Galveston County, Texas - The whole text, 1895 (part 7 of 26)

This can be answered by simiily hinting at circumstances as they existed in western Texas up to a few years ago. In former years the want of water, added to the danger of Indians, prevented the settling of western Texas; and even travelers hurried through parts of the couTitry, as x[\f Sierra de los Dolores (''the Mountains nf Misery,'" now Quitman and surrounding mountains), with its Puerta de los Lamentaciones ("Gate of Lamentations"), and nobody stopped long enough to examine the mountains for tlieii mineral resources; or if perchance some one did stop he did so at the peril of his life, h> is proved by the numerous graves wdiich are found in the mountains.

Up to ten or twelve years ago military detachments were kept at stage stations on the road to Fort Davis and El Paso, to protect these stations from the Indians. Under such circumstances travelers were not inclined to lie over at the station houses, which were uninviting, and to make geological examinations of the hills and mountains, or try to ascei'tain their ore-bearing character.

The daring pioneers who prospected and wdio began the development of other mineral districts of the United States had not sufficient inducement to undergo like hardships and risk their time and life in Texas, for this State had no mining law granting to pros- ])ectors any right to discoveries they may have made. The Mexicans living along the Rio Grande were farmers, - very indolent, too poor to buy arms, too timid to make exploration trips to the mountains without arms.

In 1883 the legislature of the State passed a mining law, but its contents and ruling were not very tempting. Very few persons in Texas knew, and nobody outside the State suspected, that there was really a mining law at all. It was quite natural that no mineral resources were expected in a State which diil not deem it worth while to pass sensible mining laws.

The railroads made traveling through trans- Pecos Texas easier and quite dangerless. They brought mountain ranges which were hardly accessible in former times in easier reach; and in 1889 the legislature of the

State passed a new mining law. The terms, liiiwever. uinier which this hiw grants mining riiilits to |>ruspectoi's ai'e not as iuvitintr as those of tlie mining hiws in foi'ce in tjje iiiinei'al districts in otiicr States of the United Slates or Mexico. There are very few actual pros' pectors who are ahle or willing to pay the locating and recording tees, and in addition to their work make a payment annually of $50 in casii on each claim, some of wliich they may not wisli to patent, thns entailing a loss of hoth work and money. This feature of the law encourages capitalists to locate and secure mineral lands for speeidation, and discourages, or it may even he said excludes, the actual prospector. This law does not prevent persons from erecting corner monuments of fictitious mineral claims wherever they think good indications might be found, which will at least serve to prevent other honest prospectors from locating on them. Tiiere are numerous such bogus locations, which have neither been surveyed by the autliorized surveyor, nor recorded in the 1 md office, nor the assessment work done, nor the cash payments made on them. There is nobody in the mineral districts to watch and prevent such work, even if it were prohibited by law. The required annual payment of §50 on each claim location would certainly benefit the school or university funds if locations were made under the law; but under the circumstances very few locations will be made. Most of the alternate sections, as well as larger tracts of school and university land, in AYest Texas in their present condition can not be sold at a reasonable price; they can not be rented out as farmini^ or grazing land ; they therefore bring no revenue through taxation, and they are, and evidently will remain, dead cajiital ur til the mineral resources are developed in the mountains, and water found or provided for in the flats; and the present mining law should be made as favorable as is jiossible to secure this development. But this is not the only drawback.

The titles to some of the lands of west Texas are clouded by large Mexican or Spanish grants, covering hundreds, and some of tliem (as, for instance, the Ronguillo grant) thousands of square miles of the best mineral and prospective farming lands. Prospectors who are able and who are willing to submit to the terms of the mining law are afraid to risk time and money without knowing on whose land they are locating, or which party, State, railroaii, or gi-autee, has a right to grant them the rights.

In other pai'ts of the trans- I'ecos region, where there are no Spanish or Mexican grants clouding the titles, the prospector can, in very t'ew cases only, be perfectly certain whether his claim is located on State or railroad land, even though the location be made by the authorized surveyor, who knows or professes to know the lines. The terms which are offered by the railroad are for the most part so exacting that in fact it is almost impossible for a prospector to accept them. Thus, instead of offering sufficient inducements to secure a greater amount of prospecting, everything is against the prospector, and helps to prevent the development of the mineral resources of the State.

The scarcity of water, also a drawback to the development of the mineral and other resources of west Texas, can be'overcome by storage reservoii-s, and will be partially overcome by the water found in deeper mines. The scarcity of mining timber is not severely felt, for little timbering is required in the solid material of the western mountains.

the poorer giade of ores whicli can not stand shipment, and also in less di-j^ree on account of its need for use under steam boilers for hoisting, pumping;, and ventilating machinery, liut poorer ores might l)e stored until the coal deposits of Texas are sutficiently explored and developed to furnish cheap fuel, or until the unjustified prejudice against the excellent brown coal of the Tertiary is overcome BufKciently to bring it into use.

The mineral resources, like those of the Quitman district, will and must attract attention, and will be appreciated and utilized as soon as a more liberal miuing law uiakesthem acceptable to prospectors, as soon as the title clouds are removed, and as soon as it is possible to determine the exact location of the claims. The advantages for mining are fully as great as the disadvantiges that have been mentioned, the proximity of the railroad to most of the mountains being by no means the least. The communication from the mountains to the railroad is easy, the roads either good or capable uf Ijeing made so at nominal cost. The climate is healtliy, and there is not the slightest danger of Indian outbreaks or other disturbances so common in nianv other mining districts.

Economic Geology

The practical man desires a knowledge of the useful minerals and other natural resources, and he, therefore, often fails to ap]ireciate the necessity for such determinations as have been laboriously worked out for the geological reports. But experience has clearly shown that haphazard methods of development are not only ruinous to individuals and corporations engaged in mining, but also detrimental to the legitimate industrial growth of any region. Little as it may be realized by those who have suffered from ill advised speculation in mining property, anri undesirable as the revelation may be to those who live by preying upon the credulity of investors, it is certainly true that there are no isolated cases of marvelous subterranean wealth. If a bonanza in gold, silver, copper, lead, iron, or manganese exists anywheie in central Texas, it is because certain causes have acted to produce it; and if one such occurrence be known, others < f the same kind ]U'ol)al)ly exist in the same region. Still, it does not follow that the discovery by accident of one ore body necessitates a similar method for acquiring knowledge of others. Nothing is now more firmly established than the close relations of geologic structure and mineral d-position. Every competent mining engineer is a structural geologist, or he is wofully unfitted for his profession, however well trained he may be in other very necessary directions. The really practical miner is often the best judge of the proper means of attacking a special problem in excavation, provided that it requires no knowledge beyond the range of his own experience. But whenever any person, of whatever training antl experience, assumes to pass an opinion upon values after simple inspection, without such knowledge of the structure and of the chemical composition as can come only from varied experience and thorough tests, he is arrogating to himself powers beyond the capacity of any human being.

No industry can be built upon such a foundation. Whatever may be the future of our district, its development will depend upon its resources as they are, not as they ai-e estimated by any individual, although correct statements of lact will aid inutorially in attracting attention from capitalists. l' ntunndfd Impes and guesses of inexpeiit'nced jit-rson.-, it' conveited into casii, may ])i-odnce a temporary artiticial excitement, wliicdi will certainly result in eventual disaster. The money which has already been lionestly expended in the Central Mineral Reoion Ity well-meaning enthusiasts, often witiiout competent advice, would ha\-e sutKced to determine the value of the resources of tiie ti-act it' it iiad all been understandinglj ap[ilied. The amount actually expended in nnneces^ary \vurl< in one investigation would have given a fair knowledge of tlie economic value of a vast area had it been used in a ditfercnt manner. That tiiis is not idle talk, but hard business sense, is proved by the fact that the writer has already been able in several instances to predict accurately tiie resnlts of cxpbirations in advance of the work, simply from his familiarity with the geologic structure, as outlined in the first ]3art of the second geological report.

The origin of all soils is from the decomposition of the rocks, clays, shales, and other material going to make up the crust of tlie earth. When any part of the earth's crust is exposed to the influence of tlie rain and dew, the cold of winter and the heat of summer, no matter how compact that material may be, it gradually decomposes and the particles wash down and make the soils of the valley below.

Then again the lichens, although in many instances they are of microscopic size, fasten themselves upon the rocks and there secrete an acid wliichgradnally decomposes the rocks, and the particles go to make up the soils.

The clays and other sidt materials are more easily l)rokeii up and washed down by the rains, and they l"o enter into the composition of the soils. Again, growing upon this newly made soil will be jtlants which in turn will die, and the material of which they are composed will combine with the rock material and form a soil somewdiat diflerent from that of purely mineral origin. The difference in the soil is often oliserved in the color of the two; the last, or that on top, is usually darker than that below, caused by the large amount of vegetable matter contained therein.

The material from which nidst soils are derived has been subjected to this disintegration several times since it was first deposited as rock material. The sandy soils are mostly made up from the sandstones of the different formations, which were in turn derived from the granites and other igneous rocks and deposited along the shores of the former oceans. The calcareous soils have their origin from the limestones, and the limestones were deposited in the bed of the old ocean, the material coming from the worn-out shells of the bygone times. A perpetual round of disintegration, mixing, and redeposition has been going on since tlie beginning, our soils being the work of all the ages. In the classification of the soils some writers have distinguished them as sedimentary soils, being those which are in the immediate vicinity of the rocks from which they were formed, and the transported soils, being those wdiich have been brought from a distance. This classification will be well enough if the fact be kept in mind that nearly all the stratified rock material has itself been brought from another locality by the very same forces that are now transporting and depositing tlie other class of soils. There is no soil that has not at one time been rock.

