The Forrest City times. [volume], August 28, 1896, Image 8

About The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919

Image provided by: Arkansas State Archives

                
A BIRD’S EYE VIEW.
Sketches of Arkansas' Attractive and
Varied Features.
Koniit»ln«, Valleys. I'laina and Hirers—
Panoramic View* which Escape the Eye
of the Tourist Who Hu-liea Through
the State In a Palace Car.
If people could pass over the state of
Arkansas in a balloon they would re
ceive impressions quite different than
those obtained from a car-window point
•f view. Coursing down either the Cot
ton Belt or the Iron Mountain railroad
through stretches of flat forests, past
lumber mills and logging camps, the mo
notony relieved by fields of cotton and
corn, with towns and cities at intervals,
he gets the impression that Arkansas is
nothing but an expanse of wooded
level, almost devoid of scenic feature.
On the other hand, the visitor who
chances to enter the state by the Frisco
Toad at the northwest corner and
travels down to Fort Smith through the
broken ranges of the Ozark and Boston
mountains and returns by the same
route, will get his first wrong impres
sion of the general topography of Ar
kansas. He will tell his friends that
Arkansas is a broken country, with, of
course, some very handsome valleys and
plateaux, but largely rugged, with
much sterile land. The fact is, the sur
face of Arkansas is very much diversi
fied, as the visitor would discover if he
could view the country from a balloon
instead of through a ear window.
Boll and Climate.
Within the limits of the state exist
almost every variety of soil and olimate.
There are regions of level forest and
vast stretches of undulating prairie;
there are regions of hills and mountain
ranges, and there are regions of swamp
and overflowed lands. The latter lie
almost exclusively at the eastern sida
of the state, mainly along the St. Fran
cis and the Mississippi rivers. An idea
can be gained of the extent of non-fer
tile land from the report presented by
the United States Album of Statistics,
department of agriculture, for the year
1894, which gives the entire area of non
productive land at 5 per cent. This es
timate includes both mountain and
swamp lands. Perhaps as between the
iwo masses me ratio is about tne same,
making 23* per cent of swamp land and
2>i per cent of sterile mountain land.
These figures will be a practical sur
firise to the man who viewed the conn
ry through the oar window as he
passed down the Iron Mountain route,
as well as to him who traversed the
’Frisco to Fort Smith. The fact is. if
the tourist will disbark at any station
on either of the roads named and drive
10 miles into the country in any direc
tion he will experience mixed sensa
tions of surprise and relief at the topo
graph}’ it presents. Instead of surface
as flat as a lake and of limitless extent,
he will discover that the landscape
architect who framed and fashioned the
level district through which the road
bed lies diversified the outlaying coun
try with pretty slopes and shapely hills,
which, dotted with farm homes, form a
picture in striking contrast with what
he imagined existed there. So, too, a
drive of a few minutes suffices to bring
him. who describes the northwestern
section of the state as rough and rug
ged, face to face with as fine landscape
as can be found in any part of the Uni
ted States. The handsome elevations
he will find covered with orchards,
meadows, fields a? grain; tasty and
comfortable dwellings set in enclosures,
auch as a king would be proud to call
his own. He will see streams of water
clear as crystal and gushing springs of
the purest water; forests of oak, wal
nut and hickory trees, with mountain
peaks forming a background. It will
convince him that impressions as ob
tained through a car window are delu
sive, and that notions of Arkansas as
obtained from various sources when at
home are false and demoralizing. He
will in future be both amazed and
amused when he hears a tourist give
impressions of Arkansas, especially one
who received them through a car win
dow.
The Product* of Arknnans.
lne vegetable and animal life within
the state boundaries varies from that
of the temperate zone to that of the
tropic. One reason given for this great
variety is the difference of altitude
which marks the different parts of the
state. For example, the county lo
cated at the southeastern corner is at
an elevation of 281 feet above sea level,
whereas, the county located at the
northwestern corner is 2,340 feet above
sea level. Another reason given is the
diversity of soil. The mountain por
tion abounds in well-watered plains
and rich valleys, the rolling or hilly
lands, usually denominated uplands,
embracing an area of about 10,000.000
acres, contain a great amount of vege
table mold with a slight admixture of
sand, easily cultivated and very produc
tive. The alluvial or valley soils, aggre
gating about 0,000,000 acres, extending
along the river course, contain the con
densed richness of the vast areas of
vegetable growth that have been accum
ulating for ages, rich in all elements
necessary to the growth of cotton,
grain, vegetables and fruit. In these
jvalleys are seen the splendid cotton
plantations of the state, whose product
In good times yielded a larger dividend
In agricultural returns than an equal
number of acres in any other state in
the union. The prairie, level and pro
ductive, embracing an area of about 2,
000,000. the grass region of the state, is
situated mostly in eastern Arkansas,
though nestling in mountain-environed
plateaux are some beautiful stretches
of fertile prairie. Besides hillsides and
slopes suited to vineyards and species
of fruit trees These classes show the
range of soil which varies in quality
from sandy alluvial of great depth and
richness to blade sandy, chocolate
loams, red, yellow and gray. The state
is situated between 33 and 80.30 degrees
north latitude, mainly non!) of the
range of cotton states, yet it produces
more cotton per hand than any other
cotton state and apples superior to the
best pr<x1uced in any northern state.
