XL F 386 .V22 Copy 1 — Texas in a Nutshell A Dictionary of Information Concerning the Greatest State in the American Union BY HARRY VAN DEMARK ii HOUSTON NUTSHELL PUBLISHING COMPANY 1910 i rift COPYRIGHT, 1910 By HARRY VAN DEMARK ©C!,A2?1 i Author's Note THE purposes of "Texas in a Nutshell" may be set forth in a very few words. It is to place before people everywhere accurate information concerning the great State of Texas, and in such form as to be handy of ref- erence at all times. It is intended to be the inseparable companion of every business man, writer and educator, who has occasion to need information concerning the resources of Texas — in short, what its sub-title indicates, "A Dictionary of Information (alpha- betically arranged) Concerning the Greatest State in the American Union." A AGATE is found in several spots in Texas, notably in Llano Count). AGRICULTURE: Cotton, grain, fruit and vegetables of all descrip- tions are grown somewhere within the borders of the state. The value of the farm products will average yearly nearly $360,000,000. For further statistics see individual subjects, such as Peaches, Cab- bage, 'Wheat, etc. ALFALFA is raised generally over the State, but grows best on the adobe soil and sandy loam of the Pecos and Rio Grande Valleys, which promises eventually to be the greatest alfalfa country in the United States, if not the world. Going up higher into Texas, we find it in the chocolate soils, and on reaching Northern Texas, we find it urowing luxuriantly in the heavy black waxy soils of that region. It grows well in the Panhandle, where it furnishes feed, both green and dry. for all stock. Usually about a ton is harvested to the acre, and from six to ten cuttings a year can be made, depend- in- nn the length of the -lowing season. The plant grows even in a mild winter, and its life is positively perennial. It is market- able on a fair average at $lo per ton. often yielding as high as $20. The yield of seed is from 120 to 360 pounds to the acre, and is worth ten cents per pound. Turkestan and Arabian alfalfa, from Asia Minor, the finest forage crop in the world, is now being experi- mented with in Texas. ALUM is an important Texas product which bids fair to assume the proportions of an industry. As yet, it is in an undeveloped stage. AMAZON STONE is found in varying quantities in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. AMETHYST specimens are found in considerable quantity in Llano County, many being of a royal purple hue and of great value. APPLES: The Texas apple belt is in Northern Texas, in the broad domain along the Red River from Texarkana to Henrietta, and throughout the "Cross Timbers" from Gainesville and Henrietta on the North, to Bowie, Stephenville, Dublin and Comanche, and men as far South as Hamilton and Bosque Counties. The soil through this section is particularly adapted to apple rais'mr. and the farm- ers are reaping fine profits. The average proceeds from an acre of apples is conservatively estimated at from $2000 to $3000, accord- ing to variety. Varieties'best suited to Texas include Red June, Yel low Transparent. Ealrly Harvest, Cole's Quince, Summer Queen. San Jacinto, Bledso and Rambo for early spring and summer, and for late apples, Jonathan. Shirley. York, Imperial. Gano, Ben Davis, Loy, Winesap, Kinnard's Choice. Arkansas Black, M. B. Twig and Shockley. APRICOTS: Apricot trees which have been found productive in Central Mexico are nyw being experimented with in semi-tropical Texas. Many excellent results have been attained, but the indus- try is. as yet, in its infancy; AREA: Texas lias an area of 265,780 square miles. The greatest length is 825 miles; the greatest breadth, 740 miles. This means that Texas is wider than the distance from Chicago to New York, or from St. Louis to Philadelphia. Texas is twice as large as the Empire of Japan. A traveler leaving Galveston for Colorado at 7 o'clock in the evening, reaches Texline, in the extreme Northwest corner of the State, two evenings later, having ridden forty-eight consecutive hours in one state. ARMY: The United States army is well represented in Texas, the headquarters being at Fort Sam Houston. San Antonio. Small r garrisons arc stationed at different points in the State, including an importanl post at El Paso. The State has an organized militia known as the National Guard, consisting of 202 officers and -J.")r>7 enlisted men. The number of citizens available for military service is approximately 500,000. The Texas Bangers, a State organization. has done efficient service on many occasions, and the name will always strike terror to the hearts of the evil doers. ARTICHOKES, like most other vegetables, can be raised in Texas with the best of success. They form a luxurious growth and are far in advance of those grown in most other localities. ASBESTOS is found in many localities in YYest Texas, and is expected to develop into a paying industry. ASPARAGUS beds are found in many sections of the State. As yel. the demand far exceeds the supply. With good care, the yield will be as good in Texas as in any other section. ASPHALT i> found in large quantities in the oil belts of the Stat" hut aside from having served for paving several cities, it has n>'t been rnin«d to any extent. Rich opportunities are afforded f >r 6 investment in this business. The quantity produced in 1907, an average year, measured by short tons, was 53,649, valued at $929,857. AVACADOES