, 8 oats, 10 to- bacco, 2 potatoes, with extra labor, $192 ; groceries, $75. Total outlay...... $332.00 Sales {reserving as brfore). 200 bushels corn, $200; 115 bushels wheat, $310.50; 72 cwt. oats, $122.40; 12,000 pounds tobacco, $1680; wool, $15 ; orchard, garden, dairy, and poultry yard, $225. Total re- ceipts $2552.90 THIRD YEAR — OUTLAY. Payment for land, $65 ; farm expenses, including extra labor and fertilizers, $461 ; groceries, &c., $75. Total outlay $601.00 Sales {deducting for home use). 200 bushels corn, $200 ; 100 do wheat, $270 ; 72 cwt. oats, $122.40; 12,000 pounds tobacco, $1680; wool, $25 ; 6750 pounds bacon 17 cents, $1147.50 ; garden, dairy, poultry yard, and increase of livestock, $250. Total receipts ..$3694.00 BEDFORD COUNTY. Report of Gen. Thomas T. Munford, of Glen Alpine (postoffice, For- est depot, Bedford county). Soil? Gray red loam. The red lands are the best, though with ma- nure both are kind and quick. In the mountains we have beautiful gran- ite. Staple Crops? Corn, wheat, oats, tobacco, and the grasses, such as clover, timothy, orchard grass, Kentucky blue grass, and the natural blue grass of this State. A fair sample of all of them can be seen at Glen Alpine. 58 Yield? Good land, clover fallow, will produce 15 bushels -wheat, 25 bushels corn, and 25 to 35 bushels oats per acre. The best lands bring from 1000 to 1500 pounds tobacco, worth from $5 to §100 per 100 pounds, according to quality. Usual price of corn per bushel from 80 cents to §1, wheat from |1.50 to $2, oats from 50 to 75 cents. Labor? Carpenters ^1.50, field laborers 30 to 50 cents per day, and by the month from $6 to $10. Fruits and Vegetables ? Fine fruits. Peaches cannot be surpassed. Apples will keep well during the whole year, and pay very handsome- ly. I have known the fruit of one apple tree to bring $30 in a season. The grape grows to perfection here. The sides of the mountains and the margins of all the brooks and creeks, when allowed to grow up, are filled with different varieties of wild grapes which, when cultivated, yield handsome returns.* The nurseries about Lynchburg offer every facility for supplying fruit and vines, both native and foreign. Choice apple and peach trees cost about $20 per 100. Potatoes, sweet and Irish, grow wild, as do also vines and melons. Forests ? Consist principally of oak of many varieties, hickory, pop- lar, and the finest chestnut I ever saw. No pine. Price of Lands ? From $8 to $10 per acre. The farms are gene- rally large, but there is a strong disposition to cut up and sell. Seve- ral Northern gentlemen have located here, and are highly delighted with the genial climate. Live Stock ? Sheep remain out all the winter unsheltered, and w^th moderate attention, double their number annually; the wool paying all expenses. Early lambs sell readily at home for $3 a head, good mutton $5 It is estimated that, with proper management, a cow will give 3 to 4 gallons of milk per day for 6 months in the year. I have made cheese on this place which sold in Lynchburg as high as 28 cents per pound. Any practical cheesemaker, who will undertake the business here, as it is carried on in England, will make $100 from each cow, besides raising a good hog for every three cows. The average temperature of the best springs (and good "water is im- * Mr. n. M. Armsteed, of Campbell Court-house, with three acres of vineyard and 3000 vines, has made SOO gallons of wine per acre, which sells for $2.50 to $•') per gal- lon. The vines are Ives, Concord, lona, Alvey, Delaware, Rogers No. 4 and 15, Hartford, Clinton, Catawba, &c., six to eight years in bearing. These grapes are comparatively free from rot and mildew, and are all superior for wine or table use. Mr. John C. Murrell, of Can)p!)ell Court-house, raises 300 bushels of apples per acre, •worth 50 cents per bushel. Ilis best market varieties are Wiuesap, Ilusset, and Lady Apple. Mr. R. C. Davis, of Nelly's Ford, Nelson county, has 3000 bearing apple trees on 80 acres. The yield per annum ranges from 1 to l.") bushels per tree ; losses about 20 per cent. He prefers as market varieties the Pippin, Esopus, Spitzeuburg, Bald- win, &c.— Report U. S. Com. Ag., 1871, p 148. [R. L. M.] 59 portant to the cheesemaker) is from 54° to 56° in summer, and so mild in winter that the milk never freezes in my spring-house. The mutton and beef, "grass fed," will compare favorably with that of any part of the country. It is estimated that cattle yearlings, two and three year olds, will double yearly ; that is, at a cost of $10 for a good j^earling, you may, with good pasture, get $20 in October of the same year, hav- ing purchased him in the spring. Cattle do well, keep in fine order all the winter on wheat straw and corn stalks, unsheltered. Of course they would do better under a roof. Few countries ofifer greater dairy induce- ments. A good cow, with a calf at her side, can be had at from $30 to $50. Reivards of Industry ? I have divided up my farm and rented it, with my tools and teams, to 8 men — poor soldiers from the war who had nothing left them but their industry. They are doing well. I have, on- this place, 4 men who, by one single year's crop, have become quite in- dependent, beginning with nothing. They have each purchased a good horse ; have in store a year's supply of meat and bread, and are out of debt, with a little money in hand, besides paying me a handsome rent for my land. I have a neighbor who, also, works on shares with 4 men — poor soldiers who returned penniless from the army, and divides nett proceeds. His share last year was §800. There are a number of old citizens who began life as mechanics or overseers in this county, who are now in independent circumstances, owning comfortable farms and having raised large and respectable families. ", General Munford estimates that a good double room log house can be built for $100; a good horse can be bought for $150; a good yoke of oxen, $100; a good cow from $25 to $50 ; a good sow and pigs from $10 to $20 ; ordinary sheep from $2.50 to $4. Such sheep, he says, will clip from 2 to 4 pounds when allowed to run to a straw stack in winter, even though they be unsheltered all the year. Fowls are easily raised, and pay handsome returns for attention." AMHERST. Report and estimates by L. Minor, Esq., (postoflSce Salt Creek, Am- herst county) : This farm is situated 14 miles above Lynchburg and 3J miles from James River and Kanawha canal. Climate? Salubrious. Aspects ? Like all the rest of the Piedmont portion of the State, the country is beautiful beyond description. The water is unsurpassed for excellence. The price of land varies from $12 to $35 the acre. Locust, hickory, oak with all its various kinds, chestnut and walnut, are the growth from which we obtain our timber. 60 Cost of Clearing? From $5 to §7 the acre ; but we have more open land already than can be cultivated judiciously for more than a century to come, unless Euitope could be induced to empty her surplus popula- tion into our lap. Staple Crops? Corn, wheat and tobacco. Yield per acre? Corn, from 12 to 63 bushels; price, 80 cents. Wheat, from 5 to 30 bushels ; price, §2.50. Tobacco, from 1,000 to 1,200 pounds, at $6 to $50. The season for seeding is from 20th Sep- tember to 20th October for wheat; from 20th March to 20th May for corn and oats. Best time for immigrants to come is July or August. Our lands have not attained to one-third of their productive capacity; consequently we can form scarcely an approximate estimate of their powers of production in the hands of judicious and industrious hus- bandmen. Churches, Schools, 3IarJcets, (fc. ? All convenient. Lynchburg is our market; reached by rail or canal. Vi7ie and Fruit Culture ? This has not been engaged in sufficiently to justify an opinion as to its profits. There can be no doubt, however, that all the fruits which will bear transportation, such as apples, grapes, &c., may be successfully and profitably cultivated. Only one man of my acquaintance in this section of the country has turned his at- tention to fruit culture, and he only to the apple. The product of his orchard yielded him, I think, between $3,000 and .§4,000. The fruit was sold in the Northern cities, and much of it, I think, sent to Eng- land. [The delightful apple, known in England as the American or New Town Pippin, comes from this and the neighboring counties of Al- bemarle and Nelson. It is a native of Albemarle. When gathered carcrully and properly packed, it commands readily in the New York market from §12 to §16 the barrel; and I have heard of other apples from Albemarle which, last year, commanded as much as §25 the bar- rel.— M.] There can be no doubt but that the grape would flourish here and yield an immense profit to the grower. These rich, warm mountain sides — grey, gravelly soil — are sufiicient evidences of the fact that our country is admirably adapted to vine culture. But the expense of the preparation for wine-making is, as we understand it, nearly as great as that attending sugar-making, and it is very difficult, as you know, to get a people confirmed in habits and customs such as ours, to abandon them all at once, branch out and adopt a new and untried system ; par- ticularly when pressed so severely as we are, in consequence of the ravages of war, for the means of living. 61 Cases of Profitable Industry? On the farm adjoining mine, last year, an industrious negro being the sole operator, the owner having been absent in an adjoining State, the sum of ^750 was realized from the sale of the crop. This, of course, was after sustaining the man and his stock. The product of one man's labor is equal to the gross re- ceipts from the same on the best managed sugar plantations of Louisi- ana. There are several instances in this county of poor men not only having made a competency, but moderate fortunes, and had they set out in the beginning with the determination to make "two blades of grass grow where one only grew before," I am confident their fortunes would have been enhanced five fold. As for my experience, there is scarcely any limit to the productiveness of the soil when properly manured and tilled. Two of my neighbors cultivated an adjoining farm to mine, and they give me the following as the result of their year's work together on the same farm: They had three horses, and their extra labor in all amounted to about $100. They sold: wheat, 390 bushels, $900; corn, 1,375 bushels, §1,237 ; oats, 500 bushels, $250 ; rye, 75 bushels, $75. Total sales, $2,462. A young friend of mine was taken from school last year to manage his father's farm consisting of 600 or 700 acres. He gives me this re- sult : 1,050 bushels corn ground in meal, $945 ; 800 bushels oats, $400, and watermelons enough to pay all his extra labor, amounting to $50 or $75. The fiirm on which young Robertson made this crop, worth $1,145, is held at $30 the acre. There are two other young men in this neigh- borhood living on land which may be purchased for $15 or $20 the acre, who received still greater returns, because of their making tobacco along with their other crops. But I have not been able to see them to get actual figures. These are all men of rare industry and economy, but very indifferent managers. My two neighbors above named, on the ad- joining farm, are cultivating land this year from which they are exnect- ing at least 1,500 bushels of corn, 6,000 pounds of tobacco and 250 bushels of wheat, besides oats; but what they are to realize is yet in the future. Supposing a young married man with S500 in gojd-, well up to Ids business, industrious, saving and sober, wishes to establish himself on a farm of 40 acres in the county of Amherst, ivhat would be Ids probable expenses and income for the first three years ? Estimates. "40 acres at $23 per acre.'' FIRST YEAR. First payment, $306.66 ; buildings, $200 ; horse, $160 ; cow 62 and calf, ^25 ; sow and pigs, $8 ; poultry, $5 ; fruit, $12.50 ; ■wheat, clover, and otlier seed, $58 ; wagon, plows, and har- ness, $95 ; farm and other utensils, $10 ; cultivating 10 acres corn, 15 wheat, 5 oats, with potatoes, vegetables, &c., including extra labor, $60 ; groceries and provisions, $14-1. Total outlay $1085.66 Sales {deducting for home use). 150 busheb corn at 80 cents, $120 ; 100 bushels wheat at $2.25, $225 ; 1000 pounds tobacco at $6, $60 ; proceeds of garden, dairy, &c., $10. Total receipts $415.00 SECOND YEAR — OUTLAY. Second payment on land, $306.66; for cultivating 10 acres corn, 15 wheat and oats, 2 tobacco, with potatoes, vegetables, groceries, &c., $67.50. Total outlay $374.16 Sales [deducting as before). 175 bushels corn $120 ; 120 bushels wheat, $240 ; 1200 pounds tobacco, $72; proceeds of orchard, dairy, poultry yard, &c., $10; increase of livestock, $20. Total receipts $472.00 THIRD YEAR. Last payment on land, $306.66 ; extra labor, fertilizers, gro- ceries, &c., $123.50. Total outlay $430.16 [Sales deducting as before). 150 bushels wheat, $300 ; 225 bushels corn, $180 ; 80 bushels oats, $40 ; 1200 pounds tobacco, $72 ; 20 pounds wool, $18 ; 200 pounds bacon, $30.66 ; proceeds orchard, garden, poul- try yard, &c., $10; increase of live stock, $25. Total re- ceipts $665.66 j^oTE. — The iisual payments for lands is in three equal annual instalments. Soil deep' red or dark grey. A farm to be judiciously cultivated should have more than one horse ; it should also have some wooJIaiul attached to it. I would rather recomuiead to a farmer who had but ^'>00, first to increase that sum by renting until he could pur- chase i)0 or GO acres at least. The expense of settlitis; 40 acres would, except the price of land, be the same as settiiu'jj 60, while the advantages are much greater. In that he would have 10 acres in wood and timber, and 2 horses are required to break the sod. ALBEMARLE. The University of Virgiiiia is near Charlottesville in this county. Albemarle is one of the fiaest counties in the State ; her industrial energies have been directed with an intelligence, and applied with a skill rarely surpassed. The Reports and Estimates for this county, like those from all other parts of the State, are from gentlemen who are well 63 known in their neighborhood as excellent farmers and men of high stand- ing. Reports and estimates from Wm. Minor, Esq., of Gale Hill (postoffice, Charlottesville) of Dr. W. G. Carr, of Bentover (postoffice, Charlottes- ville) and of W. W. Gilmer, Esq., ( postoffice, Ivy Creek, Albemarle county). Mr. Minor says : "I feel greatly at a loss in answering your inquiry in the supposed cases of a young immigrant coming, with his wife and $500 in gold, to settle on a farm of 40 acres, and wants, as a guide, an estimate showing the best way of laying out his money, in the purchase of land and stock, for the same, with a programme showing the quanti- ty of each article to be cultivated and his probable and necessary out- lay for the 1st, 2d, and 3d years. In the outset, I would say, that on my part of the Piedmont Belt (near Charlottesville) be could not buy 40 acres of land for his S500 in gold. Then he must either buy a smaller quantity of land, or buy on credit. Suppose for illustration, he succeeds in buying near a railroad or cheap water line of transportation the 40 acres of land for .^700 in cur- rency, equal to $500 in gold, for one-third cash, and the balance in 1 and 2 years. Without sending you the minute details, which I ^have collected for my own satisfaction, I will say that it will cost him for stock, necessary tools, hire of plowing and labor and supplies (including provisions for the year, manures, &c.) one-third of his capital, another third being paid in cash for his land, that he should cultivate from \^ to 2^ acres (made rich) in cabbage and root crops for market, and for feeding his stock, which with his garden and one acre of corn broad cast for hay? and about 6 acres of corn for food, would, in addition to supporting bis family and stock abundantly, give him not less than $360 nett profit for the year's operations. This would enable him to make his second pay- ment for the land, and leave a balance of $126| towards his last payment- This 10 acres cultivated, the first year, should be sown down in orass, And the second year another 10 acres should bo treated in the same way, which, after supportirig the fiinily, would yield the same nett profit and make the last payment on the land, leaving two-thirds of the original capi- tal on hand, to be used either in more enlarged operations on the farm, or in putting up necessary buildings and improvements, or in commencing the fruit business, which should be done as soon as practicable. The third year the same system on another 10 acres, with the same results, would put the owner in possession of a snug little income, to be increased by the profits of the grass crop on the first 20 acres, and 64 this leaves 10 acres for wood and buildings, and as collateral profit, 30 acres of land very much improved in productive capacity and from 10 to 15 per centum in market value ; besides the increase of stock arising from his two cows, sows and pigs, originally bought in stocking the farm, to say nothing of poultry and other small items which are thrown in for incidental expenses, &c. I would state, in this connection, that an acre of cabbage (6,000 heads) ou^ht to yield, nett, in the Richmond market, 6 cents a head (as a minimum), and this would yield the income I have claimed above with no other product sold off the farm. I have made this estimate, as requested, in your circular, but I doubt very much if the young emigrant would not do better with his capital by renting good land for a few years, especially with the pre-emption privilege of 40 acres or more of the land so rented at the end of the lease, say 5 years. To your question of "the greatest amount of earnings made, to my knowledo^e, by one man (with occasional help) in my neighborhood from the soil or from any other branch of industry ? " I have known a man to make $2.50 a day and found (^. g., board and lodging provided) digging cisterns for me and in ditching for others ; he was a very hard workman. An ordinary ditcher would make 61.50 a day and board ; while in ordi- nary farm work, 50 to 75 cents per day and board is as much as is paid, except harvest wages, wbich rule from $1 to $1.75 per day and board. The price of mechanic's labor is much higher, varying from $1 to $1.50 a day for ordinary and fair carpenters, and higher for fine car- penters, with board. I know men hereabouts who, by steady industry and economy on the farm, have, from very small beginnings, accumulated at the end of 10 or 15 years a very good property, and so in other departments of indus- try. These were exceptional cases, however, and were due to character and habit, upon which thrift so much depends. It may be well to add that the stranger who comes among us to set- tle would, if a good citizen, be welcome to our hand and hospitalities. The price of good land is relatively high in Albemarle county, es- pecially near Charlottesville and the University of Virginia, where it ranges from $20 to $75 the acre. In other portions of the Piedmont Belt good lands may be bought for $5 to $25 the acre. The expense of living is much higher than it was before the war. Corn meal sells for $1 the bushel ; flour for from $9 to $12 per barrel; pork for $10 cwt. nett; beef, $8 to $10 nett; groceries quite high. 65 Industries? Cultivation of the soil and grazing, including the rais- ing and fattening of stock and dairy business; mining, manufacturing, mechanic arts, fruit culture, lumber business and fish culture. Minerals in the Piedmont Belt? In Buckingham, Fluvanna and Goochland counties, &c. — gold andiron in Buckingham and Louisa • slate in Buckingham and Albemarle; lime in Albemarle and Orange; granite in Goochland and Fluvanna; copper in Albemarle and Nelson, &c. ; -lead in Albemarle and Nelson ; coal in Chesterfield and Gooch- land ; plumbago in Albemarle ; mica in Hanover, and building stone everywhere. Fruits and Vegetables? Apples, peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, apricots, plums, quinces, gooseberries, strawberries, raspberries, black- berries, whortleberries, currants, damsons, melons, figs, &c., with cab- bage, potatoes (Irish and sweet), turnips, onions, beets, peas, beans, asparagus, carrots, corn, cucumbers, cymlings, egg-plants, lettuce, okra, mustard, parsnips, pepper, spinach, pumpkins, tomatoes, salsify, radish, snaps (French beans), rutabaga, &c. I^uts ? Walnuts, hickorynuts, hazle, pecan, chestnuts, chinquapins, &c. Timber? Oak and pine in variety, hickory, chestnut, mulberry, lo- cust, ash, gum, beech, walnut, maple, wild cherry, &c. Water ? Good and plentiful, with abundant water power in every neighborhood. ITow Long are Cattle Housed in Winter ? They need be housed only a month or two, and even do well without housing, if well fed. Greatest Profits of Sheep and Cattle Raising? Western Virginia and East Tennessee can raise cattle cheaper than Piedmont, hence the custom of us to buy from thence 2- and 3-year olds, graze and fatten them for market. On such cattle, the grazier here frequently doubles his purchase money in 10 or 12 months. The usual profits made in this way on cattle, vary from 50 to 100 per cent. Sheep, with similar management, I think, would yield as much. This we call grazing profit, and the expense of winter feeding is considered to be paid for by the manure. Agricultural Staples ? ^ndian corn, wheat, tobacco, oats, buckwheat, hay, with fruit culture ; and raising vegetables for city markets is be- coming profitable. Cases of Crreatest Profits ? Prior to our late war, I have known cases of 6 and 8 per cent, being made on the agricultural capital, besides a collateral profit made in the enhancement of the value of the estate. In the greater number of cases now, nothing is made over a support for 66 the family, and in few cases not even that much. Since the war agri- cultural profits are less than before. I hear of fair profits, in some few cases, on the best managed farms; but I am told by most farmers that they are making nothing but a support and expenses. Some well au- thenticated reports have been made to me of very large profits made from apples; and this branch of business, including the culture of grapes and other fruits in Piedmont Virginia, offers, I think, a very large field of profit to enterprise and skilled industry." Dr. Carr, from the same neighborhood, gives the case of Captain P., whose capital, at the close of the war, 1865, (with wife and child) con- sisted of two cavalry horses. "He borrowed $1,000; set up a country store (his family living in a small cabin near by), and has now (1869) paid the money borrowed, bought and paid for the best establishment in the village, with 20 acres of land, a good brick dwelling, storehouses and every other necessary outhouse." T. also in service during the war. His wife and child lived on a rented farm of 300 acres, where they managed to subsist themselves during hostilities. When he returned to his home after the surrender, his capi- tal consisted of two horses, the tools and stock usually kept on a small farm, with- household and kitchen furniture. Aided by his three little boys, the oldest 14 years old, he went to work, hiring help when needed, and has prospered wonderfully. His tobacco crop has brought him 12,000 annually; his crops of wheat have not been large, but he raises a surplus of almost everything, so that he has always something to sell. With a large family of children growing up around him, he has main- tained them in comfort and cleared $5,000 or $6,000 on rented land. Last fall he went to Nebraska to see if he could better his fortunes by investing his capital in Western lands, but finding that more money could be made by farming in Virginia than in the West, he returned, and has bought and paid for a good farm of 300 acres at $3,000. These gentlemen are prudent in their expenditures, not niggardly, and no families live in more real comfort than theirs do, and none dis- pense hospitality with more pleasure. The cases are numerous, and crowd upon me of men who have made large fortunes by farming in Albemarle. Some of these, as William Garth, John H. Craven, John Rogers, are known all over the State. I remember when F. B. rented a few acres of southwest mountain land of Hugh Nelson, of Belvoir, went to work with one horse and plow — his only capital. "He soon bought the land, rented more, en- larged his operations, soon bought again ; married a wife as industrious as himself, but without dowry, built a neat house, added yearly to his estate, and is now the owner of more than 1,000 acres of good land, 67 surrounded by every comfort and convenience, and is discharging all the duties of an intelligent and honest citizen. My friend and next neighbor bought part of the Dunlorce estate — 400 acres for $16,000. He had the money for only one payment; but in 15 years he had paid for it; had purchased 900 acres more; had his farm amply stocked with the most approved breeds of all sorts ; improved his house and grounds, and lived in abundance and luxury. His estate, when the war commenced, was worth more than ^100,000." "S. B., T. G. and N. B. each began life as overseers, and became the richest farmers in the county. I know of no trade or occupation which has failed to bring respecta- bility and independence to its follower, if pursued with sober industry." [Such, also, is my observation in all parts of the State. — M.] Our flourishing woollen factory was established and carried on by J. A. M., who came to Charlottesville a butcher, without means. Our very valuable iron foundry, with shops for the manufacture of all sorts of farming implements, was established by a machinist with no capital but his trade, industry and good character. David Byers, an in- dustrious Irishman, who has been the ditcher in my neighborhood for more than half a century, was so intemperate and thriftless until he was 50 years old, that he had not laid up a cent, and was content to live with his family in any cabin he could get ; changed his habits, became sober, saved his money, and invested it in unimproved lands. Within the last 15 years he has bought 100 acres 3 miles from Charlottesville; has built a neat, comfortable dwelling with necessary outhouses, and has orchards of peaches, apples and other fruits in bearing. This is what men living near me have done, and whose operations I have witnessed. Doubtless many others have done as well or better. Some of our wealthiest families are the descendants of blacksmiths. My neighbor, E. F., and the heirs of T. L. being among them. To settle a stranger in a strange land is a delicate task. But I can't go far wrong in advising him to invest his money in real estate — select- ing good land, well wooded and watered, and within striking distance of market. Let what will happen, he can support his family comfortably on 40 acres; for that in Albemarle is more than sufficient to support a family. The orchard, the vineyard and the garden will occupy but a small portion of the farm, and its yearly profits and increase hereafter will depend on the attention given to those at the start. The stranger can best judge of the quality of the land by the character of the rocks upon it; for it is better to get land, where the mineral con- stituents are good, though much worse than better looking land in which these important elements are deficient. The first will improve by thorough 68 tillage alone; the last will deteriorate. He should select a farm with at least 10 acres of forest in a body and a good spring, near which the homestead should be located. The wood land being inclosed, would fur- nish a constant range for hogs and fowls, and in the winter and spring for sheep and cattle. It would be an ever present source for leaves and mould for manure. A snug cabin and other necessary houses would, if built of his own timber, cost only the price of the nails and glass and the hire of some help, not exceeding in all ^100. 