Elevation answers for latitude. This
fact explains why Arkansas with 3 1-3
I degrees of latitude practically mb*
braeea 10. Mountains, uplands, val
leys and prairiea announce a diversity
of soil and as a consequence great
range of producte. It is not necessary
to eulogise a state where variety of
I soil and products are so well known,
i These few features are presented Vo ex
plaiu to people abroad why producte of
the temperate and the tropical zones
are produced almost in sight of each
other here in the queen state of the
great southwest. Cotton is the staple
product at present, but other crops,
such as are regarded staple in northern
states, are contesting with it for su
premacy. Soil which yields a paying
cotton crop will bring forth a paying
corn crop. Besides, tnere is fruit. Ar
kansas fruit needs no euology. It has
been placed in competition with the
world's best samples and in every in
stance has won the prize. From Bos
ton to California, inoluding even the
Chicago exposition, it captured horti- |
cultural laurels, aud will continue its
victorious career. Wheat, oats, rye,
barley and potatoes, all staple crops of
Illinois and adjoining states, are sta
ples here, while upland rice, sweet po
tatoes. 6ugar cane and many cereals
and fruits indigenious to southern soil
are successfully produced. The advan
tages which this variety of soil and
range of products affords may be seen
at a glance—they exempt the tiller of
the soil from a routine existence. The
farmer whose operations are limited to
practically one crop lapses into ma
chine existence. 11 is farm degener
ates into a sort of well regulated Bote
ony Bay, where routine services is per
formed without much hope of reward,
and after a term of years every avenue
of escape becomes blocked. The
friendly opportunities which lie open
where the advantages of varied soil
exist are a relief to the man who has
long desired to follow the bent of his
own taste and the dictates of his own
judgment. If he is tired of raising
oorn and cattle he can raise berries, i
vegetables and fruit. Or he can rent a
part of his farm and devote his time to
truck growing. Or he can diversify his
crons—that is to say, raise cotton, corn
and other grain. At least he can re
joice in the fact that he is not restricted |
in his operations to either corn or
wheat.
General Feature* ef Arkansas.
Seated in an aerial ship an artist
could pass over the state and look down
upon views that would be wonderful
pictures to present on canvas. He would
see fragments of the Ozark range ex
tending down the western boundary,
with the Boston range running east
ward half way across the northern part
of the state, forming a wall of high
lands which break the force of cold
winds and protect the interior country
from sweeping blizzards. He would
discover moreover that majestic eleva
tions are distributed far from the Ozark
and Boston ranges. South of the Arkan
sas river are ranges of the Maumelle
and the Petit Jean, and further south
yet are the Magazine range and the
Hot Springs mountains, with irregular
forms In Montgomery county and foot
hills in Sevier county. Altogether the
aerial tourist would see scenic splendor
for spirited sketches. At the southeast
he would And a gradual slope to the
Mississippi river, with no eminence to
break the view. From the southeastern
to the northeastern part of the state—
a strip of country designated as eastern
Arkansas, he would see dense forests,
the finest timber region east of the
ilocky mountains. W ith the exception
of the expanses of prairie in the White
river valley the entire area of eastern
Arkansas is
A Forest Covered Region,
15,000 square miles of which is pine
land, chiefly the yellow variety, while
vast stretches of lowdands are forests
of cypress. Farther north, that is to
say, in the valley of the St. Francis
river, are the oak regions, where every
variety of oak abounds, the white oak
being most abundant. Hard wood
mills are scattered over this section
along the railroads and rivers, manu
facturing barrel staves and heads and
sawing lumber to be shipped north,
where it is used in the manufacture of
wagons and agricultural implements.