are now being experimented with in the citrus fruit section of Texas, and the possibilities are considered unlimited. B BAMBOO: Japanese timber bamboo and Japanese matting rush are now being experimented with in the semi-tropical region of the State. The former is used as building material. It is planned to supplant the enormous canebrakes of Southwest Texas with this valuable commodity. BANANAS are grown with excellent success throughout the Central and Southern portions of the State. The extreme Southern and is especially prolific in this commodity, and the industry is growing rapidly. The plantain and fig bananas grow the best. As much as $150 has been cleared on a quarter of an acre. BANKS: There are in Texas approximately 570 State, 519 national and 200 private banks, the total capitalization of which amounts to enormous figures. The total resources of the Texas banks of all classes have doubled within the past six years — a won- derful showing. The latest figures on the State banks were compiled by the State authorities on December 31, 1909. At that time there were 515 State banks, with a total capitalization of $16,128,500. The total resources amounted to $72,947,985.57, the total deposits to $50,- 944,104.79. Many banks have been organized since these figures were compiled, and it is safe to say that the end of the year 1910 will see at least 600 State banks in the field. BARLEY is raised almost exclusively in the Northern part of the State, where both soil and climate are well adapted to it. and ag far West as the Panhandle. The average yield per acre is 24.4 bush els. BASEBALL: Organized baseball has flourished in Texas for many years. There are at present two leagues in the State— the Texas League and the Southwest Texas League. The latter is a new organization, having ushered in its first season with the spring of 1910. The Texas League, embracing the cities of Houston, Galveston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco and San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City, Okla.. and Shreveport, La., is an older organization. Houston was 7 the 1909 pennant winner. The game is well patronized in all of the above cities. BEANS of almost every variety are raised in abundance all over the .State and are sold to good advantage in local markets. String beans are a staple commodity, and are shipped in crates to a large number of local and foreign markets where they are placed on sale in advance of anything grown in that locality. Soy beans is a com- paratively new but successful crop. BEAUXITE is found in varying quantities in Texas, and is expect ed to develop into an industry of considerable proportions. BEES: Texas is the leading honey-producing State of the Union. There are nearly 420,000 colonies of bees within her borders, and the annual output of honey is 5,000.000 pounds. The up-to-date bee- keeper finds no difficulty in raising 100 pounds with a single colo- ny. The average value, per colony, according to the twelfth census, is* $1.95. Of wax, the average output is 41 pounds per colony. "Uvalde County Honey" is now a staple product, known the count) y over, and commanding the highest market price. Even while lead- ing other states in output, this is still regarded in Texas as one uf the coming industries. BEETS: Large quantities of beets are grown in Texas, and. when properly cared for, have a high market value. The demand nearly always exceeds the supply. Beets grow in midwinter in many sec- tions' of the State. Sugar beets are also raised with excellent results. BERYL is among the precious stones to be found in Texas. BIRDS: Among the birds to be found in Texas, and which may be hunted at seasons prescribed by the State game laws, may be mentioned, wild turkeys, wild ducks, wild geese, wild grouse, prairie chickens, Mongolian and English pheasants, quail, patridges, jack- snipe, curlews, doves and pigeons. For tame birds see Poultry. BLACKBERRIES, both wild and tame, are grown generally ovpi the State and the demand so far exceeds the supply that top prices prevail throughout the season. The berries are large and de licious, and the equal in every respect of those grown in the East. BREAD FRUIT: The Italian Carubo, or Carbo, tree, familiarly known as "Bread Fruit," grown extensively in Sicily, will eventu- ally be listed with other Texas products. Experiments are now being made with good results BRICK is manufactured extensively in Texas, kilns being located in every city of any size. For further information, see Clay. BROCCOLI is being grown in the truck gardens, along with cabbage and cauliflower. While the demand is not so great as for these staple products, a limited supply can always be disposed of to good advantage. BRUSSELS SPROUTS form an important part of many Texas truck gardens and find a ready market. G CABBAGE is the great truck crop of many counties along the central and lower Gulf coast, and is being raised on a general scale throughout the State. It nets the grower anywhere from $75 to $400 per acre, depending on the yield and condition of the market. In many instances the crop is not consigned, but sold for cash with enormous profit to the grower. Nearly $600 has been netted on a single car of cabbage. CACTUS: The spineless cactus, or tuna, from Argentine, South- ern Spain and Tripoli has been found especially adapted to South- west Texas. It is splendid food for cattle, and will solve the prob- lem of forage for