40 acres of land may be bought for $600 in three payments. The new comer ought to get possession during the summer, and in time to knock up a cabin by September. In this month he should fal- low 15 acres for wheat, and sow by the middle of October. Five of these should be seeded with a bushel of timothy, and enriched with 1,000 pounds guano. This would insure a fine crop of wheat and a good stand of grass on these 5 acres at least. The next work — plow well 4 acres of land ; the most suitable for an orchard and vineyard, 100 choice apples and 50 dwarf pears, costing $30, would plant 2 acres. Grapes, looking to a vineyard, to be gradu- ally extended to 5 acres, cost $100. This work could be finished in No- vember. Potatoes, cabbages and peas should be planted for 3 years be- tween grape rows, and well manured from stable, cow yard and hog pen. The orchard should have a dressing of 500 pounds guano to the acre, and then be put in tobacco for 5 or 6 years ; all the manure that could be spared from the potatoes and cabbage should be given to the tobacco. 1 acre in cabbage, 6,000 heads, would bring $200 ; 1 acre in potatoes, 150 bushels, $150; 2 acres in tobacco, 2,000 pounds, $2t}0 ; 10 acres in corn would yield 275 bushels, $275; 15 in wheat, 200 bushels, $400. The rotation, outlay and sales can be seen and understood better from X\iQ proforma estimate carried through a series of years: First Year {Outlay). 40 acres of land at $15, $200; 2 mares, $200; cow and calf, $25; sow and pigs and six good ewes, $30 ; 12 fowls, 4 turkeys, 4 ducks, $10 ; 100 choice apple and 50 dwarf pear trees, $30; 900 choice grape vines, $100; seed, $52; meat, bread, groceries and provender, $105 ; Culti- vator, hoes, axes and smithwork, $30 ; two-horse wagon and gear, $80 ; 1 ton guano, ^'^i>', 1 bushel timothy seed, $4; season of 2 mares, $10; taxes, $5; extra labor, $100. Total outlay, $1,126. Sales (deducting for home use). 100 bushels corn, $100 ; 150 bushels wheat, $300 ; 150 bushels po- tatoes, $150 ; 2,000 pounds tobacco, $200 ; 6,000 head cabbage, $200 ; 69 25 turkeys, $25 ; other poultry and eggs, $10 ; 25 pounds wool, $8 ; 500 pounds pork, $40. Total receipts, $1,033. N. B. — I have allowed full price for every necessary article required to carry on the farm for the first year, and laid the foundation for large profits in the future The guano should be applied to the 5 acres of wheat intended for meadow and to the tobacco crop. The estimated receipts are not extravagant; the yield allowed per acre is below the average that good farming produces, and prices less than the average of the last four years. Cabbage sells readily at from 5 to 10 cents per head ; is a very sure crop, and could be fed to advantage in fattening any kind of stock. 200 bushels Irish potatoes may be made on an acre, and if a portion of them were of an early variety they would sell for $2. Sweet potatoes* might occupy part of the acre ; they yield much more than the Irish, and sell for a much higher price. Second Year [Outlay). Second payment of land, $200 ; extra labor, $150 ; 2 tons of guano, $170; taxes and shop account, $10; groceries and mares, $35. Total outlay, $505. Sales (deducting as before), 150 bushels wheat (11 acres guanoed), $300 ; 100 bushels corn (10 acres), $100; 2,000 pounds tobacco (2 acres), $200; 6,000 head cab- bage, $200 ; poultry, $35 ; 30 pounds wool, $10 ; 4 lambs, $14 ; 150 bushels potatoes, $150; 1 yearling colt, .^40; 2| tons timothy hay, $50; 500 pounds pork, $40. Total receipts, $1,139. N. B. — This year the vineyard should be extended by planting 3 acres more with plants raised from cuttings and layers from his own vines. 1 colt may be raised every year from 2 mares. 11 acres wheat being guanoed, would yield as much as 15 acres the first year without guano. The 5 acres of meadow would yield 8 tons of hay. I allow the stock to consume most of it. Third Year {Outlay). Third payment on land, $200 ; extra labor, $200 ; 2 tons guano, $170 ; taxes, shop account and 2 mares, $25; 1 bushel clover seed, $5; trellis for 2 acres of vines, $50; fixtures for wine, $100; groceries, $25. Total outlay, $775. Sales (deducting as before). 150 bushels wheat, 100 bushels corn, 2,000 pounds tobacco, 6,000 cabbages, 150 bushels potatoes, $900; 1 yearling colt, with increase value, last year's colt, $80 ; 2| tons hay, 25 turkeys, 30 pounds wool, 70 poultry, eggs, &c., $100; grapes and wine (2 acres\ $500. Total re- ceipts, Sl,^70. N. B. — The rotation should now be changed so as to sow 5 acres in clover every year as a green crop to stand one season. This will dimin- ish the area for wheat and corn by this amount. But, being well ma- nured and cultivated, the same amount would be produced. The vine- yard being now enlarged to 5 acres, the profits will increase very fast." The Doctor then gives estimates as to outlay and sales for the 6th year, making a total of $622 for the former and $3,220 for the latter, in which he includes his 5 acres in grapes (at $500 the acre) at $2,500, and 50 bushels pears at $4 a bushel. Supposing the settler to be well up to his business, efi"ectively assisted by his wife ; to continue to be so- ber, saving and industrious, the Doctor goes on to submit an estimate for the 12th year, in which he allows $1,000 for outlay, and makes the receipts $5,100, in which the only new item is 300 barrels of apples at $5 the barrel. Reconsiders that $2,500 is a low estimate for a vine- yard of 5 acres; for, excepting California, he thinks the soil and climate of Albemarle as well adapted as any other for grape culture. He adds : "The whole grape crop last year around Herman (400 acres), a large proportion being Catawba, which failed, yielded on the average $500 the acre. It should be mentioned in this connection that $300,000 or $400,000 are expended in the county annually by the students of the University." Mr. Gilmer thinks that no beginner can do well in Albemarle with less than 120 acres of land and $1,500 in cash. His estimates for 120 acres of land at $25 the acre are : "First year, total outlay, $4,655; total receipts, $1,730. Second year, total outlay, $725; total receipts, $2,000. Third year, debt paid and some $350 to $400 left in cash. This may be and has been done." FLUVANNA AND THE PIEDMONT BELT. Report of R. E. Nelson, Esq., postoffice Columbia, "showing the cost of lands, its product in money per acre, with a given expenditure in fer- tilizers, the cost of horses, oxen, sheep, hogs, poultry, as also of pro- visions and labor, leaving to the immigrant the decision of the question as to how much land ho would purchase and the quantity of provisions likely to be needed by him the first year, viz: land costing $10 per acre, with an expenditure of $12 in fertilizers, would produce in tobacco, per acre, $75; fallowed by wheat, with no additional manure, $25; in oats, with like expenditure, $20. One active, industrious man, by diligent attention to business, can cultivate 2^ acres in tobacco, 10 acres in corn, 12 in wheat and 10 in oats. 71 Cost of stock, provisions, &c. : horses, $15 to $150; sheep, $2.50 each; hogs, sow and pigs, $20; Cows, $25 to $50; oxen for yoke, §50 to $75; poultry, 40 cents each; corn, per bushel, $1; potatoes, per bushel, 75 cents to $1; subsistence per month, $4; flour, per barrel, $10; sugar, per pound, 12 to 15 cents; bacon, per pound, 15 to 20 cents; coifee, per pound, 15 to 30 cents; beef, per pound, 8 cents; salt, $3 to $i per sack ; laborers from $3 to $10 a month, exclusive of board. Proforma estimate of outlay and receipts of a young married man es- tablishing himself in the county of Fluvanna^ State of Virginia, upon « farm of 40 acres with a capital of $500 in gold. First Year. OUTLAY. For purchase 40 acres land at $10 per acre — first payment $133 33 For buildings 100 00 For purchase of a horse or mule... 100 00 Cow and calf, $30; sheep, $12.... 42 00 Sow and pigs 20 00 Poultry, fruit trees and seeds 20 00 Horse feed and food for cows 50 00 Farming utensils 25 00 Fertilizers 75 00 Seed wheat, oats and corn 40 00 Wagon and harness 75 00 Extra labor and finding 45 00 Groceries and provisions 100 00 Total outlay first year $825 33 RECEIPTS (After deducting for domestic use.) 50 bushels corn at $1 $ 50 00 150 bushels wheat at $2 300 00 2-500 pounds tobacco at 10 cts 250 00 Proceeds garden, dairy and poul- try yard 20 00 Total receipts first year $620 00 The man himself is supposed to labor industriously on his farm. Second Year. OUTLAY. Second payment for land... $133 33 Extra labor 25 00 Blacksmith's account 10 00 Fertilizers 75 00 Groceries (tea, sugar, &c) 50 00 Total outlay second year .$203 33 • RECEIPTS. 75 bushels corn at $1 $ 75 00 200 bushels wheat at $2 400 00 25 bushels oats at 50 cts 12 50 4000 pounds tobacco at 10 cts 400 00 Garden, orchard, dairy and poul- try yard 40 00 Increase live stock, &c 50 00 Total receipts second year $917 50 72 Third Year. OUTLAY. Third payment on land $133 33 Farm expenses, extra labor, ferti- lizers, &c 150 00 Groceries, &c 50 00 Total outlay third year $ 333 33 Miscellaneous exp'ses each year... $100 00 RECEIPTS (Deducting as before.) 250 bushels wheat at $2 $ .500 00 100 bushels corn at 81 100 00 40 bushels oats at 50 cts 20 00 4000 pounds tobacco 400 00 Proceeds orchard, garden, dairy and poultry yard 40 00 Increase live stock, poultry, &c.. 100 00 Total receipts third year $1,160 00 "The outlay for clothing, taxes, &c., has not been included in the estimate, and possibly an item for increased purchase of fertilizers might be added. I know one farmer, in the adjacent county of Cumberland, whose farm cost $7,000 before the war, who, on the labor of 8 hands, cleared $4,000 in one year. He is, however, the most successful farmer of my acquaintance. In the estimate given I have proceeded upon the hypothesis of full crops, making no allowance for casualties. It would be proper to make a considerable deduction on this score, and especially in view of the un- certainty of the wheat crop, which not unfrequently proves a disastrous failure. Upon the whole, I should think that an active, industrious man (with his land paid for) might clear $400 to $500 per annum by farming in this part of Virginia. It may be proper to state further, that a good deal of land is rented to laborers for one-fourth the crop produced on high land, and one-third of what is produced on low grounds. It is frequently the case, more" over, that farms are cultivated on shares, the landowner furnishing the team, with subsistence, and the laborers doing the farm work and board- ing themselves — the crops to be divided equally. Some landlords re- quire one-fourth of the crop for rent, the remainder to be divided equally. I think that this working on shares is perhaps better for the beginner, with small capital, than for him to purchase land. I know 3 young men who cleared, the past year, $400 or $500 each by working a farm on shares." Report and estimate of Jno. R. Bryan, of Carysbrook P. 0., near Columbia, Fluvanna county: " I have to-day been examining the papers you sent me. The plan 73 proposed for a settler on a Botetourt farm I do not like, and, indeed, consider it entirely impracticable. I have written to-day some estimates and remarks applicable particu- larly to this county, but which would suit, or apply to most of the Pied- mont country. You will find that I show that a settler must begin operations in either fall, winter or spring; if in the fall, it becomes possible to sow wheat and get a crop next year ; if in the winter or spring, he must confine himself to what are called hoe crops and oats. Now, a monstrous amount of credit is given to the settler for his first year's results, such as no one could realize, and the expenditures run up to ^dbd currency. We want population sadly, but they must thrive to a certain degree to enable them to live at all amongst us. When they bring only small sums with them, they must spend nearly all in settling themselves and living the first year, and would do well to make a start in an independent way the second year. This State is very poor, and I fear must keep so for a long time. One with money can make very profitable use of it in farming, but the poor man who buys poor land to improve, has a rough road to travel, as, indeed, the poor have everywhere. Estimates and reflections on expenses and profits incident to purchase and management of small farms in the Piedmont Belt. "Here are found lands of every variety of soil and capacity of produc- tiveness, ranging from the richest alluvial bottoms often skirted by heavy productive clay soils, to the poorer ridges between the rivers. Fine clay loams are extensively difi"used throughout the whole Piedmont range of country. Belts of granitic soils cross the State, affording warm, dry and productive lands peculiarly well adapted to the growth of small grains, corn and tobacco. Such lands are found in Spottsylvania, Caro- line, Louisa, Fluvanna, Cumberland, Prince Edward, Charlotte, &c. They respond readily to the action of all fertilizers, are easily cultivated, and peculiarly suited to the growth of tobacco, besides being admirably adapted to the growth of fruit trees and for gardening. Slate and grav- elly soil are found in their appropriate geological lines. In a territory as sparsely populated as Virginia, and where the neces- sities of the times incline so many to sell land, there is hardly a neigh- borhood where land cannot be bought, and that at really low rates. While the higher class of lands are still prized, and held at respectable figures, large districts, once productive, are to be had very low, say from $5 to $10 per acre for lands once held at from SIO to $20 per acre. Still lower grades can be had at from $3 to $6 per acre. The purchaser of small tracts must not expect buildings. 74 In Fluvanna county, building material is very abundant, consisting of excellent pine and oak. Much of this county is yet in the forest state. Having James river on the south, with the Rivanna running through it, the James River and Kanawa Canal, with lock and dam nav- igation on the Rivanna, there is abundant means of transportation, and water power far beyond the present wants of the people. Many small streams running into both rivers afford creek flats and a better class of highland, together with unlimited milling facilities. The climate is perfect as to health. The finest grain belt known to this country includes the lower part of this county, and immediately above lies the fine slate, a continuation of which affords the unrivalled quarries in Buckingham county, immediately across James river. The people of Fluvanna are eminently sober and industrious. Churches and schools are common in every neighborhood where population per- mits. The results of agriculture have been such as have enabled numbers of small farmers to live in comfort, and in many cases to amass considera- ble property, chiefly from the growth of tobacco, which is well adapted to this soil and climate. It is not just to a new settler to promise him more than industrious natives have been able to accomplish. To buy land even partly on credit, and stock a farm, however small, takes a good deal of money. The first year cannot properly be counted on as productive, and affording any surplus for paying for land. Coming into possession in the winter or spring, he can only make corn the first year, while he has to buy corn and provisions for his family and team. Estimates of expenses first year for man and wife, industrious and so- ber, with a capital of $500 in gold. Subsistence or rations for himself and wife may be put at low rate % 85.00 Feed for horse 50.00 Plainest outfit for house, cooking utensils, plow, har- row, hoes, &c r. 60.00 One horse $100, cow and calf $30, sow $8 138.00 Yoke of oxen and cart (not always required) 100.00 Building expenses 100.00 Total outlay $533.00 The emigrant with only $500 in gold should be given long credit and no cash payment required, beyond a fifth of the purchase money, as his improvements afford good security. If he is a mechanic, he can get wa- ges part of his time. A rapid development of productive power in the 75 land, and increase in number of livestock from the facility this county affords, gives a certainty of progress to the intelligent and industrious settler. Pure air and water and a kind soil invite the laborer to prac- tise industry and self denial, for a time, with the certainty of being richly repaid in the end. J. R. Bryan." Reports and Estimates of Gary C. Cocke, Esq., Bremo, Fluvanna county. "The county of Fluvanna, one of the central counties of the State, is 20 to 40 miles east of the Blue Ridge, and 50 to 70 west from Richmond, on the north bank of the James river. The James River and Kanawha Canal, navigable for boats of 80 tons burden, runs along its southern bor- der. The Rivanna river, a tributary of the James, divides the county from southeast to northwest, and is navigable for boats of 50 tons burden, by a canal, for six miles along its north banks and thence by locks and dams through the county into Albemarle, The facilities to market are easy, and the water power afforded by two rivers and their large creeks offer important and valuable mill sites for machinery and manufactures. Climate? Mild, temperate and perfectly healthy. Cold enough usually in winter to give the pulverizing benefit of frost to the plowed surface. Cattle and sheep do well all the winter under open sheds, and thrive in their pastures without additional feed till the middle of Novem- ber, from Avhich time they must be fed till the first day of April. The face of the country is generally undulating, abounding in the best free- stone water in every part. Soil ? In the eastern part of the county, light, friable, grey soil in- termingled with clay, slate and sand, underlaid generally with granite. The western portion is a heavier, closer clay soil mixed with slate and quartz rock. The uplands are fine farming lands, capable of a high de- gree of improvement, and give increased products by the growth of clo- ver and the use of plaster. The eastern portion is especially suited to the growth of fruit, vines, vegetables and garden culture. Productions ? The forest growth is oak, pine, hickory, poplar, and walnut. Crops usually grown are corn, wheat, oats, clover, fruits of all kinds, and all vegetables flourish well. The vine grows everywhere in the forest, and might be made very profitable under culture. The lands, under our indifferent farming system, produce from 10 to 35_bushels of 76 corn per acre; from 7 to 20 bushels of wheat ; 200 to 600 pounds of to- bacco ; 10 to 30 bushels of oats ; 30 to 250 bushels of Irish potatoes, ac- cording as they are farmed, and under a better system, would advance in production over these rates. Market Value of Products ? For the last three years corn, in this section, lias been worth, from November to February, 75 to 80 cents the bushel, and after February $1 per bushel cash ; wheat in same period $1.80 to $2.50 per bushel, according to quality ; tobacco from $9 to $10 per hundred pounds ; oats 50 to 80 cents per bushel ; sbeaf oats 60 cents to ^1 per hundred pounds ; clover hay the same; Irish potatoes 70 cents to $1 per bushel ; bacon 16 to 25 cents per pound ; beef 6 to 10 cents per pound ; fruit trees, 16 to 25 cents, according to quantity ordered. The best time for a settler to come to this section would be late in Oc- tober or November, after crops' are secured. The time for planting corn is from April 1st to middle of May. Tobacco is planted from 20th of May to last of June. Wheat should be seeded from 20th of September to 20th of October Corn is matured and ready for gathering usually the last week in September. Wheat and oats harvest first to middle of June. Tobacco is ready for cutting from last week in August to the first of October. Cases of Successful Industry ? I have a neighbor [W. L. A.] living 2 miles from the .James river, on a clay slate section of the county, who, on a surface of 55 acres [part of a farm of less than 200 acres, for which he paid $7| per acre before the war] realized the following results in 1867: 18G7, Crops and receipts from 55 acres. 20 acres in wheat produced 319 bushels, at S2.50 $ 797.50 4 acres in toliacco (very small crop) 3000 lbs 360.00 20 acres corn 80 barrels or 400 bushels worth 400.00 5 acres oats worth 37.50 *r)00 pounds bacon sold 98.00 *PouUry and dairy products 35.00 Receipts $1,728.00 Outlay 1,040.50 Profit $ 688.50 Expenses for same year. Fertilizers, 4 tons $ 280.00 27 bushels seed wheat 67.50 Labor during the year 250.00 Cost of cultivation and use of im- plements 4.0.00 Smith work 3.00 Forage for 2 horses and use of same ■ 220.00 Expenses and provisions for fam- ily 175.00 $1,040.50 I have another neighbor [S. W. P.] living in the eastern portion of * Not to credit of 55 acres. 77 the county, who, on grey granite soil, upland, for which he paid ^8|- per acre before the war, made on a surface of said farm (some 200 acres in all) of 80 acres in cultivation in 1867 the following results : 1867. Crops and receipts from 80 acres. Outlay for same year. 40 acres in wheat, 500 bushels brought $1,250.00 20 acres in corn, 350 bushels worth 350 00 15 acres oats, 180 bushels at 60 cents 108.00 6 acres tobacco, 4.000 pounds at $9 '. 360.00 * Bacon sold brought .500.00 *i)airy and garden products 50 00 $2,618.00 1,470.00 Profit $1,148.00 Hire and subsistence of 3 hands per year $ 3o0.00 Feed and hire of team 230.00 Smith's work and use of imple- ments 65.00 4 tons fertilizer.- 300.00 Extra labor in cultivation and harvest 50.00 Seed wheat, 50 bushels, at S2.50 12').00 Expenses of family, clothing, taxes, &c 350.00 $1,470.00 The river bottom lands are very productive, but comparatively of small extent, and rarely in market. When sold, they usually com- mand $100 per acre. The uplands are good, and, in most parts of the county, very desirable farming lands, as well on account of their real, but yet undeveloped value, as for their convenience to market, the pure water, healthy climate, having churches and postoffices in every neighborhood and good schools. These lands possess an additional value on account of their mineral wealth, having large beds of slate, several valuable veins of iron and of gold, which last, especially, have been worked with profit. Price of Land? At present there is no average price that can be named as reliable. Before the war, the farming lands of the county could be bought for from $5 (when in forest) to $18 and $20 per acre, according to quality, and excellent lands can now be bought for from $5 to $12 and $1-1 per acre, and less for cash." Proforma estimate of an outlay and receipts of a young married man es- tablisJiing himself in the county of Fluvanna, State of Virginia, upon a farm of forty acres, with a capital o/$500 in gold, by Dr. Cary C. Cocke, of Bremo. * Not to credit of the 80 acres. 78 FiKST Year. OUTLAY. First payment on land, forty acres, at Sl:^ per acre $160 00 Buildings 100 00 Purchase of horse or mule 120 00 Cow and calf, $25 : sheep, $8...... 