Tliere are tifiwn principal chemical elements poniposino; all soils, asiile frum many other elements that occur only in small quantities. Tliese eleiilents are: 1, hydrogen; 2, carbon; 3, oxygen; 4, nitrogen; 5, silicon; 6, clilorine; 7, piiosphorus; 8, sulphur; 9, ahiniinnra; 10, manganese; 11, potassinin; 12, calcium; 13, sodium; 14, magnesium; 15, iron. Besides these elements soils often contain other ingredients which are, when in excess, quite deleterious to plant life.

These elements are contained in the primitive or granitic and metamorpliic rocks, with little or no admixture of the elements or combinations caiistd by the admixture of the acids with the basic elements. As there are no primitive or metamorpliic rocks in that part of the State to which this report j-elates it will be unnecessary to discuss the question of the mode of occurrence and the combination of these elements in the pirimitive rocks. The soils of this part of the State are derived from the sandstones, limestones, and clay and sliale beds found in the district.

These stones and beds were originally formed by the disintegration of the iriaterial of the primitive rocks. The materials of the limestone were brought down by the rivers into the sei, and were finally deposited with the comminntcd shells of the ocean in the deep, quiet ocean in beds as they are now formed. These lime!^tones are composed principally of calcium, carbon and magnesium, with iron, silica, clay, bitumen, and other substances as impurities.

The sandstones were deposited along the sea beach, and are composed principally of silica, being nothing more than fragments of quaitz. This material is bound together by clay or lime, and sometimes by iron.

Soils are largely indebted to vegetable life for their fertility and for their ability to receive lieat and inoisture and to transmit ii to the growing crops. This vegetable material after it has reached a certain state of decay is called huinus. This material has no fixed chemical constituents, owing to the eft'ect produced and the combination formeil with other substances in the process of decay. Many soils owe their dark color to this material. It renders a soil more susceptible to heat and moisture. It also causes the undis^solved particles of rock material remaining in tlie soil to disintegrate and give up their unused material to form a part of the soil.

Texas justly lays claim to greatei' variety and richness of soil than any State in the Union. The black waxy, black sandy, black pebbly, hog wallow, gray sandy, red sandy, sandy loam and alluvial soils are eacii to be found in the State, the majority of them in greater or less quantities in each section. About the best evidence of the richness and fei'tility of these various soils that can be offered is the fact that commercial fertilizers, now so common in the older States and constitutino- as much a fixed charge on the agricultural interests of those sections as the seed necessary to plant the ground, are not used at all in Texas. Another fact wortliy of mention in this connection is that there are thousands of acres in cultivation in this State that have been cultivated continuously for more than thirty years, which now yield as much per acre as they did when first planted. The principal soils of Texas are the black waxy, black sandy and alluvial lands of the river bottoms. The other varieties are minor divisions, and for the purpose

T/ie hlach uwwi/ soi7, so called from its iwlor and adhesive qualities, is the richest and most durable of the soils of the State. It constitutes a large percentage of the prairie region, and is better adapteil to the growth of grain crops than other soils of the State. It varies in depth from twelve inches to many feet, the average depth being about eighteen inches, and is not appreciably affected liy the washing i-ains so injurimis to looser soils.

One of the largest bodies of upland black prairie in the United States extends from Lamar count}', on the Red river, southwest in an irregular manner to a point south of San Antonio, in Bexar countj, with a width of 140 miles on the north end, 100 in the middle, and about sixty on the south end, and embracing twenty-three and ]iarts of twentj-six counties.

The hlaclc sandy soil covers a very large area of the State, and is very productive and easily cultivated. It is highly esteemed for gardening purposes and fruit-growing. It is very loose and requires care and attention to prevent deterioration from washing away the surface. Portions of the timber region, counties bordering on the timber belt of east Texas, and also the Cross Timbers, contain more or less sandy land.

The alluvial soils of (he river bottoms vary in quality according to the territory drained by the streams on which they are located. River soils east of the Brazos river partake more of the waxy character and are stiffer than those on the Bi-azos and streams westward that drain the sandy lands of the northwest. The Brazos river bottom is regarded as the most valuable in the State, on account of its fertility and comparative immunity from overthiws. The lower Brazos is in the heart of the sugar-growing belt, and its liottom lands in that section are considered equal to the best in the sugar-producing region of L<nii>i:uui.

The varieiv of crops that Texas soils ar' capable of profitably growing is as yet unknown. For information in regard to the products that are grown, and the yield per acre of the soils here described, the reader is referred to the reports of the various counties under the head of "Agricultural and General Statistics."

Tiiibkk Gijowth

Tlie area of timber in Texas is much greater than it is generally supposed to bo by persons not familiar with the country. By many people outside of the State it is regarded as a vast "treeless" plain; but this, like many other opinions of the State formed at a distance, is wide of the mark. In the prairie region the bottoms along the streams and ravines are skirted with timber, and in most places tiiere is that happy admixture of prairie and timber hind that so delights the heart of the farmer. Besides this, eastern and southeastern Texas is covered with a dense forest of fine timber, embracing nearly every variety grown in the South. The reports to the State Agricultural Department show that there are 35.537,907 acres of timber land in the State.

The "CrO!-s Timbers" is the name given to two irregnlar belts of timber varying in width and entering the State on the Red river on the north and running in a southerly direction across the prairie rciiion.

McLennan conntv, a distance of about 135 miles, and has an aver;Hire width of from ten to fifteen miles, intersp.ersed at irregidar intervals with small prairies.

The "U])per Cross Timbers" leaves Red river at a point further west, passing south through Montague county, at the lower edge of which it divides, the eastern portion passing south through Wise and Parker counties to the Brazos river, the western veering farther west and extending south into Erath county.

The timber growth of the Cross Timbers is principally post and black-jack oaks. On the streams and lowlands ash, hackberry, pecan and cotton wood trees are found.

On the gray sand hills in eastern Texas the timber growth is mainly scrubl)y post and black-jack oaks. On the black sandy land the timber is generally of the same kind, but of more perfect growth. The red lands are covered with hickory, red and post oaks, with a few sweet and black gum and elm trees interspersed.

In Newton, Jasper, Tyler, Orange, Hardin, and parts of Sabine, Angelina, Trinity, San Augustine, Nacogdoches, Polk, San Jacinto, Shelby and Panola counties, long-leaved pine grows in groat abundcince.

Short-leaved pine, interspersed with hickory and the various oaks, is found from Bowie county, on the Red river, south along the eastern edge of the State, finally merging into the long-leaved pine region. The area of the pineries, both long and short leaved, is estimated at 25,000,000 acres, capable of producing 64,587,420,000 feet of merchantable lumber. Along the streams, especially the larger ones, walnut and ash timber is ai)undant. In the southern part of the State, near the gulf, and west, bordeiincr on the plains, the live oak is a prominent growth.

The mesquite is a tree found more generally in western Texas than any other. It is a common growth on the prairie. A prairie with a growth of mesquite six or eight years old resembles a peach orchard very much in appearance. The mesquite is a small, scrubby tree, and produces a bean similar in size and appearance to the common cornfield bean. It is very nutritious and highly prized as food for horses and cattle. It has spread i-ajiidly over the prairies within the last few yeai's, and n(nv furnishes firewood in many localities where a few years ago there wjis not a stick of any kind of fuel to be found. Cedar of stunted growth also forms a large part of the timber north and west of the Colorado river, and it is usually found on the sides and apexes of the hills and mountains.

The pecan tree, which ])roduces the delicious pecan nut, is found on nearly all the streams, but more abundantly in southern and western Texas, where there are numerous pecan groves in the valleys and on the uplands. Gathering and marketing the pecan crop forms no inconsiderable adjunct to the industries of that section. The pecan crop of 1887 was estimated at 9,000,000 pounds, valued at $540,000.

West of the one hundredth meridian the timber growth is very limited, being almost exclusively confined to the ravines and waterways until the outlying ridges of the Rocky mountains are reached.

The mesquite tree is a species of gum- Arabic tree (Acacia), has very durable wood that shrinks but little in drying, and is thus well fitted for posts, rails, certain parts of wagons, carriages and furniture. The bean is nutritious, fattening live-stock. This tree is takiuir possession of prairie tracts and gradually rendering the land more valnalile. The whole hody of the wood is also rich in tannin, tJiViR rendering; it a good tanning material. It is said, indeed, to be better itian any of the old pojiular materials, as it letter preserves the leather.