arid regions. The ordinary cactus is found in abundance throughout the entire Western and Southwestern portions of the State. The wood is used for various purposes. CAMPHOR TREES: It is probable that in the very near future Texas will take her place among the camphor producing com- munities of the world, it having been successfully demonstrated that camphor trees will grow and thrive in this climate. At present Formosa and Japan have a corner on the supply, and the product is raised in China to some extent. But it remains for Texas to prove that the trees are well adapted to her climate, and to start the first camphor grove in the United' States. CANTALOUPES: The soil of Texas is peculiarly adapted to the raising of cantaloupes, particularly where sandy soil predomi- nates. Texas cantaloupes have a delicious flavor, and equal those of Colorado and other states on the Northern markets. It is an excel- lent money crop, and is marketed so early as to be practically clear of competition. 9 CARROTS are to be found in Texas markets almost any month of the year. The soil is well adapted to them, and truck farmers are always assured of good returns for their labors. Carrots in Texas have netted truck growers as much as $320 per acre. CASSAVA: A success has been made of this valuable product in South Texas, and the prospects are that Texas will soon be sup- plying the local demand for starch, as well as that of many outside points. CATTLE: Texas ranks first as a cattle state, having one-seventh of the total output in the United States. In 1900 the first cen- sus ever authorized by Congress to determine the exact extent of the live stock industry was taken. It showed that there were 9,428.- 196 head of range cattle of all ages, representing a value of $163,- 228.904. Of this number 3,369,000 were cows, 2,148,000 calves, 1,000,. 000 heifers, about 1,000,000 yearlings, and about 1.000,000 one, two and three-year-old steers. The importation of Zebu cattle from India, as well as other foreign breeds, has been found profitable. CAULIFLOWER is a profitable Texas crop, being raised in many instances by the farmers who are responsible for the cabbage crop, but in somewhat smaller quantities, for the demand is less. As much as $235 has been realized from a quarter of an acre. CELERY is grown in great abundance, the soil of Texas being well adapted to the growing and bleaching of this valuable product. It finds a ready sale in home markets. An eighth of an acre has yielded as much as $100. CEMENT: The raw materials for the manufacture of Portland and other cements are found in various parts of Texas, and the industry is already assuming large proportions. CHALCEDONY is among the precious stones to be found in varying quantities in Texas. CHERRIES are raised with excellent results in the Panhandle coun- try of Texas, where the .winters are just cool enough to give the trees the necessary vitality. Home markets consume the crop. CHERVIL is being grown with success in Texas — especially along the Gulf coast. CITRON: The Corsican citron, now being grown in California, will soon be placed on the list of Texas products. Common citron is already raised extensively. 10 CLAY: While clay is already one of the chief industries of the State, its development may be said to have hardly begun. The beds and environs of nearly all the Texas rivers furnish material for bricks, while the coarser clays of the coast country are suit- able for drain tiles and rough stoneware; others are used for making charcoal furnaces and sewer pipes, and still others for vitrified brick and chinaware. The clay products for 1907 were valued at $2,557,561. CLIMATE: The "glorious climate" of other localities is often descanted upon by writers in portraying the attractions of fa- mous resorts, but that of Texas really deserves the appellation much more than many higher-vaunted localities. Here the biting edge of the Northern winter is neither felt nor feared, and the scorching tropical heat never invades the boundaries, for the delightful breeze off the Gulf cools almost the entire State. The winters are bracing and delightful, the summers, periods of comfortable warmth, pleas- ant and agreeable to the invalid, and full of attractiveness to the healthy and vigorous. The claims made for the climate of Texas are strong, but they do not lack for the best corroboration. CLOVER: It has been discovered that Berseem, or Egyptian clover, from the Valley of the Nile, if planted in the fall, will cut four crops before June, and it is now being experimented with in Texas. The more common varieties, especially Burr clover, thrive in North Texas, where they are grown extensively for fodder. CINNABAR, the chief ore of quicksilver, is extensively mined in Brewster -County, and occurs over a large territory. Texas will, within a few years, be first in the production of quicksilver. The production in 1907 was 17.1 of that produced in the United States. The output has increased from 1000 flasks of 75 pounds each, in 1899, to 3680 flasks in 1907. These 3686 flasks were valued at $148,387. The mining of quicksilver in Texas under technical man- agement has been very profitable to Texas operators and miners. COAL, or lignite, was produced in thirteen Texas counties in 1907, bituminous coal being produced in seven and lignite in six. These counties are Erath, McCulloch, Maverick, Palo Pinto. Parker, Webb, Wise, Bastrop, Hopkins, Houston, Medina, Milam and