Meantime sawmills are cutting great
gaps into the forests of pine and cypress
in the more southerly regions. It is
estimated that the amount of lumber
sold from these forests annually ex
ceeds $20,000,000. and as yet only a be
hm utrtfu muuc. dui uiuuu
tains, valleys, plains and forests are
not the only physical features of Ar
kansas. Its rivers claim attention. Up
ward of 3.000 miles of navigable streams
are found within state limits, counting
the Mississippi, which forms the east
ern boundary. From the summit of
Mount Nebo, situated uear the Arkan
sas river about 75 miles southeast of
Fort Smith, it is said you can “trace
the majestic flow of the Arkansas for
upward of u hundred miles. Its silver
thread is visible here aud there, wind
ing in and out of the cotton plantations
with which the fertile valley is covered.
From this elevated point they resemble
miniature gardens with their regular
and highly cultivated rows of corn and
cotton. More agricultural wealth can
be comprehended in this view than in
any other similar one in the world.”
There are five other rivers traversing
the state navigable for steamboats *00
to 400 miles, and eight navigable 100 to
250 miles, making a larger river mile
age for boating tiian any other state in
the union. These streams, with their
wooded hills and val'eys, contribute to
abounding variety of scenery as well
as to the practical uses of trade and
commerce. Cascades and rapids, whoso
power would startle the world if har
nessed, flow murmuring to waste from
the highlands into the main channels
below. When all these splendid water
powers are brought into use and the
hum of machinery is heard in the val
leys Arkansas will be known as the
manufacturing center of the Missis
sippi vallev, aud the products will ex
tend to all nations. Time will come
when the northern part of the state
will be the seat of manufacturing de
velopment. as well as the horticultural
garden of the union. Industrial and
commercial elements center ultimately
where the opportunities and facilities
are so inviting.
WEATHER AND CROPS.
Condition of iho Latter ns Affected by the
Former, According,- to Keports Submit
ted by the Dlr.-rtur* of the Veveral Cll
mnte and Crop Sections—The General
Drought liroken—Corn Crop Ksplilly
Maturing.
Chicago, Aug. 25.—The reports as to
the condition of the crops throughout
tiie country and the general effect of
the weather on the cultivation, growth
and harvest of same were to-day made
by tlte directors of the several climate
and crop sections. The reports re
ceived at Chicago were as follows:
Much needed rains have fallen dur
ing the week over portions of the
western gulf states, partially reliev
ing the droughty conditions which
have prevailed in that sectiou. While
excessive heat has retarded work in
some of the southern states, it has
been too cool for best results in the
lake region and upper Mississippi val
ley. The weather conditions of the
past week have been favorable for
cotton picking, which has progressed
rapidly except where retarded by ex
cessive heat. Much tobacco has been
cut aud housed during the week, and
while there Is some complaint of un
favorable curing in Kentucky, the gen
eral condition of the crop is favora
ble.
Illinois—The week has been unfa
vorable in most of the southern coun
ties, but elsewhere it has been favor
able and late corn has made rapid prog
ress aud will require ten days or two
weeks to bt, safe from fro^t injury.
Early corn is being cut in all parts of
the state and a large crop is promised.
Fall pastures, late potatoes anti gar
dens are good except in southern sec
tion. Broom corn cuttiug has begun
in Henry county.
Wisconsin—The cool weather has
retarded the maturity of corn to some j
extent, but it is still in advance of the
average. Early plantings and early
varieties are now matured and some is
already in the shock iD the southern
and middle sections. With favorable
weather the bulk of the crop will be
safe from frost by September 12. A
very large yield is anticipated. Thresh
ing completed and fall plowing under
way.
Kansas—Warm, dry week south half
of state, cool most of the week in north
hall, injuring late corn, fruits and
pastures in the south,benetitting them
in uortli portion. Corn harvest con
tinues, but (laying delayed by rains in
north. Plowing has been delayed by
drought in southern portion.
Missouri—Drought in central and
southern sections broken by good
rains, but much late corn too far gone
to be benefitted. Early corn is being
cut. Plowing resumed. Cotton pick
ing commenced. Much damage to
corn and orchards by wind in some
northern counties.
Kentucky — Excellent growing
weather with normal sunshine and
general rains All crops improved.
Corn advancing to maturity rapidly.
Tobacco worms disappearing. To
bacco that is housed is damaged by
curing green. Fall plowing has be
gun; pastures improved; late peaches
better than earlier crop.
Indiana—Cooler; heavy rains in
localities. Corn is maturing rapidly
and some is nearly ready to cut. Much
tobacco housed; big yield of tomatoes;
millet cut; clover hulled; threshing
nearly all done; plowing progressing;
peaches and grapes abundant; melons
large.