Ak150K Day

In response to a growing jnihlic opinion in favor of forest ]ilanting, and to encourage and promote that object, the Twenty first Legislature passed an act designating P\-bi-nary 22 of each year as " Arbor Day." If it shall result in arousing a greater interest in preserving from unnecessary destruction the magnificent forests in the eastern part of the State and the planting and cultivating of forest trees on the bare pi'airics of the We>t, it will Ijecome a monument to the wisdom and foresiglit of the Legislature more enduring than any ever made of marble or brass. And this is the main purpose to be subserved by tlie setting apart of one day in the year for planting out trees. The number of trees planted out on such occasions is inconsiderable compared to the requirements of any community needing the influence exerted by forest areas on the climate. But a beginning must be Uiade and the people gradually educated up to a proper appreciation of the importance of tree planting on a scale commensurate with the importance of the work. The beneficial influence of forest cover in precipitating rainfall and preserving moisture is now acknowledged by the best authorities on the subject. The elFect is seen in this State in the greater average rainfall in the timbered regions of east Texas as compared with the prairie regions of tlie west. Tiie situations of the two sections with reference

As will be seen by the reference to the sununary of totals published elsevvhei'e, the cotton crop of 1890 amounted to 1,01)2,880 bales - an increase of 119,424 bales over the croj) of 1889. The average production per acre was .41 of a bale, the largest nundjer of bales ever reached in the State, and exceeding that of any State in the Union.

A fact worthy <if note in this connection is that Texas has the largest acreage in cotton of any State in the Union, and would, under equal conditions of soil, climate and seasons, lall below the average production per acre of other States. On the contrary, however, as the above figures show, the average yield in this State exceeds that of any of the cottcmgrowing States, and thus the superiority of our soil and the adaptability of the climate in the production of the fleecy staple are clearly established. It may be stated without fear of contradiction, that no fertilizing materials were used by any Texas farmer, except in cases where experiments were being carried on, while in most, if not all, of the other cotton-producing States commercial fertilizers enter largely into the expense account of the cotton producer.

During the past four years the average yield per acre for each year has been as follows: 1887, .34 of a bale per acre; 1888, .38; 1889, .41, and 1890, .41. The average value of an acre of cotton, includii]g cotton see<l, fur isyo was $16.64. It will also be seen by refVi'ence to the previous reports of this department that there has been a con- stant and steady iiK-i-rase in tlie acreage devoted to tlie ciiltivatidii of cotton. This is partly due to the al)and(.)niiient of wHieatgrowing in portion;? of nortii Texas heretofore devoted to the growth of tiiat cereal, and partly to the opening of new cotton farms in the southwestern and western parts of the State, but not entirely. The increase in the cotton acreage has been ranch greater than the increase in population, showing conclusively the tendency to an expansion of the cotton acreage to the exclusion of other crops on farms in cultivation during that period.

The fact that this has been going on in the face of strenuous efforts on the part of the agricultui'al press and some of the leading farmers of the country to induce the farmers to diversify crops and raise more grain and less cotton, would indicate that the average fanner thinks he knows best what crop is suited to our soil and climate and will yield the greatest return for the capital and labor invested. It is true there are other crops that yield a larger average money value per acre in cultivation, but as a rule they enjoy only a limited market, and are sure to entail loss on producers when the demand is exceeded by production. Sugarcane is about the only exception to this general rule in this State, but the heavy expense necessary to the manufacture of sugar prohibits a rapid development of the agricultural interests of the State in that direction. Another very important consideration in accounting for the steady increase in the acreage in cotton is the fact that it is a sure money ci-op, and can be realized on at any time, even in markets remote from the great marts of trade, for its value at the mills, less the cost of transportation; but the producer retains but little money in his hands after paying the cost of production.

Mucli time and attention is being devoted to the discovery of the cause of cotton blight, or root rot, which damages the crop and entiiils considerable loss on farmers every year. So I'ai- no satisfactory conclusions have been reached upon the subject. While this subject offers a wide held for investigation and research, and one worthy of the best efforts of the scientists, a more important question t(j the cotton-growers of Texas is the discovery of a clieap and efficient agent for the destruction of an insect conimuniy called tuc boll worm. The value of a remedy for tiio boll worm will be better understood by the. following carefully prepared estimate of losseo from that source for three yerrs:

The boll worm destroys cotton in all stages of growth, from the formation of the bud and appearance of the bloom to the boll ready to open, and is equally destructive in its effect at all times.

In 1890 there was a decrease of 185,655 acres in corn compared with the area of 1889. This is accounted for by the low prices at which the crop of that year was marketed. In many places farmers could find no sale for their surplus corn at all, and it was left at the mercy of the weevil, which injures the crop more or less every year, especially in the middle and southern portions of the State. A heavy corn crop is usually followed by a decrease in the acreage in corn the following year and a corresponding increase in the acre- age in cotton. The average production per acre was 14.38 bushels, whicli is an averaije yield during an unseasonalile year, when we consider tliat Texas is not classed among the corn-producing States as a source from whence the demand for maize ujay be supplied. The average production in the corn-growing States for years, according to the National Dejiartnieut of Agriculture, was 24.2 bushels per acre.

The estimated annual consumption for tlie past ten years was 28 bushels per capita. On this basis the account of the State, so far as it relates to the item of corn, would stand as follows: Bushels produced, 41,812,904; bushels necessary for liome consumption, 62,594,044; deficit, 20,781,780.

The returns for 1890 show a slight decrease in the acreage of wheat compared with 1889. The acreage in wheat for the four years past has been as follows: In 1887, 520,219; in 1888, 380,120; in 1889, 402.154, and in 1890, 359,440. There has been a constant decrease in the acreage in wheat in the northern portion of the State, where formerly the bulk of the wheat grown in the State was produced. This deci'ease has, in a measure, been compensated for by the opening of new farms in the Panhandle, which is fast becoming the granary of the State. The soil and climate of that section are admirably adapted to wheat-growing, and with favorable meteorological conditions that section will supply the dcnianil for home consumption and furnish a large surplus for exportation. The Secretary of Agriculture, in his report for 1890, estimates the consumption of wiieat at 4| bushels per capita. On this basis of consumption the account of the State on the item of wheat for 1890 stands as Ibllows: Iiusliels necessary for home consumption, 10,432,442; bushels [iroduced in the State, 2,305,523; bushels imported for home consumpti(m, 8,000,917.

The value of the wheat imported, at 65 Cents per bushel, the average value of the crop, amounted to $5,243,496.05, which is approximately the sum sent out of the State for flour during the year.

The avei'age production per acre is quite a decrease from the previous year, being 0.58 bu.-hels, against 13 for 1889. There was a material decline in tlie average price per bushel, it being 65 cents, as against 71 for the previous year. The tendency to lower prices and consequent diminution of gross returns per acre in wheat has been very marked during the past ten years, as shown by the reports of tiie Secretary of Agriculture for 1890. The decline has been from |13 per acre to §9.97.

There was a large decrease in the acreage in oats in 1890, attributable to ])utting oats land in cotton. The average value per bushel of oats in the United States in 1889 was 22.9 cents, and the average value per acre was $6 20. In this State the average for 1890 was S9.46 per acre, and 48 cents per bushel. Owing to the fact that there is no means of knowing what the average annual consumption per capita of oats is, it is impossible to determine exactly whether the supjily exceeds the demand or not. The vast amount of open range and eiu^losed pasture land curtails largely the annual consumption of oats in this State.

Rye is sown mostly for pasturage in this State, tiiere beincr little if any demand for it in local markets. The average yield per acre in the United States for 1888 was 12 bushels, and the average value per bushel 58 cents. The crop of 1889 in this State averaged 14 bushels per acre, and the average value per bushel was 85 cents.

The barley crop is of small importance in this State. In fact the yield is not a fair average of what might be produced under different conditions. Most of the liai-k-y sown is planted for pasturage, there being little or no demand for it except for seed. The yield, therefore, represents what is harvested after the pasturing season is past, and gathered mainly for seed.

"Under this heading is inchnh-d sorghnm cane cut for hay, cultivated liay, millet and prairie hay, standing in value per aci-e in order above presented. Sorghum cane liay is most profitable, showing the highest average yield per acre. It is affected less by drouth than any other cultivated product, and in favorable seasons two crojis can be easily grown. The acreage in cultivated hay indicates the extent to which farmers are turning attention to the various varieties of grasses that must soon become a part of the crop on every well conducted farm."

Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes. - There was a decrease in the acreage in sweet potatoes as compared to 1888, and a decrease in the average yield per acre. The average value per acre of this crop in 1889 was $57.50, and for the past four years was ^57.83. The average yield per acre for the past four years was 123.11 bushels. The demand for the pure yellow yam has never been fully supplied. While not so prolific as other varieties, it bears a higher market value and can be readily sold.

Irish. - There was an increase in the acreage in Irish potatoes in 1890. Owing to the inability of preserving them for any considerable length of time in this climate, the production of Irish potatoes for the general market is not undertaken at all. The local markets are supplied with them when the crop first matures, but beyond this their production is adjusted to the demands of the farm on which they are cultivated. Our soil is admirably adapted to the production of Irish potatoes, and the average yield per acre is considerably above the national average. The average annual yield per acre in the United States for the ten years ending in 1888 was 87.7 bushels, while in this State the average annual yield per acre for four years past (which is as far back as we have an accurate record) was 101.67 bushels.

Sorghum Cane

it Le on account of low prices and the growing tendency to suj)plant sorfjliu'n cane syrup witii syrup made fron; sugar cane. It is partly accounted for from the fact that iieretofore more of the acreage in sorghum cane Bhonld have been credited to the hay crop, having heen planted for that purpose alone. Sorghum cane syrup is not so generally used as formerly, and in time it will doubtless be practically eliminated as a syrup crop.