Wood. The output for that year was 1,648.069 short tons, having a value of $2,778,811. In 1908 the production was 1,895,377 tons. The coal fields of Texas contain on a conservative estimate 31,000.000,000 tons —8,000,000,000 being bituminous, and 23,000,000,000 lignite. COCOANUTS: Five thousand sprouted cocoanuts were imported to Texas during the early part of 1910, to be used for planting pur- 11 poses in the tropical section of the State. It is understood that they can be grown in the extreme Southern end of the State, pro- vided they are sheltered during the winter months. Experiments are being awaited with interest. COFFEE: Experiments in coffee growing are now under way, and there is every reason to believe that Texas will eventually fur- nish a good grade of seeds for the making of this delightful beverage. COLLARDS are grown extensively throughout the State, and find a ready market. COPPER has been found in Archer, Baylor. El Paso, Hardeman. Haskell, Knox, Montague, Mason, Llano, Stonewall, Taylor and Burnet Counties. As yet the development is in its infancy, but the majority of the deposits will justify exploitation, as the ore is of a high grade and contains silver and gold as by-products. No copper is mined at present in Texas, but a vast territory in the Trans- Pecos region presents most economic features for mining. CORN has been grown in Texas almost from the day permanent set- tlements were made upon its soil. The crop, as a rule, is con- sumed within the State, although on several occasions a surplus of millions of bushels has been taken for export. The output in Texas for the year 1908 was 201.848,000 bushels. The average yield per acre is about twenty-five bushels. In the Northern and Central por- tions of the State the average yield is forty-five bushels to the acre, and in the rich bottom lands it runs as high as a hundred. CORN SALAD is grown extensively on the various truck farms of the State. CORN, BROOM: Broom corn makes a prolific growth in Texas and is planted extensively. A warehouse company in South Texas is now engaged in the handling, storing and shipping of this product. CORN, KAFFIR: Kaffir corn thrives in almost every corner of the State, and is fed extensively to live stock, being considered a fod- der par excellence. North Texas, the Panhandle section, and the Pecos and Rio Grande Valleys raise the bulk of the crop. CORNELIAN is among the precious stones to be found in Texas, many beautiful specimens having been discovered. COTTON: Texas is easily the lender of the cotton-producing states. There were 31,918,000 acres planted in the United States in 1909. 12 out of which 9,716,000 were planted in Texas. The Texas cotton crop for 1908 consisted of 4,174,206 bales. Texas produces about one bale of cotton per capita, which means that she produces one-fifth of the world's supply. The cotton belt of Texas contains in round fig- ures 120.000,000 acres, out of which the farmers, in an average sea- son, get $200,000,000. It costs about $15,000,000 to pick the crop each year, about $12,000,000 to gin it, and about $2,000,000 to com press it. The climate and soil are so peculiarly adapted to the rais- ing of this product that it is practically a sure crop. Egyptian cot- ton is being experimented with in certain sections of the State. There are over one hundred cotton compresses in Texas. COTTON SEED: Leading all other states in the production of cot- ton, it is but natural that Texas should lead in the cottonseed oil industry. There are, at the present time, 200 cotton oil mills in the State, having over 600 presses, capable of crushing enormous quantities of seed. With 3.000,000 bales, the average cotton crop in Texas, there is produced 1,500,000 tons of seed. About 40 per cent of this is saved by the farmers for planting, or fed whole. The remainder — 60 per cent — is crushed by the mills of the State, the average production of a ton of seed being as follows: Oil, 36 gal- lons, worth 30 cents per gallon; cake, or meal, 780 pounds, worth $19 per ton of 2000 pounds; hulls, 800 pounds, worth $4 per ton; linters, worth 4y 2 cents per pound. The price paid for cotton seed varies each season, but $15 per ton may be considered the average. COUNTIES: Texas is subdivided into 245 counties, all of which are under organization but Andrews, Bailey. Cochran, Crane, Hockley, Loving, Upton and Winkler. El Paso, the largest county, contains 9353 square miles, and is larger than Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware combined. CRESS: The finest salads are made from the cress raised on the truck farms of Texas. CUCUMBERS: This is one of the standard Texas truck crops, net- ting growers on an average of $500 per. acre. They are large and luscious and sell well on the Northern markets. CURRANTS are raised in the colder portions of Texas with varying success. 