33 00 Sow and pigs, $8; poultry, fruit trees and seeds, $18 26 00 Purchase single plow 5 00 Harrow, $10; double plow, $7.... 17 00 Purchase wagon and harness 100 00 Half bushel clover seed, $5 ; eight bushels seed oats, $4 9 00 20 bushels seed wheat, for 16 acres, at $2 a bushel 40 00 36 bushels corn for horse for six months, and hay and fodder for same 55 00 Hoes and farming implements 23 00 Planting and cultivating 12 acres of corn, 16 wheat, 8 oats, pota- toes, vegetables and tobacco, in- cluding extra labor when neces- sary 40 00 1 ton fertilizers 75 00 Groceries and provisions 80 00 Total outlay first year $^86 00 (After deducting for family use.) 120 bushels corn at 80 cts $ 96 00 130 bushels wheat at $2 260 00 50 bushels oats at 60 cents 30 00 600 pounds of tobacco at $10 60 00 100 pounds bacon at 15 cts 15 00 16 pounds wool at 30 cts 4 80 Products garden, dairy and poul- try yard 20 00 Total receipts first year $485 80 Second Year. OUTLAY. Second payment on land $160 00 Cultivating 8 acres corn, 24 wheat, 8 oats and 2 tobacco, including fertilizers 190 00 1 bushel clover seed 10 00 Groceries (sugar, tea, coffee. &c).. 25 00 One year's interest on second pay- ment for land 9 00 nECEIPT3 (Deducting as before.) 80 bushels corn at 80 cts ..$ 64 00 160 bushels wheat at $2 .. 320 00 50 bushels oats at 60 cts.. 1400 pounds tobacco ai $10 24 pounds wool at 30 cts .. 30 00 .. 140 00 7 20 500 pounds bacon at 16s cts Orchard, daiiy, garden and poul try yard. Increase of stock and poultry.... Total receipts second year... 83 33J Total outlay secoiul year $394 00 85 00 20 00 $699 53J 79 Third Year. OUTLAY. Third payment on land ..$160 00 Farm expenses, extra labor, ferti- lizers, &c 200 00 Groceries (tea, sugar, coffee, &c).. 25 00 Half bushel clover seed 15 00 Second year's interest on third payment for land. 19 20 Total outlay third year $4! 9 20 RECEIPTS. (Deducting as before.) 175 bushels wheat at $2 $350 00 100 bushels corn at 80 cts 80 00 75 bushels oats at GO cts 45 00 2500 pounds tobacco at $10 250 00 30 pounds wool at -"30 cts 9 00 600 pounds bacon at 1C§ cts 100 00 Orchard, dairy, garden and poul- try yard 40 00 Increase live stock and poultry..., 30 00 Total receipts third year $904 00 HANOVER COUNTY. Report and estimate of Theodore S. Garnett, Esq., Junction postoffice, Hanover county. " My estimate is only approximate of course, and the gradual increase from first to third year inclusive, is based upon what is called high farm- ing, a liberal use of fertilizers, and no land can stand constant cultiva- tion without it. Indeed, ray opinion is, that the young married man should purchase 80 acres instead of 40 to realize the profits indicated by my estimates. His capital invested in land would then be the same or nearly the same as shown in the 'Botetourt Estimate,' and the estimate would then exhibit $214 on the debit side each year for the three years. The additional 40 acres should have 15 or 20 acres of timber on it for wood and fencing, and the residue, 20 or 25 acres, cleared land in addi- tion to the 40 acres of cleared land in the original ' farm ' would enable the cultivator to vary his crops, and rest part of his lai.d each year. Your circular embraces a wide field of inquiry, and to answer each question in detail wo«.ld occupy much space and time. The inclosed es- timate, however, shows the prices I have thought best to fix upon the land, buildings, tools, stock, &c., as an average, as also the leading crops I would recommend. For mere general information applicable to this place and vicinity, and placed in the crder shown by your circular, I will state, Fh'st — The climate and ivater of this vicinity will compare favorably with any portion of Eastern Virginia, near the head of Tidewater. Second — The soil of the river bottom is very rich, but subject to over- flow ; the next lerel, onlj? 7 or 8 feet above high water, is a sandy loam, yielding, without fertilizers, 3|- to 4 barrels of corn, and 6 to 8 bushels (80 of wheat to the acre, but taking improvers very kindly, so that in six years I have brought some of that lan to $7 per acre to clear it, and is generally too wet to be culti- vated without a heavy outlay for ditching, which would add from $2 to $3 per acre, to the expense of putting it in good arable condition. 2'hi)'d — The lands sell now for $8 for the worst and $16 for the best, in currency, so I have put the average at $8 in gold. I am near the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac, and the Chesapeake and Ohio railways, 24 miles north of Richmond and 38 south of Fredericksburg. The postoffice is one mile from me, at Hanover Junction. The court- house is 8 miles south of me. Ashland 8 miles south. The Baptist church, at Taylorsville, Ih miles south, and the Fork church (Episcopal), 6i miles west of me. The Hanover Academy (an excellent classical school), is 5| miles west of Hanover Junction and the Methodist College at Ashland. Fourth — Fruit and market gardening may be rendered profitable here, but it has not been done yet ; our people not having adapted themselve3 to the altered condition of the farming interest, requiring as it now does, a total change ii the mode of cultivation, and of the articles to be culti- vated for profit. Fifth — Those who pay their hands regularly find no difficulty in hiring freedmen at .^8 a month and their food — 1 J peck of meal and 3 pounds bacon per week, amounts to about ^50 per annum ; so that the whole cost of a good laborer is about $150 per annum, and those I hire work for me as well as they did when they were slaves. iSixth — The best time for a man to come here is the first of October. We seed wheat from the 1st to the 20th of October, and plant corn from April 10th to May 1st. The smaller crops — potatoes, 20th of May to 1st of June for the late crop, 15th of March for the early. Ruta-bagas, lOch July- Peanuts, 15th April. Seventh — I will take pleasure in showing any respectable foreigner about the country, and he can stay with me free of cost while he is * prospecting.' Proforma estimate of outlay and receipts of a young married man, es- tablishing himself in the county of Hanover^ State of Virginia, upon a farm of forty acres, with a capital of $500 in gold. Theodore S. Garnett, Cedar Hill Junction Postoffice, Hanover county, Va. 81 First Year. For first payment on forty acres at$8peracre $ 107 00 Buildings 250 00 Two horses or mules 250 00 Cow & calf, $35; 5 sheep, $20.. 55 00 Sow & pigs. $17; 10 poultry, $5, 22 00 Fruit trees and small seeds 15 00 Double plow $10; single plow $6. 16 00 Harrow, hoes, spades, forks, &c. 17 00 Horse-cart and harness 40 00 20 bush, wheat (to sow 20 acres).. 40 00 Five bushels oats, (jO cents ; 10 bushels corn, $1 13 00 10 bushels Irish potatoes, $1.... 10 00 Feed two horses, $140; house- hold & kitchen furniture, $150.. 290 00 Planting and cultivating 10 acres corn, 20 wheat, 10 oats, pota- toes and vegetables, including extra labor 200 00 Two tons fertilizers, $120; gro- ceries and provisions, $100 210 00 Total outlay first year $1,54 5 00 (After deducting for family use.) 115 bushels corn at $1 $115 00 150 bushels wheat at $2 300 00 25 bushels oats at GO cts 15 00 400 bushels Irish potatoes at $1.... 400 00 400 bushels ruta-baga at 25 cts 100 00 Proceeds garden, dairy and poul- try yard 25 00 Total receipts first year $955 00 Second Year. Second payment on land ...$107 00 Cultivating 5 acres corn, $7.50 37 50 " 25 " wheat and oats.. 25 00 " potatoes, $50; ruta-bagas, $20 70 00 Cultivating peanuts CO 00 Extra labor 40 00 Four tons fertilizers 240 00 Groceries (tea, sugar and coffee)... 50 00 Total outlay second y«ar $729_50 RECEIPTS (Deducting as before.) 500 bushels potatoes, $1 $ 500 00 400 " ruta-baga at 25 cts... 100 00 150 " wheat at $2 800 00 25 " oats at 60 cts 15 00 150 " peanuts at $2 25 337 50 20 pounds wool at 30 cts.. 6 00 Orchard, garden, dairy and poul- try yard 40 00 Increase live stock and poultry.. 50 00 Total receipts second year. ..$1,348 60 82 Third Year. OUTLAY. Third payment on land $106 00 Farm expenses, extra labor and fertilizers 650 00 Groceries (tea, sugar and coffee)... 50 00 Total outlay third year .$806 00 RECEIPTS (Deducting as before.) 200 bushels wheat at $2 $ 400 00 500 " potatoe 500 00 400 " ruta-bagas 100 00 200 ♦' peanuts 450 00 50 " oats 30 00 30 pounds wool 9 00 500 " baconat9cts 45 00 Orchard, garden, dairy and poul- try yard 50 00 Increase live stock and poultry.. 75 00 Total receipts third year $1,659 00 FAUQUIER AND LOUDOUN. Both of these counties lie in a grass country. There is none better. Indeed, the whole tier of counties that abut against the Blue Ridge on the east, from Patrick to Loudoun, are good grazing CQunties. Stock- raising in all of them is an important branch of industry, but as one ap- proaches Loudoun the grass appears to find soil and climate more and more congenial, and in none of the counties does it delight more than in these two. There, annually in the autumn, the farmers are in the habit of going out West, some to Tennessee and Kentucky, others into West Virginia, Ohio, and even as far as Illinois, to buy stock. They pur- chase their droves there and bring them into Virginia to winter in its delightful climates and upon green pastures for most of the time. The cattle require housing during the season of inclement weather, but they thrive so well and cost so little, that they -are sold during the following spring and summer often at a clear profit of 50, and sometimes even of 100 per cent. This is regarded, by all who have lands and range sufiicient, a most lucrative business. I have heard of cattle being brought even as far aa from Texas to be pastured and wintered in this tier of Piedmont counties. The farmers of Fauquier and Loudoun have been more ready with their responses to my appeals for information than those from any other part of the State. What may be said of the people, industries and re- sources of either of these counties, may, with modifications too minute to be recognized here, be said with equal propriety of the other. The gentlemen to whom I am chiefly indebted for this information are Col. Cutshaw, of the Virginia Military Institute, and one of the assistants 83 on the Physical Survey. He visited these counties for the especial pur- pose of collecting information with regard to them. The others are old residents, and some of them are the most skilful farmers of the county. They are Major Rice W. Payne, of Warrenton; Dr. A. S. Payne of Linnwood ; Charles H. Gordon, Esq., Edgewood, near Bealton; Robert Beverley, Esq., The Plains Station; Edward C. Marshall, Esq, of Markham, and William S. Boswell, Esq., of Deep Run, all of Fauquier county; and of Loudoun, Richard H. Henderson, Esq., Leesburg; A. F. M. Rust, Esq., Leesburg ; Bushrod Wilson, Esq., Lovettesville ; CoL R. H. Dulany, of Welburne, Upperville ; B. P. Noland, Esq., Middle- burg ; William C. Saunders, Esq., Gorrsville ; Oliver Taylor, Esq., postoffice Alexandria, and Samuel Purcell, Esq., Circleville. The face of these two counties lying, as they do, at the foot and on the folds of the mountains, is rolling, but with no lack of level ground. They are well watered and healthy. The drainage is carried off from them into the Rappahannock and Potomac by numerous creeks, runs and branches, with fall sufficient to afford ample and excellent water power for the requisite mills and factories. The Natural Crrowth of Trees and Shrubs, Weeds, Vines and fferbs, Fruits and Vegetables ? There are four varieties of the white oak, i. e. : common white oak, swamp white oak, box oak and chestnut leaved white oak, the latter, however, is only found on the margin of the Potomac river ; black oak, Spanish oak, chestnut oak, peach or yellow oak, pine oak, and in the eastern part of the county black jack and dwarf oak, hickory, black and white walnut, poplar, chestnut, locust, sycamore, wild cherry, red flowering maple, gum, sassafras, persimmon, dogwood, red and slippery elm, black mulberry, and occasionally with the aspen, beech, birch, linn, honey locust, sugar maple, white mulberrry, sugar nut tree, yellow pine, white pine, hemlock, red cedar and ash. Smaller Trees and Shrubs ? The white thorn, the maple leaved or Virginia thorn, hawthorn, Avild May cherry, water beech, fringe tree, red bud, black alder, common alder, sumac, elder, laurel, witch hazel, hazel nut, pawpaw, chinquapin, burning bush, wine bark, button bush, honey- suckle, several varieties of whortleberries and wild gooseberries. Brambles ? Green brier, high blackberry, dewberry and raspberry briers. Vines and Creepers? The fox grape (three varieties), pigeon or rac- coon grape, chicken grape, a wild bitter grape, sassaparilla, yellow pa- rilla, poisonune or poison oak, clematis, trumpet flower and wild potatoe vine. Medicinal and other Herbs? Rattlesnake root, seneca snake root, 84 several varieties of mint, liverwort, redroot, May apple, butterfly weed, milk weed, thoroughstem trumpet weed, bleeding heart, golden rod, dragons blood, roses, violets, lobelia, Indian physic injiata cardinalis, skunk cabbage, frost weed, hoarhound, catnip, colchicum, coriander and rattle weed. Plants Injurious to the Farmer ? The first place must be assigned to the wild garlic, tribby weed and dog fennel (two varieties of the daisy), oxeye daisy, johnwort, blue thistle, common thistle, pigeon weed, burdock, broad and narrow leaved dock, poke weed, clott burr, three thorned burr, supposed to have been introduced from Spain by the ma- rino sheep, Jamestown weed, sorrel, and in favorable season we have a heavy growth of lambsquarter and rag weed. Fruits and Vegetables? Beans, peas, beets, broccoli, sprouts, cab- bage, cauliflower, red pepper, carrots, cheves, cress, horse radish, leeks, lettuce, melons, mustard, okra, parsnips, parsley, rhubarb, spinach, squash, turnips and tomatoes. Herbs? Balm, camomile, dillfennel, lavender, marjoram, mint, pen- ny royal, pursley, rue, sage, summer savory and thyme. Fruit, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, ^c? Apricot, barbary, cur- rants, fig, filbert, hazel nut, mulberry, quince, plum, damson, pear. Flowers ? Lily, rose apple, myrtle, passion flower, geranium, laurel, ivy, honeysuckle, hawthorn, red bud, snow drop, althea, St. Johnswort, aleanthus, catalpa, cutpaper, lombardy poplar, coff"ee tree, box jasmine, hollyhock, wall flower, pink detany, crow foot, heartsease, poppy, snow ball, partridge pea." From Mr. Gordon's Report. "This is emphatically a grain growing country, and to state that, is to say that all of the cereals can be abun- dantly produced, for any land upon which you can get grass to grow can bo brought to the highest state of improvement. The soil is rather stiff" than friable ; is grey in some sections, but gen- erally red and rests upon a substratum of red sand stone. Fifteen dollars per acre would be a fair average price for the lands in this immediate section, while there are some improved lands that would readily command a much higher price. The lands that have been worn out or suff'ered to grow up, talce, in what we call 'old field pine,' which is very valuable for building purposes — for fencing and fire wood ; where large enough to be hewn, they make as good framing as sawed scantling, and will last a great while if protected from the weather. Owing to the occupancy of this immediate neighborhood by tlie Yan- kee army during the war, timber has become much scarcer than it was ftxracrly, still there is a sufliciency left, with proper economy. Some of our most practical farmers are of the opinion that where the 85 labor to procure wood fuel has to be hired, it is cheaper to burn coal where the railroad is convenient, and that the lands now in timber would, if cleared, be more valuable for grazing and cultivation than they are standing in forest. Fifty cords of wood upon forest land not pillaged would be a fair average per acre, which can be cut and corded for seventy cents a cord, making the cost of clearing an acre of original growth thirty-five dollars, against which you have the value of the wood, worth, usually, in Alexandria and Washington, from §4 to $6 per cord. To break up an acre of land is worth not less than $3. Indian corn, wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat and hay are the staple field crops of this section. Four barrels of corn (twenty bushels), I suppose, would be a fair av- erage yield to the acre; seven bushels of wheat, fifteen of oats, and ten of rye; although there are lands in this immediate section which, with a good season and proper cultivation, would yield sixty bushels of corn and from twenty-five to thirty bushels of wheat. Corn is generally worth from $4 to $5 per barrel, and wheat from $2 to $2.50 the bushel (that is since the war). This is a country where all the wants of man may be satisfied if he will obey the divine injunc- tion : "By the sweat of thy brow shalt thou gain thy daily bread." The health of the county is unsurpassed by any portion of the State. Springs do not abound, but pure freestone water is easily procured by digging from thirty to forty feet, and often at a much less depth. The city of Alexandria is 47 miles distant from Bealeton station, with a daily mail North and South, and with two freight trains daily, afford- ing quick and easy transportation to and from market. This section abounds in the finest quarries of stone. It is raised with Uttle labor, and is very valuable for building and fencing. Stock-raising, or rather grazing, before the war, was carried on very largely throughout the whole county, Fauquier furnishing each year some 25,000 fat cattle to the Northern markets. It costs very little to raise horses or mules in this country ; it not being necessary to feed them during the winter unless there is snow upon the ground, for there is always a sufiiciency of grass to keep them in good condition if the weather is open. Fruit-raising of all kinds could be made profitable, and market gar- dens also ; the railroad putting a market at our door. A house, such as you describe, with two rooms, would cost from $200 to $300. Saw-mills, where good pine timber can be had for building, are in close proximity to the railroad. 86 Fruit trees are easily obtained by railroad from the different nurse- ries North and South. Apples cost, generally, 20 cents; peach, cherry and pear scions are rather higher (selected fruit). Horses are much cheaper here than in Eastern Virginia, where the facilities for raising them are not so great. A good cow and calf are worih $35 or $40. There are churches of all Protestant denominations in the vicinity, and there are also good schools. Charles A. Gordon, Edgewood, near Bealeton, Fauquier county." FROM MR. Beverley's report. "I am located in the Piedmont region, on the Manassas Gap R. R., 48 miles from Alexandria, east of the Blue Ridge and west of the Bull Run mountains. Our climate is delightful, especially in summer, perfectly healthy, free from all malarious diseases or fevers, also from mosquitoes and horse flies. The diseases we are most subject to are pleurisy and pneumonia in winter. Our winter rarely sets in before the Ist of December, and more usually the middle, and lasts until the 20th of March. Our snows, though frequent during that period, rarely remain on the ground more than a week at a time. Never have known the thermometer lower than 4° above zero, and^usually not more than 10 days during the whole winter does it get as low as 10°. The highest range in the summer is about 88°, for a short time. Our water is freestone, and there is plenty of it. It is almost impos- sible to find fifty acres of land in the county that has not a never failing spring on it. A large proportion of fencing in the county is of stone, hence timber is not highly appreciated. The price of land varies from $15 to $60 per acre, according to local- ity, size of farm, and improvements, especially the latter. There is a sufficiency of labor, but principally colored. Average price of men about $10 per month, $120 a year and board. Our yield of wheat per acre, on corn land, and fallowed without fer- tilizers, except clover and plaster, is about 12 bushels ; of corn without fertilizers about 40 bushels per acre ; of oats about 20 bushels per acre. Market value at nearest railroad station, wheat about $2 ; corn 80 cents; oats 60 cents. Our most profitable branch of industry is graz- ing. Convenient to market, daily freight and passenger trains to Alex- andria and Baltimore. Average freight on wheat and corn to Alexan- dria, 9 cents per bushel. Churches of all Protestant denominations throughout the county — Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist apd Presbyterian being within 5 miles of me. Postoffices and schools at this point. 87 There are numerous instances of farmers who having 4 horses and 2 cows to start with, have rented land, given half the product to the land- lord, and in 15 years have bought the farm or some other good one of about 400 acres. A Mr. Jacob Howdershell, 35 years ago, had but 2 horses and a plow, no wagon, rented land, and I have seen him market- ing his crop, bag full at a time, on the back of his horse. He now owns 3 farms of 300 acres each, and is worth $20,000 besides his land, and has raised a large family. Such instances as this are not frequent, but I could name a dozen more in this county. This cannot be done, how- ever, living, at the same time, in 'Old Virginia style.' The cultivation of the grape is being largely entered into in this county, particularly on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge mountains, and I am told with great success, but I have no personal knowledge of the prolits of it. The wild grape grows throughout the county in the greatest luxuriance. The apple succeeds admirably, and is being largely grown. The peach is short lived, being subject to the rootborer. All smaller fruits thrive admirably. The particular branch of industry that I have derived most profit and pleasure from is grazing, and hence I shall have most to say of that. Ours is essentially a pastoral county, being so thoroughly watered, so free from flies, our winters being so short, and the soil being so splen- didly adapted to the growth of all, and especially the perennial grasses. After wheat, we usually sow timothy and clover mixed. In four years the clover and timothy are eaten out by the blue grass, which likewise, in about five years, gives way to the green sward, the length of the life of which I have no knowledge, having several hundred acres that have not been plowed in for thirty years, and still a perfect sward, will now graze a 1030 pound bullock to 2 acres. The especial value of this grass is that it keeps green throughout the winter, and whenever the ground is clear of snow, stock live on it. I have, at this date, (April 9th) 225 head of 1,000 pounds cattle, that have been gi-azing and fattening on it since the 10th of March, of last year's growth, and I did not commence to feed these cattle on long food until the 14th of December. Up to 1861 our stock cattle were brought to us from West and Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio, in the months of September and October. They were brought here lean, win- tered on wheat straw, corn fodder, and hay, grazed the following spring and summer, and sold in August and September, and we usually made 100 per cent, on their cost. Since the war we have not done so well at grazing, first, because the stock being exhausted during the war, they cost higher at first purchase, but principally because of the extension of railroads into the far West. They bring fat cattle now in the cars to 88 our eastern markets as cheaply as we can drive them 100 miles, whilst they are fed on corn that costs, to get to market, 40 cents a bushel, and grazed on land costing from ^2 to $10 the acre. Thus the extension of railroads has reduced our profits on grazing to 50 or 75 per cent, ; there- fore I think that in this peculiar grass country we should turn our at- tention especially to the dairy, being within 2 hours of Washington and 4 of Baltimore, which markets are now supplied with butter principally from Pennsylvania and New York. I will attempt to give you on another sheet, what may be done by a young man and his wife on 40 acres, making the dairy a specialty, not being prepared to go into a cost of 40 acres, interest account, &c., &c., as given in your proforma account, I beg it to be remembered, how- ever, that I have no personal experience in the dairy business, but have seen it in operation both as to butter and milk and as to cheese, as a specialty. I would call your attention also to the great water power of this par- ticular section, there being numerous mountain streams which never fail, and the country is so broken that a mill site is obtainable every half mile on them. There are now flouring and country mills, too numerous to mention, though many were burnt during the war. But I would call especial attention to the water power at Thorofare Gap, through which Broad Run passes, alongside of the Manassas Gap R. R., 42 miles from Alexandria. This stream is good and never fail- ing, and the fall in it, as it passes through the Gap in the mountains, is 104 feet in three-quarters of a mile. There are two mill buildings now there, one a very fine one, and they could be multipled to a young Low- ell. The location is as healthy as any in the world. The mineral formations of this section, between the Bull Run and Blue Ridge mountains, are various, but always running in strata north- east and southwest, parallel with the mountains. The Bull Run moun- tain is composed of a granite of a very fine texture, very hard to dress, but easily quarried ; it is a beautiful building stone. From the base of the mountain for four miles west, the stone is an epidote mixed with hornblende, and, at a distance of two and a half miles in this epidote re- gion, a vein of very rich magnetic iron ore occasionally crops out where the epidote stops, a gray sandstone, alternately mixed with granite, be- gins which extends westward for about nine miles in width. In this general sandstone strata about a half a mile, is a narrow vein of very fine marble, occasionally jutting out. It is white, variegated with blue, and in some places abundantly and easily quarried. All of these strata I have traced thirty miles northeast of this place. West of the gray sandstone, up to the base of the Blue Ridge mountains, comes in the 89 epidote again, more generally mixed ■with hornblende. Thus is composed the section of country between the Bull Run and Blue Ridge mountains, and the Rappahannock river on the south, and the Potomac on the north. Honey is a considerable crop in this section. The white clover, from which most honey is made, is of all other plants, I might almost say in- digenous to our soil. It comes up all over the open surface without be- ing sown. Price of honey, 25 cents a pounds. Fruit trees are easily obtained. The cherry succeeds here above all other fruits. The trees without being planted, are so numerous as to be almost a nuisance. The best time of the year for a farmer to commence operations in our section is the first of August. That being the time that all farms are rented and the harvest finished, preparations are to be made for the next wheat crop. Our agricultural year commences with the wheat crop; in most counties it commences with the corn. Land. — Fifty acres of good land cost §40 per acre, §2000. Usual terms of sale, one-third cash, balance in one, two and three years, with interest. Cost of cabin with "6 rooms, §100 ; cost of stable, cow-house, poultry yard, &c., $200 ; cost of 2 horses, §200 ; 8 cows, §250 ; 8 pigs, §8 ; 20 hens, §5 ; wagon, harness and plow, §120. This is about the necessary outlay, except cost of provisions, which will depend on the economy of the parties. 