am Ae(-) OFFICIAL INFORMATION. - I .... -3''." V. '~O5 Ev ~"' ~ ~- - ~",~~. r.~ 3, ._ E: 4COLORADO. A statement of Facts prepared and published by authority of the Territorial Board of Immigration. 4 I DENNVER, COL. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS STEAM PRINTING HOVSE. 1872. I hit *. I I 0.0 t CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES, BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. P.O. Den ver. ARAPAHOE CX)UNTY. BOqULDER BENT " CLEAR CREEK CONEJO. " COSTILLA " DOUGLAS EL PASO FREMONT " GREENWO OD " GILPIN " HUERFANO JEFFERSON " LAKE " LARIMER " LAS ANIMAS " PUEBLO " PARK " SAGUACHE " SUMMIT " WELD " BOULDER COUNTY IM. B'D. UNION COLONY. CHICAGO COLORADO COLONY FOUNTAIN COLONY. ST. LOUIS W\EqTERN COLONY * Not appointed at time of publication. I 4 Georgetown. Guadalupe. JOHN A. KOONTZ, 11. T. F. GATCHELL, .J. H. HARRISON', GEO. E. HIGDAY, Glen Grove. Colorado Citv. Ca-flon Citv. Kit CaN, on. Golden Citv. CHAS. C. HAWLEY, Fort, Collin. . Ptieblo. Rito Alto. Greeley. Longmont. Greeley. Longmont. Col. Springs. Evans. INFORMATION. )RADO. - -. pared and publislhed by authority ard of Immigration. I 0'C S: E. P. HOLLISTER TREASURER. JOHN CLOUGH, GEN'L AGT. Uoarb of (ommisioncrs: J. F. L. SCHIRMER, E. P. HOLLISTER, Aripa/hoe County, Arcapahoe County, J. M. SHERWOOD, Larimer, County, D. C. COLLIER, A. W. ARCHIIBALD, Gilpin C(butty, La3 Animas County. ,~7't? es J5esi-rcu,s of obt, g,fzrt7e i,fo aor wt c view c0 ~rrvrgr~Lrtin to thiLs ce7-ritory, CanY agrTeSS the /'.~eretcru.' o,k box 36e. euve7-, Co7crado. IDENVERI, COL. RO('CKY MOUTiNNTAI EWS STEAM PRISN TIG ]'OU;SE. 1 87~2. I i I J. F. L. SCHIRMER, PRESIDEN'T. GEORGE T. CLARK, SECRETARY. I I I I -' -- v — oa',d of t -qratiot OBJECT OF ITS ORGANIZATION. By recommendation of His Excellency, Governor E. M. AIlcCook, the Legislative Assembly at its recent Biennial session, passed an act creating the Colorado Board of Immigration. It is the only delegated and authorized agent of the Territory to promote immigration. Its object is to present facts concerning Co)lorado as an attractive and desirable locality for those seeking homes in the Great West; to supply immigrants with full and authoritative information, as well as to aid and facilitate their journey hither. The funds appropriated by the Legislature are sufficient to n)lake the initial work of the Board a basis for more extended and liberal future operations. In furtherence of this design, it is hoped and expected that private individuals and corpoirtions will increase by timely contributions, the aniount originally appropriated by the Territorial Legislature for this purpose. The following facts, pul)lished by the Board, will show the advantages Colorado possesses over other competitive regions. 4 I I I I i i I i i i COLORADO. ITS GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND LIMITS. HE organic act of the Territory of Colorado describes its lboundaries as follows: "Commencing on the thirty-seventh parallel of north lati tude, where the twenty-fifth meridian west ifrom Washington "crosses the same; thence north on said meridian to the "forty-first parallel of north latitude; thence along said "parallel west to the thirty-second meridian of longitude west "fromiT Washington; thence southl on said meridian to the "northern line of New Mlexico; thence along the thirty-sev"enth parallel of north latitude to the place of beginning." The geographical location of Colorado can be more easily found and recognized on the miap, by an examination of its territorial surroundings. On the north is the Territory of Wyoming and the State of Nebraska; on the east, the State of Kansas; on the south, New Mexico, and on the west, the Territory of Utah. In shape, Colorado is nearly square, el)mbrteiiig an area of 105,708 square miles, or 67,653,120 acres. The population of Colorado is 75,000. The present state of its financial prosperity is unequalled by any new state. There is no debt of any kind hanging over the Territory, but a surplus of $50,000 in the Treasury. The vote at the last general election was 15,000. The valuation of property, I i i I i I I I i I I I II I i I i i I i I 6 BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. $24,000,000. The current expenses of the Territorial Government are less than $45,000 per annum. The law provides that no tax shall be levied for the current year, 1872, and that the tax for 1.873 shall not exceed 1~ mills on the dollar. These are simple facts stated in a plain manner, but they carry a wonderful meaning, and one that will be appreciated by all classes, fromn the wealthy capitalist seeking investment for his money, to the humblest immigrant who knows from experience how hard it often is to meet the demands of the tax-collector. TOPOGRAPY. The mountain system of Colorado is the grandest and most magnificent embraced in any equal extent of territory on earth. There may be isolated spurs and peaks elsewhere, possessing a more striking individuality, or lifting their summits a little higher above sea level; but for vastness of extent, gigantic proportions and commanding sublimity and beauty of scenery, our own cloud-capped and snow-crested Rocky Mountains defy the world. Travelers who have visited every other mountain region of the globe; who have feasted upon the beauties of the Alps, the Appenines and the Himalayan ranges, come to Colorado to realize a full fruition of their grandest conceptions of mountain scenery. Colorado is divided into the following four great natural divisions: The FIRST, drained by the Platte river, lies east of the great Rocky Mountain Range-" the vertebral column of the continent-which runs throughl the Territory from north to south," and north of the great water shed dividing the valleys of the Platte and the Arkansas at or near latitude 39~ north, embracing the greater portion of the counties of TVeld, Lactiimer, Boulder, Glipin, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Douglas and Park. In this division of Colorado is situate that portion of the great mineral belt, which approaches nearest, and is most accessible to the plains, and embraces within its limits the oldest and best developed mining districts of our Territory. In the valley of the Platte and its tributaries, Plum, Bear, I i i I I I I I i BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. Cherry, Bijou, Kiowa, Box Elder, Willow, Clear Creek, North, South and Middle Boulder, Left Hand, St. Vrain, Little and Big Thompson, Cache a la Poudre, North Box Elder, Rock Creek, Coal Creek, Lone Tr'ee, and the valleys bordering on the streams flowing into the south fork of the Republican, are many thousand acres of land already under cultivation, while hundreds of thousands of acres in these valleys, second to no lands in the world for productiveness, now unoccupied, only await the application of skillful labor to yield gigantic crops, the profits of which, in view of the proximity to a certain market, furnished by the mines on the eastern slope of the mountains, would be almost incalculable. The principal towns and cities are Denver, Golden, Central, Black Hawk, Georgetown, Boulder, Barlington, Valmont, Longmont, Fairplay, Laporte, Giredey, Idaho, Evans, Fratnkstown, and Fort Collins. Denver-the queen city of the plains-the county seat of Arapahoe county and the capital of Colorado, is situated on the Platte river, at a point where Cherry Creek forms a confluence with that stream. It is the most important city west of the Missouri river, east of the mountains, and has already a population of 12,000 inhabitants. Golden City in Jefferson county, Boulder, Burlington and Valmont in Boulder county, Georgetown, the county seat of Clear Creek county, Fairplay in Park county, Ft. (Collins, Laporte, on the Cache a la Poudre, in Larimer county, Greeley and Evans in Weld county, Central City and Black Hawk in Gilpin county, are all flourishingl towns; the two latter being next to Denver, the most populous towns in the Territory. The climate in this division of Colorado is best adapted to the growth of cereals, although corn yields largely in all localities where the altitude is not greater than 5,000 feet above sea level. At a greater elevation than this, the cultivation of wheat, oats, barley, potatoes and garden vegetables has been found more profitable than a corn crop. The SECO-ND grand division of Colorado is that lying east of the main range of the Rocky Mountains, and south of the I i I 1I i 7 i II I i i I i i i I I I i i i i i i i I I I I i iI BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. "great water shed" above