152 



THE IRKIGATION AGE. 



ritory traversed by the main line from north of the 

 Nueces River to the Rio Grande, varies in character 

 from a heavy black sandy loam to a sandy soil of lighter 

 substance and different capabilities. Beginning north 

 of the Nueces River the soil is black and very heavy. 

 Proceeding southward in the direction of the Rio 

 Grande, a gradually increasing sandy element is added 

 to the soil, the proportion increasing by degrees until 

 it reaches a character of distinct sandiness about mid- 

 way between the two rivers. Then the percentage of 

 sand slowly decreases as the distance toward the Rio 

 Grande lessens, until the magnificent alluvial soil of 

 the valley made under circumstances similar to the 

 formation of the far famed valley of the Nile, by over- 

 flows of the Rio Grande in countless ages past, is en- 

 countered about fifty miles north of that river. The 

 rich alluvial soil continues southward to the river and 

 up the valley paralleling the Hidalgo Branch of the 



It has been common habit for one section to claim 

 emphatic precedence over all other localities in the 

 equableness of its climate as affecting health conditions, 

 and its conduciveness in effecting plant growth. In 

 the process of reasoning leading up to this conclusion 

 it is, of course, necessary to distort facts in many 

 cases. ( To be continued.) 



FAVORABLE INDUSTRIAL LOCATIONS. 



The North-Western Line traverses a territory fa- 

 mous for its great agricultural productiveness. Its 

 splendid development in this respect has founded and 

 sustains many prosperous towns and cities equipped with 

 all the conveniences of modern times. With the growth 

 of this fertile district there arises a demand for the 

 utilization of the high class of help that can give atten- 

 tion to manufacturing industries. Beside this desir- 



Artesian Well and Reservoir Ranch Home of the La Para in the Background. 



St. Louis, Brownsville & Mexico Railway on both sides 

 for a number of miles. The depth of the soil varies 

 as generally as does its character, from a few inches 

 over a foot to a score or more of feet. In the Rio 

 Grande Valley, where the soil has been made by allu- 

 vial deposits, it is frequently asserted that the soil 

 has no depth, by which is, of course, meant that the 

 soil is so deep that a subsoil is of no consideration. 

 The subsoil, however, where it is encountered, is sub- 

 stantial clay of retentive characteristics. 



In this connection it might be said in passing that 

 no other locality in the entire South ^possesses such a 

 diversity and variation of rich and fertile soils, eacli 

 claiming superiority in the production of the particular 

 crops to which it is adapted, as exist in the territory 

 contiguous to our line. 



Equally important as the question of soils in the 

 production of crops, and more important because of 

 its never-ending influence upon the trend of population 

 and development, is the consideration of climatic con- 

 ditions. 



able advantage to manufacturers there are many nat- 

 ural resources of much value. The most favorable home 

 environment is found in this rich and growing North- 

 west, an element that contributes considerably to a sat- 

 isfactory and permanent business location. 



The transportation facilities afforded by the North- 

 Western Line are unsurpassed, giving prompt communi- 

 cation with the sources of supply and the markets of 

 the world. To provide information to parties seeking 

 new locations for industrial enterprises the North-West- 

 ern Line is giving special attention to the advantages 

 and needs of points along its line, working in co-oper- 

 ation with the local Business Men's or Commercial or- 

 ganizations where such exist and giving direct attention 

 to other points. The information thus obtained is given 

 free to all who desire it, the whole purpose being to de- 

 velop the industrial welfare of the territory served by 

 this great system of railway. 



Prompt attention will be given to communications 

 addressed to George Bonnell, Industrial Agent, C. & 

 N. W. R'y, Chicago. 