Sugar Cane

One of tlie most promising fields for development is the vast area of alluvial soil in the middle, eastern and southern part of the State adapted to the growth of sugar cane. This territory is variously estimated at from 500,000 to 1,000,000 acres. From information collected in this office the conclusion has been reached that there is not less than 1,- 000,000 acres in soutli Texas alone where sugar cane can he successfully grovvn every year, and on the river bottoms and along many of the smaller streams, as high as the 33d parallel, it is successfully grown for the manufacture of syrup.

The total value of the sugar and syrup crops amount to $1,260,650, and tlie value per acre $88.62. As stated in pi'evious reports, only a, small portion of the area in sugarcane is devoted to sugar-making, owing to a want of facilities for manufacturing sugar. The larger part of the crop is converted into syrup, which is less profitable than sugar, and consequently the value of tiie crop per acre is theieby considerably reduced.

acres, and valuing the product at $100 per acre, a fair idea of the possibilities of development in this industry may be gained. It would yield a crop annually worth $50,- 000,000 -a sum greater by $1,500,000 than the present value of the cotton crop of tlie State. It is as staple an article, and less liable to fiuctnation in prices. Tlie supply in the United States is far below the demand, and there is, therefore, an unlimited market for the product.

"The only difficulty in the way of the rapid development of the industry is the cost of machinery necessary, which practically limits the ailvantages presented to men of large means, the cost of a plant ranging from $60,000 to $100,000. Co-operation has been suggested by some as a remedy for this, while others have thought that the purchase by the laro-e mill owners of the cane grown by small planters would solve the problem."

Messrs. Cunningham & Miller, of Sugarland, Fort Bend county, have recently refined a quantity of granulated sugar, as good as any in the market, but their efforts have been cramped by opposing trusts.

Flax has been raised in Texas as fine as any in Ireland. It will produce here about two tons to the acre, worth about $-15, while it costs less to market it than cotton.

Bee Cultuke

little attention in the State, although it pays more to the capital invested than any other business. Unlike the interest on money, which silently piles up the indebtedness of individuals, bees, with but little attention, day after day, store away hundreds of pounds

Horticulture

As stated in previous rejiorts under this head, it is intended mainly to record the number of acres in orchards and note tlie progress made from year to year in extending the area devoted to the fruit-growing industry. The total acreage in orchards in the State is 02,835, and the value of the fruit crop in 1890, estimated at current market prices, was $1,227,791.

We take this occasion to repeat the language of the report of 1888 commendatory of the work of the State Plorticidtural Society in promoting the interests of horticulture throughout tlie Stnte, which was as follows:

" Within the past few years the State Horticultural Society lias done a great work in developing and cultivating an interest among the people of the State on the subject of horticulture. Local societies liave been formed in various parts of tiie State, and local fairs held at which the horticultural products of the immediate section in pai-ticular and the State in general were exhibited, thus practically educating the people upon this most important brancli of agriculture, and stimulating an interest in the adoption of the best methods of work and the attainment of a more scientific knowledge of the subject. As a result of the impetus given to fruitgrowing by these various associations, canneries for the preservation of the surplus crops of fruits and vegetables have been started in different sections of the State. The fruit crop of the State is therefore getting to be quite an item in summing up the State's sources of revenue. The climate and soil are admirably adapted to the growth of peaches, pears and all the smaller fruits. Large quantities of peaches, grapes and strawberries are shipped North in the early part of the season."

of 1848, in swarms from tlie north, lio-litiiicf and depositing tlieir eggs everywlieie, and preferring sandy land for the deposit of eggs. After eating all the garden products, which they would do in a short time, they <!isappeared, no one knowing whither they went. The warm sun of the following March again hrought the little hoppers out, which suddenly consumed every green thing and fled northward. The crops were again planted and the season pros'ed favorahle.

In October, 185G, they came again, as before, with the early north winds. After eating the blades off the wlieat and depositing tlieir eggs, they disa].)p)eared. During the ne.xt spring myriads of young hoppers, as before, abont the size of large fleas, issued from the ground, and did but little mischief until about three weeks old, when they were half grown. They then moulted and started noi'thward on foot, preserving as much regularity and order in their march as an army of well drilled soldiers. Exercise had of course a marked effect upon their ajipetites, which impelled tiiem to be ravenous, preferring the young cotton to evei-yiliing else, next the young corn, etc. AVhen one was killed or wounded, he would be immediately devoured by his fellows! In their march they had no respect for the dwellings of hnman beings or animals, but would ni:irrh right along through them witiiout fear. At the age of six weeks they nu_)ulted again and were full-grown grasshopi'ers. In a few days their wings were ready for a prolonged fliglit, which they took, northward.

The ensuing autumn they were here again, acting as bef"re. The next spring the young came forth again, but this time there wei-e added to their already immense numbers another horde which ha<l been driven ba^dv in their march by a heavy norther. These latter liad been lired between the Coloradcj and the gulf. After remaining long enough to consume nearly all that the native locusts had left, they resumed their migration. In the fall of 1858 the pests were again seen, hio-h up in the air, passing southward.

In their flight their wings glitter in the sun, so that the sky seems to be overcast by a shining snow flurry. They come with the north wind in the fall, and return with the south wind in the spring.

The Patrons of Husbandry, or Grange, is tin; oldest farmers' organization of State- wide influence in the State, and according to the estimate of lion. A. J. Kose, Master of the State Grange, numbers between 10,000 and 15,000 active membei-s, and has a non-Mfliliating membership approximating 100,000 in the State. The order has been the means of accom])lishing great good in behalf of the farming population of the State, mainly by constantly keejiing before the agricidtural classes the necessity (if a strict observance of the principles of economy in the manaoement of the farm, avoiding extraNugant, useless expenditures, and producing as far as possible all necessary supjdies at home. Farmers who practice the principles of the Pations of Husbandry do not contribute to the annual outflow of money from the State for the purchase of bacon, lard, molasses and other farm supplies that can be produced on Texas soil, and are not in debt to the money-lending classes. The Grange numbers ar;iong its adherents in this State some of tiie most intelligent, thrifty and conservative farmers of the State - men who would be an honor to any organization, and whose names are a guarantee of success in any enterjuise with whicli they may connect themsehes.

Paikoxs Of Hosbandrt

Tiiis organization is the oiitgrowtli of the Grange movement in the State, and has for its object the purchase of supplies and general merchandise for farmers, and the sale of products of the farms of the menibersliip, thougli its business transactions are not confined to members of the order. The association consists of central and branch organizations. The central organization conducts a wholesale and the local organizations a retail business. The central or wholesale branch is located in Galveston, and is supported by about 130 associations located in various parts of the State; and in addition to the 130 associations above mentioned, there are about 650 individual shareholders. Membership, about 9.000.

Faeiiees' Alliance

This State enjoys the distinction of having given birth to the above named institution, which is now the strongest and most active farmers' organization in the State. No tanners' move has ever taken such deep root in the hearts of the agricultural classes, and spread throughout the State and nation with such rapidity, as has the Farmers' Alliance movement, and its phetioinenal growth still continues, its progress being iruiiked b}' continual acquisitions to old Alliances and the formation of new ones in various parts of the State. State Alliances have spi'ung up in several States, and a n;itional orgai ization has been perfected.

The following facts relating to the origin of the organization were gleaned from a "History of the National Farmers' Alliance and Co-operative Union of America," by W. L. Garvin and S. O. Daws, of Jacksboro, Texas.

The name Farmers' Alliance was assumed by an association of farmers in Lampasas county in 1875, who had organized for selfprotection against persons who drove off their stock and otherwise harassed them with a view of preventing the further settlement of the country. In 1878 it had spread over Lampasas and adjoining counties, but, becoming entangled with politics through designing men, was brnken up.

In 1879 W. T. Baggett, of Coryell county, a meralier of one of tiie old organizations moved to Parker county and settled near Poolville. He had in his pos-session one of the constitutions of the order as it existed in Coryell county, and organized the first Alliance at Toolville, July 29, 1879.

In this organization the political features which had destroyed the Alliance of Lampasas and adjoining counties in 1878 were stricken out of the declaration of principles, and the order placed on a non-political basis.

7. The brightest jewels which it garners are the tears of widows and orphans, and its impetative commands are to visit the homes where lacerated hearts are bleeding, to assuage the sufferings of a brother or a sister, bury the dead, care for the widows, and educate the orphans; to exercise charity toward offenders; to construe words aiid deeds in their most favorable light, granting honesty of purpose and good intentions to others, and to protect the principles of the Alliance unto death.

Its laws are reason and equity, its cardinal doctrines inspire purity of thought and life, and its intentions are "peace on earth and good will to men."

Farmees' Institutes

The legislature appropriated §500 for the encouragement of the movement, to he used by the board of directors of the Agricultural and Mechanical College as they might direct. By direction of the board the college authorities have arranged for holding an institute in each congressional district in this State, at which lectures on subjects relalino- to a<Triculture, stock-raising and other subjects of practical utility to the farmers will be delivered by the professors of the college and such other persons as they and the local committee at the pl.'tce of holding tlie institute may determine. The jiruducts of the farm are also exhibited, and results of the best methods of wm-k in all dc])artments of farm labor are shown.

Farmers' institutes have been held at several points in the State, and in every instance they were attended with great interest and enthusiasm among the people. With more liberal encouragement on the part of the legislature they would become powerful agencies in awakening a deeper interest among the people in improved metliods of farming, and directing public attention to the importance and value of the work now being done at the Agricultural and Mechanical College in instructing the youth of the State in the science of agriculture and the irechanic arts.