alluded to, dividing the waters of the Platte and Arkansas rivers, and embraces that portion of the Territory drained by the Arkansas and its tributariesthe Fontaine qui Bouille, St. Charles, Hard Scrabble, Bear Creek, Beaver Creek, Rock Creek, Greenhorn, Apache, Huerfano, Las Oucharas, Santa Clara, Apishapa, Purygatory, San Francisco, Burro, Raton, Sarsilla and Trinehera rivers-the fertile valleys of which offer homes for thousands of immigrants as good as can be found in the west. This division of Colorado embraces the greater portion of El Paso, Pueblo, Fronont, Huerfano, Greenwood, Bent and Las Animas counties. What has been said in regard to farm products in the valley of the Platte, will as truthfully apply to this section of the country, with this advantage, that owing to the difference in latitude, this region lying south of the Platte valley, tle same altitude gives a warmer climate here than in the latter section. While corn cannot be profitably cultivated as a staple crop in the Platte valley, at a greater elevation than 5,000 feet, practical experience has fixed 6,000 feet in the valley of the Arkansas as the elevation at which the cultivation of cereals will supercede that of corn as a staple crop. That portion of the Arkansas river below Pueblo, and that of the Purgatory river, within the limits of Bent county, are peculiarly adapted to the cultivation of the grape. Several thousand gallons of wine are produced annually in the valley of the Arkansas from the wild grape; the flavor of which is, by good judges of wine, pronounced to be most excellenit. The extreme mildness of the winters in the localities last mentioned, renders almost certain the ultimate success of the grape culture. It is a fact worthy of note that scarcely two inches of snow fell in the valley of the Arkansas during the past winter, while seventy miles south of Pueblo, but at a greater elevation, snow fell at different times during the winter to a very considerable depth, and at Denver and its vicinity, the inhabitants indulged in the luxury of sleighriding for several days. Ii i I i I I 8 BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. The principal towns in this division are Colorado City, at the foot of Pike's Peak-one of the oldest settlements in the Territory, celebrated for its proximity to the famous boiling springs-Colorado Springs, built on the line of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, Pueblo, on the Arkansas, the present terminus of the D. & R. G. R., Canon City, on the Arkansas, forty miles west of Pueblo, Las Animas City, also on the Arkansas, about one hundred miles east of Pueblo, and Trinidad, near the base of the Raton mountains. The THIRID great division is embraced in the valley of the Rio Grande del Norte and comprises nearly all of the counties of Costilla, Conejos and Saguache, and is the oldest settled portion of the Territory. This region of Colorado is well watered, and is rich in pastoral and agricultural products. The principal towns of this division are Fort Garland, Culebra, (or San Luis) Costilla, onl the south line of the Territory and Conejos on the west side of the Rio Grande del Norte. This country, although situated in the southern portion of the Territory, has about the same climate as that of the Platte valley, two hundred miles further north. The FOURTH and last grand division of Colorado is that lying in the valleys bordering on the streams flowing westward into the Great Colorado on the west side of the main range of the Rocky Mountains. This country, comparatively undeveloped, is the garden spot of the world, varying in its climate from that of southern Virginia to that of northern New York, according to the altitude of the different localities. It is capable of producing every species of fruit and grain. While the winters in the valleys of the Bear, White and Gunnison rivers are sometimes severe, snow is scarcely ever seen in the valleys of the Ninweep, UJnconmpahqie, Dallas, Dolores and San JIiguel. Corn is plucked for table use in the valleys of the Dolores and San Miguel as early in the season as the 1st of June. Rich mines of gold and silver were discovered in this seetionI as early as 1860, but owing to the inability of the miners to protect themselves against the Indians, work was aban I I I I I I I I I i i I I I I I 9 I-.:.,:... I. 1. I I. I. -,t I BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. doned. By a treaty with the Utah Indians, entered into between our government and that tribe, in 1868, the greater portion of this country was set apart as an Indian reservation, and settlers and miners were excluded therefrom. At the last session of the Colorado Legislature, Congress was memorialized to extinguish the Indian title, and a resolution passed both branches of Congress authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to treat with the Utah tribe for a relinquishment of their title to the southern portion of these lands. Hundreds of miners and settlers have already gone this season to occupy the'mines of the mountain districts and are improving and cultivating the valleys. THE PARKS. A peculiar feature in the topography of Colorado is its great mountain-locked parks. They are great basins or depressions with surface and soil more or less similar to that of the plains, but entirely surrounded by lofty mountains. Their elevation is from seven to eight thousand feet above the sea. They are well watered and abundantly timbered, have delightful climate throu,lghout most of the year and are exceptionally healthful. All abound in mineral springs and minerals of great variety. Owing to the great altitude, they are adapted to the culture of the hardier agricultural products only. Potatoes, turnips, cabbages, lettuce and like vegetables produce abundantly. Wheat, barley and oats also do well, and the growth of grass is truly wonderful. In time they will become the great dairy districts of the United States. Beginning in the South, the first is San Luis Partk, drained bv the Rio Grande del Norte, which flows south and then south-east into the Gulf of Mexico. The San Luis is the lowest and the largest of the parks. It has been settled for mnany years by Mexicans, and has a population of eight or ten thousand people. It is productive in grains and vegetables, and well stocked with cattle anal sheep. South Park, (Valla Salada of the Spaniar(ds) comes next. It gives rise to the south or main Platte, which flows out to II I i i i i i i II 10 I I i I I BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. the north-east, then eastward to the Missouri. The Park is creseneit-shaped with the outer curve to the west. It is twenty to forty miles wide and sixty or seventy miles long; a vast meadow, which supports thousands upon thousands of cattle. Its rim abounds in gold and silver mines, and rich gold placers are worked in many parts of it. JMiddle Park is the next; equally divided by the fortieth degree of latitude. It is drained to the west by Grand river, and thence by the Great Colorado to the Gulf of California. The exit of the Grand is by a canion of sublime depth and awful grandeur. The outline of the Park is irregular, but nearly circular, and it is about fifty miles in diameter. Projecting spurs of the l1fty mountains that enclose it, shoot far out toward its centre. It is yet unsettled, and the most delightful summer resort imaginable for those who want to go beyond the restraints of civilization. ivorth Pcark is near the north boundary of the Territory, and gives rise to the North Platte, which flows first towards the north and then east to the Missouri. It is a little circular basin, twenty or thirty miles in diameter; the most timbered and loftiest of any. It has no settlements and but few visitors, but its natural attractions are not excelled. The parks are separated from one another by narrow but lofty ranges of mountains. The entire chain can be easily traversed from north to south or from south to north. They abound in game and fish, and -present the most varied, romantic and beautiful scenery. THE CLIMATE Is proverbial for its mildness and remarkable healthfulness. Throughout the winter months, with rare exceptions, the sun blazes down with almost a tropical glow. Heavy snow falls occur only at long intervals; and although the nights are often sharp and frosty, there is no steady intensity of cold. The winter just past in Colorado-as throughout the same latitude elsew here-has been characterized by lower thermometrical conditions and more frequent storms, than have been known in several years. Low degrees of