Ohio—Temperature and precipita
tion deficient; plenty sunshine. Corn
prospect first-class, and entire crop
will be safe from frost in two weeks.
Tobacco generally good and being
housed. Potatoes rotting some, but
generally fair. Fruit generally ex
cellent, especially apples, pears and
grapes; peaches rotting on trees. Cool,
and plowing in progress; oats injured
by rain.
THE RETIRING SECRETARY.
Mr. Smith Will Devote Ills Time to Private
Affairs.
V\ ashington, Aug. 20.—Secretary
Smith yesterday, replying to inquiries
regarding his retirement, said: *T will
retire from olliee on September 1, and
it is my purpose to return to Atlanta
at once.
“My resignation was due alone to
the fact that I intend to support
Bryan and Sewall. 1 have always
voted the regular democratic ticket,
and shall make no exception this year.
“It is my purpose to devote my time
to the practice of law and to my priv
ate business. I have, however, signi
fied my willingness to make two or
three speeches in Georgia for the state
and national Gcket, but the time nec
essary to the resumption of attention
to my professional and private busi
ness will not permit me to enter ac
tively into the campaign outside my
state.”
Ex-Gov. Francis is expected to re
turn to Wasliington on Monday, and
Secretary Smith thinks he will assume
his duties as secretary of the interior
on Tuesday, September 1. The fact
that he would accept the office, and
the further fact that his views as to
the general financial policy of the ad
ministration would be in entire ac
cord with the known views of Presi
dent Cleveland and Secretary Carlisle
were fully established during the pro
tracted interview which ex-Gov. Fran
cis had with Secretary Carlisle last
week.
Gov. Francis, it is intimated, will
bring his family to the capital to
spend the fall and winter, closing up
his Lt. Loui-> home meanwhile.
FUSFELL, GRAHAM $ (A
DKALER8 11J
* General ^ ^
★ ☆ Merchandise
jnmmnmmnmmnmimMmmmim;:
: Most Durable Bubbor 3
- : * : Boot Ever Made 3
j FUSSELL, GRAHAM & CO. j
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E Are Sole Afenta fur the 3
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| Snag Proof j
! Rubber Boots!
t These are the Best Boots on the H
I Market, and will be sold
T very olose t
Luiiiinnuimmmmtiiuiiuuumiuuiiu
I 1
reCLUDlUe
Furniture,
Stoves,
Tinware,
Cultivators & Mown
Barbed Wire
and Lime
a Specialty.,
The Highest Market Pri# |
will be paid for
Chickens, Butter,
Eggs, Hides,
Tallow, Etc.Etc
J1S. FU5SELL W. iGElHil
L. ROLLWAGE. OTTO B. ROLLWASL
L. ROLLWAG 4 CO.
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS IH
General \ Merchandise.
CHEAPEST CASH STORE IN THE CITY,
J. W. BECK & CO.
DEALERS IN
a-EETEJRJAL
Careful and Prompt Attention Given to Trade in Cotton
Hides, Furs and Country Produce. Consign
ments of same solicited.
N. W. Corner Front and Washington Sts,, Forrest City, lit
J. fUsfckLL, President. L. KOlI.WAUK, Virr-Prra dent. CHAS. it- SAH0KIM. Ia***
Paid up capital. $5Q,000. Surplus, $5,000.
BANK OF EASTERN ARKANSAS.
FORREST CITY, ARK.
’ iii Bill! BoUicis i Sjeadij.
CORRESPONDENTS:
Fourth National Bank, New York. State National Bank. Memphl*^ A
Continental National Bank, St. Louis. German National Bank. Little
«-3DXXtaECX02=aS —
J. W BECK, of J. W. Beck ft Co.
JAMES FCS3KLL, of Fusaell, Graham ft Oo
L. KOLI.WAOB. of L. Rnllwatre ft Co.
W. H. McI>AJ41BL, Capitalist and Plantar.
N. W. NORTON. Attorney «r w'
A. BBCKKlt. of Becker & Le'''
OHA8. L. BOGLKSTON. Rrin"
WM M. BLOCK, Heal Bataie I*""'
J. W. WYNNE, of Wynne, Lore * Co., Menupbi*. Tenn.
EVERYTHING NEW AND FIRST-CLASS
TOLBERT & DUNCAN,
Barbers and Hairdressers
North Washington Street, Forrest tKf*
v oon'tMIdRted our 1*0 *h»ps. and everythin* t*»»ji#t ne* and
k^lhh •• "Mfrvnu, acurw aud *eedivli a Mr*® "