Farmers' institutes are open and free to all who choose to attend ihem, and thus afford a means of interchanging ideas and opinions among the agricultural classes, unencumbered by any conditions whatever.

Climate

To convey a correct idea of the climate of any section by giving a statement of "mean temperatures" hy the year or month, or even by the day, is misleading, from the fact that the mean temperature of great extremes may be the same as that of slight variations. For example, the mean between zero and 100 (fifty) is the same as that between forty and sixty, which also is fifty. To give a correct impression of climate one needs to state the number of times the temperature reaches certain extremes in each year for a number of years, with accompanying statements of the wind and moisture prevailing at the same times. A table giving all these items is too tedious for the ordinary reader to scan, and

Ei Stout Op Texas

Texas has variety in her climate as well as other things. A very large portion of the State is swept by the gulf lireezes, which dispense life to vegetation and health to the inhabitants wherever they reach. The long snnnners characteristic of this latitude are by them rendered not only endurable but enjoyable. So marked is the influence of the gulf winds on the climate of the State that the average teiriperature along the gulf coast and for many miles inland is much lower during the summer months than it is in tlie higher latitudes of the iiorlh. The same influence neutralizes the cold of winter and makes the winters of the southern and southwestern part of the State the mildest and most delightful of all States in the Union.

The extremes of temperature in Texas range from about zero in the northern part of tiie State to 100° and 112" in August. The air being pure, the extreme heat is far more endurable than a temperature of only eighty- Hve, with such impure air as generally prevails in the cities. Most of the year the temperature is comfortable, and averacrcs 1 etter than any other State in the Union.

The amount of rainfall at Austin varits from twenty-three to forty-four inches per annum, generally ranging from twenty-eight to thirty-six inches. The exact average from 1857 to 1874 inclusive was found to be 33.93 inches, with signs of increase; that is, the first five years the fall was 148.08, the second five 166 55, and the third five 178.88.

The most notable floods of the Colorado since the settlement of Austin have occurred as follows: February, 1S43, river rose about thirty-six feet; March. 1852, thirty-six feet; July, 1869, forty-three feet; and October, 1870, thirty-six feet.

The following circumstance is ilhistrative: Colonel Merriam, of the Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, with his family and an escort, encamped on the Concho river Sunday, April 24, 1870. This river is formed by the junction of a number of small streams from springs, but at its head it is so small that a man can step across it. The tops of the banks are usually about twenty-tive feet above the water.

Fatigued with their journey, the party were pleasantly resting, when early in the evening Colonel Merriam saw signs of a coming storm. The tent was fastened and made as secure as possible, and about nine o'clock a hailstorm burst upon them and lasted until about eleven o'clock, the stones l)eing of the size of hens' eggs and striking the tent with a noise like incessant musketry. The colonel, who was not ignorant of the sudden and extreme overflows to which the mountain streams of Texas are liable, went out into the darkness as soon as the storm had ceased, to see what effect liad been produced on the rivulet. To liis amazement he found, in tlie previously almost dry bed of the creek, a I'esistless torrent, tilled M'itli floating hail, rolling nearly bank full, white like milk and as silent as a river of oil. He at once saw the danger and rushed l>ack to the tent, shouting at the same time to the soldiers and servant to '-turn out." He placed Mrs. Merriain and their eliild and nurse in tlie anibiilanee, and with the aid of three men started to run with it to the higher ground, a distance of not moie than sixty yards. Scarcely a minute bad elapsed from the time the alarm had been gi\'eii before the water began to surge over the banks in waves of such volnwie and force as to sweep the party from their feet before tliey had traversed thirty yards. The colonel called for assistance upon some cavalry soldiers who had just escaped from the United States mail station near bj, but they were too teri'or-stricken to take heed.

Colonel Merriam then gave up the hope of saving his family in the carriage, and tried to spring into it, intending to swim out with them; but the icy toneiit instantly swept him away. Being an expert swimmer, he succeeded in reaching the bank 200 yards below, and ran back to renew the attempt to save his dear ones, when he received the awful tidings that the moment he was borne away by the stream the caniage, with all its precious freight, turned ovei- and went rolling down the flood, his wife saying as she disappeared, ''My darling husband, goodby!" The little rill of a few hours before, which a child might step across, had become a raging river nearly a mile in width, from thirty to forty feet deep and covered with masses of driftwood. The bere;i\ed husband procured a horse ':'(>m one of the cavalry and

Thus passed the long, wretched night. Before day the momentary flood had passed by, and the stream bad shrunk within its accustomed limits. The search began. The drowned soldiers and servant, four in numlier, were soon found, and the body of the wife was taken h\>\n the water three fourths of a mile below. The l)ody of the child was not found until three days afterward, four miles down the stream and a long distance from the channel. The carriage was dritted by the current about a mile, and lodged in a thicket.

The storm had been fi-ightful, beyond description. The beaver ponds at the head of the Concho were so tilled with hail that tlie fish were killed, and were washed out and deposited on the surface of the surrounding country in loads. Three days after the storm, when the searching party left the Concho, the hail lay in drifts to the depth of six feet.

Heavy indeed was the heart of the husband and father when he commenced his melancholy march to the post of the Concho, tiftythree miles distant!

Public Lands

There are ahoiit 5,000,000 acres of unappropriated public domain belonging to the State. This may be acquired by the provisions of the law relating to homestead donations.

Ever}' head of a family without a liotriestead sliJill 1 e entitled to receive a donation from the State of 160 acres of vacant unappropriated pulilic land, and every single man of the age of eighteen years or upward shall be entitled to receive from the State eiglity acres of vacant and unappropriated puMic land. The applicant must apply to the surveyor of the district or county in which the land is situated, in writing, designating the land he claims, stating that he claims the same for himself in good faith, etc.; that lie is without any homestead of his own; that he has actually settled on the land, etc., and thai he believes the same to be vacant and unappropriateil [niblic domain. The survey to be made within twelve months after date of application. When the terms of the law have been complied with, and proof of sucli fact, together with the proof of three years' continuous occupancy, is tiled with the cotiimissioner of the general land office, patent will issue to the claimant or his assignee. (Title LXXIX, Ch. 9, Revised Statutes.)

By virtue of an act j.assed March 29, 18S7, and amended April 5, 1889, "To provide for the sale of such appropriated public lands, situated in organized counties, as contain not more than 640 acres," it is provided that any person desiring to purchase any of such appropriated lands situated in any of the organized counties of the State as contain not more than 640 acres, appropriated by an act to provide for the sale of a portion of the unappropriated public land, etc., approved July 14, 1879, may do so by causing the same to be surveyed by the surveyor of the county in which the land is situated. The per.^on desiring to purchase shall make application in writing, describing the land by reference to surrounding surveys. The land must be surveyed within three months from date of application, and within sixty days after said survey the surveyor shall certify, record and map the same in his office, and within said sixty days return the same to the general land office, together with the applicati^'U. Within ninety days after the return to and tiling in the general land office the applicant must pay into the State treasury the purchase money at the rate of $2 per acre; ])atent to be issued by the commissioner of the general land office when the treasurer's receipt is filed in his office. Failure to make the payment within ninety days forfeits the right to purchase, and the applicant cannot afterward purchase under the act. (Chapter SO, Acts of Twentieth Legislature, pp. 61 and 62. j

Common School, University And Asylim Lands

The act of April 1, 1887, and the act amendatory thereof of April 8, 1889, provide for the sale of all lands heretofore or hereafter surveyed and set apart for the benefit of tlie public free schools, the university, and the several asylums, amounting in all to about 30,000,000 acres.

All lands under this head must be classilied by the commissioner of the general la!id office into agricultural, pasture, and timber lands, and valued according to classitication before being placed on the market. When classified and valued the land commissioner is required to notify the county clerks of tlie counties where the lands are situated of the value of each section of land offered for sale in their respective counties and counties attached for judicial purposes, which notification said clerk must keep on record for public inspection.

Lands classified as agriciiltiiral are sold to actual settk'i's only, in quantities of not less tlian eighty, and in multiples tliereot' not nioi-e than 640 acres, pnixided tliat wliei'e there is a fraction of less than eighty acres cf any section left such fraction may be sold. Where two quarter sections are purchased they must constitute a given half of some section. Lands classified as pnrely pasture lands, and witlitiut permanent water thereon, niav be sold in quantities not to exceed fonr sections to tlie same person. Farts of two sections cannot lie ]iurcliased without faking the wiiole of one section. No sales ai-e made to a corporation, foreign or domestic, and all sales to a settler are made on express condition that any sale, transfer, or conveyanoe of snch land to a corporation, either immediate or remote, sliall (jjfo facto terminate the title of the purchaser and forfeit the land to the State. No watered portion of any section shall be sold unless there is pcn-manent water on or bordering on the part of the section remaining unsold.