temperature, however, in I i I 11 I I I I 12 BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. such an elevated and dry atmosphere, do not involve the same extent of suffering and inconvenience that are experi enced elsewhere. The dryness and purity of the atmosphere, and the equable temperature of the valley portion of Colorado, have drawn hither numerous invalids, suffering from various diseases. Consumptives, who come to Colorado when the first symp toms of this terrible disease are developed, obtain a new lease of life, and often are permanently restored. Pulmonary diseases yield readily to the climatic influences of this region, and bronchial and asthmatic troubles are rapidly overcome. Hundreds of persons are now permanent residents of Colo rado, enjoying perfect health, who came here as a last resort, in search of that inestimable boon. For better information on this subject we insert extracts of communications from two eminent physicians and old resi dents of Denver: "That Colorado possesses a pure and healthful atmosphere, i no one can deny who is at all conversant with the character of its climate, and the nature of the diseases that have oc curred within its boundaries during a succession of years. A residence of nine successive years in the Territory, has fully demonstrated the fact that mualarious diseases seldom occur among us; even during the autumn of 1864, a-dry and hot season following a spring of unusual rain, when the bottom lands around Denver were submerged by the flood of Cherry Creek and the Platte, there were but few well marked cases of paroxysmal fever, and although the character of the autumnal fevers was more grave than during the preceeding and several succeeding years, they were attended with less fatality than the same class of diseases occurring in the val leys of the Missouri and Mississippi. During the prevalence of scarlatina, which existed in a peculiar epidemical form during the years 1868,'69 and'70, there was much less fatality than in any of the epidemics occurring within my observation, in other parts of the coun try, from [837 to 1863. Those whose continuous residence in Colorado since 1862 and'63, entitles their opinion to respect, as regards the sani tary condition of the country during the past decade, are prepared to vouch for the extreme healthfulness of this cli II I BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. mate, and the mild form of many of the diseases which in almost every other locality (of the character of whose diseases they are familiar) are so extremely pernicious and fatal. "Cholera infantum," one of the scourges of the eastern and western cities, proves fatal in a very small proportion of the cases occurring in Colorado. A remarkable epidemic of measles and whooping cough, confined chiefly to children of from six months, to eight or ten years of age, although presenting all the complications of similar epidemics in other countries, seemed to yield astonishiugly to either judicious medication or the influences of climate, and but few fatal cases were observed in proportion to the extent of the epidemics. The question has been frequently asked-in faet, every day brings from correspondents from abroad the oft-repeated question: "How will Colorado answer for my constitution?" by persons laboring under almost every disease to which human flesh is heir. In answer to these repeated interrogations, let me unhesitatingly say that it has been my good fortune to have observed that in every case of chronic disease to which my attention has been called, none have failed to receive benefit sooner or later, by a sojourn in Colorado, with the exception of Tubercular Phthisis in its advanced stages, and organic diseases of the heart; these being beyond the reach of medication and climatic influences. Taking into consideration the fact that consumption is a disease of nutrition, our climate affords to such invalids opportunities for open air exercise, rarely enjoyed in other parts of the world, owing to its mildness, the purity of its atmosphere, and its freedom from long continued rain-such daily exercise improving digestion, and thus repairing the wasted energies of the svstem. Exercise in the open air, protected by suitable clothingwholesome and nutritious diet and occasional medication, being all that consumptives demand, or seem to recognize as belonging to the category of curative agents indicated in their own individual cases. Colorado seems well adapted to supply these wants; and hundreds now in our midst can testify to the healthfill influences exerted upon them by even a brief sojourn i' the Territory. Astlimatics fromn various parts of the counitry find in the climate of Colorado the long soughtt sanitarium and seem -o live a new life and breathe with new lungs. Many who were v I I I I ii I I I i I i i i i 13 i I BOAPRD OF IMMIGRATION. compelled for months and years to sleep in a semi-recumbent position, gasping for breath, seem to enjoy life with new zest; and you may here meet them at their homes and about the streets restored comparatively to healthy and attending to the active pursuits of life. These are facts presented to our daily observation, and cannot be doubted. Is it not the pure, rarified, dry, invigorating atmosphere that produces results like these? The theoretical speculations, in reference to the causes which produce such peculiar effects in diseases of the respiratory system, I leave for further investigation. R. G. BUCKINGHAM, M.D. "Persons afflicted with asthma, bronchitis, liver complaints, almost any disorders induced by derangement of the digestive organs, or by over-taxation of the physical and mental forces, in whom the heart is sound, are improved by even a short residence in this invigorating air. Those suffering from emaciation and debility, almost invariably gain flesh aid strength here; the appetite is increased, respiration is accelerated, and owing to the fact that the lessened atmospheric pressure at this high altitude induces much freer capillary circulation, nutrition goes on with renewed activity. On the contrary, obesity is a condition almost unknown, and very stout persons.usually decline sensibly in size after coming here; the general tendency being to a normal state of weight and health. The prairies, within forty miles of the mountains, at an elevation of not more than 5,000 or 6,000 feet above sealevel, possess peculiar sanitary advantages for the relief, or cure of pulmonary troubles. They are protected from the cool, dry north winds by the "divides," which run out at right angles from the main range; the air is tempered in winter from the extremes of cold, by a warm, bright and genial sun, and, in the summer, from the extremes of hlieat, by cool breezes which constantly flow down through the caions from the snowy range to the plains below; these breezes possess a little moisture, gained by absorption from the melting snow, and, mingling with the dry atmosphere of the prairies, relieve it of any harshness which it may possess. There are but few cloudy days in the year, and fogs are I i I iI BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. scarcely ever seen; sudden clangiles ini tlhe temperature are common at all seasons, btlit as tlhe (dryne s of tlhe atn(osl)here lessens its powers of conduc-ting hleat, tlhe variations efftcct the system less than thity would in (ldal)ecr locilities.'The wheat of Colorado is not surpasse(l in qtiility 15y any raised in the United States; and cattle in hluge he,ls wand(ler over tlhe hills and plains, finding rich sustelnance -ll the year aroundl in the prairie grass; therefore, brea(lstilf-s and(l beef are goodl, plentiful and chea), whic(l is ain a(lvalitajre to tlle cotlntry, second only to its air, it bei(ng a klI)o\v it tllat in regiolis where abundance of gootd [)read aii(l beef with all tleir rich, blood-making qualities, are witliin the reai(ch of every family, pulmonary collsumption is rarely prevalellt. Thle usual effect of the atlnosphere l}:)in astll ) mtics l)efo)re emphysema, or dilatation of tlhe riglht sidle of tlle lheart has taken place, is to produce a com)lletie r&, and(l thlose who suffer fiom the above complications often experience muticl relief here. Chronic laryngitis and bronchitisi, unconnected withl a rheumatic or s)yphlilitic diathleiis, red(lily yid(l to the light, unirritating character of thle air. In tlhe ileipient stag,e of pulmonary consump)tion tlhe effect of tlhe climate is very marked in its tendency to relieve loal and chlronic iniflamation; to arrest the deposit of ttil)er&'les, aid( to l)revent tlhe ulceration of matter alrecad5 de)posited. It also often )permanently arrests the I)rop ress of the disease, ifter small cavities have been formed( in tlie Ilungs, inl cases whlere tlhere is no herectitary tendency to it. Eveti whlere tis tel(len(y strongly exists, Colorado ilay prove a liavec of safety if sought as soon as the presence of tlhe (lisease is detected(l; -.