INTRODUCTION. 



A complete, succinct and thoroughly accurate statement of some of 

 most important features of East Texas is sought to be conveyed in 

 bulletin. Nearly all descriptions of Texas, or any portions of it, 

 are either written by persons of florid literary tastes or real estate deal- 

 ers, or persons of intensely sinister motives. What the person in search 

 of a new home desires above all else are plain, unvarnished, truthful 

 statements. 



It is a serious matter to leave one's native countrv in quest of a new 

 home. Ties must be severed, hardships endured, for a while, at least, 

 annoyances incident to breaking up and adjusting one's life and man- 

 ners to 'fit new conditions, all these must be considered, and if, at 

 last, there has been found misrepresentation at the final destination, 

 resentful disappointment and often hopeless despair will be the result. 

 While I have lived in East Texas for sixty-three years, from my in- 

 fancy to this goodly day, love the country and its people, and have great 

 faith in its future, yet I would not intentionally misrepresent any of 

 its characteristics or exaggerate any of its advantages. 



To the person in search of a home in a country such as is briefly 

 described herein, this bulletin, I trust, will appeal with sufficient force 

 to justify a personal investigation. The homeseeker should never 

 hazard his hard-earned money in any country without first visiting it 

 where he can see with his own eye and talk face to face with its in- 

 habitants. First spy out the land. Although nearly all the pioneers 

 had heard but little, few ever returned, and in many instances their 

 descendants are now here to show the homeseeker the country and to 

 bid him a most generous welcome should he decide to stay. 



I desire to express my appreciation for valuable data furnished by 

 Mr. E. W. Winkler, State Librarian; Judge Xorman G. Kittrell, of 

 Houston, and Mr. T. 0. Walton, of Livingston, Agricultural District 

 Agent for that portion of the State, and for the carefully prepared let- 

 ters of Professors Ness, Kyle and Burns of the Agricultural and Me- 

 chanical College of Texas. 



R. T. M. 