5 acres of wheat, well manured from stable and cows, will give 100 bush- els, at §2 §200 00 5 acres of corn, 200 bushels, necessary for home consumption. 5 acres potatoes, 400 bushels, at 80 cents nett 320 00 3 acres sugar-beet or mangle wurzle, 750 bushels necessary for cows ; 20 acres grass for 8 cows ; wheat straw, and corn fodder, with 750 bushels of roots, sufficient for wintering. Butter from 8 cows, 200 pounds per cow, at 40 cents, less transportation 610 00 8 calves 80 00 2000 pounds pork, raised on milk, 1000 for sale 80 00 Product from poultry 48 00 This is the nett product ; $1,338 00 (except cost of labor) which one man can very easily accomplish. This estimate is made clear of freight to market. Out of it would have to be deducted a small blacksmith's bill and taxes and groceries, all other necessary supplies being deducted in the product. This would leave 15 acres, 10 of which might be in wood and 5 in orchard, which might^also 90 be producing something in roots until the fruit trees come into bearing; then a large addition to be made to product, in apples. Robert Beverley, The Plains, Manassas Gap R. R." Dr. Payne, Mr. Boswell, and Mr. Marshall each furnishes an estimate as to the necessary outlay and probable income of a young married man, sober, saving and industrious, with a cash capital of §500 in gold, Bettling on a farm of 40 acres in Fauquier. According to Dr. Payne, the land costing $20 the acre in three annual instalments, the expenses and receipts would be: Doctor Payne: Expenses. Receipts. Firstyear $1016 66 $628 Second year 391 m 764 Third year 38166 894 Mr. Boswell: 50 acres of land at $7 per acre. Firstyear $617 50 $496 Second year 221 50 635 Third year 22150 635 Mr. Marshall: 40 acres of land at $15 the acre. First year $719 00 $518 Second year 370 00 556 Third year 370 00 706 There are in the estimates of these gentlemen, as there are in the statements of others, certain apparent discrepancies which, if unex- plained, might lead to erroneous impressions. As an example, Mr. Beverley speaks of Fauquier as an excellently watered country, abound- ing in mill sites, while according to Mr. Gordon, springs are rare and wells common ; and so throughout this Report, with like apparent dis- crepancies, all which disappear the moment the stranger is reminded that though these gentlemen are all of the same county, they live in different parts of it, and generally each is speaking of his own neighbor- hood only. LOUDOUN. The reporters are: Col. Richard Dulany, of Welbourne, Upperville; F.M. Henderson, Esq'r, Commissioner in Chancery, Leesburg; B. P. No- land, Esquire, Middleburg; W. C. Saunders, Esquire, Goreville; A. F. M. Rust, Esquire, Leesburg; Oliver Taylor, Esquire, Alexandria; Sam- uel Parsel, Esquire, Circleville, and Bushrod Wilson, Esquire, Lovetts- ville. What has been said of the face of the country, water, health, climate, 91 natural growth, industries and productions of Fauquier may, with only such modifications as difference of latitude and inspection of the map would suggest, be said with equal propriety of Loudoun. Col. R. H. Dulany, of Welbourne, Upperville, says: "Our lands are held in large tracts and the prices are high. Our nearness to market in- creases the prices of all live stock. Our county (Loudoun) contains 250 square miles. About one-third of this area is east of Little river, and is very poor, selling from ^5 to SIO per acre, and being cold, flat land, is hard to improve without thorough drainage, which would cost not less than §25 per acre. The remaining portion, lying between the Blue Ridge mountains and Little river, is one of the most beautiful and fertile parts of our State — the lands ranging in price from $30 to $80 per acre, according to fer- tility, buildings, &c. As our land is heavy from the large proportion of clay, three horses are required to plow it, which would be too heavy an expense for a farm so small as 40 acres. If we are to have immigrants as farmers, and not as mere laborers, I would give them the same advice that I have given to my former slaves. Let three men club together and rent a house, either on a farm or in a village. This would cost, with garden, firewood, and pasture for one cow, $100. Then let each of them purchase a good young horse, the three costing $400. They would then be prepared to fallow with a three-horse plow from 50 to 60 acres for corn. After the corn, the land can be sown in wheat. It will require about 100 days to make and secure these crops, leaving 200 days, the larger portion of which time the men could earn 50 cents a day and their board. I have with me a German gardener, to whom I pay $250 a year, besides his board. He has now due to him, from two year's labor, $100, which he intends, in the spring, to invest in grape vines. I am to fur- nish him with 20 acres of land, worth $G0 per acre; to plow it three times a year; to furnish him with a house, firewood, and a cow and cow- pasture. As the vines will require but little attention, with the excep- tion of the plowing, he is to continue working in my garden for two years longer, which will give him $100 to start with, when his wages cease (as he only spends $50 a year). At the end of two years the vines planted on the first 4 acres will be allowed to bear fruit fhe plants No. 1 two-year old vine), from which time he takes charge of the vine- yard, and from the first four acres planted he will plant^he rest of the 20 acres, and will pay to me one-half the gross profits from the sale of the grapes and vines. This man is a grape grower by profession, and came to this country for the purpose of starting a vineyard. lie says that he will plant the first four acres at a cost of §100 an acre. As he 92 plants 2240 vines, each of which, at four years old, will bear 20 pounds, at the low estimate of 5 cents* per pound, his receipts must be, in gross, upwards of S2,000 per acre. Our contract lasts for 10 years, when I am to divide the vineyard, each of us receiving 10 acres. He estimates that his portion will then be worth from 8*3,000 to $10,000. If this man succeeds — and he proves his faith by investing all he has — I would make the same contract with 20 other men. On another sheet you will find some of your questions answered. If the immigrant rents for the first two years, he will have an oppor- tunity of learning from his own experience the value of the land, and whether it is best to settle on good land, near market, at a high price, or to go to the far West, on cheaper lands, and wait for years for a market to come to him." Col. Dulant's Estimate. Expenses. "Rent of house, garden, cowpasture, and firewood $100 00 Yankee wagon and harness 60 00 8 horses 400 00 1 cow 45 00 8-horse plow and 4 points 14 00 1 harrow, $12; 8 l-horse plows, $14 26 00 5 bushels seed corn -. 4 00 Tenant's half-seed wheat, 37 bushels 74 00 Food for 3 horses while plowing, 75 days ; 10 bushel corn and IJ tons hay... 25 00 Horse feed while seeding wheat, 7 days 4 47 Rations, 3 men 1 year ; 800 pounds pork, $72 ; 4 barrels flour, $40 112 00 Pasture for horses when not plowing, 9 months 50 00 Coffee and sugar 36 00 Total expenses §974 47 Receipts. Half corn of 50 A— 6 barrels to A ; 150 barrels at $3 per barrel $ 450 00 Half of the fodder 37 00 Half of the wheat, 10 bushels to A at $2 500 00 The straw will pay for threshing 200 day's wages at 50 cents each ; 300 00 Allowance for board, 25 cents each 150 00 Three horses, less 10 per cent, of cost 360 00 Seventy-two dollars worth farming implements, less 20 per cent, of cost 57 00 Cow and calf. 50 00 Total receipts $1,904 00 Showing a profit of $903.57. The hire of the horses, when not used, in making a crop, ought to more than pay blacksmith's bills, &c.' *UBual price 10 cents. — M. 93 If immigrants should prefer grape-growing to farming, we have moun- tain lands for grapes, which can be purchased at from $8 to $20 per acre. If one-third is paid down, two, three and four year's time could be had for the other payments.* All our lands are well watered, both moun- tain and lowlands, and although I have between seventy-five and a hun- dred persons on my land, our doctor's bills for the past three years have not, been §25 a year." F. M. Henderson, Msq., ofLeesburg, says: " Leesburg, with a popu- rion of 1800, is the county seat of Loudoun. White labor is sober, honest and industrious, and meets full rewards. The Staple Crops are corn, wheat, oats, some rye, some buckwheat, a little barley, much hay. Yield of Wheat? Per acre 10 to 35 bushels ; average, 12. Corn, 25 to 63; some small lots produce 70 to 75 bushels the acre. Oats, 25 to 40 bushels per acre. Hay, 2,000 pounds, sometimes 4,000 pounds. Price of Land? $15 to $100 — best not for sale. Price of Labor? |12.o0 to $15 per month with board, without board $1 to $1.26 per day ; with boai-d 75 cents to 90 cents per day. Women $6 to $12 per month ; with board say $7.50. Markets, Schools and Churches ? Baltimore 80 miles ; Washington, Alexandria and Georgetown under 60 miles and down to 22. Abundant churches. No Roman Catholic Church. Many schools. Mines ? A copper mine has been worked, and negotiations are pend- ing for its sale. Successful Cases of Profitable Industry ? Godfrey Schellhom, of Saxe- Coberg, came to this county in 1851 with his wife, and a flour barrel for a trunk — he had nothing. He and she were stirring, industrious people and lived scantily. He now owns a house worth $1,200, a farm of 94 acres that cost $2,812, on this he owes $1,000. He is a pretty good stone-mason; has planted some. grape vines which are bearing. J. N. started with trade of carpenter. He now, at 58 years of acre, owns $15,000 worth of houses and lots, also a steam saw and planing mill, and with his sons is building largely for himself and others. He will, probably, in ten years, reach $50,000. The war crippled his means much, but he is now sailing before the wind. *Mr. J. S. Green, of Amissville, Rappahannock county, find Baldwin's the best market variety of apples. He has siift'orcd but little loss from insects, except bees and wasps. His vineyard, principally Catawta, yields 200 to 300 gallons of wine per acre. Mr. James Newman, of Gordonsville, Orange county, has 200 bearing apple trees, averaijing 12 bushels each, or 300 bushels per acre, with 25 to 30 cents the l>ushel at the orchard. Report United States Commissioner of Agriculture for 1871, p. 147. [R. L. M.J 94 Stone-masons get $2.50 a day; carpenters from $1.50 to $2.50. J. T. G., plasterer, is 25 years old. Started with his tools of trade. Has invested his savings in real estate, buying and selling at an advance; is now worth $2,500. J. H. started with nothing ; was harrassed by constables ; worked by the day ; had friends ; learned the trade of a butcher ; bought a farm ; sold it for double what he gave ; bought real estate in town ; sold it at an advance ; sharp fellow ; is now worth $15,000 or more. Is 48 years old and has four children. Airs. M. A. B. lost her husband in 1858, whom she had supported by the profits of an oyster and cake shop. Continued her business ; is com- fortable now, having probably $3,000 and an excellent business. There are, of course, failures to match these. Again, J. M. W. came from Pennsylvania, a tailor's apprentice, in 1827 ; married here ; has raised seven children ; has become a merchant and is worth $15,000 or probably $20,000." B. P. Noland, Esq., of Middlesex, says : " My homo is in Middleburg, near the line of Fauquier and Loudoun, and what I call ' my section ' is the country lying between the Blue Ridge and Bull Run mountain, and extending from Aldie to Upper ville, a section of some fifteen miles in di- ameter. This is, I think, the most beautiful and fertile portion of the State, and of it I speak in answer to your circular. Our Climate is rather more genial than that of other sections of the same latitude (39° N), as we are on the eastern and southern slope of the Blue Ridge, and somewhat protected by it. The Soil has a good deal of sand in it, though it by no means predom- inates ; is fertile and produces fine crops of grain, and the finest grass I have ever seen, except about Lexington, Kentucky. The average crops of corn might perhaps be stated at 7 barrels or 35 bushels, although 10 and 12 barrels per acre are not unusual crops. Of Wheats 15 bushels per acre, though 25 and oO bushels are not un- usual, and I have known 37|- bushels per acre, raised from a field of 40 acres. Blue grass is indigenous here. If a wheat field is left fallow, it will sod in blue grass in two years. Our farraei'S combine grain growing with grazing and raising stosk. The water of the springs is soft. That of the wells is generally hard. It is rare to find a farm here which has not running water in every field. The price of land varies from $30 to $00 per acre. Labor is $12 to $15 per month. Our Markets are Baltimore, Georgetown, and Alexandria, via the 95 Orange, Alexandria, and Manassas railroad, at The Plains Station, which is 8 miles from Middleburg ; or the Loudoun and Hampshire railway, at Leesburg, 15 miles off. A turnpike to The Plains and one to Leesburg will soon be under contract. We have Churches here for the Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, and Episcopalians, with good congregations. We have the Loudoun school for boys, and Dr. Hayes' seminary for girls, both in flourishing condi- tion, and first-class schools. As a practical proof of what a man can do, I mention a case of a young man in this neighborhood, who, when the war closed, had not a dollar — who rented a good grass farm of 240 acres. He has lyowed an- nually about 60 acres, cultivated about 60 in corn, and about 30 in wheat. He has fed his corn and hay to cattle bought in the Fall, to be sold in following May or June. He has also bought other cattle for which he rented pasture, and bought fodder and straw for Winter feeding. This man told me some ten days ago, in the course of a business conver- sation I had with him, that he had made, since the war, $12,000 [five years], exactly as I have stated above. Another illustration of the profits of judicious farming in this section: Five farms, of which I have the management, belonging to one estate, had been rented for 15 years upon the same terms, viz: one-half of all the grain and grazing; the landlord furnishing the grass seed and plas- ter, and three-fifths of the guano. At the outbreak of the war, there had been, during this period, seven tenants, of whom five had made money enough to buy farms of their own, and the others could have done as well, but one, because of drunkenness, and the other was naturally a thriftless fellow. Any man with industry and economy and good judgment, can make money by farming in this section. I could name a dozen of our largest land-owners and most prosperous men, who, within the past 20 years, were tenants, without a foot of land of their own, who by their industry and skill have reared and educated well their children, and amassed what in the country is considered a fortune. Our leases terminate here on the 1st of January. Farms then gener- ally change hands. The time for seeding is from September 15th to November Ist. Harvest is about the last of June, and our corn is cut ofl" about the 1st of October." From the report of Oliver Taylor, Esq., of Alexandria : "The farmers have been the most successful since the war, as they have had two heavy wheat crops, and a full average of corn, whilst the 96 price of both has brought them so much money that they have been en- abled to rebuild their barns, burnt during the war, and generally to sup- ply themselves with horses at a high price. Potatoes do well in the high-lands, but do not make &a many bushels to the acre as on some other soils. Fruits of various kinds bring heavy returns when well attended to. Apples, in the north and western parts of the country, make fine crops, and peaches also do well all over the valley." Samuel Par sel^ Esq., of CircleviUe, says: "Mine is an agricultural district, and may be said to be densely populated ; the farms not aver- aging more than 160 to 170 acres each. The inhabitants are industri- ous, economical, working people, very few idlers, and the result is, as might be expected, a highly improved country, both in regard to build- ings, and the condition of the farms. The topography of the country is, mostly, gently undulating, sometimes hilly along the small streams, but not too steep for cultivation. There are a sufficient number of physi- cians, merchants and mechanics, for the convenience of the community. Price of Land? Ranges from $50 to $125 per acre, according to quality, improvements and locality. Price of Labor ? From $100 to $200 per annum, according to quality of the hand." BusJirod Wilson, Esq., of Lovettsville, says: " Lovettsville Precinct, Loudoun county, Va., bounded by the Catoctin mountains on the east, and the Potomac river on the North, is, away from the river, gently un- dulating. It is well watered throughout by tributaries of the Catoctin creek and others, which, like the Catoctin, empty directly into the Po- tomac. Staple Crops? Wheat and corn. Yield of Wheat Per Acre ? 10 to 25 bushels ; corn, 50 bushels ; oats, about 25; hay, 2 to 3 tons." As, for the Tidewater belt, tables from the last census have been pre- pared for the Piedmont belt, showing the white and colored population by counties, the number of improved and unimproved acres in farms, and the number of acres on the average to each white person of the rural population. The average value of land in the Piedmont belt is $10 against $13 the acre in the Tidewater belt. This results not so much from any difference as to quality, in favor of Tidewater lands, but rather from the improvements. The finest country seats and the most splendid mansions in the State are in the Tidewater belt. 97 Population and acreage of the counties composing the Piedmont Belt, showing also the average number of acres to each \Thite person of the rural population in 1870, and the average value of the land per acre. PIEDMONT BELT. . Counties. Population. Albemarle Amelia Amherst Appomattox ... Bedford Brunswick Buckingham ... Campbell Chesterfield. ... Charlotte Culpeper Cumberland... . Dinwiddie Fauquier Fluvanna Franklin ...... Goochland Greene Greensville Halifax Hanover -. Henry Loudoun Louisa Lunenburg Madison Mecklenburg ... Nelson Nottoway Orange » Patrick Pittsylvania Prince Edward Powhatan Spottsylvania... Rappahannock Total White. 12,5-50 3,05.5 8,18i 4.4]4 14,557 4,525 6.660 14,041 9,730 4,900 6,058 2,709 13,017 11,834 4,778 12,268 3,711 3,182 2,155 11,562 7,893 6.722 15,238 6,269 4,344 4,959 7,162 7,586 2,241 4,938 7,836 15,259 4,106 2,. 552 7,069 5.195 260,259 Black. 14,994 6,823 6,704 4,536 10,770 8,902 7,711 14,343 8,733 9,613 6,169 5,483 17,664 7,8.56 5,097 5,996 6.601 1,452 4,207 16,266 8,562 5, .581 5,691 10,063 6,059 3,711 14,156 6,312 7,050 5,458 2,325 16,084 7,898 6,115 4,659 3,066 281,660 Whites in Towns, 1,674 519 3,472 1,517 1,375 "8i744" 901 113 30 ""2'90' 351 1,398 698 2,715 Acreage, Impr'ed. 25,212 196,309 109,009 130,593 109,111 174,099 75.337 133,273 144,813 60,855 116,802 165,789 77,239 86,573 288,546 64,486 109,514 135,445 43,585 61,991 183,771 130,193 66.559 201,888 122,974 94,967 72,312 133,357 105,982 69,454 96,754 59,414 239,0181 70,912! 69,540 66,324 84,131 Unimp'd 133,531 88,115 99,960 83,457 189,277 198,059 178,837 147,207 138,139 139,583 69,927 68,995 145,105 117,759 78,873 222,876 62,512 38,518 100,803 158,908 108,525 111,228 74,403 131,113 129,677 92,080 200,275 134,301 75,056 76.821 171,183 260,703 110,659 70,037 104,743 42,700 4135,917 4354,945 o "^ Acres per j2> « rural white [f pn inh'bit'nts.'^ 28 64 30 44 26 61 55 30 24 63 50 63 64 40 30 27 53 26 72 30 31 26 20 40 62 34 46 32 62 38 30 86 42 51 40 24 40 $10 00 VALLEY BELT. We now cross the Blue Ridge and enter the Valley, which lies be- tween this range and the Alleghany mountains. It is tbe Valler/ Belt with its great breadth at the eastern end, where it is jabout 60 miles broad. Its breadth is variable. The counties of Botetourt, Roanoke, and Craig lie in the narrowest part, where it is between 30 and 35 miles 7 98 broad. It widens again thence, as you proceed to the southwest, attain- ing a breadth which measured across the counties of Wythe and Carroll reaches to between 40 and 45 miles. This valley has several minor ridges or dirides lying across it. (1.) That which separates the waters of the Shenandoah from the waters of the James, is in the county of Augusta. (2.) That which separates the waters of the James from the waters of the New river, and crosses the counties of Montgomery and Craig; and (3 ) That which sheds the drainage offwestwardly into the Holston, and eastwardly and southwardly into the New river. This divide lies in the counties of Wythe and Smyth. It is the ridge pole of the Valley with the height of about 300 feet above the sea level. The eastern end of the Valley has, like the eaves of a roof, the lowest pitch, and its eleva- tion above the sea level is no greater than that of the banks of the Poto- mac river, just above and below Harper's Ferry. Through its whole length it is corrugated with hills, which cut it up into numerous subordi- nate valleys. The whole of this Valley is a fine grass, wheat, grape and fruit country. It is rich in water power, well timbered and beautifully watered ; it is calcareous, and abounds with flocks and herds. Volney called it the "garden spot of America." Limestone, separated here and there by sandstone, is the prevailing rock formation from one end to the other. Throughout its entire length the brown hematites of iron are deposited with marvellous profusion, and in most places are level free. In the county of Pulaski, especially, there are, along the bluffs of New river and at the spurs of the hill, de- posits of this ore which, for richness and abundance, may be aptly compared to the iroR mountains of Missouri and Mexico. In this part of the Valley, and even as far ea*t as Botetourt, seams of an anthracite eoal crop out here and there ; they have been worked as yet only par- tially, and chiefly for neighborhood purposes ; but the Valley is dotted with iron works and charcoal furnaces which have been supplied with fuel from this well wooded country, and worked from time immemorial. They produce an iron of excellent quality and peculiar properties, which cause it to be much sought after both by government for its foun- deries and by indi\ndual3 for their shops. The convenience to market, first by water, and then by rail, from the eastern portion of the Valley, haa already made the smelting of iron ore an important branch of industry, especially in the counties of Jeiferson, Clarke, Warren and Page. The climates of this belt are delifihtful and salubrious. It is rich in ■aneral springs, the waters of which possess medicinal virtues that make 99 them favorite places of resort for the whole South. These waters and the pure atmosphere render the mountains of this part of Virginia the sanitarium of the country. The difference of climate in the several counties of the Valley are such as are due simply to the difference in their distance from the Equator and their height above the sea. The area of this belt is, in round numbers, 12,000 square miles, equal to 7,680,000 acres. It is divided into 24 counties, namely : Alle- ghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland, Botetourt, Carroll, Clarke, Craig, Floyd, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Highland, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Smythe,Warren, Wash- ington, and Wythe. The mountains on both sides of the Valley are covered, up to their very crests, with luxuriant vegetation, the tops being often of the rich- est soil. The chief forest growth are the oak, pine, hickory, walnut, ash, black and white lynn, maple, sycamore, wild cucumber, cedar, lo- cust, mulberry, wild cherry, gum, chestnut, beech, birch, horse chestnut, persimmon, willow, dogwood, ironwood, arbor-vitae, with wild grapes of many varieties. In the springtime the river cliffs and mountain sides are glorious in their array of wild flowers, such as rhododendrons, azalea ivy, mountain laurel, honey suckle, &c. It is a goodly land as the other two belts are, but naturally a better grass country and a richer soil, because of the calcareous ingredients ; it is less known, out of the State, than either of the two other belts, for the simple reason that up to this time it has been less in the way of travel, and is, therefore, not so much frequented by strangers and people from abroad ; its praises have not been sung loud enough to be heard much beyond the borders of the State. The length is about 400 miles, and since the war, capitalists, attracted by reports of its vast resources, have begun to visit it for the purpose of "prospecting." The iron men from Pennsylvania, with lumbermen, farmers, and others from vifa'ious parts of the country, who have examined this belt, express surprise that a region of country, so richly endowed, should be go little known in the border states. Some of them, especially the iron masters, have given an earnest of their high opinion by investing largely in its mineral property, and cap- italists of that state, as well as of Maryland, are now moving, the former in behalf of the Shenandoah Valley R. R., the latter in behalf of the Valley railroad, for both of which charters have been granted. The lat- ter is to run from Harper's Ferry for nearly 200 miles up the Valley to Salem, where it is to intersect the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio rail- road. Nearly half of this road is finished [to Staunton]. 