( to the young, esp)eeially, it w'ill l){Ve so, if' resorted to before the occurrence of any of tlhe i)r{(ioinitory synll)tol-s and thus, many a life tlhat,v(thil(l othe'w\ise b)e lost lietre reaching the meridian of maniood, cotil( here be l)roloiiged to a healthy and usefiul old ag,e. I believe that any persol), witlh a fatir constitution, who settles in this region, stands a b)(tt(er clanIce of enjOying a healthful life, and of finally ittaiiiiiig tlhe ill peri)dl allhtted to man-" three score )years and teii ". lim in aiiy other portion of the land. F. J. BANCRI'OFT, \M.D. I 15 BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. MINES AND MINING. The region now embraced within the limits of Colorado, first began to attract public attention in 1858. A party of miners from Georgia, under the leadership of Green Russell, are credited with the first gold discovery in what was then known as the "Pikes' Peak country." This discovery was made on Dry Creek, a ifew miles south of the present site of Denver, and was followed by others on Cherry Creek, and at different points along the Platte river above the confluence of these two streams. Reports of these discoveries, of course greatly exaggerated, were not long in reaching the Missouri river; and immediately thereafter excited gold-hunters began to wend their way towards the new Eldorado. The trials, vicissitudes and sufferings of these early pioneers have furnished abundant material for most thrilling history; but the limits of this pamphlet preclude particulars, and they are not essential to the purposes of this publication. The progress and development of the mining interests of this region are thus described by a gentleman, a resident in the mining districts. The first important gold discoveries were followed by a large influx of population to the mining region. During the first two years operations were confined to the placers in various localities and to the washing of surface dirt of a few gold lodes in the vicinity of what is now Central City. During the succeeding year, explorations were rapidly and widely extended, and discoveries were made, at intervals, throughout the whole foot hill region, from Wyomnin g (then Nebraska) on the north, to New Mexico on the south, —a distance of more than three hundred miles. This mining region has a width varying, from forty to sixty miles, hence including about 15,000 square miles. Subsequent exl)lorations and developments have established the following fiacts relative to this great mining region of Colorado, viz~ first: That the plane country adjacent to, and along the entire length of the eastern base of the mountains, is underlaid with inexhaustible beds of coal, of the lignite class, i 16 I i I I I i i L BO)AR[) OF IMMIGATION.N which is of such superior quality as to adapt it for all requisite uses, whether for steani, smelting, or domestic- purposes. Some of these coal deposits are found in horizontal, others ill vertical beds, varying in thickness from fifteen inches to fifteen feet. Bordering these coal measures are deposits of fire clay, equal in quality to any in the world, and in quantities sufficient to supply the waats of the nationl. The same belt furnishes supplies of limestone, sandst)ne, gypsum, and( iron ore. This is the outlving belt of the mineral region. Secon7l: That the lower Foot Hills for a distance of ten to twenty miles from the plains, are traversed bv copperbearing veins, in learl- all of which a trace of gold or silver, or of both, is fouind, aind in payin, uiinantities il somre of them, and, Thii d: That b)achk of these, extending, to the SIlowv I (LRie, and including some districts beyvond the Ral,ii- ale -found the great gold and silver beariiin veins, wlhifh, togreth(l, hvi tl- the plac ers, have hitherto constitute-l the billlion piodii(liir (otlI(e of (1olorado. These vein, extend east aind w t.4t shiIowing' many chas of character in diefi-renit l,:,,'ltie a(ll are believed to exist along the Iange, with Pi,. sdlhy s()me irnterruptions, frtom ti-ie northl-ern t(j the southefl e:: bo(1inar of (Colorado. Previ(e)us to 1865 the regiron of (',olintrv ilnrc(mdiately surrounding Central ( itty was the grea.4tT gM prod]( ilg section, bv its pla(er and ]_ode rin-es..,le onlv,ther s,. tion of Colorado, which produced gold, Je Paark-, l,a and Sunimit counties, where rich plae(r niie were d( a e ryet w vorkedl successtfillyX Thii ines w or ked ii thwo~ ~t'e,(tlii w,,r( g,r)ld mines prolucilng gold contai-nii, but iit.tie silver It 18;, however, richl silver lodes werl- dis-: Iv,rdl iii S~:l(~mit o-iiunt-) and in 1866 ot-iers in (C-lear Celek outinty, II)oI( Ip)arti(ularIy in the vicinity of Georgetown. Tht latte r ha\ve so steadily increased in production aq to make them the great rival of the gold minies of Gilpin connty in thIle l)rodn(tion of thle precious metals. In 187() in Bouldel connty, silcer lodes were discovered and worked up to this date suees.sfilly. In the autumn of 1871 extensive deposits of silver ore were i i i I I l i' i I I I I Ii I I I i II I I i I f I iI I I I i i i i i I I I the auttimn of 1871 extensive. deposits of silver ore were BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. opened up in Park county; also gold and silver mines in Conejos County. Nearly all the gold veins carry a large amount of silver; many of the silver veins carry some gold, and others carry copper, lead and zinc. A large area of the mineral region has not yet been explored, and new discoveries are made every year. This wealth is open alike to everybody, whether of foreign or of native birth, for purchase or occupation; the only condition being, that in order to secure a government title to a claim, the applicant must either be a citizen of the United States or must have declared his intention to become a citizen. The mines of the Territory are now worked at depths varying firom one foot to seven hundred feet. The mines thus far discovered, if thoroughly opened and persistently worked to their full capacity, would yield in silver and gold bullion upwards of $25,000,000 annually. In the gold and silver region already discovered alone, there is a field for the employment of a population of many thousands. Not one-third of the field in Middle and Northern Colorado has been occupied, and the whole southern region is comparatively unde veloped. Lack of an economical and intelligent system of mining; lack of reasonable and adequate reduction works; excess of prodigal and unscientific experiments, and lack of railroad facilities, have in times past militated against the profits of mining in Colorado. All these impediments have either disappeared or are rapidly disappearing. Mining has been systematized and is conducted far more economically than hitherto. The cost of reducing refractory ores has declined from $75 to $25 per ton. The completion of extensive smelting works already projected at the base of the mountains, will make a still further improvement in this particular. Railways are completed, and in' operation, to and along, the base of the mountains, and are in process of construction to the very heart of the mining centres. Finally, unlike many other mining regions, this entire belt I I II i i is BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. 