Proceedings of the Farmers' Club. 295 



streams. Some of the former are permanent, and some fail in dry 

 weather. "Where wells are dug, water is usually found near the sur- 

 face. There are several chalybeate, or iron, and other mineral springs. 

 One of these resembles those at Saratoga, N. Y. For healthfulness 

 I have not found this region equalled in any of a dozen States that I 

 have visited. Not one case of either bilious or typhoid fever, ague 

 or chills has . originated here during the past two years. Several 

 invalids have been benefited or cured by our climate and mineral 

 water. The refusal of Kentucky to grant a charter to the Cincin- 

 nati Southern railroad has delayed settlement here. I have reason 

 to believe that this charter will be granted early next winter. It will 

 make a great change. There are not over 200 Northern families in 

 this county. They represent nearly all of the New England, Middle 

 and Western States. Among them are persons of worth, intelligence 

 and culture. Schools, Sunday schools and religious societies are 

 being organized. This country is thinly settled. The natives are 

 friendly, and a strong union sentiment prevails. Scarcely any negroes, 

 and no Ku-Klux here. So strong is the Northern influence, that one 

 would scarcely know he was in " Dixie." The difference between 

 this and other sections must be felt to be fully appreciated. This 

 table-land is on the line of the Tennessee and Pacific railroad, which 

 shortens the route between Knoxville and Nashville ninety miles. It 

 is completed as far as Lebanon. Persons coming here to settle should 

 not put all their money into land because it is -cheap. That mistake 

 has been made by some, to their cost. They should save half to pay 

 for stock, fruit trees, tools and improvements. Prices of land are 

 very low, ranging from one dollar to five dollars for wild, and from 

 two dollars to fifteen dollars for partly inproved tracts, owing to size, 

 quality, location and value of improvements. There are many bad 

 titles, but plenty of good ones. Colonists will find it necessary to 

 exercise care, and not spare pains in examination ; they will be well 

 repaid for their trouble. Those who desire further information will 

 do well to preserve this article for reference. This country is under- 

 laid with coal, which crops out occasionally. Iron ore is found on 

 the surface in some places. 