100 From the Potomac, to where the James river crosses the Valley, the distance is about 160 miles. This part of the Valley is poor in coal but rich in iron. The ores are the brown hematite, of which there are many extensive deposits, particularly along the western border of the Blue Ridge. It is an extension of "the iron working Juniata region" of Penn- sylvania, which State, as rich as she is in iron, is poor as compared with Virginia.* I have conversed with some of the principal iron men of Pennsylva- nia. The supply of ore there is limited, and they begin to see the end of it. They have come .down to Virginia to look for iron ores, and have examined the beds and banks of this belt ; they consider them prac- tically inexhaustible, have made large purchases, and erected furnaces which are now in successful operation. West of the James river the extreme length of the Valley, to where it passes into Tennessee, is about 240 miles. It is subdivided, as before stated, into a number of subordinate valleys, some of which are of freestone These, though rich, are called, by the inhabitants of the limestone valleys <'poor." Thus the "Poverty Valley" of the north fork of the Holston, as it flows from Virginia through the counties of Washington and Scott into Tennessee, though named "Poverty," is described by a friend who has recently visited it, as the "Beautiful Valley." "No country," says he, "has a better soil or better climate. There is at this time no region which offers so great inducements to the emi- grant or capitalist as Washington county, particularly this ' Beautiful Valley,' which is watered its entire length by the north fork of Holstoa river, a never-failing stream of clear limestone water, abounding with the finest fish and wild ducks, with a large portion of as rich alluvial low grounds as may be found in most river bottoms. No spot in its palmiest seasons can boast of a more salubrious climate, and it is of that happy middle temperature 'where the frosts of the north bite not and where the pestilence of the south walketh not.' Malarial fevers are wnr knoivn. The water is the purest freestone, mostly from bold, never, failing springs gushing out from the mountain side on the north of the river, while just across the same stream, on the south side, are springs equally as bold of the purest limestone water ; also along the valley are to be found various kinds of those mineral waters with which Southwest Virginia abounds — chalybeate and sulphur, as well as the celebrated '■Alum Wells,' 14 miles from Abingdon, which are fast becoming well * Report of Gen. Hnrman, Haupt Chief Engineer, and Prof. L. P. Lesly, Geologist to the Shenandoah Valley Railroad Company, 1870. Gen. H. estimates the present annual consumption of iron, for railroads alone in the United States, to be more than a million tons, most of which comes from Peaxv- Bylvania, he Bays. 101 known throughout the whole country for their great medicinal proper- ties. The length of this valley is about 56 miles. Clinch Mountain rises in majestic grandeur and runs the whole length of it on the north and on the south are to be seen the lofty and rugged 'River Hills," presenting to view one of the grandest and most romantic scenes im- aginable. Indeed, we think that with the beautiful mountain scenery presented in this valley, it might with great propriety be justly termed the ' Switzerland of America.' The emigrant will here find lands cheap, and a soil which will return a rich remuneration for his labor. It produces finely corn, wheat, oats, rye — in fact, all the cereals grown in Virginia, and is well adapted to raising grass equal, if properly managed, to the famous grass lands of Montgomery, Wythe and Pulaski. In no portion of Virginia, or else- where, can be found a climate or soil better suited to the raising or pro- ducing fine fruits of all kinds. Peaches, apples, pears, plums, grapes and melons all yield an abundant harvest, and it is rare indeed for the fruit crop to fail, the Valley being protected from the cold winds by the mountains surrounding it on either side; and last, though by no means least, in point of profit to the farmer, is its adaptation to the growth and cultivation of fine tobacco. The inhabitants are, as a general thing, industrious, peaceable, sober, kind, honest, working people; but, with few exceptions, so far as my observation extends, candor compels me to state they are far, very far, behind the times." — Abingdon Virginian. As we come to this part of the Valley we approach a wilderness of mineral wealth and medicinal waters. The Yellow Sulphur Springs, the Montgomery White, the Alleghany, the New river, as well as the Alum Wells, the Salt Pond, a beautiful fresh water lake on a mountain in Giles county 4,000 feet high, are all favorite places of summer resort. Last summer I visited both the Yellow Sulphur Springs, and Salt Pond, and passed the time pleasantly. I was especially charmed with the comfort- able accommodations and delightful society at the "Yellow." In this "Poverty Valley," along the banks of the Holston, we come to the salt wells and plaster beds (gypsum). The water of these wells, 210 feet deep, is about up to the point of saturation. During the war they were the chief source of salt supply for the Confederacy. Near Saltville, and for the distance of 12 miles along the river, bor- ings have been made for gypsum, showing it to underlie an area of about 12 miles long, and varying in breadth between a few score feet and a quarter of a mile. Though this bed has been penetrated to the depth of 680 feet, none of the shafts have gone through the deposit. Prof. Leslie names 2,000 feet as the probable extreme thickness of this bed. If 102 that be so, each acre would furnish not less than 7,000,000 of tons. The cost of mining is said to be only 50 cents, 2 shillings, English, the ton, and when it is remembered that, at present, Nova Scotia is our chief source of supply for this fetilizer, and our farmers have now to pay from $5 to $S the ton, it may well be conceived how vast is this undeveloped mine of wealth. It derives additional value from the fact that these* with those of New York and Michigan, said to be of inferior quality, are the only plaster beds known this side of the Mississippi river. Other minerals, such as galena, zinc, barytes, carbonate of lead, and occasionally out-croppings of copper, are found also in this end of the Valley. Passing into the Valley of the Clinch, we approach the great bitumi- nous coal fields of the Appalachian range as it comes from Pennsylva- nia and West Virginia. From Jeffersonville to the north of Guests river, in Giles county, Va., is one continuous coal field. "Short streams," says Prof. Leslie, "from 5 to 8 miles long, flow into the Clinch from the north. They cut the coal beds at the water level, and through the dis- tance of 70 miles a railway may have as many collieries lining the way- side as it pleases. There are 13 or 14 of these streams in which collieries may be estab- lished, and into which branch coal roads, from a half to three miles long with grades from other workings of not more than thirty feet to the mile, may descend,* The Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio railway already passes through this end of the Valley for the distance of 40 miles. Going from Nor- folk, it is to be extended into Kentucky, where it will be in connection with the whole railway system of the West. It has them already through Tennessee, and is in the actual receipt of heavy freights, with large pas- senger traffic from that section. The connection and completion of the much talked of Shenandoah Valley Railroad will tap the celebrated mar- ble quarries of Tennessee, the most famous in all the land, and open up this fine Valley to commerce from one end to the other. The beautiful marbles of these quarries were hauled in wagons over difficult mountain roads on their way to Washington, and all strangers who visit the capitol there are called on to admire the Tennessee marbles that adorn the buildings. A gentleman from Pennsylvania who has prospected this Valley, and examined it with an eye to its agricultural capacities, compares the great Shenandoah Valley 130 x 35 miles ; the limestone valley of Sinking creek ; of Walker's creek ; Wolf's creek ; the valleys of the Holston and the Clinch ; the great basin of Burk's garden ; the fertile district of * Eaapts report, aute p. 100. 103 Elk garden and Castlewood ; the six parallel valleys of east Tennessee, between the Holston river and Clinch mountains, to the best portions of the counties of Cumberland, York, and Lancaster, the garden spots of Pennsylvania, He pronounces the soil of this part of Virginia to be naturally as rich as the choice places of Pennsylvania, 'while the climate is greatly superior.' "* "As compared with the localities west of the Mississippi," he goes on to say the difference of transportation from these regions to the seaboard would add 10 to 15 dollars to the ton, or from 30 to 40 cents the bushel to each bushel of grain at the place of production, which would represent the interest on $200 or $300 per acre. It is only necessary that these facts should be generally known to turn a strong tide of immigration to Virginia and Tennessee." By comparing the population statistics of the Valley belt with those of Piedmont and Tidewater, it will be perceived that the negro popula- tion decreases after we cross the Blue Ridge, that the percentage of blacks in the total population is, for the Tidewater belt, 47 ; for the Piedmont, 51 ; for the Valley, 16, and for the trans-Alleghany belt, 7 in every hundred. The health of the Valley is unsurpassed here; there are no epidemics; inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatism, are the most common. Dr. L. N. Mayo, a practising physician in Pattonsburg, in Botetourt county, has kindly furnished a statement, derived from his own observa- tions and experience, in regard to the climate and healthfulness of that county. His remarks, as to climate and disease, will apply to the Valley generally, and from them I make a few extracts: "This is one of the Valley counties, and has an average elevation above the sea of, say 1,000 feet; the surface is broken, hilly, and some por- tions of it mountainous; remarkably well watered by innumerable springs of pure cool water, mostly limestone; good underdrainage; no stagnant pools or ponds. As the controlling element of all climates is heat and its distribution, and as its variableness or constancy forms the basis of all climatic differ- ences or distinctions, first let us see what the record of this county is in this particular, taking a series of fifteen years, separating these into the four seasons, and taking the average mean of each season for this length of time as a correct representation of its constant. We find we have, for the spring months, 56°F. ; for the summer months, 76°F. ; for the fall months, 61°F. ; for the winter months, 41°F. ; average for the year a little over 58°F. * Gen. Haupt. 104 Now, that degree of temperature, which is said to be the most conge- nial to the human body, ranges from 55° to 70°F. The temperature of the spring and fall is more even than that of the summer and winter. In the last two we sometimes have a few very hot or very cold days, seldom or never exceeding three or four consecutively^ »nd though our warm season is longer, reaching 145 or 150 days, than in the Northern and Middle States, it has not so depressing an influ- ence. Coup de soleil or sunstroke being very rare in any section of Virginia, and never seen here. The fall of rain for the same period is also found to be quite uniform, giving, as the general average for the four seasons, in inches : spring 10, summer 15, fall 11, winter 10 — year 46. The prevailing winds are Southerly, generally from the Southwest, and it belongs to the periods or seasons when the temperature is gener- ally increasing. It is usually humid, yet elastic. It is the soft, pleas ant, peculiarly American wind, with a finely variable force. The earliest frost is about October 15th; the latest April 15th. Strictly speaking, there are no diseases endemic. Epidemics are rare, and when they do occur, there obtains to a great degree over the entire State that constitution of the atmosphere which predisposes to the dis- eases akin to the prevailing epidemic. The diseases here are generally frank and open in their character, and yield readily to judicious treatment ; but, let our surroundings be never so favorable for the promotion of health and longevity, pain, dis- ease and death are the inheritance of man, as always since the dread sentence, "Cursed is the ground for thy sake" was pronounced, maladies born of the earth, in every region, have reigned over our race and brought them to the grave. I regard this as a healthy climate. We all know that infants and young children are peculiarly susceptible to those influences which en- gender disease, and have less power to resist them than those of maturer acre, and hence it is that vital statisticians in estimating the healthful- ness or unhealthfulness of a given place, base their opinions much upon the number of these found therein, and inasmuch as very old persons, if not as susceptible to these influences, have their hold upon life so weak- ened as to render their tenure of it, when brought under them, very slight, they too may also be taken into the estimate. With children the streets of our villages and the yards of our farm houses are thronged; and I know of half a dozen people in this county ■who are bordering upon ninety years^ the oldest being a woman now in her ninety-second year. It was a fact noticed by all during the late war, that those men seal 105 from hospitals in every other section of the State to the one here, who were suffering from old ill-conditioned wounds, chronic ulcers and chronic diseases of bowels, as well as those who came from the field debilitated and broken down, recovered most rapidly, and soon regained their ordi- nary standard of health and weight. lu a word, it is here the healthy are confirmed in the possession of that great boon, and here, also, the valitudinarian, from every clime, may find that which he seeks, and has learned to prize above all other blessings. L. N. Mayo, M. D." WASHINGTON COUNTY. Report of Wyndham Robertson, Esq., "The Meadows," near Abing- don : "I send herewith a paper prepared for you, at my request, by three of our most practical citizens so much more competent than I, that I deem it the most desirable way of meeting your wishes. They have aimed to be accurate, so as not to excite false hopes. This is not a country non judice to make money in by farming, but to live in in comfort beyond any I know, with the same amount of labor and outlay. Where grass grows, comfort and independence are most sure; out of that crop comes subsistence in its simplest form. An Irish gardener and his wife once lived with me to whom, besides wages, I gave an extra of little account to me — the use and pasturage of a cow. They so lived off that cow, selling butter withal that a very large part of their money, wages, was drawn clear gains at the end of the year. Here, though, was management, industry and strict frugality very rarely found in the same degree. So, poor people here, with a cabin, garden patch, fruit (the apple especially, which is plenty and cer- tain), and a few acres for bread and a cow (which raises a pig always as well as a calf), may live in abundance and comfort, but not thrive in money. When you go beyond this, corn is raised with too much labor for the yield of it, and wheat is too uncertain to count on profit from farming; and it would still less pay to buy land and stock (for persons of moderate means) to make it from grazing. Yet you will see that, under favorable circumstances, as in Mr. Robert's case, an easy compe- tency may still be finally achieved by intelligence and great industry But he bought land, you will perceive, at $2.50 per acre, and the rail- way came along about the year '55, increasing values both of land and grains. His land is chiefly too steep for cultivation. He lives about six miles from the railroad, I think. The profits, sometimes considerable, made by graziers are rarely, if 106 ever, the result of mere stock-raising, but of judicious application of money to buy young stock, and feed for market. Tobacco may be raised here successfully and with good profit on fresh cleared lands ; but where they are steep they could not be long kept from washing (though our soil is slow to wash), and where flat, so much more valuable in the long run for meadow, as to be little used otherwise, and the proportion of gently rolling land is not large. I add a few observations on the minerals around us: salt, gypsum, iron and marble are found in this county ; the two latter in various lo- calities, mainly along its southern border ; the two former, of an almost chemically pure quality, and in quantities seemingly inexhaustible. The wells, where, as yet, salt only has been found, lie, as it were, in the neck of a lovely limestone valley separated by a range of wooded hills from the river (north fork of Holston). Owing to their great value, the di- viding line between Washington and Smythe counties, when the latter was formed in part out of the former, was run between them so as to throw equal values of this great mineral into each of these counties. For more than half a century they have been the almost exclusive source of supply for Southwestern Virginia, nearly one half the State of Tennessee, the eastern and northern border of North Carolina and northern border of Georgia and Alabama; their markets only ending in all directions where unable to cope successfully with foreign salt East and South, and with Kanawha salt Westward. The amount supplied has gradually enlarged to a present supply of about 400,000 bushels. During the recent war its use was abnormally extended East and South till the supply probably exceeded 3,000,000 bushels in 1864; and this heavy draft on the wells was met without any apparent strain or diminu- tion. The fossil salt has been struck in one only of ||the numerous bor- ings for brine made there and elsewhere in the vicinity. It was then come to in an open shaft sunk some 25 years ago at a distance of about 120 feet from the surface (the wells are generally 200 feet deep), and was penetrated, it was stated by the gentleman who was exploring, to a further depth of about 80 feet through the solid mass without reaching its full thickness. The lumps extracted from the shaft which I have seen, are highly transparent but slightly colored by the red clay over- lying it, and they are of great purity Side by side of this, on the North, lies the gypsum, but it has been traced and worked at different points along the line from a point, per- haps, two miles West to a cave some fourteen miles East of Saltville, which abuts against and is inclosed by steep and impracticable moun tains (commercially speaking) without end. It has heretofore been but 107 imperfectly developed and irregularly mined. Before the railroad reached it (1856), its cost nearly doubled every 20 miles it was wagoned ; 80 it commanded but a very limited market. After that the sales gradu- ally enlarged, and were increasing when the war postponed operations in it to matters of greater exigency. Last year and this, the business is assuming again important dimensions, and parties of sufficient means and enterprise have placed it on a stable footing, and will doubtless soon so developo and extend it as to make it a sensible element of production and wealth to our State. The sales last season exceeded 2,000 tons, and have more than doubled the present, which is now (May) about closing. Specimens I sent to the Smithsonian Institute and to Wash- ington College, though not yet analyzed, are pronounced, on inspection by the former, to be of excellent quality, and by the latter to be superior to "Nova Scotia." Besides the constant extension of its use in the agri- culture of our State, it is beginning to find great favor at the South, for its effect is said to be not only indispensable but invaluable on its great staple, cotton. Orders for it have come even from as far as Nashville, 80 that it seems destined ere long to become one of the most important contributions to the mining industry, and, perhaps, that of the arts also of our country as well as to its agricultural wealth." Proforma estimate of outlay and receipts of a young married man estab' lishing himself in the county of Washington, State of Virginia, soher^ saving and industrious, upon a farm of forty acres, ivith a capital o/$500 in gold. Estimates by Mr. Robertson's three neighbors: Messrs. Henry Rob- erts, W. Z. C. White and James K. Gibson, all of Abingdon. First Year. Oxdlay. 40 acres land, at $20— first payment $267 00 Log cabin and stable, 8100; wagon and harness, $100 200 00 Horse $80, cow and calf $25, 5 sheep $1.30 each, sow and pigs $12, poultry, fruit trees and seeds $55 179 50 Corn and hay'for horse 35 00 Household and kitchen furniture 100 00 Farming and other utensils 25 00 Planting and cultivating 10 acres of corn, 10 of wheat, 10 of oats, potatoes, vegetables, including extra labor when necessary 110 '■(• Groceries and provisions 100 00 Total outlay first year $1,016 50 108 Receipts (after deducting for domestic use). 150 bushels ofcorn, at 60 cents $ 90 00 50 bushels wheat,at S2 100 00 100 bushels oats, at 50 cents 50 00 Proceeds of garden, dairy and poultry-yard 75 00 Total receipts first year $315 00 Second Year. Outlay. Second payment on land $267 00 Cultivating 10 acres corn 50 00 10 of wheat and oats, &c 50 00 Potatoes and vegetables, &c 10 00 Groceries 25 00 Total outlaygecond year $402 00 Beceipts. 150 bushels corn, at 60 cents $ 90 00 50 ])ushels wheat, at $2; 100 bushels oats at 50 cents 150 00 20 pounds wool, at 30 cents 6 00 Proceeds garden, dairy and poultry yard 75 00 Increase live stock and poultry 200 00 Total receipts second year $521 00 Third Year. Outlay. Third payment for land S266 00 Farm expenses and fertilizers 25 00 Groceries 25 00 Total outlay third year $316 00 Receipts (^deducting as before). 50 bushels wheat at $2; 150 bushels corn at 60 cents $190 00 100 bushels oats at 50 cents/ 50 00 80 pounds wool at 30 cents 9 00 1000 pounds bacon at $15 150 00 Garden, dairy and poultry yard . 