19 is well-wooded and watered. Situated under the shadow of the Snowy Range, summer showers fall upon it, and the streams are constantly swollen during the summer by the melting snows. The thousand little valleys among the foothills, up to the Range are fertile, and the grassy glades afford the finest pasturage in the world. The season is short for the cultivation of cereals; but soil and climate are unexcelled in adaptation to the dairy, the growth of vegetables and culture of small fruits. Gilpin county, the smallest in extent of all the counties, and perhaps least adapted to agriculture, had, during the past season, thirteen hundred and twenty acres of land under suecessful cultivation-this apart from the grazing lands. Aside from this belt, which has been briefly outlined, there are known to be deposits of gold and silver in the parks, and beyond the Snowy Range. There may be mines as rich, perhaps richer, west of the region described than any yet discovered within it. That region is yet to be explored and prospected. In addition to the mines above noted, there are in various parts of the Territory, soda and salt springs, from which an almost unlimited yield might be derived, and some of which have already been made available. As soda and salt are both used in the reduction of ores, their presence in the Territory is of great importance in connection with the mining interest. When it is taken into consideration that Colorado has had no other exportation than from her mines since the settlement of the Territory, it cannot fail to impress the reader with their immense wealth, and how important an influence their present highly successful developments are having on her rapid and unexampled growth and prosperity. Their present yield has been nearly doubled in the past two years. Wages of laborers in mining districts range from.,2.50 to $3.50 per day; of miners, from $3.00 to $7.00 per day. Board is from $6.00 to $8.00 per week, but men board themselves, who choose, (and there are many such) for $3.00 to $3.50 per week. As an example of what our mines, under I I I BOA-RD OF IMMIGRATION. 311 their disadvantages may be made to produce, and do podu ie, it mnay h-e added, that while not more than threefiftbhs of the male adult' population of Gilpin county are engaged in mining; the yield of bullion in that county for 187 was $1,997,575; the population b)v the census, was .5,480(). Thus will be seen a production of.'365 a year for every man, woman and child in the county. Allowing three -a verv low estimrnate-to each family, $1,095 was the average family ie()ncome for the year. Such, very briefly, is the mining region of Colorado; so extensive, so rich and varied in resources, so attractive in all its features and auxiliaries, that is offtred to the free occupation of industrious and law-abiding people, from all parts of the world. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. Tlie early settlers of Colorad( )-mlost of them from the rich prairie rIegions of the west and the irtile hasill of the Missis sippi- at first doubted the capabilities of this region for exten ded and sii(ccessful agricultural effort. These apprehen sions were based upon the fact that rains were neither frequent nor timelv.. I)uriug all the spring and summer months little or -no rain falls, and( even at other seasons the earth is ieldom moistened,withl showers. Bui3t the demand fbr vegetable pro dicts stimulat.d experimenit, and it was soon proven that by irrigati-)oni, sure and bouintiful crops could be raised. The facilities for irrigation in C(olorado are excellent ai-d abundant, and a general system of irrigation has l)een introduced in all parts o' our Territory, whlere a market for agricultural pro dilets is aess;ible; and,. as a result, the crops of' Colorado are even more prolifi( than in the rich bottoni lands of the Miss issippi. The reports of the C(-)lIorado Agricultural Society firnish a mas of statistiecal evidence upoii the agricultural -apabilities and resoiures. -f the Territory, from which we compile tlhe( following: "In 1.869 one of our farmers ton the South Platte, a few miles above Den-ver, raised ninety bushels of wheat on one acre of land, sixty-five and a half bushels on another acre and five I I. I I I I I i f, 20 j. I BOARD OF IMMIGt.RATI()N. hundred and fifty bushels of wheat on ten acres of another farm. Alnother farmer raised on a single acre of land niiety bushels of oats; and still another raised on eight acres, si hundred an o ity bushels of oats. In one instance two hundied and fifty bushels of onioins were raised on a hl(tf-acre of land. One thousand bushels of potatoes were the product of three acres. From one pound of seed barley, one hundred and ten pounds were produced. Garden vegetables of all kinds attain an enormous size in Colorado. Potatoes, cabbages, onions squashes, melons, tomatoes, etc., yield astonishing crops. Experiments in the culture of the grape have demonstrated that vine-growing can be most successfilly and most profitably undertaken." The southern portion of the Territory is especially adapted to this branch of agricultural industry. By carefil comparisons made of the total number of acres cultivated, with the quantity produced, the following may be set down as about the average yield throughoutt the Territory: WMheat per Acre...............................................................3 Bushels Oats...............................................................................55 " Corn..............................................................................30 " Potatoes............................................................1)0 to 200 Onions.............................................2............................0 Beans............................................................................30 Barley.......................................................................... It should be borne in mind, however, that these fig,ures have been, in numerous instances, swelled to muchl larger proportions, throtugh superior management, or additional labor in cultivation. They do not, by any means, mark the limit of our agricultural capacity, when systematic, thlorouLgh and well-directed farmilig skill is employed. A fact worthy of special notice is, that for all agricultural productions a home market is readily found, no exportatious lhaving been yet made to the east. The potpulation of our mining regions has so steadily increased and in so much greate proportion than that of our agricultural sections, that for years to come a constant remunerative home market will be had. The extensive discoveries being continually made of rich mines and the more extensive workings of those already discovered will so increase the material wealth and demand for the products i i I II It I Ii i i I BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. oi' the farmers throughout the Territory, that if thousands of acres are cultivated in addition to those already improved, the product will scarcely supply the demand. PASTORAL ADVANTAGES. Colorado possesses unequaled advantages as a great grazing region. Throughout that entire portion of the Territory lying east of the mountains, the valleys and plains are covered with nutritious grasse. upon which cattle and sheep thrive the year round, seldom requiring any other food or shelter than that which nature affords. The limits of these great stock ranges are sufficient to sup ply the rapidly growing importance of this branch of industry for an almost indefinite period. Already immense flocks and herds occupy portions of our territory, and stock men from Texas and elsewhere are driving their herds into Colorado, convinced of its superior advantages over every other pastoral region of the continent. No branch of husbandry offers more certain and profitable returns, than stock raising, especially in a region where the business can be so safely and economically conducted as in Colorado. To those whose tastes and inclinations favor this pursuit, we can confidently recommend our Territory as the most attractive and most promising on this continent. The pastoral region embraces millions of acres not yet ap propriated which are open to all who desire to engage in growing stock. Sheep husbandry is already attracting much attention in Colorado, and it has been satisfactorily demons strated that wool-growing can be made one of the most profitable industries of the Territory. A Stock Growers Association has been organized in Colorado, and thbrecords of its progress indicate a most flourishing condition and a most promising fixture. To such as desire to turnl their attention to the branches of industry referred to in this chapter, full reports of the proceedings of the above association will be furnished on application to the Secretary of the Board of Immigration. The Secretary of the Stock 2 —) BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. Growers Association has a detailed and carefully written report of the doings of that society nearly ready for publication. TIMBER, MANUFACTURING, ETC. The mountain regions of Colorado are well supplied with timber suitable for all building purposes. Lumber is sold nearly as cheaply in Denver as in Chicago, and building material of all kinds is abundant throughout the country. The facilities for manufacturing are conveniently scattered along the base of the mountains, numerous streams affording permanent water powers. Coal and other fuel is obtainable at various points. EDUCATION IN COLORADO. Although comparatively a newly settled country, Colorado has not neglected education in her rapid advancement and growth. The public school system of the Territory will compare favorably with that of any of the eastern States. In all the districts where the number of children and youth warrants the erection of school edifices, they have been provided, and teachers employed. The last report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to the Legislative assembly furnishes a most gratifying exhibit of the successful workings of our publie school system. The following tabular statement is taken from the report referred to: No. of School Districts....................................................... 