13 D DAIRYING: While the number of creameries in Texas is not large, more are gradually being established. The demand for fresh cream is so great that dairymen have frequently found it more profitable to dispose of this commodity without churning. An excel- lent grade of butter is made' and finds a ready market at home. DATES: Experiments are already being made with the date palm of the Valley of the Tigris, as well as the Tunis variety from Baluchistan. Government experts say there is no logical reason why Southwestern Texas should not become a large factor in the date industry. DEWBERRIES, both wild and cultivated, are grown in large num- bers, usually ripening in the early spring, and exhausting them- selves just before the blackberry bushes commence to bear, thus mak- ing a continuous season, covering several months for these products. DUCKS: Texas stands well toward the top in the raising of ducks, the average breed being of a fine quality. E EGGS: As an egg state, Texas stands ninth. Large shipments are made to Northern markets, after the local demand has been sup- plied. Prices hold up well the year 'round. The average Texas hen lays three times her value per annum, which means a yearly pro- duction of 75,000,000 eggs, valued at $10,000,000. EGG PLANT: This has become a staple on the Texas market. It derives its popularity from the variety of forms in which it may be served. The plants grow to an enormous size, and are ready sellers in home or foreign markets. ENDIVE is grown extensively in all sections of the State. The foli- age is enormous, and one plant has been known to furnish salad for several meals. 14 EPSONITE is one of the non-metallic mineral products of Texas, and will eventually prove of considerable importance as an industry. FARMING: It is conservatively estimated that Texas farms pro- duce $1,549,000 per day. The Texas farmer ships $1,200,000 worth of raw material to the foreign factory every day. The average Texas farm contains 357 acres. Texas farmers are regarded as the most prosperous in the Union. Dry farming is meeting with great favor in many sections. FELDSPAR: It is reported from Barringer Hill, in Llano County, that there are individual crystals of feldspar from five to ten feet in length, one of which weighs 1000 pounds. This is one of the largest specimens ever found in the world. FENUGREEK, from the shores of the Mediterranean, a leguminous plant which will restore the fertility of irrigated lands, is now being experimented with in Western Texas by the L T nited States department of agriculture. The weed is a great curative and fat- tener and will, so physicians state, prevent consumption if taken in the early stages of the disease. It may be profitably used as an ingredient to the stock powders that have been previously imported. The plant resembles common clover, and might easily be mistaken for that unless closely compared. FERGUSONITE occurs in three stages on Barringer Hill in Llano County. The purest has a specific gravity of 5.65, and contains 42 per cent of yttria. FERTILIZERS: Valuable fertilizers have been found in Texas, but, as yet. little use has been made of them. They include bat guano, green sand marls, and other marls. U'hile phosphates have not been found in commercial quantities, there are good indications. FIBERS: A great many fiber-producing plants are found in Texas Several varieties of wild flax and hemp plants occur, and many of the weeds which now cover thousands of acres, are capable of being made into paper, twine, rope, bagging, sacks, burlaps, carpets and textile fabrics. Among the most important is the lechuguilla. an agavo, which covers an area of 20,000 square miles in the Trans. Pecos country. Another valuable fiber plant, resembling somewhat 15 the lechuguilla, is the sotol or bear grass, which is an important item of forage. It is predicted that it will furnish raw material for the manufacture of alcohol. Jute and ramie also thrive in Texas. Mills for extracting the fiber of the lechuguilla have already been established in West Texas, and the industry will no doubt assume important dimensions in the future. FIGS: While the area of Texas adapted to fig culture is, as yet, undetermined, there is a proven belt extending from Nacogdoches on the East to Brownwood on the West, and South to the coast line. Most of this area is in what is known as the semi-tropical belt, and needs no irrigation. For successful fig raising black sandy loam produces the best results. As yet, the market for fresh figs hardly does more than consume the output, the greater portion of the crop being taken in charge by the preserving plants scattered throughout the fig district. The coast country has come rapidly to the front during the past ten years, and here some of the finest orchards in the United States are to be found. Figs constitutes one of the few practically sure crops. Preserved figs sell at advanced prices the year 'round. The fig industry is growing rapidly and there is every indication that Texas will soon be looked upon as the chief source of this very desirable fruit. Under normal conditions two-year-old trees yield $20 to $30 per acre; three-year-old trees from $60 to $75; four year-old from $125 to $175. Older trees should yield $200 per acre. The United States government is experimenting with the famous Symrna fig, and this, too, will eventually be added to the long list of Texas fruits. FISH: The following fish are found along the coast line and in the lakes and rivers of Texas: Flounuer, Spanish mackerel, sheeps- head, bluefish, croaker, redfish, red snapper, sea trout and pompano. The fish catch runs from 3,000,000 to 6.000.000 pounds per annum. Among the non-edible fish to be found along the Texas coast are tarpon, the fish most coveted by sportsmen, and menhaden, or sil. verside. which is caught by seining and which is valuable for its fish oil and fertilizer. Many fresh water streams contain bass, croppie, perch, buffalo and catfish. The United States government has an extensive fish hatchery at San Marcos. FLAX: See Fibers. FLINT is among the non-metallic mineral productions of Texas, and already a market has been found to care for the output. FLOWERS: Texas is especially fortunate in flowers, both wild and cultivated. The State flower is the Bluebonnet. Roses of ail 16 colors and varieties grow luxuriantly. Two favorite flowers are the Cape Jessamine and Magnolia, both of which are noted for their fragrance. An extensive industry has been established for the Jes- samines, which are shipped North in crates, along with fruits and vegetables. Chrysanthemums are grown extensively. Almost any flower grown in the United States can be grown in Texas, so vari- able are the soils. In certain regions are grown many of the rare plants and flowers that have been introduced by florists as expen- sive novelties in the Northern states and Europe. An expert recently calculated that on one ranch alone at least $10,000 worth of per- fume-bearing blossoms were going to waste annually. FORAGE CROPS for Texas for the year 1908 totaled 5,000,000 tons. FORESTS: The forests of Texas are most noted for their yield of yellow pine lumber, which is known the world over. Forestry planting is now in its infancy, but its possibilities are boundless. Cypress, oak, red and white cedar, and many other valuable woods are found in abundance. Producers of turpentine, resin, tar and creosote are now looking to Texas for their supply and a wonderful development has been started. Besides the trees of medium size, there is an abundant growth of smaller trees, with hard close-grained woods suitable for cabinet making, furniture, etc. The value of Texas lumber products for one year alone was $16,206,473. FRUIT: Texas is fast becoming the fruit country of the United States. Few fruits there are which can not be grown profitably in some section of the State. For further information, see individual topics, such as Pears, Blackberries, etc. FULLER'S EARTH is found in many parts of the State, especially in the tertiary era. Deposits have recently been opened in Bur- leson and Washington Counties. The product has been found exc?l. lent for bleaching and refining purposes. G GADALIMITE: This rare mineral is found in Llano County, and is not discovered elsewhere in the United States, except in Colo- rado. This mineral contains the rare oxides of yttrium and zir- conium, a limited quantity of which is used in the construction of the Nernst electric lamp. The oxides conduct an electric current, and glow after they are heated to redness. The mineral is mined purely for those oxides. 17 GAME: Many of the thickly-timbered regions of Texas contain deer, antelope, bobcats, and some bears, though the latter are pretty well exterminated. Squirrels, gophers, prairie dogs, and other small game is found in abundance. For fowls, see Birds. GARLIC growing has reached a stage of sufficient importance to be classed as a regular truck crop. It is being shipped occasionally in carload lots. GAS, NATURAL: Natural gas has been discovered in large quan- tities in every oil field of the State, but only recently, since the oil excitement began to die out, has it been seriously considered as a useful commodity. It will, no doubt, prove one of the most valu- able of the State's industries. Natural gas to the value of $178,270 was used in 1907. GEESE: Texas raises more geese than any other state in the Union except Kentucky. GEMS: In many parts of Texas valuable gems have been found in the creeks and gullies. Some of the hillsides and canyon slopes sparkle with semi-precious stones. For further information see individual topics, such as Amethyst, Opals, Onyx, etc. GOATS: Angora goats are raised through the Northern, Central and Western parts of the State, this being conceded by experts to be the best place for them in the United States. The industry has come rapidly to the front, and as a profitable investment is unex- celled. The goat furnishes several pounds of fine mohair, increases fifty per cent, raises its kids, and boards itself on brush and weeds. The first mohair factory in the South is now located in the Nueces country. There are. in round numbers, 900.000 goats in Texas. GOLD is found associated with copper ores in placer deposits in Llano. Blanco and other counties, as well as in the Trans-Pecos region. There are. as yet, no developed mines, but there are many places where the metal can be recovered in placers and by shaft mining in satisfactory quantities. The gold mined in Texas in 1907 was 48 ounces, Troy, valued at $1000. GOURDS of all shapes, sizes and varieties are grown in every corner of the State. GRAHAMITE is among the non-metallic minerals of which Texas can boast. GRANITE is found in Texas in large quantities, that from Granit* Mountain having won praise from experts. It is used extensively in the erection of public buildings in Texas. 