QQ Value of Western North Carolina Lands [Feb., 



are better adapted to the raising of sheep than of other animals, is 

 to state only half the truth. North Corolina can be made to com- 

 pete successfully, in wool-growing, with the world at large. The 

 altitude of the country, the purity of its atmosphere, the mildness 

 of its climate, the abundance of its never-failing springs of pure 

 water, its freedom from all malarious influences, its unvarying health- 

 fulness, all combine to make it the most attractive point of immigra- 

 tion in the Union ; and when once it is generally known that it 

 presents the most inviting field for the production of Wool, one of 

 the great staples of the country, the wool-growers will not fail to 

 accept the advantages it offers. 



It is no exaggeration to say, that "Western North Carolina can be 

 made to compete with the world, in the production of the finest 

 qualities of Wool. There can be no appreciable difi"erence, as to 

 climate and other conditions, between it and Tennessee, which has 

 already competed with the world, for the Golden Fleece, and won the 

 prize. 



Mark E,. Cockerell, Esq., an extensive Wool-grower of Tennes- 

 see, attended the World's fair in London, in 1851, and presented 

 some of his wool in competition with the wools of Europe. The 

 contest, under the rules, was between countries, not individuals. 

 The premium of the 'Golden Fleece ' was awarded to Tennessee, and 

 Mr. Cockerell bore the pleasing intelligence home to his fellow- 

 citizens. The Legislature of that State, the winter following, passed 

 a resolution tendering Mr. C. its thanks, and ordering the prepara- 

 tion of a gold medal to be given him as a token of their respect. 



On its presentation, among other things, he said : 



" Germany, Spain, Saxony, and Silicia were there ; the competi- 

 tion was honorable, strong and fair. Nature gave me the advantage 

 in climate, but the noble Lords and worthy Princes of Europe did 

 not know it, until we met in the Chrystal Palace of London, before 

 a million of spectators. While their flocks were housed six months 

 in the year, to shelter them from the snow of a high latitude, and 

 were fed from the granaries and stock yards, mine were roaming over 

 the green pastures of Tennessee, warmed by the genial influence of a 

 southern sun — the fleece thus softened and rendered oily by the 

 warmth and green food, producing a fine even fiber." 



But to return to the lands of North Carolina. The general bear- 

 ing of the mountain ranges is from N. E. to S. W. A large propor- 

 tion of the lands are thus found facing the South. This exposure 