160 No. of Schools................................................................ 120 No. of Pupils................................................................ 4,357 No. of Volumes in School Libraries................................... 652 No. of School Houses....................................................... 80 Value of School Houses...................................................$ 82,574 00 Total Amount of School Fund........................................... 81,274 00 Expended.............................................. 67,395 00 " On Hand........................................ 13,879 00 In addition to the conmnon schools of the Territory, several educational institutions of an advanced character, are already well established, and thoroughl academical and collegiate courses can be pursued if desired. As one of the evidences of the intellectual refinement of the people of Colorado, it may be stated that there are twentyfive newspapers, all of which are in a most thrifty condition. 23 I" 14 -1 BO.ARD O 1MMl' I ATI()ON. -Alii the religious ((eniominatioins are wvell represented in Colorado. I-n every prominent city iand village of the Territory, and even in inalny of the mllining carimps, pllaces of wV orship have been erected. Pe(ople tfromi the east, who estimate religious privileges as aiyoi)g the most inmportant of' tenlporal enj oynents, will find( abunan t fabcilities n (nolora(lo N}for chjio- worshilp. SOCIETY IN COLORADO. Pe(,l)]e at the east, or in the old counlttry, wvho imnagine that Colora(lo is inhabited by a half-civilized or sen'i-barbarous population, will find theniselves agreeal)ly nmistaken on their arrival. The rough and de.sperate elemnent, wvhich at an earlv ({lay iii our history arrayed itself ag,ainst law and order, and stought to control the destinies of our young State, has happily. been thorouighly rooted out; and in its place we have (olniluilnities of enterprising, anibitious and orderly citizens, around wvhom-i are clustered all the refining and elevating influences of the tamily circle. Theatrical enitertainlmeilts, concerts, lectures, festivals, balls and other amiusemelts, are (quite as frequenlt and as creditably niaiaged in Colo:rado ds in other regioiis of like population. In a wvord, tho(se who rmake Colorado) their houime need deprive themrselves of iione of the literary aind social entertainlments they have beenI ac(*lsto)iel(-l to einj;oy elsewhere. COLORADO AS A SUMMER RESORT. So iimnucli has been written and. printed by enthlusi'stic t(ourists concerning tlhe beaulitiful scenery of Colorado, and the nialny delightful places of siuinirier resort within its limiits, that it is unnecessary to go into a detaile(d description of theii here. It is suffieient to say that they have alreadly attra(ct(ed hither raaiiy thousands of pleasure-seekers; and wvith imlaroved facilities of access, and more complete accolimjodations ini the wvay of hotels, T)athiiig-houses, etc., they wvill offver unrivalled attractions to tl-hat class whichl regularly indulges in the ei[joynments of a sumi:ier vacation, and respite from business occupations. The mineral a-nd thermal splrings I 24 i I BOARD OF IMMAIIGRATION'. of Colorado possess medicinal properties of the most desirable nature. Their curative influence upon various cutaneolis and scrofulous diseases has been successfully tested. The surroundings of these springs are of the most exhilarating and inrspiring character. Gl'and mountain scenery; wronderfu] geographical phenonmena, and the most romantic combination of glen, ravine and mountain, furnish abundant gratification for the enthusiastic admirer of nature's works. Some of the most graphic writers of our own country, and of England, have confessed the inadequacy of language to faithfully portray the grandeur and magnificence of the scenery of this "Switzerland of America." Railways and excellent wagon-roads will be completed to the most desirable of our summer resorts before the tide of pleasure travel sets in the present season. PUBLIC AND RAILWAY LANDS. There are large tracts of land in Colorado still belonging to the public domain, and open to entry under the homestead and preemption acts of Congress. I,Lanld offices are established at Denver, Central, Fairplay and Pueblo, and those who desire to avail themselves of the liberal terms held out by the government, can do so with comparatively little trouble and expense. The railways, also, which traverse the Territory, have acquired an immense acreage of land grants, and ofier their land at prices only a trifle in advance of government rates. The Union Pacific, Kansas Pacific, Denver Pacific, and Denver and Rio Grande railways have large tracts convelniently located along their several lines, which are being rapidly occupied by farmers and stock-grow\ers. With the excellent market facilities furnished by these roads, these lanpls must rapidly appreciate in value. The rapidity and economyi with whichi a farm can be made productive and profitable in a country where no "forest clearing" is necessary, and where the soil is in readiness for tillage and cultivation, ought to give that country superior advantages over all others. Colorado offers this inlducement to immigrants. i I I I i I i iI i i I i i i i I I i I i i i i i i I I i I I I I 11 I I -1 BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. THE HOMESTEAD LAW. The following is the full text of the act recently passed by Congress. According to its provisions an agent may enter the land for the soldier. This provision is put in to avoid the requirement that each man shall go himself for the first six months. After that time each man is required to settle and cultivate for himself: Be it enacted, etc., That every private soldier and officer who has served in the army of the United States during the recent rebellion for ninety days or more, and who was hon orably discharged, and has remained loyal to the Government, including the troops mustered into the service of the United States by virtue of the third section of an act making appro priations for completing the defences of Washington, and for other purposes, approved February 13, 1862, and every seaman, marine, and officer who has served in the navy of the United States, or in the marine corps, during the rebellion for ninety days, and who was honorably discharged, and has remained loyal to the Government, shall, in compliance with the provisions of an act entitled "An Act to secure home steads to actual settlers on the public domain," and the acts amendatory thereof, as hereinafter specified, be entitled to enter upon and receive patents for a quantity of public lands (not mineral) not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres, or one quarter-section, to be taken in compact form, according to legal sub-division%, including the alternate reserved sections of public lands along the line of any railroad or other public work, not otherwise reserved or appropriated, and other lands subject to entry under the homestead laws of the United States, provided that said homestead settler shall be allowed six months after locating his homestead within which to conm mence his settlement and improvement; and provided also, that the time which the homestead settlers have served in the army, navy or marine corps aforesaid, shall be deducted from the time heretofore required to perfect the title; or if discharged onl account of wounds received or disability incurred in the line of duty, then the term of enlistment shall be deducted from the time heretofore required to perfect the title, without reference to the length of time he may have served; provided, however, that no patent shall issue to any homestead settler who has not resided upon, improved and cultivated his said homestead for a period of at least one year after he shall commence his improvemnents as aforesaid. I I 26 i i i i i i I i i I i I Ii i i 1 BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. SEC. 2. That any person entitled under the provisions of the foregoing section to enter a homestead, who may have heretofore entered under the Homestead Laws a quantity of land less than one hundred and sixty acres, shall be permitted to enter under the provisions of this Act so much land as, when added to the quantity previously entered, shall not exceed one hundred and sixty acres. SEC. 3. That in case of the death of any person who would be entitled to a homestead under the provisions of the first section of this Act, his widow, if unmarried, or in case of her death or marriage, then his minor orphan children, by a guardian duly appointed and officially accepted at the Department of the Interior, shall be entitled to all the benefits enumerated in this Act, provided that if such person died during his term of enlistment, the whole term of his enlistment shall be deducted from the time heretofore required to perfect the title. SEC. 4. That where a party, at the date of his entry of a tract of land under the Homestead Laws, or subsequently thereto, was actually enlisted and employed in the army or navy of the United States, his services therein shall, in the administration of said Homestead Laws, be construed to be equivalent to all intents and purposes to a residence for the same length of time upon the tracts so entered; provided that if his entry has been cancelled by reason of his absence from said tract while in the military or naval service of the United States, and such tract has not been disposed of, his entry shall be reserved and confirmed; acd provided further, that if such tract has been disposed of, said party may enter another tract subject to entry under said laws, and his right to a patent therefor shall be determined by the proofs touching his residence and cultivation of the first tract, and his absence therefrom in such service. SEc. 5. That any soldier, sailor, marine, officer, or other person coming within the provisions of this Act, may as well by an agent as in person, enter upon said homestead; provided that said claimant in person shall, within the time prescribed, commence settlement and improvement on the same, and thereafter fulfill all the requirements in this Act. SEC. 6. That the Commissioner of the General Land Office shall have authority to make all needful rules and regulations to carry into effect the provisions of this Act. 10 .I 27 BOARD OF IMMI(GRATION. HOMESTEAD AND PRE-EMPTION ACTS. Under the provisions of the Homestead Act of Ailay 20, 1862, and the amendatory act of AIarch 21, 1864, any person the head of a family, or twenty-one years of age, and a citizen of the United States, or having declared his intention to become a citizen, may obtain a title from the Government, to 160 acres of land of the public domain; NOT BEItNG OF THAT CLASS OF LANDS KNOWN AS DI)OUBI,E MINIMUMt which are situate on the lines of railways, or he may obtain a title TO 80 ACRPES of l]and within the even-numbered sections on lines of railways. By an act of Congress, approved July 15, 1870, additional privileges are conferred on officers, soldiers and sailors of the army or navy of the United States who have remained loyal to the Government. By this Act it is provi(ded that such officers, soldiers and sailors may enter the full amount of 1(0 acres on the even-numbered sections of land embraced within railway grants, excepting sections numbered 16 and 36, which are reserved by Government for the use of public schools. These lands are described as double minimum, or $2.50 lands; all other Government lands being sold for 81.25 per acre to the actual settler, when not taken by the homestead claimant. Citizens of the Uniited States, or persons who have declared their intention to become citizens, who can avail themselves of the privileges conferred by this Act, are of the following classes, viz: lst. All males 21 years of age. 2d. All widows. 3d. All unmarried women. 4th. All persons whlo are heads of families. The only expense incurred by the settler in procuring his perfect title from the Government under the Homestead Laws is the payment of the FEES TO THE (O\VEn,:,T, and the commission to the Register and R-,eceiver of the Land Office of the District where the lands are situtate, specified in the following table: .i I I I I 28 BO A-RD OF IMMIGRA TION. HOMFESTEAD IEES. COMMITSIONS. - - Pay a, ble iPax able as Ita: ~ when when cer entry tificate is j 7- _ |is made. issued. 160l SI1 25 6 00 $6 00 $ 80; 1 25 3 00 3 00 40' 1 2 5 50 1 50 80 2 50 6 00 6 00 40' 2 o0 3 00 3 00 FEES. Pavable TOTAL FE-E:.N w hen AND entryv CoMMI o N s. is made. (410 00 $22 00 5 00 11 00 5 00 8 00 10 00 22 00 5 00 1 1 00 made under the act of July 15, 187 0, on double minimum, or $2.50 lands, by officers, soldiers or sailors who have served in the army or navy; when double, the above commission must be paid; that is, for 160,eres of land $1 2, and the fee of $10, making $22 at date of entry, and $12 upon making final proof. The operation of the iPre-emption Laws of the U3nited States extend to all public lands in Colorado; and under the liberal provision of these acts, the settler can procure a title to 160 acres of the finest land in the world for the nominal sum of $1.25 per acre; or by availing himself of both his homestead and pre-emption rights he can secure 320 acres of land in one locality. COLONIZATION. Maniy advantages are gained to settlers in new countries b1v the organization of coloni.( for that purpose. Thev secure the lowest rates of tra)nsportationI; (ommllnitv of interest in the pulrehase and improv ement of land; the digging of irrigating ditches; establishlimenit of (Irc(hes elsclools and societies, and at the same time retain man- of tle old ties and friendships of their former homes. In no country are these advantages greater than in Colorado. A system. of colonization has already been established and is in most sucecesstiful operation. The railway companies having large grants of government lands, particularly encourage colony enterprises by giving low rates of transportation; by selling large bodies of land on the most favorable terms, and ii many other ways. The colonists also take up the contiguous government land by pre-emption and homestead. i i I I I I I I I i 29 I i Except in cases where entries are I II I i i tiI i I i i i i i i i I I I i i i I I I i BOARD OF IMIMIGRATION. The following are the most prominent and important colonies already established: THE UNION COLONY OF COI,ORADO, WAVith the town of Greeley as a centre, was located on its lands in the valley of the Cache a la Poudre river, and on the Denver Pacific Railway, half way betnvween Denver and Cheyenne, April 5, 1870. The population is not far from 2,000; number of buildings 500; and there are about 50,000 acres of land. Number of acres now under irrigating canals 30,000; said canals being respectively 12 and 27 miles long; number of acres under plow at present, about 5,000; water-power canal 2 miles long and 30 feet wide. The soil is unsurpassed for fertility, and all kinds of crops are grown. There are 5 churches; 2 lyceums; 1 Masonic lodge; 1 Odd Fellows' lodge; 1 Good Templars' lodge; 4 schools, and a large graded school building of brick, in process of erection. There are about 20 stores and shops, a grist mill, and mechanics of all kinds. The trade with the valleys is large and constantly increasing. while the town and country are rapidly growing. Two saw-mills are to be erected forthwith; the timber being floated down the river from the Rocky Mountains in quantities sufficient to keep them running the year round. The society is unexceptionally good, and the people generally as enterprising and reliable as anywhere in this country. THE CHI('-GO-COLORXDO COLONY, In Boulder county, with Longmont as its centre, was established in the spring of 187 [. Present population near 700; number of buildings about 300, and about 30,000 acres of land, worth from 82.50 to $10.00 per acre. Nearly all of the latter is under irrigation, or will be soon. Several thousand acres of land are in cultivation. Thlere are good schools, churches, societies, stores, mills, a bank and a large public library. Longmont is eight miles from the foot of the mountains, on St. Yrain river, which affords ample water power and excellent facilities for obtaining timber and lumber. Coal, lime, gypsum and building stone are abundant in the neighborhood. 