18 GRAPES: Grape culture is increasing every year and can be made a success in practically every part of the State. The following varieties have been tested and found good shippers: Albania, Ameri- ca, Bailey, Beacon, Blondin, Brilliant, Carmen, Cloeta, Fern, Gold Coin, Headlight, Husman, Manito, Muscadine, Mericadel, Muench, Wapanka and Xluta. Scuppernongs grow extensively in Texas, from which an excellent champagne is made. Grapes, well cared for, yield from $50 to $200 per acre. GRAPE FRUIT is raised extensively through the Southern portion of Texas, and will eventually develop into one of the best paying industries. GRAPHITE is found in several parts of Texas, and is used to good advantage by local concerns. GRASSES of all kinds flourish in Texas, including Bermuda, mat- ting grass, timothy, red top, Johnson, orchard. Awnless brome, English blue grass, Kentucky blue grass, and para grass. The lat- ter, as a fodder, is developing into an industry. GUANOS: Bat guanos are found in limestone caves, in the counties surrounding the Edwards plateau. They are considered on a par with the Peruvian guanos, and will develop into a valuable industry. GUAVAS are grown extensively in Southern Texas, and the jelly obtained from them is in great demand. GYPSUM is found in many places in Texas. In Northwest Texas is found the largest gypsum bed in the world. This product is found chiefly in the red beds country, where it extends from Mitchell to Hardeman Counties. It is also found in the Trans-Pecos region and in connection with many of the oil fields of the State. Hard wall plasters and plaster of Paris are manufactured. It is one of the most valuable of Texas resources. H HAY is one of the most profitable crops raised in Texas. There are thousands of hay presses in use throughout the State, and these turn out a baled product inferior to none. It meets with a ready sale in home or foreign markets. Pea vine hay is being raised extensively. The Texas hay crop of 1908 amounted to 1,072,000 tons, valued at '$8,844,000. 19 HEALTH: That Texas is one of the healthiest places on earth is proved by the death rate, which is only eleven per thousand per annum. The birth rate is thirty-three per thousand per annum. HEMP: See Fibers. HISTORIC SPOTS: Among the many spots of historic interest in Texas may be mentioned the Alamo, where Travis. Bowie Crockett, and their brave companions gave up their lives that Texas might be free from the Mexican despot, Santa Anna; the San Jacinto battle ground, some twenty miles below Houston on the Houston Ship Channel, where Sam Houston vanquished the enemy and won the fight for Texas Independence, and which is now being converted by the State into a handsome park; the missions at San Antonio, and the numerous forts, blockhouses and battlefields throughout the State, with which are associated traditions of love, death and romance. HISTORY: La Salle landed at Matagorda Bay in February, 1685. Upon his death, some years later, Spain declared herself the law- ful owner of Texas, because of her conquest of Mexico, of which Texas was considered a part. After Mexico achieved her indepen- dence from Spain her rule of Texas became tyrannical, resulting in the Texas revolution, and the ultimate independence of the State in 1836. The annexation to the United States in 1846, and the Mexican War, fought in her defense by Uncle Sam, are matters with which every schoolboy is familiar. HOGS: Texas is rapidly taking a leading place among the hog- raising states, and the industry bids fair to assume enormous proportions. The hogs of Texas are worth in round numbers $18,502,- 000. 3,304,000 head being the latest production per annum. Alfalfa and Bermuda grass constitute the backbone of the hog industry, and hogs may be pastured the year 'round. The State has been found well adapted even to the raising of Tamwoths. HOLIDAYS observed fn Texas, but not observed in other states, are March 2, Texas Independence Day, and April 21, the anniversary of the battle of San Jacinto. HONEY: See Bees. HORSERADISH: Malin horseradish from Bohemia is being experi- mented with in Texas with excellent results. It can be grown both in Central and Southern Texas. Two million pounds have been exported in a single year. HORSES: Texas horses, including standard bred trotters, have come to have a high market value in the North and East. There are 20 1,312.000 head in the State, which makes Texas rank third. These horses are valued at $93,152,000. Horse breeding is one of the staid old industries of Texas and never fails to bring ample remuneration. I ICE: Texas leads in the manufacture of ice, and has several hun- dred up-to-date plants within her borders. Almost every town of any size has installed an ice plant, and at no season of the year is there a dearth of this article. IMMIGRATION: In the past ten years, 30,000 immigrants have landed at the port of Galveston. Every railroad entering the State brings homeseekers, semi-monthly excursions being run prac- tically the year 'round from the Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City gateways. The eyes of the world are on Texas, and the influx of people is increasing each passing year. It has been conservatively estimated that about 200 people move to and locate permanently in Texas every day in the year. Some 250,000 prospectors and tourists visit Texas annually. INCOME: The gross income of Texas is $1,302,505,000 per annum. IRON: Texas has some of the richest iron deposits in the world, notably those of Llano County, which have, up to the present time, remained practically untouched, and Cherokee County, where the State, with its penitentiary hands runs a large and successful smelter. These deposits are several hundred miles apart, and of an entirely different character, the former being in the Northern part of South- west Texas; the latter about the center of East Texas. Altogether limonites, herniatites, magnetic and manganiferous iron ores occur in over thirty-four counties. The limonites in Northeast Texas are found in nineteen counties having an area of known deposits of over 1000 square miles. IRRIGATION: Plants of enormous proportions have been installed throughout the State, not only in the rice belt, but in those regions where the rainfall is not what is needed for the successful growing of crops, and the State is gradually being transformed, until soon every available acre will be under cultivation. Many important irrigation projects are now in course of organization. 