The minimum pi'ice of lands sold under this act is §2 per acre. Lands having permanent water thereon or bordering thereon are sold at not less than $3 per acre. Timbered lands are sold at not less than $5 per acre. By timbered lands is meant lands chieHy vahiaiile for the timlier thereon. The timber on such lands may also be sold at the discretion of the commissioner of the general land office, for 9^5 per acre, cash, except where land is sparsely timbered, tlien for not less tlian |2 per acre, the purchaser to have five years from the date of purchase to remove the timber therefrom, after which, if not removed, it reverts to the State without judicial ascertainment.

interest. One-fortieth of the aggregate purchase money must be p;dd in advance, and an obligation, <luly executed, binding the purchaser to pay to the State treasurer, on the first day of August each year thereafter, until the whole is paid, one-fortieth of the purchase jnoney and tlie interest on the whole of the unpaid jjurchase money. Within one year next after the expiratitm of three years' residence on the land tiie purciiaser must make piroof by his own atlidavit, ccirroborated by the affidavits of three disinterested and credible citizens of tiie ccuiiity, certified to bv some officer of the coui-t, that lie has resided on the land three years. Upion receipt of the fortieth payment by the treasurer, and tin' affidavit and obligation required to be filed with the ajiplication for the land, the sale is held effective.

All purciiasers have the option of paying in full after they have resided on their land three consecutive years, proof of which must be furnished the commissioner of the general land office. Purchasers may sell their lands any time after tiii-ee years, the vendee or subsequent vendees to become suiijeet to all the conditions of sale to the original purchaser.

If the interest due on the first day of August of any year is unpaid the purchaser shall have until the first day of January thereafter to pay said interest, and for said default shall pay 50 per cent, penalty on said interest past due. Failure to pay said past due interest and penalty on or before the said first day of January any year works a forfeiture of the land without the necessity of reentry or judicial asceitainment, excep)t where the pui'chascr dies, in which event his heirs have one year after the fii'st day of August next after such death in which to make payment.

All appliratioiis for the purcLase of land must be forwanlcd to llie coiiiiiiissioiier of the general land iittire at Austin, ai'Coitii anied by an afhdavit stating in effect that tlie iqiplicant desires the land for a home, and ha^ in good faith settled thereon; that he is not acting in collnsion with others tor the purpose of buying the land for any other person or corporation, and that no other person or corporation is interested in the purchase save himself.

The commissioner of the hmd office may, at his discretion, lease any of the jniblic lands not in demand for actual settlement, for a period of not over five years, at 4 cents pei" acre per annum in advance.

Applications to lease shall be made in writing to the commissioner of the land office, and shall specify and describe the land desired. If satisfied that it is not detrimental to the public interest, the commissioner may execute under his hand and seal, and deliver to the lessee, a lease for the time agreed upon of any land applied for.

Grazing lands are not subject to sale diiritiothe term of the lease. Lands classitied as agricultural shall be leased subject to sale, the lessee to give immediate possession when such lands are sold, and allowed a pro rata credit upon his next year's rent, or the money refunded to him by the treasurer, as lie may elect; provided, that no such sale shall be effected of a section where the lessee has placed improvements of the value of $100 thereon; and provided further, that no actual settler purchasing land within a leasehold shall be permitted to turn loose therein more than one head of cattle or horses for every ten acres of land purchased by him and enclosed, or in lieu thereof four head of sheep or goats. Each violation of this proviso subjects the violator to a fine of $1 for each head

F'ailure to pay the annual rent due for any year within sixty days after the same shall have become due, subjects the lessee to forfeiture at the discretion of the land commissioner. The State retains a lien upon all improvements on leased lands to secure ]'ayment of rents. Leaseholds are exempt fiom taxation.

It is unlawful for any person to fence, use, occupy or appropriate, by li< rding, line-ridiui;' or other means, any portion of tlie j.ublic lands; and the attorney-general is authorized to Ijring suit for the recovery of such land and damages for its use and occupation, and such suits n)ay he brought in the district court of Travis county.

Fences on grazing lands must not he con structed for more than three miles lineal measure, running in the same general direction, without a gateway in the same.

Patents to lands are issued by the commissioner of the general land office when the receipt of the State treasurer (to whom all payments are made) for all payments due on the land is presented at the land oflice and the patent fees thereon paid.

Four leagues of school land have lieen set apart for each county in the State, to be used for educational purposes. Said lands are in the control of the coinniissioners' courts of the several counties, to whom purchasers should apply. JIany counties have already leased or sold their lands.

Any person desiring to purchase or lease public lands can procure blank applications suitable for each class of hind for sale or lease by applying to the coniniist-ioner of the general land office at Austin.

Divisions of land in this State are made according to Sjianisb land measurement, by varas, labors and leagues, and distances are given in linear varas.

Number Of Farms In Thf, State

cover half of a county, and yet be tenanted by hundreds of people, each having to himself a separate, di>tinct area of cultivation. A farm may also lie a body of land enclosed and separated from otiiei- land. Therefore, there may be many farms owned by the samt; person and each adjoining the other. Another difficulty in ascertaining the number of farms in the State is in determining how small a tract of land may constitute a farm. In the census of 1880 all bodies of four acres and over were regarded as farms, which is misleading, for on this basis half the market gardens would be called faiMus. What are generally known in a community as "farms" are reported under, that head in this office. There are- 142,137 farms in the State.

In 1889 the number of tenant farmers in the State was 87,1)91; in 1890 the number was decreased 512 in one year. This decrease indicates the rapidity with which the State is being settled by farmers from other States, as most immigrants rent land the lirst year of their residence in the State.

In 1889 the number of farm laborers was 58,918, and ' in 1890 57,321. By farm laborers is meant those who worked for wages on the farm. The average wages per month paid each laborer was $13.38.

AhUene, with a population of 4,300, is situated on the Texas & Paeitic Railroad, 160 miles west of Fort Worth, and at about the center of the "Abilene country." Its estimated trade for 1891 was about $1,800,000, the average Ireight receipts at the depot being about $22,000 per month. During tiie year 1890 nineteen lirick business houses were erected. There ai-e three national ijanks, with an aggregate capital and surplus of $375,000, and the city has also water-works, electric lights, ice factory, etc.

Austin, the capital of the State, is Ljcated near the geographical center of Travis county. Its topogiaphy is distinctively uniijiie, having in general the grade of an inclined plane broken by superficial waves, which seem from tlieir regularity to be the work of art ratlitr than the formation of nature. It is located at tie foot of a range of mountains and po.-sest^es all local advantages that the most refined taste could desire. In sio^ht of the city and a short distance from it .Mount Eai'ker and Mount 15oiinell lilt their towering h(ads - the former to an altitude of 398, and the latter 372 feet above the streets of the city. At the entrance of a fertile plain, on the banks of a beautiful stream, it unites the convenience of a commercial town with the romantic beauty of a spot admiied by all for its pre-eminent loveliness. Its environments present every shade of retii ed beauty and cultivated elegance. Austin is regarded by general consent as tiie most beautifully located city in the State. The site was selected by a committee appointed by President Lamar in 1839 to locate a permanent seat of government. It was known at that time as the hamlet of Waterloo, and had a population consisting of three families. What an enchanting picture must have presented itself to the committee! Here was a combination of charms that delighted the senses, embracing the majesty of mountain scenery, the spreading prairie, the lofty forest, the charming valleys and bounding streams.

The city was splendidly laid out with broad and imposing avenues, which received their names from the forest trees and streams of the State. Its corporate limits embrace an area of sixteen and three-tenths square miles. It has an efficient electric street railway system, with its ramifications reaching the principal points of interest. It has also a dummy line in successful operation, extending to the dam. The illumination by gas and electricity gives the place an air of convenience and security.

Austin has greatly iiicreased in population during the past few years. In 1880 the population, according to the United States census, was 11,013; in 1891 it was 25,000. The assessed values of property during the same period increased from $5,044,224 to $10,514,088.

The population comprises some of the most enterprising and energetic as well as the most conservative to be found in the State. As a result of this Austin is a beautiful city, abundantly provided with every convenience which has been called into being by the wants of man.

AVhile Austin is not yet distinctively a manufacturing city, recent investigations showing its possibilities as a manufacturing center, and the priixiinity of valuable building stone and an abundance of clay for brickmaking near at hand, have encouraged improvements of all kinds, and a general feeling of coniidence for the city's future prevails.

decided at tlie polls hy a i aj 'i-ity of twentyseven to one to issue bonds for .§1,40(*,0()0, for the purpose of erecting an enoruions dam across the Colorado rivci- ami the hnilding of a complete system of watei- an'd electric light works, to be owned and controlled by the city.

The work on the dam was begun in November, 181)0, and was completed in 18'.I3. It is an immense j^n-anite structure, 1,150 feet long and liO feet above the ordiiu.ry low-water level of the river. Total cost of the dam, <^607,928, and the city water and electric plants in connection raise the total cost to about $1,400,000. It furnishes U,.j00 horse power, of which the city has ab(.)ut 4, -500, leavieg 10,000-lKirse power that can lie utilized for manufacturing puj-poses. It is the largest improved water-power, except one, in the United States. The lake formed by the buihling of the dam is another attractive feature of the city. It extends thirty miles up the ri\er, and the scenery along its shores is of tlje most romantic and picturesijue character, unsurpassed in America. A large excursion steamer navigates tiie lake, and Austin is destined to become a great [deasure resort. One of the most lovely sites on the lake, about IViur miles above the dam, has been lai'l out for extensive t'liautauqua grounds. It is owned by an association of well known, enterprising citizens and educators, chartered by the State. A large permanent iiigii school, for advance 1 education, is established at the Chautaurjua grounds. The site commands a magiiiiicent \iew of lake and mountain scenery, and tlie Ca|.ila; City can be plainly seen in the distance.