30 I i I i I BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. THE ST. LOUIS-WESTERN COLONY, At Evans, the county seat of Weld county, was located in the spring of 1871 and now numbers about 600 people. It is midway between Denver and Cheyenne on the Denver Pacific Railway at the crossing of the Platte river. One irrigating canal, six miles long has been completed, and another, forty miles in length, is in course of construction. There are three large stores; one drug store; one furniture store; two hotels; blacksmith and harness shops; passenger, freight and telegraph offices, churches and schools. The colony has secured 60,000 acres of railway and government lands. THE SOUTHWESTERN COLONY, Of Colorado, is seventy-five miles northeast of Denver on the Platte river. It was started in the summer of 1871, and is located entirely upon government land. Irrigating ditches have been dug, a prosperous village started, and the foundation thus laid for a flourishing settlement. THE FOUNTAIN COLONY OF COLORADO, Is located at Colorado Springs, seventy-five miles south of Denver, oil the Denver and Rio Grande Railway. It has, in addition to the other attractions of Colorado, near it, the famous Garden of the Gods, Monument Park, Glen Eyrie, the Fountain Canon, and within a short distance the famous Sweet Soda Springs of Colorado. The land is rich and productive; market excellent; coal and timber convenient; lumber abundant and cheap; drinking water excellent; society largely made up of eastern people; churches and schools established; education made a prominent inducement; climate and scenery the delight and the admiration of the world. THE RAILWAY SYSTEM. EASTERN CONNECTIONS AND FACILITIES. The railway system of Colorado, although yet in its infancy, has already assumed extensive proportions, and is still making rapid strides. There are at present completed and in operation in the Territory, overfour hundred and fifty miles of I 31 BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. railway. To these additions are being constantly made, and it is confidently believed, that before the close of the present year, between two hundred and three hundred additional miles of iron will be laid. The two main lines leading to Colorado from the Missouri river are the Union Pacific and the Kansas Pacific Railways. The former connects with three separate lines crossing Iowa, and running to the great railway centre, Chicago. The latter connects with four eastern lines, two of which run to St. Louis, the others crossing the Mississippi river at Quincy and Hannibal, connect with great eastern routes to the Atlantic. It will be seen that facilities for reaching Colorado from eastern points are convenient and numerous. The Board of Immiqgiation have about completed arranygemeiits with the diferent iailways leadiig to Colorado for reduced rates to all B,oNA FITDE settler,. Terms of said red4tction can be obtainrcd upon a-ppli(ation to the'ecretary. LABOR, WAGES AND EXPENSE OF LIVING IN COLORADO. Carpenters,.$3,,50 to $5.00 per day; Ma:sons and Bricklayers, $-4.00 to.$6.00 per day; Plasterers, $450 to $6.00 per day; Painters, $3.50 to.)5.00 per day; Tenders to Masons,.t3.00 to,K4.00 per day; Common Laborers, $,2.50 per day; Railroad ILaborers, $2.50) per day; Cattle Herding, 840.00 per month and board; Printers, average $30.00 per week; atrm HIands,' 2.()0 to 5,40.0(0) per month and board; Miners,.83.00 to, I-0O per day; Du)unpers, $2.50 per day; Clerks in stores, $60.00 to 8750) 0 per month; Book-keepers, $75.00 to $,125.00 per month; Servant Girls, $20.00 to $35.00 per month. House rent, $1.)0 to $30.00 per month; hotel charges, $2.0(0) to $4.00 per day. Railroad and stage fare, averag( 10 cents per mile. Meals, 75 cents to $1.00 each. AVERAGE RETAIIL PRICE OF HOUSEHOLD SU-PPTIfES. Potatoes 1-1 to 2 ets. per lb; Flour, $4.50 to $6.00 per ewt.; Coffee, 28 to 35 ets.; Tea, $1.00 to $1.75; Bacon, 12 to I i I i 32 i i BOARD OF IMMIGRATION. 15 cts.; Beef, 10 to 15 cts.; Lard, 12 to 15 cts.; Molasses and Syrup, 81.00 to $1.50. All supplies are ahout the same prices as in the States, freight added. (COST OF LIVING. Board and lodging, firom $,5.00 to $8.00 per week COST OF MIATERIALS. Brick, 810.00; Lumber, common, 825.00) to $28.00; dressed, $35.00 to $45.00; Shingles, $4.00 to 86.00; Plas terilng, 3 coats 50 ets., 2 coats, 35 cts.; Lime, 50 to 60 cts. per hushel; Nails, $6.00 to $6.25; Coal, 82.5() to $6.00 per ton; Charcoal, 25 cts. per bushel. .IMATIC. TEMPERA'TURE. Highest. Lowest. Mean. Degrees. Degrees.! Degrees. J60 o 5 29.4 64 I1 33.5 671 — 8 32.7 80 16 48.1 86 40 56.1 94 48 68.2 98 5r)3 74.2 97 45 64.8 89 40 60.1 83 27 47.8 68 20 41.85 60 -18 23. 67 6 34.5 66 13 38.5 67 10 46. 80 25 50.1 86 42 6o. 2 9 56 74.9 97 58 78. 95 54 75. 2 86 45 16.5 Xo,8 24! 53.5 70 0 36. 551 — 2 31.3 ,58 — 26 " 22,7 64 — 9 i 34.7 78 4' 39.4 83 25 t 49. 89'35 61.3 Jainuary, 1870...................... February, 1870..................... Miarch, 187........................ April, 18i0.......................... May, 1870........................... June, 1870..................!......... July, 1870........................... August, 187 0........................I September, 18710................... October, 1870....................... Novembber, 1870.......... December. 1870................... January, 1871...................... February, 1.871........... i ~arch, i87........................1 April, 1871....................-...... May, 181........................... June, 1871........................... .lt 18-1i Julyembr, 1871................... Ocgusto, 18-1 1....................... September, 181................... October, 1871...................... -November-, 1871...................i December, 1871................ Janu tary, 187~2...................... February, 187-2..................... MNareh, 1872........................ April, 1872.......................... Mnlay, 1872............................ Rain f1lI in 1870, 12.6,5 incheles; in 1871, 12.35 iiih,es. . * * ee....'!.. 3"i II 11 'Rain & Melt ed snow. InciW. 1.15 1.70 .7o 2.80 .35 .52 .12 2.85 .68 .54 .73 .46 .23 1.81 1.01 2.56 .05 .51, .27 1.18 .40 3.10 .77 .84.29 2.44 2.38 3.21 I i i BOARD OF IMI[(TRATrioN. ALTITUDES ABOVE SEA. D)enver, 5,fet; Golden 1,,22; Central (City, 8,S00; 'a'ho, 7,800; Georgetown, 8,4'42; A\rgentine Pass 13,000; [lerthoud4 Pus, 11,020; Breekiiritge Pas,, I 1,000; Mid(.,i!( Pa~ rk, s,800; G ray's Peak, 1-,450;. [ i[e's P 1 4,214); Lonig's. Pealk, 14,2'52; Mt. Lin(ool,:i,,190; Pueb)lo, 4,400(Cloroado (ity, 6,000; Triniidad, 5I,8() Sim N"Uis Vailey, l4t()t: Sii 1 t of Divide, 7,040. POSTAL FACILITIES. -Number of Post-offices in Colorado, 125; nuthmber of milcs daily post routes, may 490; number of miles tri-weekly, 350; number of miles semi-weekly post rou tes, 200; number of m}iles weekly, 645; post routes, 44. '1," . 3 "4 O it i I a I I I B().RD,'-)FI M 151:(ITI()N. TABLE OF DISTANCES. M.1L ILES. I tveir to (' Tl............................................... 17 " B l(k Ha k....................................... " ('el I t t-l...................................:~ 9 " IR.(e1; ic.............................................. 4() Idah(o l................................................ ..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.( " \ et, kwel.5o( '" B'ou iI......................................... 30 "; Vatlmoml.............. s.....' 2 )5 " brie. ' Long'mnt............................................. "arieen C......................................... 58 " E-anro........................................... 48 '~~ Eeirige............................ - " Greeler..................52.....................8 Gr~niteel...........................................5 ' Green Cit......................................... 75 " Fairl )lay............................................. 90 Breekinride....................................... 96 " H ilt n................................ 80 " Granite 1......................................... 130( " Dayiton.............................................. 13,5 olorado (rity...................................... 7 t Puel)]4o............................................... 120 "(4anlon Citv... 120 " Triiolacd e..................................... 20 " K~~ ($it................................(3 " Carson............................................... 156 " KCiowva Creek..................................... 30 " Bijou Creek........................................ 40 Kan-isas Cit......................................... 637 Otmrahia............................................... 622 Chi(cago.............................................1,100 St. Ioti........................................... 912 35, I I I i i i i " -.:..' 4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I I'll <.as