21 JASPER is among the precious stones to be found in limited quan- tities in Texas. JESSAMINE: See Flowers. JUTE: See Fibers. K KALE is grown extensively in different parts of Texas. KAOLIN of the best quality has been found in many portions of the State, and samples of it manufactured in the potteries of the East have produced wares equal to the finest China made in America. Notable among the deposits is that in Edwards County, which is now in the hands of an Eastern syndicate. Another de- posit of excellent quality is found near Kosse, Robertson County. Utner deposits are found in Atascosa, Burnet, Fayette, Llano and Uvalde Counties. KOHLRABI is raised extensively throughout the State, and meets with a ready sale in home markets. L LABOR. For men who want to work, live and prosper, there is no place like Texas. Wages here compare favorably with the most favored places in the country, and, in many cases, are the highest paid anywhere in the United States, which means in the world. No man, be he farmer, farm laborer, mechanic or artisan, need long be out of employment in Texas. LAWS: The laws of Texas have been praised by men high in life all over the country as being sensible and just, and allowing the free-born American citizen, or the adopted citizen the protec- tion so dear to all liberty-loving hearts. 22 LEAD: This industry will prove a, valuable one, and is being developed as rapidly as men can be induced to take hold of it. The mineral is found in Burnet, El Paso, Gillespie, Llano, Mason, Montague and Presidio Counties, as well as in other por- tions of the Trans-Pecos region. The production for 1907 was 10 short tons, valued at $1000. LECHUGUILLA: See Fibers. LEEK is grown extensively and finds a ready sale in home markets. LEGUMES of the Mammoth Yellow, Hollybrook and Haberlandl for medium late varieties, and Ito San for a late variety, are grown profitably in Texas. LEMONS: Sicilian lemons are grown in Southern Texas with prof- itable results. The fruit is large and juicy, and compares well with the same product in other sections of the country. It will undoubtedly develop into one of the best paying industries of the State. Lemons from the La Parra ranch of Texas were rated higher at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition than those from California. Ponderosa lemons are developing into a valuable industry in the coast country. LESPEDEZA: This product is sometimes called Japan clover, and is grown in the Southern part of the State. It is highly valued for pasturage and hay. LETTUCE is a reliable truck crop in all sections of the State, grows well, and always finds a market. LIGNITE: See Coal. LIMES are grown in Southern Texas, where the industry is yet in its infancy. It will develop into an important industry. LIMESTONE is found in large quantities in Travis and Comal Counties, where hydrated lime is manufactured. LIVE STOCK: Texas has more live stock than any other state in the Union. In round numbers it reaches 16,000,000 head, valued at nearly $325,000,000. For further information, see individual sta- tistics, such as Horses, Cattle, etc. LOQUATS: The Japanese loquat, which in that country is grown in the same latitude as in certain portions of Texas, is being 23 experimented with in this State, and will doubtless add an im- portant industry to the list. LUMBER: The finest timber in the world is found in the forests of Texas. Practically the whole world is asking for American wood and its products, and it is quite evident that the forests of East Texas constitute one of our most important resources. Lum- bermen are now utilizing woods which were, until quite recently, considered almost valueless, and many sawmill products are being used which were formerly wasted. In 1907 Texas produced 2.220.- 590,000 feet of lumber, 95.7.">3,000 shingles, and 58.2o9,000 laths, with a total valuation of $31,17.">.077. M MACARONI WHEAT is being raised in quantities which increase each year. It bids fair to become a staple product. MACKINTOSHITE, being composed principally of uranium and thoria, and having a specific gravity of 5% per cent is found in considerable quantity in Llano County. MAGAZINES: Texas is fortunate in having a large number of high class magazines — in fact, her place in the magazine pub- lishing business is such that if none of the large Northern maga- zines entered the State, those published here would provide suf- ficient entertainment and instruction to keep the busy people of Texas reading for practically all their spare time. The "Texas Magazine" of Houston has entered thVNER Houston, Texas (f> LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 646 802 To Homeseekers and Investors We buy, sell and ex- change lands. Make investments and pay taxes for non-resi- dents. Information furnished on application. Robinson - Smith Realty & Investment Company 404-405 Kiam Building HOUSTON, TEXAS Reference: UNION NATIONAL BANK, Houston, Texas LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 646 802 •