100 00 Increase live stock and poultry 200 00 Total receipts third year $699 OO Cases of Successful Industry/ ? Henry Roberts, aged 58 years, married in 1834, then in possession of a horse, saddle and bridle, and 100 acres of land, for which he was in debt $150. In 1865, he owned 125 acrea of land in a body. He is one of the most prosperous men in the county. Last year he hired three 109 hands ; two at §12 per month, and one at ?8 per month and board. His farming has not been extensive, as for the last two years he has been en- gaged in building, and hauling saw logs and lumber. His sales of lum- ber last year amounted to $1,000. This work was done with his three hands, except about 20 days hiring. Last year he had 40 acres corn, 40 oats, 10 in wheat. On 40 acres he raised as follows: 10 acres wheat, 130 bushels; 10 acres corn, 500 bushels; 20 oats, 1200 bushels. Wheat, 130 bushels at $2 $260 00 Corn, 500 bushels at 60 cents 800 00 Oats, 1200 bushels at 25 cents 300 00 $860 00 Mr. Roberts gives the following as his view of prices, &c.: Land, average, cleared and fit for cultivation, $15 per acre. Labor, $120 per year and board. Cost of clearing, including fencing, $7 per acre. Cost of cultivation, $5 per acre. Corn, 25 to 30 bushels per acre, will sell for 65 cents per bushel. Wheat, 10 to 12 bushels per acre, will sell for $2 per bushel. Oats, 25 bushels per acre, will sell for 50 cents per bushel. Health and water, best in the world. Good grape and fruit region. Best time to come, in the Fall, Emory and Henry College, a flourishing Institution, in Washington county. CARROLL. Carroll county, with a ragged and broken surface, is rich in minerals, especially in copper and iron. It is on the same formation upon which the celebrated copper mines of Ducktown, in the State of Tennessee, are situated. This vein, with out-croppings here and there,, and with occa- sional workings, may be traced up to the northeast as far as the counties of Nelson and Louisa. I am indebted to Mr. A. Eilers, M. E , of the Hale mines, for the fol- lowing: " This neighborhood being a plateau between the Blue Ridge to the east and the Iron mountains to the west, of a general width of about 18 miles, is, on account of the poor soil and great masses of scattered rock, only useful as a grazing country. Its great elevation, about 3,000 feet above the Atlantic, and the consequent early, and late frosts too, forbid the successful cultivation of corn and tobacco. The rocks along the Blue Ridge are gneiss with quartz. From there, N, W., metamOrphic slates [talc, chlorite, hornblende, clay and mica slates] prevail, with occasional gneiss bands and quartz masses, until on 110 the top of the Iron mountaias, aalurian sandstones [Pofedam] set in; N. W. from this, dolomite and common limestones, and red and yellow cal- careous clay slates. The general strike is N. 54° E. dip, near the sur- face, 29°-33° S. E. Health ? Yqtj good, equal to Northern Minnesota. Most Prevalent Diseases f Dysentery, in the Fall. Water f Soft, no wells. Surface Bocks P Talc, chlorite and hornblende, slates, angetic rock, centicular masses of quartz. Staple Crops? Corn, rye, buckwheat. Yield of Com? About 15 to 20 bushels; oats, 30 bushels; hay, IJ tons. Fruits ? Apples. Vegetables ? All kinds for family use. natural Crrowth of Timber? Principally oak and chestnut. Natural Q-roioth of Berries and Briers ? Whortleberries, blackber- ries, strawberries, cranberries and raspberries. Grasses? Redtop. Mills, 3Iarkets, Schools and Churches? Inferior accommodation, es- pecially the last three. Price of Land ? $2 to ^5 per acre. Price of Labor? $15 to $26 per month. Copper mining and smelting works — if the manufacture of certain vitrols and brass are connected with it, the establishment will undoubtedly be a success. A. Etlers, M. E." FLOYD. This is also a mountainous, broken country, as an inspection of the map will show. The access to market is first by wagon or the hoof to the railway, and thence to Tidewater by rail. Report of William R. Gray, postoffice, Graysville, Floyd county: Health ? Very good — no epidemics. Water ? Excellent freestone — no wells. Staple Crops? Corn, rye, oats and buckwheat. Wheat scarcely ever raised. Yield ? Corn, 30 bushels ; oats, 30 bushels ; hay, 1 ton ; tobacco, 600 pounds. Fruits ? Apples, peaches, pears, cherries, quinces. Vegetables ? Beans, potatoes, cabbage, turnips, beets, parsnips, cu- cumbers, and others. Ill Natural Growth of Timber f White, black, red and Spanish oaks, hickory, pine, dogwood, and others. Natural Girowth of Grasses ? Blue grass, and other kinds. Mills, Markets, Schools and Churches? Mills numerous; churches also. Schools, only common English. Price of Land? From §3 to $10 per acre. Labor? From $5 to $20 per month, according to quality. Our markets are Lynchburg, Salem, Christiausburg, &;c. Distance 18 to 80 miles. No mines in operation. WYTHE. The chief industries of Wythe county are farming, grazing and mining. The Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio railroad passes through it, bringing it within six hours of Lynchburg, a flourishing market town, which both by rail and water is in communication with all the markets of the sea- board. There are in successful operation in this county, mines of lead, zinc and iron. The soil is good, yielding on the average per acre two tons of hay, 30 bushels of corn, and 15 of wheat. The staple crops are corn, wheat, oats and rye. In the forests of this, and the neighboring coun- ties, are found the beautiful sugar maple, with magnificent trees of spruce, and white and yellow pine. The trunks of some of these trees are from 12 to 15 feet in circumference, straight as an arrow, and branchless to the height of 60 and sometimes 90 feet. They make timber that is higiiiy valued and much soujzht after by house-joiners and others. Besides these, the usual varieties of oaks, cedars, walnuts, and hickories, &c., abound. It is noticed that in these regions the pines delight more in the sandstone than in a limestone formation with its calcareous soils. The average price of land is quoted at $15 the acre, and labor at $15 the month. The people of the county, aa elsewhere throughout the State, where the lands are good, are kind to strangers, and generous in their hospi- tality. BLAND. Extracts from the report of August Wesendouck, Esq., of Cluxi, and A. J. Nye, of Mechanicsburg. "We live on a branch of Kimberlin creek, called 'Nobusiness,' be- tween the mountains of Wolf creek and Flat-top in Bland county, in a valley ten miles long and one mile broad, trying to make a spire of ^rass grow where none grew before, clearing the forest, the abode of many a 112 deer, and the range for cattle during the Summer months. Several of our neighbors divide their industry between farming *and hunting. Health ? It is considered a healthy country ; the most prevalent epi- demic is rheumatism. Water f Spring water, limestone and freestone; no wells. Staple Crops ? Hay, millet, Hungarian grass, corn, wheat, rye, buck- wheat, barley, oats and flax. Yield? Of wheat, 10 bushels per acre; corn, 20; rye, buckwheat, millet, barley and oats, 10 ; hay, 2,000 pounds. Fruits ? Apples, peaches, cherries, quinces, pears, plums, strawber- ries, raspberries, currants and grapes. Vegetables ? Spinach, hohlrabe, cauliflower, carrots, beets, celery, lettuce, peas, beans, potatoes, handovers, parsnips, asparagus, turnips, kale, brocole, onions, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, parsley, pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, tomatoes, &c. Natural Grrowth of Timber? White oak, hickory, white and yellow pine, chestnut, gum, poplar, maple, sycamore, dogwood, magnolia, &c. Natural Growth of Flowers? Hundreds of beautiful flowers grow here in the woods; our garden brings any of the cultivated flowers. Mills, a Market, Schools and Churches ? Baltimore and the Valley of Virginia are our markets for cattle ; Richmond and Lynchburg for wheat; and Dublin for other articles. Mills convenient. Churches and schools country fashion. Price of Land ? From $1 to $20 per acre. Price of Labor? For field hands, $10 to $13 a month and board- Mechanics, from $1.50 to $3 per day. Mines and their Condition ? We have indications for lead mines and iron ore. Iron ore of the finest quality ; boulders large as flour barrels and tobacco hogsheads, and indications of lead and coal undeveloped. Most Successful cases of Profitable Industry ? Cattle raising is most successful ; sheep raising would be more so if we had protection ; horse raising pays very well ; wheat will pay as soon as prices go up again, and barley will do better ; hog raising will pay as soon as the production of grain increases — it pays well now below here. The wine business is in its infancy yet, but will pay as soon as every thing is properly un- derstood. Here is a chance for the manufiicture of potash and tannin. Our white pine timber will be very valuable as soon as our roads are put in good condition. Manufactures ? With plenty of water power and wood, we have no manufactures here. 113 Climate ? The climate would suit most Europeans, particularly the mountain people. It is as healthy as any in North America. August Wesendouck, Cluxi P. 0." GILES. Extracts from the reports of Col. Cutshaw and Wm. C. Eggleston, Esq., New River, White Sulphur Springs : " Timber is abundant of all the growths common to this section ; as white oak, chestnut, walnut, white and yellow pine, hemlock, sugar tree, ash and maple. Near the Salt Pond and the valley of Little Stony creek, white pine is in sufficient abundance to make an item, in sawing lumber for market, and several saw-mills, one run from the lake of Salt Pond, are now engaged in sawing lumber ; but the distance from market (some 20 miles) makes any trade in this business doubtful." Salt Pond is a beautiful fresh water lake on the top of a range 4,400 feet above the sea. "Wheat, rye, corn, oats, flax and tobacco are raised, and vegetables of all kinds, with every variety of fruit common to the State. Wheat yields from 8 to 10 bushels ; corn, 25 ; oats, 15 ; rye, 10 per acre ; and to- bacco, 600 pounds. The crop of tree-sugar and sorghum is worthy of mention, especially the sorghum. Besides the grain crop raised, this is a fine grass country; clover, timothy, orchard, blue grass and herds grass grow well. A good deal of hay is made yearly, and large numbers of horses and cattle are raised and sent off to the Valley of Virginia and Eastern Virginia. The fat cattle are taken to Baltimore. The hog crop was formerly of impor- tance. Sheep succeed very well in this climate, and ought to be raised by every one. Coal? Brush mountain coal fields extend and crop out at New river, in sight of the Giles county line, IJ miles. Coal is also found on Peter's mountain, Angel's Rest mountain, and Salt Pond mountain. Small seams of coal have been found in the shales in several parts of the coun- ty, but no developments have exposed it in any workable quantities. Iron Ore ? Very rich specimens are found on Wolf Creek mountain, Walker Creek mountain, Spruce Run mountain ; also in the hills on New river in abundance. Red and brown hematite, with a compact brown hematite, highly magnetic, near the limestone formation, in one part of the county, are the varieties of ore found. Surface indications of manganese in various places, and also barytas 8 114 have been seen, but no developments of these minerals have yet been made. In some few places marl or travertium is found ; but no instance is known where it has been applied to the soil. On New river, a compact limestone is found, well adapted to building purposes, and from its slab-like structure and low dip, is conveniently situated for quarrying, and may be an important consideration in any water improvement along this river. The White Sulphur Springs, on New river, combining as it does beau- tiful water scenery, with medicinal water, and pleasant summer tempera- ture; the Grey Sulphur Springs, near Monroe, and the Salt Pond moun- tain, with its lake of fresh water, elevated above the surrounding country, are places of fashionable resort in this county. The Price of Land? Varies from $10 to $30 per acre, though in the mountains it can be bought cheaper, and some land in choice places rates higher. Labor is very irregular and cannot be commanded at all times, even by high wages ; this is true, in a measure, throughout this part of the State." MONTGOMERY. Reports of Col. Cutshaw, Dr. Pepper, of , and Wm. G. Guerrant, Esq., Christiansburg : " This is an agricultural and pastoral county, though some tobacco is grown on the sunny slopes. It is naturally adapted to a short, blue grass. Owing to its altitude, the season is short, and sometimes frost comes every month in the year. The county, situated near the southern extremity of the Valley of Vir- ginia, presents a varied and singularly diversified surface, in its topo- graphical aspects. The main Alleghany and Blue Ridge mountains are broken into a series of small parallel ridges, forming small narrow valleys, the sources of numerous small streams, and a connection of these, by a table-land frequently passing into ridges, across the entire breadth of the county, forms a water shed to the streams flowing east and west, breaking through the Valley into streams emptying into Albemarle Sound and into the Ohio river. Water ? The county is well watered by the many small streams running in all directions, and is particularly noted for mineral springs of chalybeate, sulphur, magnesia, alum, and other properties, in various parts. Of these, the Yellow Sulphur, the Montgomery White, and the Alleghany are the most noted. 115 Timber ? Is abundant, including all the natural growths common to the State, and is convenient and quite sufficient for all domestic, econom- ical and practical uses for years to come. Soil? Varies according to the geological structure, being principally a grey limestone, with a red substratum of a more clayey composition. A lighter clay overlies the slates and shales, and in the sand or freestone section, a light and more sandy soil is found, generally thin and sterile on the hills. Staple Crops? Are wheat, yielding 6 to 15 bushels; corn, 20 to 40 bushels ; oats, 15 to 20 bushels; hay, 1 to IJ tons ; and tobacco, 300 to 600 pounds per acre, according to locality and improvements. In some instances highly improved land has exceeded these estimates, but taking the county as a whole, the yield is fairly put. Deep plow- ing, and very little fertilizing, are resorted to, and liming is very seldom used, though believed by the most intelligent farmers to be highly bene- ficial. Vegetables and Fruits ? All kinds are readily and abundantly grown, but the grape, though well adapted to the soil, is very little raised. In its minerals the county, as far as yet developed, possesses only coal and iron ore of practical importance. Coal ? Numerous openings, though on a limited scale, have been made in the Brush and Princes mountains to obtain coal deposited there. Its character varies from a semi-bituminous to a tolerably good anthracite, and if experiment could decide that a selection of the coal will answer blast furnaces, the smelting of iron, direct with this as a fuel, will prob- ably add greatly to the practical importance of this deposit. From openings made in the western slope of the Brush mountain, and upon both slopes of the Princes mountain, a deposit of coal, in all proba- bility, underlies the valley between these mountains ; and although an average thickness of two feet only can be relied upon, the low dip of about 3°, make it convenient for working, should the manufacture of iron be the object in extracting the coal. Veins of iron ore show themselves in proximity to this coal field, though their extent has not yet been determined by development. Iron ore is found cropping out and lying upon the surface in many places in the coun- ty, but except near theAlleghany Springs, where a slight development has exposed a nodular deposit promising from 456 feet in width, with an extent of a few hundred yards, nothing of a positive nature can |be said of the ore. Baryta? Surface indications of barytes are seen in several places, but nothing like a vein has yet been found. Lead and Zinc ? Indications of lead and zinc have also been found, 116 but the limited explorations made, make the prospect of finding any large deposits of these ores unfavorable. Markets ? The Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio railway passing through the middle of this county, makes a convenient line of transportation for produce from all parts of the county. A distance of twelve miles will, perhaps, reach the farthest point in the county from the road. Mineral Springs ? The Alleghany Springs, 4 miles. Yellow Sulphur, 3 miles, and Montgomery White, 1^ miles, from the railroad are places of resort in the county, and have been long known for the excellent medici- nal properties of their waters, A conglomerate existing in Brush mountain has been found to make an excellent burr stone, and is used in many mills in this section of the State. Other stones have been found, and have been used to a limited extent for grindstones and whetstonee." BOTETOURT. Dr. Mayo, of Pattonsburg, has made voluminous reports of much value concerning this county. He estimates the annual outlay for three years for a young married man sober, saving, and industrious, settling on a farm of 40 acres, costing $18 an acre, payments in three a.nnual instalments, as follows : Building of cabin and out-hoFuses, purchase of farming implements, household furniture, stock, subsittence, and hire of extra labor to be Outlay. Receipts First year $959 % 605 Second year 321 793 Third year 490 1210 As corroborative of these estimates for the third year, he quotes one of his neighbors who last year raised 750 bushels of wheat on 27 acres, and sold it for $1,500. He allows, in his estimate, $180 for the pur- chase of two plow horses, $20 for a cow and calf, $7.50 for 5 sheep, $7 for sow and pigs — and, as all the gentlemen do, who are co-operating with me in this work, request that strangers seeking further information will apply to them. The Doctor will take pleasure in furnishing them, »11 in his power, and gratutiously. Coal ? He reports "a deposit of bituminous coal near Fincastle, the county seat. It has been worked for some years, not however with much judgment or discretion, and hence with very little profit. It burns very well in open grates, and is much used by blacksmiths in their forges. Strong indications of coal have also been found at the mouth of the Catawba creek which empties into the James river. 117 Other Minerals ? Manganese and barytes, different varieties of ochre, limestone, marble, gypsum or plaster are all, except the first two, found in sufficient quantity and quality to justify the working. Industries ? Agriculture chiefly occupies the attention of the in- habitants. Crops ? The soil generally is good, producing, when properly tilled, remunerating crops of the different cereals, grasses, and tobacco, which are the principal exporte from the county. The yield of these to the acre, their market value, the value of land improved and unimproved, I must leave to others to give. The annual aggregate sum of sales from the county might be greatly increased if our farmers would turn their attention more to fruit raising. The apple and vine flourish remarkably well here. There are, in the county, two woollen factories, one at Fincastle, the county seat, a small one ; the other at Bonsack's depot, on the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio railroad, upon a large scale. Both make very good cloth, but neither attempt the manufacture of the finer woolen goods. Both, I believe, pay their owners a very handsome per cent, upon their investments. Mills and Furnaces? Of flouring mills there are, perhaps, a dozen, and as many saw mills. These last do only the neighborhood sawing. Of the flouring mills, there are four or five that can turn out fifty bar- rels of flour a day. There is but one cupola or foundry for making hol- low ware, plow castings, &c., and this is upon a very small scale. Water ? James river runs through the county, dividing it irregularly, leaving much the larger portion upon the right bank. The county is very well watered. There are innumerable springs for domestic puposes, all of them more or less impregnated with limestone, except those which issue from the base of the main Blue Ridge chain, these being freestone. Water Poiver f In addition to the great water power aiforded by the dams of the James river and Kanawha canal, there are numerous large creeks in the county, as Craigs, Turkey, Catawba, Roaring Run, Jen- nings, Mill, Black, and Purgatory all affording a considerable amount of power, and used to a greater or less extent for moving machinery. These all having a good supply of water throughout the year, and a rapid fall could be made to move quadruple the machinery now upon them. The range for cattle is very good and extensive ; comparatively few are raised for market in the county. The timber is generally large and thrifty, and consists of the different species of oak, hickory, white and black walnut, maple or sugar tree, ash, pine, poplar, chestnut, wild cherry, buckeye, and sycamore. It has often struck me with astonishment that there are so few manu- factories in this county. There is such an abundance of water power, 118 BO uniformly distributed, that there need be no crowding together of factories ; such an abundance of raw material for almost every kind of manufacture ; a soil of sufficient productiveness to furnish in abundance all the necessaries for the supply of a large population ; a people of more than average intelligence, industrious and energetic, these it seems to me are a combination of favorable circumstances possessed by few places, in 80 eminent a degree, as here, and are all the inducements needed by en- terprise and capital for their immigration. , This is particularly the case for the manufacture of iron in its various forms and for agricultural implements, for here we have the ores in profusion, from which iron, for all purposes, can be made ; immense forests for making charcoal, and which yield superior timber for manu- facturing all kinds of agricultural implements, and water power to drive the necessary machinery. Vegetation ? Of medicinal herbs, plants, &c., &c., we have, besides those common to every portion of the State, the wild cherry, ginseng, co- hosh or blacksnake root, seneca snakeroot, serpentaria or Virginia snake- root, uvaurse or bearberry, slippery elm, both red and white, sarsapa- rilla, wintergreen, partridge berry or mountain tea, and the prickly ash. There are several others which grow here, but less abundantly, as bella- donna, lobelia, American senna, coltsfoot, skunk cabbage, ground ivy, Indian turnip or wake Robin wahoo." ROCKBRIDGE. This county derives its name from the Natural Bridge, a grand piece of Nature's masonry which spans with a single arch Cedar creek at the height of 196 feet, and, like all the Valley counties, is a rich agricultu- ral and pastoral county. It is also rich in iron mines and good marble quarries. Its county seat is Lexington, population 2,000, boasting of two fine institutions of learning, the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. This county, like many other parts of the Valley, was settled chiefly by a hardy Scoth-Irish population, who have established here the pre- vailing religion of their own country. Most of the inhabitants are Pres- byterians. The James river, with canal and slack water navigaton from this county to Richmond, passes through its southern corner. The North river passes through the middle of the county, with a canal and slack water navigation from Lexington, 19 miles, down to its mouth, where the James river breaks through the Blue Ridge. Here this branch of the canal joins that of the James River and Kanawha to Richmond, which, when completed, will dehouche on the Ohio river at the mouth of the Kanawha. 119 The average level of this county is between 1,000 and 1,500 feet above the sea. It is abundantly watered, and the formation being lime- stone, the water is generally hard. Rockbridge, like all the rest of the State, is a fine grape country. I know of no part of the world where more delicious grapes are produced than those which Mr. Wiess, a vine dresser from the Rhine, furnishes our table. They are grown in his vineyard in the neighborhood of Lex- ington. I have seen larger berries in the green-houses, and larger bunches in the dry counties where cultivation is carried on by means of irrigation, but a more delicious grape for the table, I have not seen either in Spain, the Mediterranean, France, Mexico, South America or Africa, or in any other part of the world where I have been. The Virginian grape, with its varieties, is, I fancy, an excellent grape for wines. Mr. Wiess gets ten cents a pound for his for table use, and that is the gen- eral price throughout the State for them as a fruit. This is a new branch of industry taken up since the war. It will, I have no doubt, prove very remunerative, especially to those who are prepared to go into it with the proper fixtures and conveniences for making and cellaring their wines. The climates of Rockbridge are like those of the Valley, generally va- riable. They are liable to great and sudden changes in the winter. The range between the coldest day in winter and the hottest day in sum- mer in some years quite 100° F. Inflammatory diseases are far the most prevalent in this county and in this belt generally, so much so that in some counties rheumatism may be said to be the prevailing disease* Major Ross, of Lexington, has kindly furnished me an estimate show- inc the outlay and expenses which a young married man with $300 ia his pocket and well up to his business, might expect to make on the pur- chase and cultivation of a farm of 40 acres in this county First Year. — Outlay. Purchase 40 acres of land at $30, $1,200— first payment $ 300 00 Buildin£?s. $100; plow, harrow and gearing 140 00 Horse $80. mule $80, cow and calf $20 180 00 5 sheep $10, sow and pigs, poultry, trees and seed 20 00 Cart $20, forage for horses 6 months 100 00 25 bushels seed wheat, corn, oats and potatoes 46 50 Planting and cultivating 10 acres corn, 20 wheat and 5 oats 30 00 Groceries and provisions 100 00 Total outlay first year $916 50 Receipts (after deducting for family use). 