Mar., 1917] Columbus, Ohio, Quadrangle 163 



are the rebuilding of the various grades so that they shall offer 

 as little obstruction as possible, the straightening of the river 

 channel in two large curves in the south part of town, the 

 removal of encroaching buildings and bridge abutments at 

 several points, together with more careful levee building. 

 Much of this work would lend itself to the general scheme of 

 city beautification. 



FUTURE OF THE DISTRICT. 



The general directions along which adjustments to geo- 

 graphic conditions in the area shall move, are already clearly 

 indicated by present progress. There is no reason to believe 

 that material change in the industrial or commercial tendencies 

 will be called for by the environment. Relative values however, 

 may change considerably. Because of the soil, climate, and 

 market conditions prevailing in the region the farm lands will be 

 devoted to agriculture, except where needed for the growth of 

 the towns. The diversification already begun will continue. 

 Market gardening, and fruit growing will each seek out the most 

 favorable places and conditions for their respective expansion, 

 and they will greatly increase at the expense of general agricul- 

 ture. This is because of the general call of increasing population 

 for more intensive agriculture and a greater supply of products 

 from a smaller area, and because of the particular call of the 

 larger population through the local markets. Stock-raising for 

 meat wdll increase for the same reason. 



Minor Ceiiters. — Small tow^ns will yet spring up at many 

 points W'ithin the area, partly as residence suburbs of Columbus 

 and partly to care for the commercial and mercantile interests 

 of communities becoming more densely populated. These latter 

 will be mainly at intersection points of railroads or of railroads 

 and electrics or even in some places at improved road 

 intersections. 



Probably nothing new in the development of mineral 

 resources w^ill come to this district ; but several industries now in 

 their early and unimportant stages wdll greatly enlarge. Brick 

 manufacturing has good opportunities, and it will yet grow much 

 because of the abundance of shales, adjacent coal and gas, and 

 the increasing demand for brick buildings. Stone quarrying, for 

 crushed rock, cement and road material will become a larger 

 industry; and quarrying for building stone may be more than 