Austin offers many supirior advantages for matiufacMiring enterjirises, and her industrial enterprises, althougii comparatively small, are increasing with every year by the location of ne\v establishments. A bakingpowder factory and creamery are among the most recent assured additions to the manufacturing interests of the city.

The Houston & Texas Central, the International & Great Northern, and the Austin it Northwestern railways vwn into the city. The Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad also has arrangements by which its passenger trains run into the city. It is the terminus of the IIiMiston & Texas Central, and the headijuarters of the Austin & Northwestern Railroads.

The real type of Texas civilization expressed itself at an early date after annexation in the establishment of three grand asylums - one for the blind, one for the deaf and dumb, and one for the insane. The cost to the State in the estahlishment and n.aintenanee of these benevolent institutions has been and still is a heavy draft upon the treasury. While they are f-ustained liydireci taxation, they are the Slate's channels of continuous aid to the nid'ortunale among the people. They are objects of general interest, and frequent entertainments given by them draw large crowds and furnish occa sions of much instruction and amusement. All asylum for the deaf and dniiib and blind of the colored race has also been established near the city.

The Travis comity courthouse, constructed out of limestone having a marble-like appearance, and symmetrically proportioned to its surroundings, occupies an attractive and commanding place to the public eye. It is a costly building, having the appointments of convenience suggested by modern experience, and is located near the southeast corner of Capitol square and fronting Congress avenue.

The land ofhce, situated in the east edge of Capitol square, is an imposing edifice adapted to the large business of the land commissioner, an officer of State. The governor's mansion is eligibly located on an elevated site southwest of Capitol square and in full view of the new capitol.

The United States building for post office and other governmental purposes, situated on the corner of Colorado and Sixth street (formerly Pecan street), is a handsome structure, every way in harmony with the greatness of the country and the magnificence of the city.

The University of the State of Texas is domiciltd in an imposing building on College Hill, in the northern portion of the city. The growing patronage of this institution, its increasing matriculation during the brief period of its existence, and the thorough scholarship required in graduation, successfully advertise the work that is beino- done.

In this connection it is noted with pride the Confederate Home, an eleemosynary institution for the pui-pose' indicated in the title. It is situated in the western part of the city, comprising a beautiful tract of land upon which is constructed an elegant and commodious building. The scope of its design is to provide a home for the unfortunate soldier having served in the Confederate army. It was conceived in the purest patriotism and noblest philanthropy, and although young in its mission of mercy it is rapidly approximating the ideal created for it by the divinest sentiments that ever dominate the human heart.

The Travelers' Protective Association of America has selected Austin for the location of their National Sanitarium, where the commercial travelers of the entire Union may spend their vacations. A beautiful site in the eastern part of the city, embracing some thirty acres on the line of the Austin & Northwestern Pailroad, has been donated to the association, and buildings in keeping with the well known liberality of the traveling men will soon be erected thereon.

Austin has one of the best school systems in the State, and had a scholastic population in 1890 of 4,004, and gave employment to sixty teachers.

Brenliam, the county seat of Washington connty, is a flourishing commercial place of 7,000 inhabitants. It is located at the intersection of the Gulf, Colorado »& Santa Fe division of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and the Houston Texas Central division of the Southern Pacitic systems of railway. The town is beautiful and most pleasantly located, and surrounded by a very fine farming country in a high state of cultivation, and much valuable timber yet remains in the county. The town is well built and supplied with many costly public buildings and handsome residences.

Brownsville, the county seat of Canieron county, is situated in the south\ve.--tern part of the county, on the Kio Gramle, about thirty miles above its mouth, and directly opposite the Mexican city of Matamoras. It has a large ti'ade with the numerous small towns along the Rio Grande for a distance of 400 miles, tlie extent of steamboat navigation. It has coniinercial relations with the gulf ports, both by the way of the mouth of t!ie Kio Grande and tiie p^rt of I'razos de Santiago, with which it is connected by the Rio Grande Railroad.

Burnet, the capital of Burnet county, is situated about the center of the county, on the Austin & Xin-thwestcrn Railway, and surrounded by ])ictures(|ue sce:iery. It has a good trade, and is sjiecially a wool and livestock market. Assessed value of all [iroperty in 1891, §54:3,135.

Cleburne, the seat of government for Johnson county, is located near tlie center of the ( ounty, on the edge of the Lower Cross Timbers, fifty- two miles from Dallas and twentyeight from Fort Worth. It is on the main line of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad, and is the location of the shops of that road, and also has a railroad direct to Dallas and to AVeathei furd. It is situated in the midst of a line agricultural and stock-raising district, as well as horticultural. It is the

Dallas is situated on the Trinity river near the center of the county. It is a city of great push and energy. It has grown from a village of 10,358 iidiabitants in 1880 to a population of 38,140 in 1890. The assessed values show a similar ratio of increase, having increased from $3,420,045 in 1880 to $32,098,950 in 1890. The population given hei'e includes Dallas with all its suburbs.

The peiiod in the hii-tory of Dallas has been reached when its future is no longer doubtful. Its natural advantages make it a rival of the most prosperous cities of Xhi^ South in progressiveness and commercial importance. It is situated in the midst of the great grain belt of the State, and the many new enterprises inaugiirafed during the past few years are only kieping pace with the general expansion going on. In point of agricultural surroundings and manufacturing and commercial importance it is inferior to no city in the State. The past year has been a very prosperous one for Dallas. The number of public buildings and private residences constructed are said to be greater than that of any other city in tlie State.

Dallas has tine railroad facilities for marketing its manufactuic'l jjroihu-ts. The following railroads run into the city: The Texas & Pacific, the Dalhis A; AVichita, the Elouston & Texas Central, the Missouri Pacific, the Texas Trunk, the Gulf, Colorado

& Santa F^, the Dallas & Waco, and the Dallas, Southeastern & Pacific, about completed - thns mitkinir Dal 'as one of the great railroad centers of the State It has sixteen miles of rapid-transit laih-oad, and about this mileage under constiuetii n; twenty-six miles of electric street railroaii, and se\eral miles being constructed. The l)usiness streets and many miles of residence streets are paved with bois d'arc.

A careful estimate of the volume of trade for 1890 gives the total of mercantile transactions $26,097,000. The city has seven large flouring mills, ten banks, etc. There was spent in 1888 $2,750,000 in building operations and public improvements.

The State Fair and Dallas Exposition, which is the outgrowth of the consolidation of the Dallas State Fair and Exposition and the Texas State Fair is located at Dallas, with a capital of $250,000. It is situated about two miles from the courthouse and has a rapid-transit electric and railroad lines running to the grounds. The grounds cover an area of 120 acres, which, with all improvements, cost $177,000. It is one of Dallas' most successful enterprises, as exhibited by the receipts and expenses for 1888 - receipts $110,000, expenses $80,000.

The receipts of the Dallas post-ofiice for the years 1SS8 and 1889, for example, very largely increased, and give an idea of the vfried growth of postal business. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1888, $(33,803.- 20; for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1889, §-79,414.23.

great Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway. It is three miles south of Red river. The population now is 11,000, and the place is rapidly improving. It is one of the most important places in northern Texas.

Denton, the county seat of Denton county, is thirty-five miles northwest of the city of Dallas by the line of the Dallas & AVichita Railroad, which has its terminus at Denton. It is situated about the center of the county, on the Transcontinental division of the Texas & Pacific Railroad.

It has a population of 3,129, with property assessed at about $1,000,000. Has two national banks, with a paid up capital of $110,000; two flouring mills, representing an invested capital of $100,000; an ice factory, marble works, two brick factories, two potteries, and several other manufacturing establishments.

F'o7't Worth, the county seat of Tarrant county, is situated near the center of the county, on a high plateau overlooking the Trinity river. It is vigorous and enterprising, and is a success as a commercial and manufacturing point. Its growth has been steady and iiniform. Fort Worth has long been the distributing point for the live-stock trade of the northwest; and to this is now added the enoruious grain trade of the lately opened region of northwestern Texas known as the "Panhandle."

In 1876 it had a population of 1,123, and that year the Texas & Pacific Railroad was built to it. The increase in population and wealth was thenceforward very marked. The United States census for 1890 gave a population of 22,700; that of 1S91, estimated at (city directory) 32,000.

Fort Worth is situated in the northern portion of the central artesian water belt of the State, and ha^ within its limits about 300 artesian well^-, which sn]iply water to butli -|.ublic and private enterprises. These wells vary in depth fioiii 114 to 1,140 feet. Tiie liist well was dug in 1879 and there is no diminution from the water flow. The deepest wells are the stroni;--flo\viiig ones. The water from these wells in most instances is wludesome, and is used for drinking and domestic purposes.

Mannfacturincr establishments now in operaticm are testimonies of Fort \\ orth's pr<.is- |icrity. Thev indicate what is in sturc tor a city with such enterprise and financial back- \\\^ as is possessed by Fort Worth.

The city lias 110 miles of graded and graveled streets, sixty uiiles of sewer, fiftynine miles of electric street railway, is copiously lighted by eiecti'icity, and has seventeen clinrchc.--. models of arcliitectui'e. It has seven national banks, with a combined capital of $0,000,000. Amount expended in 1890 in IniiUling operations and juiiilic improvements, $2,112,000.