200 bushels corn at 75 cents $ l-'^O 00 200 bushels wheat, $2; 150 bushels oats at 50-75 cents 475 00 In this county tobacco is very little raised ; the preparation for it involves considerable expense in building houses, &c., and the cul- 120 tivation requires an intimate acquaintance with the necessities of the plant not usually possessed by foreigners. 800 pounds pork, 20 of wool at 30 cents 86 00 2 tons hay at $15 30 00 Increase of stock 100 00 Proceeds garden, dairy and poultry yard 50 00 Total receipts first year $891 00 Second Year. — Outlay. Second payment on land $ 300 00 Sowing 10 acres wheat and corn, oats and timothy. 15 00 Extra labor at harvest GO 00 Groceries 30 00 Total outlay second year $405 00 Receipts (deducting as before). 50 bushels corn at 75 cents $ 37 00 250 bushels wheat at $2, 200 bushels oats at 50 cents 600 00 1,000 pounds pork at 10 cents 100 00 40 pounds wool at 30 cents 12 00 Proceeds orchard, garden, dairy and poultry 50 00 Increase live stock and poultry 150 00 Total receipts second year $949 00 Third Year. — Outlay. Third payment on land* $ 800 00 Farm expenses, extra labor and fertilizers 150 00 Groceries 50 00 Total outlay third year $500 00 Receipts {deducting as before). 150 bushels wheat at $2, 100 bushels corn at 75 cents $ 375 00 100 bushels oats at 50 cents, 15 tons hay at $20 350 00 5 muttons at $4, 8 pounds wool at 30 cents 44 00 1,000 pounds bacon at 16 cents 160 00 Proceeds orchard, garden, dairy and poultry yard 100 00 Increase livestock and poultry 250 00 Total receipts third year $1,279 00 This county lies, with the famous region of mineral waters of Vir- ginia, in, perhaps, the most remarkable region in the world. With a radius of 100 miles, a circle may be drawn, lying chiefly in Virginia, which will include varieties of all the mineral waters of Europe from hot to cold, salt, sulphur, chalybeate, alum, &c. The Rockbridge Baths ; the Alum Springs; the Cold Sulphur Springs; Wilson's Springs, with othel" mineral waters that have not been brought to notice as water- ing places, are all in this county. In the adjoining county of Bath, there are the Bath Alum, the Hot and the Warm, the Healing, the Milboro' and others not yet utilized. In Botetourt county are Dibberell's Sulphur Springs. . In Roanoke ^Leaving oue payment oa laud still due. 121 county, Coyner's and the Roanoke Springs, all of which are esteemed for the medicinal virtue of the waters, and to which vast numbers of people from all parts of the land resort every summer. AUGUSTA. The rural population of Augusta and Rockingham is larger than that of any other two counties in Virginia, and the aggregate value of the real estate in Augusta exceeds that of any other county. Staunton, the most thriving town in the Valley, is the county seat of Augusta. This county, as well as Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick, was settled up, in a great measure, by Germans, and the population has retained its German character. Industries ? As in other counties of the State, the chief industries in this part of the Valley are agricultural, pastoral and mining. Here, as elsewhere, the land is well watered and wooded, and the iron dug from the hills is smelted in charcoal furnaces. According to the report of Samuel P. Finley, Riverside, Augusta county, the improved lands of the county vary in value form $30 to $100 the acre. Minerals ? "The most common minerals are iron, manganese, and kao- line. Staple Crops ? Corn, wheat, oats, hay and grass seed. Yield per acre ? Ranges from, for corn and oats, 25-75 bushels ; wheat, 5-15; clover seed, 1-2; timothy ditto, 4-8; hay, 1-2| tons. The prices of these staples range, for corn, from 25-75 cents ; wheat, $1.50-$2.50; timothy seed, $2. 50-$4 ; clover seed, $5-$10 ; hay, $10- $15 per ton." WARREN. W. C. Overall, Esq., Front Royal, furnishes the following information concerning this county, which exhausts the replies received from the in- habitants of the Valley belt. Minerals ? "The Blue Ridge mountains bounding the counties of Page and Warren are rich in minerals, chiefly copper ores and manga- nese, which have been examined and tested by the best chemists, and pronounced to contain a large percentum of mineral. Timber ? Some of the land is heavily timbered with all kinds of wood — oak, pine, chestnut, locust and walnut. This mountain land ia well fitted for wine-dressing. Industries? Grape culture is becoming very profitable with us. Many are turning their attention to raising peaches and grapes for the Northern markets and the distillation of wine and brandy. Prices ? Cultivated land may be had at from $15 to $30 per acre — depending on the size of the tract proposed to be sold and its improve- ments. 122 The principal pursuits are agriculture, lumbering and grazing to some extent. The mountain range, to those who live near the mountain, is very fine for stock of all kinds, which can subsist at large half the year. The mountains abound in wild game, fruit and nuts; sumac and other dye-stuffs are found. There is a large and very valuable manganese mine situated in the county of Shenandoah. It was opened, examined and tested by the best chemists of New York and Philadelphia, and pro- nounced best grey oxide of manganese, yielding from 60 to 100 per- centum of mineral. Timber? The land is well timbered and for sale. We will sell on rea- sonable terms. There is much land for sale in this part of the country at low rates, and capital is greatly needed; labor cheap and plentiful." The following tables show, like the others, the black and white popu- lation, the quantity of improved and unimproved lands belonging to farms, with the average number of acres to each white person among the rural population : VALLEY BELT. Counties. Alleghany Augusta Bath Bland Botetourt Carroll Clarke Craig.. Floyd Frederick Giles Grayson Highland Montgomery. Page.... Pulaski.. Roanoke Rockbridge.. Rockingham. Shenandoah. Smythe Warren Washington.. Wythe Population. White. 3,095 22,026 2,906 3,783 8,166 8,819 4,511 2,712 8,827 13,863 5,272 8,833 3,803 9,6 7.476 4,729 6,218 12,162 21,152 14,260 7,654 4,611 14,156 4,717 Black. Whites in Towns. 579 6,737 889 217 3.163 328 2,159 230 997 2,733 598 754 348 2,882 986 1,809 3,132 3,890 2,516 676 l,24i 1,105 2,653 68 Total 203,405 40,693 4,674 579 175 590 151 255 8,629 Acreage. K J Impr'ed. 571 855 1,982 2,254 2,452 288 486 469 1,198 20,608 23,423 222,843 37,913 30,082 73,691 57,656 73,253 27,107 68,627 134,160 40.102 65,389 53,491 79,573 48,744 61,250 69,553 100,794 184,134 114,931 56,478 55,269 145,802 85,387 1909,601 Unimp'd Acres per ! ^ '^ q| rural white' g ^ inh'bit'nts. I<| 87,013 178,028 134,705 86,146 82,222 136,110 26,216 63,839 93,801 75,609 84,236 129,418 116,766 125,658 56,506 110,604 94,228 112,640 130,096 85,335 88,983 41,638 186,254 159,321 2485,372 20 23 60 31 21 22 26 36 19 21 23 22 44 22 14 36 31 21 17 17 20 23 24 70 28 $13 00 TRANS-ALLEGHANY BELT. The six counties of this Belt with an aggregate area short of 3,000 square miles, are Buchannan, Lee, Tazewell, Wise, Scott and RusseU. 123 They lie in the Mississippi Valley, for they are all drained off into that river, either through the tributaries of the Ohio, or of the Tennessee. They are rich in coal and iron, but owing to the cost of transportation, the industry of the people is confined chiefly to stock raising. I have no special reports from the inhabitants of this Belt. Accord- ing to the last United States census returns (1870), its total population was 57,760. The average price of land is now $3.50 per acre. The mountains here abound with game, and the brooks with trout. Bears, deer, foxes, wild turkeys, pheasants, squirrels, raccoons and opos- sums are the most abundant. Tables of population, farms and average number of acres to each rural inhabitant, white, in the Trans-Alleghany Belt. Counties. Buchannan Lee Russell Scott Tazewell.... Wise , Total. Population. White. 3,730 12,263 9.93G 12,512 9.193 4,717 53,351 Black. 47 1,005 1,167 524 1,598 4,409 Whites in Towns. 242 164 80 486 Acreage. Impr'ed. 14,055 75, ''SI 74.209 70,449 63,404 24,696 322,544 Unim'd 195,060 148.527 113,541 158.017 154.914 195,215 965,375 Acres per rural whit« inh'bit'nts. 56 18 20 70 22 47 42 a -i o t Ph $3 50 RESUME Virginia contains an area of 38,352 square miles [besides about 3,000 square miles of water], equal to 24,545,280 acres. There are 73,849 farms in the State ; they contain in round numbers 8,169,040 acres of improved, and 9,980,870 of unimproved acres, and average 246 acres a piece. In France, the average size of the farms is 42 acres. Besides the 9,980,870 acres of unimproved land which belong to the farms, there are 6,395,369 acres of land and water which do not form a part of any of the farms. The average of white population to the square mile in Virginia and different European countries is, for Virginia, 18 Scotland, 92 Denmark, 114 Hanover, 123 Austria, 142 Bavaria, 156 Wertemberg, 210 Prussia, 159 Holland, 250 France, 176 England, 307 German States, 177 Saxony, 353 Ireland, 205 Belgium, 397 124 The average value of the farm lands in what is now Virginia, was then $14.60 the acre. According to the estimate embodied in this report, and prepared by some of our most intelligent farmers, it is within the power of any young married man, who brings with him $500, who is well up to his business, sober, saving and industrious, to make, in three years, $1,100 all clear, and to be the sole and independent owner of a farm of 40 acres of land besides. I think that these estimates will hold good whenever they shall be brought to the test, for according to the census tables of 1860, every farmer in the State had, during the previous decade, made and laid by as clear gain, property of the value of nearly $2,000— this average included the idle and the wasteful, the prodigal, as well as the industrious and the frugal, whereas, the estimates apply only to the skilful and prudent. The following tables have been prepared to show the wealth of each county, arranged according to Belts. They are very instructive, pre- senting besides a vast amount of useful information, some striking features, especially those which relate to the value of personal and real estate ia both county and Belt : TIDEWATER BELT. FIRST DIVISION OR SOUTH-SIDE. Valuation of Estate Real and Personal.* Counties. Isle of Wight.. Nansemond Norfolk Prince George. Princess Anne. Southampton... Surry Sussex Total. Real. 8 1,161,250 1,520,512 13,619,741 1,103,043 1,163.256 1,488,394 733,024 867,502 $21,656,722 Personal. ^ 459,512 561,893 2,635,101 307,005 844,551 840,480 293,824 300,435 $5,742,801 Aggregate. $ 1,620,762 2,082,405 16,254,842 1,410,048 1,507,807 2,328,874 1,026,848 1,167,937 $27,399,523 Accomac Northampton. Total. SECOND DIVISION OR EASTERN SHORE. $2,984,793 951,423 $3,936,216 $1,066,960 381,271 $1,448,231 $4,051,753 1,332,694 $5,384,447 *rrom Report Auditor of Virginia for 1876. 125 THIRD DIVISION OR PENINSULA. Counties. Real. Personal. Aggregate. Charles City.... Elizabeth City James City Henrico. "New Kent Warwick York Total. Caroline Essex... Gloucester King and Queen. King William.... Matthews Middlesex I 652,321 756,891 640,621 32,099,225 378,482 294,703 637,836 J 192,074 213,245 266,236 8,767,431 180,421 58.085 148,556 55,460,079 $9,826,048 FOURTH DIVISION. I 844,395 970,136 906,857 40,866,656 558,903 352,788 786,392 Total. $1,888,578 829,689 1,213,510 817,461 1,034,913 641,894 598,751 $7,024,796 $ 549,157 219,265 415,960 289,330 340,939 179,805 378,241 $2,372,697 $45,286,127 ^2,437,735 1,048,954 1,629,470 1,106,791 1,375,852 821,699 976,992 $9,397,493 FIFTH DIVISION OR NORTHERN NECK. King George Lancaster Northumberland. Richmond Westmoreland. .. Total. $981,105 249,676 807,094 610,429 825,790 $3,474,094 $259,093 141,235 248.046 262,752 321,793 $1,232,919 $1,240,198 390,911 1,055,140 873,181 1,147,583 $4,707,013 SIXTH DIVISION. Alexandria.. Fairfax $4,731,603 4,178,882 2,358,425 1,047,336 $846,439 995,711 532,353 359,722 $5,578,042 5,174,595 2,890,777 1,407,058 Prince William Stafford ... Total $12,316,246 $2,734,224 $15,050,470 Grand total $83,868,153 $23,356,920 $107,225,073 126 PIEDMONT BELT. Counties. Real. Personal. Aggregate. $ 6,197,305 $ 1,973,084 $ 8,170,389 1,179,867 344,329 1,524,196 2,063,402 608,058 2,671,460 880,440 343,202 1,223,642 3,726,680 1,042,629 4,769.309 1,150,958 544,455 1,695,413 1,741,258 411,601 2,152,859 6,013,846 2,344,055 8,357,901 4,353,937 619,703 4,973,640 1,886,566 667,595 2,554,161 2,389,755 624,545 3,014,300 1,235,525 313,749 1,549,274 6,802,801 2,837,783 9,640,584 7,903,536 1,935,198 9,838,734 1,275,402 362,523 1,637,925 2.013,072 754,452 2,767,524 1,461,300 377,576 1,838,876 580,420 204,369 784.789 638,537 215,350 853,887 3,335,331 1,234,764 4,570,095 2,138,008 521,615 2,659,628 970,241 475,897 1,446,138 9,803,044 3,304,595 13,107,639 2,240,387 888,139 3,128,526 813,109 378,989 1,192,098 1,717,545 715,081 2,432,626 2,078,271 778,961 2,857,232 2,064,602 539,962 2,604,564 849,159 306,622 1,155,781 2,218,500 794,343 3,012,843 939,404 364,840 1,304,244 6,689,075 1,922,336 7,611,411 2,068,367 462,065 2,530,432 441,929 246,989 688,918 - 2,479,848 768,885 8.248,738 1,771,842 458,296 2,230,138 $95,113,269 $30,686,635 125,799,904 Albemarle Amelia Amherst Appomattox... Bedford.... Brunswick Buckingham.... Campbell Chesterfield Charlotte. Culpeper Cumberland.... Dinwiddle Fauquier Fluvanna Franklin Goochland Green Greenville Halifax Hanover Henry Loudoun Louisa Lunenburg Madison Mecklenburg... Nelson Nottoway Orange Patrick . Pittsylvania. .. Prince Edward Powhattan Spottsylvania... Kappahannock Total 127 VALLEY BELT. Counties. Real. Personal. Aggregate. Alleghany Augusta Bath Bland..- Botetourt. ... Carroll Clarke Craig Floyd Frederick Giles Grayson Highland Montgomery. Page... . Pulaski Roanoke Rockbridge... Rockingliara. Shenandoah.. Smyth Warren Washington. Wythe $ 1,053,209 10,382,176 792,413 463,875 23,837,588 582,432 2,471,686 557,267 1,050.887 4,706,236 1,163,721 676,862 1,017,567 2,825,749 1,613,815 1,718,052 2,786,942 4,201,829 6,883,688 3,599,167 1,623,152 1,447.699 2,695,029 2.590 940 Total. $59,288,1.^1 301,088 3,262,855 313,597 191,625 626,442 304,727 506,515 160,495 369,236 1,490,919 368,799 287,504 388,476 677,819 564,098 624.776 814,212 1,583,951 2,070,017 1,153,517 503,563 370,110 868,561 1,133,529 $8,937,031 ^ 1,354,297 13,645,031 1,106,010 655,500 3,010,200 887,159 2,978,201 717,762 1,420,123 6,197,155 1,532.520 964,366 1,40(5,043 3,503,568 2,177,913 2,342,828 3,601,154 5,785,780 8,954,305 4,752,684 2,126,715 1,817,809 3,563,590 3,724,467 $78,225,182 TRANS-ALLEGHANY BELT. Counties. Real. Personal. Aggregate. Buchannan Lee Russell Scott Tazewell Wise Total.. ^ 217,964 1,280,508 916,839 787,773 1,074,027 205,835 $4,482,946 93,574 591,746 491,232 611,841 429,833 154,270 $2,272,496 \ 311,538 1,872,254 1,408,071 1,299,614 1,503,860 360,105 ^6,755,442 128 RECAPITULATION. Region. Real. Persowal. Aggregatb. Tirlpvvfltpr Tip]t $83,868,153 95,113,269 59,288,151 4,482,946 $23,356,920 30,686,635 18,937,031 2,272,496 $107,225,073 125,799,904 78,225,182 6,755,442 P'ipflninnf' Tiplt Vallev Belt Trans- Alleffhany Belt Grand total $242,752,519 $75,253,082 $318,005,601 These tables, with those already presented, show the distribution of the negro population by the counties and belts, also the wealth and pop- ulation, the average quantity of land for each white person of the rural population, which, with the total area of farm lands and the average size of a Virginia family (5J souls) as elements, will also give the number and size of the farms in the several counties. The latest tables show the average value of land to be. $20 the acre in the Tidewater belt. $13 " " Valley " $10 " " Piedmont " $3| " " Trans Alleghany belt. THE SUMMING UP. The climate and geographical position of Virginia show that here the year is not divided into seasons of wet and dry, but, like Europe, into Winter and Summer, Spring and Autumn, with grateful showers at all seasons. The annual rainfall here is between 30 and 40 inches, and corresponds to that of France, England and Germany, with more sun- shine than either of these, or even Italy, and a climate altogether as healthy. Everything that can be ' cultivated in either Germany, France, or England, may be grown here equally as well, with other things besides, such as Indian corn, cotton, tobacco, peanuts and sweet potatoes, which are not known as staples there. The climates and soils of Virginia are as favorable to the cultivation of the grape and the manufacture of wine, as they are in France or Ger- many. The mulberry and the silk worm would find more genial climates and favorable conditions here than they do there. So with the beet and its sugar, hops and beer, the olive and its oil, for where figs grow the olivo thrives. The shores of Virginia are in more sunny climes, for they are 129 nearer the equator than those of France, therefore they are more favor- ably situated for the manufacture of sea salt by solar evaporation, than those of France, even on the Mediterranean where salt is turned out at less than one cent the bushel. We pay 80 cents for it here, and some- times a dollar— (from $2.50 to $2.75 the sack). The pastures are as green, the running brooks as abundant, and the water as fine in Virginia as they are there ; and the dairy, with its milk and cream, its butter and cheese, would not be less remunerative here than it is in Great Britain, or on the continent, for our winters are milder than theirs ; after a few weeks, and sometimes days of intense cold, their severity is past and gone ; by reason of this it does not cost so much to winter cattle here as it does there. The surface of this State is diversified with hill and dale, mountain ranges and fertile valleys sinking down and rising up their loftiest peaks to the height of 4,500 feet. They afford the finest sheep walks, and the wool from their flocks is not surpassed by that of Saxony or any other country. The industries of the poultry yard are ignored almost entirely in our system of husbandry. In France these yield $50,000,000 a year. Here eggs sell for 25 cents the dozen, and fowls 16 cents the pound. The turkey is indigenous to Virginia, and her forests afford cover and shelter to large flosks of them in the wild state. No doubt the poultry business might be made nearly as profitable as it is in France. The rivers, bays, and ponds, team with fish ; they are often covered ■with wild ducks, geese, brandt, and swans ; and the barn yards are live- ly with turkeys, Guinea fowls, ducks, geese, peafowls, and chickens of many breeds. The Legislature has passed an act and granted money to encourage fish culture in all the waters of Virginia, and her rivers and streams, from the mountains to the sea, are now being hberally stocked with the finest varieties. There are many sources of wealth in our forests, and especially in those that stand a little way back from the seashore, that are still lite- rally untouched. The mountains are clothed with the finest of timber ; there are numerous streams and unlimited water power all running to waste at their foot, and yet, with the exception of staves and shingles, shiptimber and fire wood in the Tidewater belt, the lumber business, like piscicul- ture, has scarce a place among the industries of the Commonwealth. Dye stuffs, drugs, medicinal herbs, and plants are passed by almost unnoticed. Snake root and ginseng grow wild in the mountains, the latter is sold for a dollar the pound on the spot where gathered ; sumac, better than the best Sicilian, grows wild in ail parts of the State. It is 9 130 ju3t beginning to attract a little notice from the country people as an article of merchandise.* Outside of the cypress swamps of lower Virginia, there is scarcely a landscape in the whole State without its oaks. Of all trees, the oak family is the most numerous here. The bark of the Spanish, red, and chestnut oaks, well rossed, commands readily, in the northern tanneries, from $30 to $40 the ton. Bark of the black oak, one of the most com- mon varieties, ground into quercitron or manufactured into flavine, com- mands, both in the domestic and foreign markets, at the'rate of $50 and up- wards to the ton of bark. In Tennessee, and in the mountains of West Virginia, they are engaging actively in this business, but little or noth- ing is doing with it in Virginia. Of all the States in America, Virginia is the most celebrated for the beauty, quality, and flavor of her apples. They keep through the win- ter, and last till apples come again. The Albemarle pippin, and the ex- quisitely beautiful little Lady apple, are well known abroad. They are prized in England above all other apples. To encourage the importa- tion of them there, the Lords of the Treasury passed an order for the admission of the Albemarle pippin into the ports of the realm duty free. Albemarle pippins command readily, in the New York market, $16 the barrel, the Lady apple from $25 to $30, because of its beauty. The trees are hardy, prolific, and long lived, and yet I might count on my fingers the farmers of Virginia who make the cultivation of them even a chief branch of business. Water power of vast extent, and mill sites oflFering manufacturing fa- cilities of the most desirable nature, free alike from interruption by the frosts of winter, or the droughts of summer, abound in all parts of the State above tidewater. But there they are, the one unoccupied, and the other running by to waste for the want of capital and labor. If we look below the surface at the treasures contained there, we shall find that the openings for capital and labor, and the field for enterprise below the soil are quite as rich with promise, and as inviting as those above it. The mineral resources of Virginia are exceedingly valuable. In this respect she is said to be the richest state east of the Rocky moun- tains, yet, till now, the mining operations here have, with a few excep- tions, been confined to what may be called mere scratching into the sides of the mountains or into the bowels of the hills. * When this was written, (in 1869) there were but two sumac mills in the State, now (1877) there are twenty-six, with a capital of nearly $2,000,000 for purchasing alone. R. L. M. 131 Now, it may be asked, and it is proper that the question should be answered, for it is probably passing through the mind of the reader, why, considering this vast wilderness of wealth, do not the people there explore and develop it themselves. The answer is ready and the reason simple. It is because the fields in which they are accustomed to labor are more convenient, sufficiently remunerative, and far more congenial to their tastes and habits. Their tillage and their pasturage, their truck- ing and their fisheries, have been so profitable that in the ten years pre- ceding the war — that is, from the year 1850 to 1860 — they had, ac- cording to the returns embodied in the United States census table (1860), increased the wealth of their State by $360,000,000, and brought it up to an aggregate of one thousand and eighty-three millions of dollars (^1,083,000,000), making their State the fourth in the Union for wealth. During that decade the wealth of the State increased at the rate of $36,000,000 a year. These facts and figures show that during those ten years each family in the State had gained and accumulated within a fraction of $2,000 on the average, dispensing, in the meantime, that generous hospitality for which their State is celebrated.* Surely, no people were ever more prosperous. " Our land," says the superintendent of the census, " is not so tho- roughly underdrained and cultivated as that of England, Scotland, or Belgium ; but we can, and do now, produce a bushel of wheat at much less cost than the most scientific farmer of England can by the best ap- proved method of cultivation, ' even if he paid nothing for the use of his land.' " Moreover, the people in the Tidewater belt have all the bounties of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Some of their oyster planta- tions are worth more than $1,000 the acre. HEALTH. The census contains tables of mortality for all the States, showing not only the death rate or the aggregate for every county in every State, but the causes also. According to these tables the annual death rate is one out of every *Thi3 statement includes Western Virginia, as do all of the statements from the census of 1860, for when that was taken Western Virginia had not been separated from the " Old Dominion," but was a part of it. 132 71 persons in Virginia, 70 persons in Rhode Island, 69 persons in Kansas, 67 persons in Missouri, 50 persons in Sweden and Denmark, 45 persons in England and France, 43 persons in Belgium, 40 persons in Holland, 37 persons in Prussia. The census of 1870 gives the following death rates : England, one death of every 46, Denmark, one death of every 45, Belgium, one death of every 43, Norway and Sweden, one death of every 41, Austria, one death of every 40, Prussia, one death of every 39, France, one death of every 32. The United States life tables show a very wide range. From the highest, Arkansas, where the annual deaths are one to every forty-nine inhabitants — a little over 2 per cent, of population — to the lowest, Ore- gon, where the death rate is less than one-half of 1 per cent., or one to every 209 inhabitants. The following grouping of States and Territo- ries exhibits the average yearly proportion of deaths : New England States 1 in 68 Middle States 1 in 88 Southern States 1 in 70 Western States 1 in 81 Northwestern States 1 in 120 Pacific States 1 in 114 Atlantic States 1 in 80 'Gulf States 1 in 63 Mississippi Valley States 1 in 80 These tables give evidence of how highly we are favored. It is a general idea that the longevity of the Old World exceeds that of- the New, but if so it is only in special classes. Out of every 100 deaths, there are by violence — 4.1 in Ohio, 4.4 in Massachusetts, 6.6 in Virginia, 9.6 in Oregon, 10 in Minnesoto, 13.3 in California. All of the States save two have more deaths by violence than Ohio, so that Virginia is among the orderly. It will be observed 133 that in Minnesota one-tenth of all the people who die there die violent deaths. This statement ought to be sufficient to disabuse the public mind in Europe touching the alleged lawlessness in Virginia, and to vindicate her people as lovers of order and haters of violence. DEATHS FROM OTHER CAUSES. Consumption and diseases of the respiratory organs carry off more people in the United States than all other diseases combined. Out of every 100 deaths, there are from these two causes alone — 43.9 in Virginia, 69 in Maine, 59.7 in Massachusetts, and 59.5 in the rest of the New England States, 51.2 in New York, 50 in Michigan, 49.2 in Penn- sylvania, 46.3 in Minnesota, and 45.2 in Indiana. Fevers. — Out of every 100 deaths, there are from fevers — 7.1 in Vir- ginia ; while in Kansas there are 23.1 ; in Nebraska, 19.4 ; Missouri, 15.8 ; Iowa, 13.2 ; Illinois, 13.1 ; Indiana, 13.6 • Oregon, 9.6 ; Mich- igan, 9.1 ; Minnesota, 8.3. ^ Thus, according to official documents and the census statistics, the fact is brought out that Virginia, so far from having a deadly climate, is one of the most healthy, as it is one of the most orderly, States in America. The Legislature has passed acts to encourage foreign immigration and to protect the immigrant. It legalizes contracts made abroad for ser- vices to be rendered in Virginia, and has passed what is known as the "homestead bill," by which the property of the poor man is protected from seizure for debts to the extent of $2,500. The object of this bill is to secure a homestead to every family in the Commonwealth. The laws of the State are most generous. They afford the immigrant as soon as he steps upon the soil all the protection, immunities, and privi- leges that are enjoyed by the most favored amongst her own citizens. RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP. Any foreigner intending to reside in Virginia may take out naturali- zation papers, buy, sell, hold, and devise real and personal estate, and enjoy all the rights, immunities and privileges of a native-born citizen, except that he may not be elected President of the United States. The laws of Virginia, as well as the Constitution of the United States, as the subjoined extract shows, protect the immigrant in his rights : " All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the States wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law 134 ■which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of the citizens of the United States ; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." NATURALIZATION. Any free alien, over the age of 21 years, may, at any time after his arrival, declare, before any court of record having common law jurisdic- tion [with a clerk and seal], his intention to become a citizen and to re- nounce forever all foreign allegiance. The declaration must be made at least two years before application for citizenship. At the expiration of two years after such declaration, and at any time after five years' resi- dence, the party desiring naturalization, if then not a citizen, denizen? or subject of any country at war with the United States, must appear in a court of record, and there be sworn to support the Constitution of the United States and renounce all foreign allegiance. If he possessed any title or order of nobility it must be renounced, and satisfactory proof produced to the court by the testimony of witnesses, citizens of the United States, of the five years' residence in this country, one year of which must be within the State or territory where the court is held, and that during the period of five years the applicant was a person of good moral character, and attached to the principles of the Constitu- tion ; whereupon he will be admitted to citizenship, and thereby his children, under 21 years of age, if dwelling within the United States, will also be regarded as citizens. When an alien has made his declaration, and dies before being ac- tually naturalized, the widow and children become citizens of the United States, and are entitled to all rights and privileges as such, upon taking the prescribed oaths. Any alien being a minor, and under the age of 21 years at the time of his arrival, who has resided in the country three years next preced- ing his majority, may, after reaching such period, and a five years' res- idence [including the three years of his minority], be admitted to citi- zenship without a previous declaration of intention, provided he then files such declaration, averring also, on oath, and proving to the court, that for the past three years it has been his intention to become a citi- zen, and also showing the fact of his residence and good character. Children of the citizens of the United States born out of the coun- try, are deemed citizens, the right, however, not descending to persons whose fathers never resided in the country, and any woman who might 135 legally be naturalized, married to a citizen of the United States, is held to possess citizenship. An alien, 21 years and over, of age, who enlists in the regular or volunteer armies of the United States, and is honorably discharged therefrom, may be admitted to citizenship upon his simple petition and satisfactory proof of one year's residence prior to his application, ac- companying the same with proof of good moral character and honora- ble discharge. Recent conventions with Great Britain and several other European powers, have established that a naturalized citizen of the United States is free from all allegiance to his former government.* TAXES. In Virginia there is a State tax of fifty cents on the hundred dollars of value — I. e., one-half of one per cent, on the cash value of all sorts of property. This is the only property tax levied by the State, and as the assessed value of all the property in the State is set down at $320,- 000,000, the annual State property taxes amount in round numbers to about $1,600,000. Besides this, there is a poll, license, and income tax, and an excise or internal revenue tax which is common to all the States. Then in Virginia, as elsewhere, each county and corporation, town or city, has its special municipal taxes. These vary for every county or town ; some of them have taken shares in railways and borrowed money to pay the instalments ; others have issued their bonds for various pur- poses, and the inhabitants of such towns and cities tax themselves for money to meet these obligations and defray county and town expenses. Generally the local taxes, as they are called, do not exceed the State tax. In some counties they are much less. SCHOOLS. By law one-fifth of the whole revenues derived from State taxes is set aside for the purposes of education, and the people of each county may tax themselves for more. The counties are divided into school districts of convenient size, in which a school-house is built, and the school sup- ported at the common expense. ADVICE TO IMMIGRANTS. It will be observed that many of the persons whom I have consulted as to the best course for immigrants, with not over $500 in cash, to pur- *Bri9f description of the Public Lands of the United States of America. Pre- pared by the Commissioner of the General Land Office for the information of for- eigners seeking a home in the United States. 136 sue, advise, instead of buying, to rent land or crops on shares for a few years, and until the new comer has time to look about him and make himself acquainted with the industries and customs of the country, the mode of cultivation, &c. I think the advice is good, and have been confirmed in this impression by the result of observations made during a tour through this and all the Southern States this side of the Missis- sippi river, except Florida. In all that country — I speak exclusively of the rural population — the farmers and white laborers of small means, such as the young immi- grant is supposed to be, were doing much better than the planters, and, as a rule, those who did not already own lands preferred, at starting out, to rent or lease, rather than buy, until they had "saved up" a little more. Those of small means could rent from the large landed proprietors, and pay in kind, and also get rid of the land tax, or at any rate, if he paid taxes he would pay them only on the land actually under cultiva- tion, and not on ten times as much as the planters often do. Another consideration which influences the poor man to lease, or rent, or crop on shares, instead of buying, is the idea that the price of land will not for several years rule any higher than it does now, and that he can employ his small capital to more advantage in the purchase of stock and implements than on land just yet. The average amount of ready money which American immigrants from Europe carry to the West is about |500, and the war, I estimate, did not leave our white laboring population an average of that much. This population is large, much larger than it is supposed abroad to be. All of it, including what is known in England and on the Continent as small farmers, is prospering more than any other class of our people. Politicians in the Northern States, before the war, sought to incul- cate the doctrine that work in the cotton field was death to the white man, and that labor was considered dishonorable in Southern society. This they did for their own purposes. With similar designs they have since made "mountains" out of their ku Mux "mole-hills" and other al- leged disorders, that they might have a pretext for sending the army down into the South to control the elections. When they were over, we heard no more of the ku klux or other lawlessness. The result of personal inquiries as to the state of affairs in the South- ern States may be thus summed up in the shape of answers to formu- lated questions : What about the ku klux ? Ans. We know nothing about it, save what we learn from Yankee 137 sources. We consider life and property as safe in the South as any- where. How does negro labor compare now with what it was before the war ? Ans. It takes three negro men now to do the work of two then. How does the total product of negro labor throughout the South com- pare with what it was before the war ? An8. Not half as much as it was then. How is that ? Since the labor of three negro men now answer to the labor of two before the war ? Ans. Before the war it was customary for the women and the boys and girls of 10 or 12 years old and upwards to work out in the field. Now they rarely do it. The present cotton crop is estimated at upwards of four millions of bales, the largest except one or two that has ever been made even before the war. Who made this crop ? Ans. More than half of it is the product of white labor. It is a common impression abroad that labor is considered dishonora- ble in the South, and that persons who work with their own hands are looked down upon. How is this ? Ans. On the contrary, there is no part of the world in which a per- son who honestly strives to help himself and better his condition, re- ceives more encouragement and respect than he does among us. Many of our poor young men work hard, and save money to go to college. Such are pointed out with praise and commendation and held up as an example to the indolent, and always with the remark, "he pays for his education with the fruits of his own labor." Some of the greatest men the South ever produced were self-made men, and there is no communi- ty throughout the South in which you may not find among its leading and most useful citizens, men who in early life labored with their own hands. Since the war society has been greatly disorganized, in consequence of the course of the victors. Our leading men were disfranchised, ex- cluded from the conduct of public affairs, placed under the ban, and for- bid to hold any office, either State or Federal. In this state of the case, there was a great rush upon us from the North of needy adventurers — "carpet baggers," they were called, be- cause they owned nothing but their carpet-bags. These cajoled the ne- groes and the scalawags — a class of Southern renegades — wormed themselves into place and position, and perpetrated untold malfeasance of office. They robbed, plundered and maltreated publicly and pri- vately. As the disability of the Southern men were removed, and law 138 and order began to assert themselves, these interlopers commenced to lose their offices and influence, and to return whence they came, with the cry of injustice and persecution upon their lips. Recent letters from friends and correspondents in England and on the Continent tell me that immigrants are deterred from coming to the South by the stories which they hear of lawlessness and disorder, ku- klux, &c., among us. They say : " We are anxious to know your opin- ion about the condition of the South, and your views about the conflict- ing opinions about the ku klux versus carpet-baggers, because the Amer- ican papers (Northern) keep up in Europe the impression that the social condition of the South is most horriMe, by which the interest of the Southern States will be damaged, for neither emigrants nor capital can be induced to go to you as long as there is no security for life or prop- erty." Southern papers do not circulate in Europe, for the simple reason that all the mail steamers sail from the North. They carry Northern papers that are issued the day of sailing ; for when Southern papers are brought on board they are already several days old. When the steamer arrives in Europe, the latest American papers are inquired for. These are the Northern journals that are issued the day of sailing or the day before; all others are out of date, and therefore are not read. It should be remembered, therefore, that Europe hears only one side concerning us, and the champions of that side are unfriendly towards the South. A simple, flat and indignant denial is the only answer that can be given to a certain class of falsehoods, and this is of them, and such a denial I have already given. Perhaps the weight of this denial may be increased, and the force of the statements already made augmented by the mention of this additional fact : There is no part of Europe in which the people, the country peo- ple, lie down with a sense of such security, as do the rural population of the South. They often go to bed without locking up, and habitually sleep in undisturbed repose behind doors and windows without catches, or so slightly fastened that any one who tries may find easy and noiseless entrances. Hen-roosts, meat-houses, barns and stables are sometimes robbed, but I do not remember in all my experience in the South of having once heard of a country dwelling in the South having been en- tered by burglars. In the Southern cities and towns there are bolts and bars and chains tq doors, and windows, as in other cities and dwellings, are fastened 139 every night through fear of robbers — not -eo in the rural districts, which contain more than 90 per cent, of the total population. All communities are liable to acts of violence, but the South, especially those States which are now controlled by their own sons, are not more so than the North. New York papers tell of the murder of one of their chief merchants as he stept from a street-car at 10 P. M. in one of the great thoroughfares and well lighted streets of that city. According to the Judge, as he sat on the bench, conductors of these cars are leagued with murderers and robbers. Tl^e miners of Pennsylvania are at this moment on strike, murdering and'/obbing, as the Trades Union of Sheffield and other parts of Eng- land did a few years ago ; but it does not suit the purpose of either of the great political parties to make capital out of such outrages as these.* They are treated, and very properly so, as coming within the category of those violations of the law which are liable to occur in all communi- ties, and which it is impossible for the constituted authorities always to prevent. But like transgressions in the South are not so treated by manufac- turers of public opinion in the North, and for this reason : the North ia divided into two great political parties. In general the men — the white men of the South, sympathise with one of these parties — the negroes, scalawags and carpet-baggers with the other. This class, especially the negroes, are ignorant, credulous and superstitious. Being easily im- posed upon, they are used by their crafty white associates for the con- coction of all sorts of stories for political effect and party purposes. Apropos. The morning papers bring this letter from Northern men settled in the South, and which I introduce without a word of comment. It is taken from the New York Tribune: "Ku Klux No Bar to Northern Settlers. To the Editors of the Tribune : Sir, — We noticed recently a great many publications in your paper concerning outrages committed by ku klux in the Southern States. We know nothing of the truth or falsity of these charges, and shall not un- dertake their refutation,'except so far as they may be understood to ap- ply to the whole South. The undersigned, all Northern men by birth and education, have, since the war, purchased homes and settled, some in Pittsylvania county, Va., and others in Carroll and Rockingham counties, North Carolina, and many of us are Republicans and regular * There was not the slightest disorder in any part of the South during the recent great railway strike in the North and Northwestern States. — R. L. M. 140 readers of and subscribers to The Tribune. We have reason to believe that a large number of our Northern friends earnestly desire to emigrate to the South, supply themselves with cheap lands, and enjoy this charm- ing climate; and we fear that they maybe deterred from doing so by the publications to which we have referred. It is for this reason we request the insertion of this letter in your paper, in the hope that such other papers of the North, as desire to do justice to every portion of the coun- try, will give it circulation. We can say in truth that not only persons and property are safe in the sections of Virginia and North Carolina in which we reside, but that we never lived in a moire orderly or law-abiding community. We have been kindly received by the entire people ; our intercourse with them has been in all respects as agreeable as we could have desired. We have seen no disposition to mistreat or even slight us on account of our politics ; on the contrary, we have uniformly been treated with civility and respect by every one with whom we have come in contact. It ia but an act of justice to ourselves and to the people living in the States of our adoption that we should say what we have said, and we trust yoa will give it a place in your paper. James Robinson, Canada ; Rev. John Branch, Tioga county, N. Y. ; A. G. Newell, Tioga county, N. Y.; S. L. Hitchcock, Brown county, N. Y.; Fred'k Hitchcock, Brown county, N. Y.; J. F. Councilman, Tioga county, N. Y.; Austin H. Prentice, Tioga county, N. Y.; James Hutchinson, Penn.; John Hutchinson, Penn.; Wm. H. Davis, Indiana county, Penn.; R. S. Davis, Indiana county, Penn.; C. Hinkley, Steuben county, N. Y; H. Hink- ley, H. B. Stephens, Steuben county, N. Y.; Chas. H. Rogers, Waverly, Tiago county, N. Y.; James Ogden, Penn.; William Lander, Steuben county, N. Y.; Johnathan Betner, Westmoreland, Penn. ; William P. Spaulding, Michigan. New York, April 27, 1871." All the Southern States are very anxious for immigration, and are doing everything that they can to encourage it. They are especially de- sirous for Europeans to come and settle within their borders. These immigrants are, for the most part, democratic in feeling, and if they were to come, they would, in all probability, cast their votes with the solid men of the South rather than with the carpet-baggers and political adventurers who come here from the North. A comparatively small number of Europeans, or of substantial men from the North, thus coming and voting, would turn the scales and carry the whole South in the next Presidential election against the party in power. 141 To prevent such a result, and to perpetuate that power, the pretended ku Mux disorders were devised and largely circulated to frighten the European immigrant away, inducing him to believe that it is as much as his life is worth to come into one of the Southern States. Under the hue and cry thus falsely raised, the *'^Ku Mux' bill was passed by the government, the real object of which was to give it the power of con- trolling the vote of the South in the election. Texas is one of the Southern States. There is a large German im- migration there, and flourishing settlements. There is as much ku klux in Texas as anywhere, and I venture to say that the reports which these settlers send back to Fatherland do not show that they are troubled by ku Mux, or have any apprehensions as to security and safety, either of person or property. I have asked my neighbors and acquaintances. With one voice they say, "All we know about the ku klux is what we learn from the North- ern papers." Respectfully submitted to General Smith, Superintendent V. M. I., Lexington, Va. M. F. MAURY, Professor of Physics, and in charge of May, 1871. Physical Survey of the State. It is perhaps due to the memory of Commodore Maury to state that this chapter, and, indeed, the whole book was written immediately upon the close of the war, when feelings existed in both sections which have been much modified since. Strict justice to tbe negro race requires it to be stated that they have improved much since the time when he wrote, and are displaying qualities as laborers and citizens which were not then generally expected from them. They show, too, now much more sym- pathy with the whites in their own region than they exhibited at first. But their general characteristics as a race still separate them very distinctly from their ancient masters. They constitute, however, an element to which the emigrant may fairly look for valuable assistance in struggling with the difficulties of a new settlement. STATE BOARD OF EMIGRATION. 142 THE MAP. No funds have yet been provided for the general survey of the State. The Map hereunto appended is offered, not as a map strictly accurate in all its details, but as a map of the State les3 erroneous than any hitherto published. Supposing the old 9-sheet map, considering that it was constructed by the authority of the Legislature of the State, to be sufficiently accurate for our purposes, it was placed in the hands of the chartographer, with instructions to project a map on a more convenient scale, but large enough to answer the purpose, both as a wall- and a pocket-map for the use of travelers, immigrants and others. When the counties were divided into townships, sections, by counties, of the old 9-sheet map were taken and sent to each one of the county judges, with the request that he would cause these new divisions within his district to be marked off thereon, and returned to this office. He was also requested to confer with the County Sur- veyor and others, well acquainted with the geographical features of his county, and designate all the errors on the section, whether of omission or commission, with the view of making the corrections on the new map. The reply often came back to the effect that the map section was so inaccurate that the townships could not be projected thereon. This induced a special examination of the 9-sheet map. It was found so errone- ous that I decided to abandon all the work that had been done upon the new map, to reject the old 9-sheet map for reference whenever any authority could be found to look behind it, and take up the county maps, from which it professes to have been chiefly constructed, and to use also the war, coast survey, railway, and all the other maps and surveys within reach relating to any part of the State. These authorities are mentioned on the map. Ik was impossible to get the township lines. M. F. MAURY, LL. D., &c., &c. In preparing this Report for the press, by request of the State Board of Immigration, I have thought it best not to make any alteration in the prices of corn and -wheat given in the various estimates of receipts and expenses kindly furnished several years ago by the farmers through- out the State, as well because the statements are given over the gentle- men's own names, and were strictly accurate at the dates when they were prepared, as because the market price of grain is constantly fluc- tuating, so that any calculation into which it enters can only be an ap- proximation. The price of wheat this summer is from $1.60 to §1.80 per bushel, and of corn about 70 cents. On the other hand, the price of land, labor and supplies are considerably less than the estimates — while those of the other products of the farm are well sustained, and, as to some articles, even higher. July 1, 1877. RICHARD L. MAURY. X "IT ^97ri ■' ^