Fort Worth is a great railroad center, the the following lines entering the place: Te.xas & Pacific, yt. Louis, Arkansas & Texas, Fort Worth k, liio Grande, Fort Worth & Denver City, Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fc, Missouri, Kansas & Texas and the I'ort Worth & New Orleans. The shops of the Fort "W^ortli & Denver City, the Texas & Pacific ami Fort Worth & Rio Grande Railroad Companies are located here.

Galveston, the capital of Galveston county and chief seaport in the State, is situated on the extreme northeast end of Galveston island, at the mouth of the bay of the same name. It was laid out in 1838. The first sale of town lots took place April 20 of that year.

Galveston's peculiar advantages, by reason of its geogrsphical position, have long attracted the attention of the commercial world. It is one of the largest cotton markets of America, which trade has contributed much toward its general prosperity.

Galveston suilered with other Southern cities in the general business depression incident to the war. and her trade, manufactures and industries of every character were moi'e or less prost ratted. But this prostration was oidy temporary. New enterprises have sprung up, and the commercial, manufacturing and maritime interests of the city took on new life, and at present a general feelino- of confidence ])revails, and the outlook for prosperity and stability is brighter than ever in the history of the city.

It has had a constant, steady increase in population, and for the past few years the ratio of increase has been great. The population (U. S. Census) in 1870, 15.290; in 1880, 24,121; in 1890, 29,118; estimated directory count, 1891, 56,000.

Dnrino- 1889-'9U-"9l the city inaugurated a thorough system of water works, fed from the many artesian wells in the city limits. A marked diti'erence in the tonnage of vessels engaged in the export and import trade is observed, and the draught of water over the bar has been very much imi)roved. From August 1, 1888, to August 1, 1889, 75 steamers entered the harbor from foreign ports and 192 entered from coa:^twise ports, while 80 cleared for foreign ports and 174 for coastwise ports.

Ocean-going vessels liave brought into and carried out of tliis port in twelve months, ending June 30, 1891 (May and June estimated to equal previous year), merchandise and products amounting in value to - Imports, foreign and domestic. . $87,000,000 Exports, foreign and domestic. 84,000,000

Imports consisting of misoullaneous merchandise, coal, etc., mainly from New York and other Atlantic ports, foreign imports being less than one-third of the total. Exports, mainly cotton, amounting to about $50,000,000, the other $34,000,000 being tnade up of wool, grain, flour, other agricultural products, and the product of our factories, of which the United States Government reports by the late census we have over 300 in operation. The near-by coastwise traffic carried on in small steamers and sloops amounts annually to many millions of dollars, and it is safe to say the port of Galveston does an annual business exceeding in value $200,000,000, to which, in order to obtain the vast volume of business transai'ted in Galveston, should be added to wholesale merchandise business, amounting to i early $(50,000,000 per annum, the annual output of our 304 man u fact" iries, amounting to several niilliuns of dollar.-, and the bank clearances, which far exceed $250,000,000 per annum.

The city has an available wharf frontage on Galveston channel of over 6,000 feet. Its beach is said to be unsurpassed by any other on the American continent. It extends tlie whole length of the island east and west, and nearly straight, and almost as smooth as a floor.

There are two lines of steamships plying between Galveston and New York city, with a daily line to New Orleans, and another to Indianola and Corpus Crbisti, a weekly line to Havana, and a semi-monthly line to London.

The entrance to Galveston harbor is obstructed by an inner and an outer bar, the removal of which has been undertaken by the United States Government. The work was begun in 1874, but the appropriations have been inadequate, and the work is still incom- ])lete, but very satisfactory as far as prosecuted. The water on the bar is steadily increasing in depth, and vessels are now passing over the bar drawing fifteen feet of water. The number of vessels requiring lightering before passing over the bar are fewer as the increased depth of water on tiic bar permits them to come in and discharge tlieir cargoes. The work of deepening the water over the bar may be considered as experimental, but of sufiicient importance to demonstrate the fact that when the work proposed is completed deep water over the bar varying from 18 to 20 feet will have been secured. The last report of the engineer in charge of the work shows a gain of six inches on the bar at mean low tide. In 1885 13^ feet was the maximum depth over the bar. In 1886 only one vessel went out over the bar drawing 14 feet of water.

Park occupies 80 acres, the City Park 25 acres. Tliere are a number of public squares, an esplanade two miles long, and several public gardens. Magnolia Grove Ceraetei'j comprises 100 acres, and the City Cemetery 10 acres.

Four railroads I'un into the city of Galveston. Tliey are the Galve>lon, Houston & Henderson, the Gulf. Colorado & Santa Fe, the International & Great Nortliern, and the Aransas Pass - tlie latter runnincr into the city via the track of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe.

In point of manufacturing and commercial importance Galveston surpasses any city in the State, and rivals many of the leading cities of the South with even greater population.

Galveston is the most attractive, coolest and healthiest city in the South. Constant gulf breeze, unsurpassed surf bathing and thirty miles of beach for riding and driving, which is unequaled in the world.

Georgetotvn, the county seat of Williamson county, is situated in a high, healthy section of the county, on the bank of the beautiful San Gabriel river, at the terminus of the Georgetown branch of the International & Great Northern Pailroad from the south, and also the Georgetown & Granger branch of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad from the east. Its population is 2,538. It has two banks, one private and one national. The transactions of tlie?e two banks during 1890 amounted to $8,000,000.

planing mills working all kinds of woodwork for building purposes; ice factory, capacity six tons per day; one roller flouring mill, capacity 110 barrels pei' day; one saddle and harness factory; one plow factory.

The Southwestern University is located here, which has the patronage of the Ave annual conferences of Texas, of the Methodist Episcopal ChiTrch, South. The anniial enrolled attendance in lSyO-'91 was about GOO; $100,000 was expended in 1891 in improvements of the buildings of this university.

The Texas Chautauqua Assembly is located on a high, elevated hill, immediately west of tiie city, and on the opposite side of the river, which is spanned by a magnificent suspension bridge, and is in a flourishing condition.

Gonzales, the capital of the county of the same name, is situated on the (iiuadalupe river, a mile below the mouth of the San Marcos river, about sixty-six miles east of San Antonio and sixty miles south by east of Austin. It has a population of 2,500, two banks, three churches and a college.

Hempstead, in Waller county, is situated on a high, rolling prairie, about fifty miles northwest of Houston, on the Houston & Texas Central Railway, and is the eastern terminus of the Austin branch of that railway. It is in the midst of a most productive agricultural region. Population, 2,259. There are sold in the place about 3,500 bales of cotton annually, and it is also a great shipping point for watermelons and canteloupes.

Eoudon, the capital of Harris county, in latitude 29° 30', longitude 94° 50', is at the head of navigation of Bulfalo bayou, fifty miles northwest of Galveston, and the rail road center of Texas. The city is situated on botli sides of the bayuii, ou gently undulating); land, and has steamboat coinnuinicatioii with Galveston daily. In 18U0 it had a jjiipiilution of 27,411. Besides the usual complement of schools and churches it contains the Masonic Temple for the Grand Lodge of Texas, and its city hall and market house are unsurpassed in the South. The annual State fair is also held here. It is an important manufacturing center.

Assessed value of all property in 1891, $15,776,449, which is greater by nearly $3,- 000,000 than that of the preceding year. Total value of all the property owned by the city, $200,000. Number of square miles within the corporate limits, nine.

Huntsville, the last residence of the lamented Sam Houston, is the seat of government of Walker county, on the Huntsville branch of the International & Great Northern Railroad, seventy-four miles north of Houston. It contains eight churches, tiie State penitentiary, Andrew Female College, Austin College (Presbyterian), etc. Population, 2,271. Assessed value of all property in 1891, $490,000.

Kaufman, at the crossing of the east branch of the Texas Central and the Texas Trunk railroads, has enjoyed a constant increase in population and in taxable values. Since 1870 the number of inhaldtants has increased from 400 to about 3,000. Assessed values in 1890, $800,000.

Ifarlin, the county scat of Falls county, is situated four miles northeast from the geograjihieal center of the county, <in the Waco division of the Houston & Texas Cen tral Railroad. It has a population of 2,27(). and property assessed in 1891 at $1,050,000. Amount expended in Iraildings and improvements during that year, $65,000.

Marshal', the seat of government for Harrison county, in the eastern part of the Sta'e, has now a population of 7,196, six churches, a female college, Wiley University (Methodist Episcopal), the machine shops and headquarters of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, etc. The Shreveport branch of the railroad forms its junction there.

McKinney, the headquarters of Collin county, on the Houston & Texas Central Railroad, is the terminus of tiie East Line & Red Eiver Eailroad. The assessed value of the property of the place increaed from $610,000 in 1880 to $1,230,780 in 1888. In 1890 $30,000 was spent in buildings and improvements, and this is but a sample of what that city is averaging. Population in 1890, 3,849.

Nacogdoches, capital of the county of the same name, is situated on the Houston, East & AVest Texas Railroad, 140 miles fiom Houston and ninety from Shreveport. It is the best trading point between those two places. The amoixnt of bank exchange in 1890 was $400,000.

New BirmingJiam, in Cherokee county, with a population of 1.200 in 1890, is destined to become an iron-manufacturing city of considerable importance. It is situated only a mile and a half from Rusk, and is a new place, being laid off in 1888. It is on the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas llailioad. Wliite siilpluir and (-lialyl)cate springs are numerous in the vicinity. The place is growing rapidly.