The Durham Recorder

IMMIGRATION

Would it not be well, in furtherance of the plan outlined in the Daily Citizen to induce people in the North and West to come to Buncombe for new homes, to include in the description of lands for sale a more or less detailed and very accurate statement of just what each piece of land was best adapted for? We suggest too, that Prof. Massey, of Raleigh be asked to prepare an introductory on what can be done with the best and poorest lands of Buncombe county, with especial reference to the possibility of sheep raising, nearness to the great markets, freight rates, and climatic conditions. It will greatly further the best interests of this important movement to make the controlling idea that of entire frankness, based on under rather than on over-statement. The greatest mistake would be to offer inducements that the advance guard of this desired immigration army should find not wholly justified in results. Here, too, much might be done of great value by Prof. Massey's article if it should include recommendations to be placed in the hands of every possible new comer. of how to get out of our bottom and mountain side lands the best that is in them.

The committee's report very properly laid emphasis on the necessity of avoiding anything like "boom" prices. An attempt in that direction would lead to a failure which only time-and far too much of it-could correct.

As to the necessity of good roads, there can be but one opinion. They are not only vitally important, but they would, if we had them to offer, be an attraction that would, in many parts of the North and West, well nigh outweigh all others. The finest farm in the world, approached only by swimming seas of mud, has almost no value at all; a moderately productive piece of land, on the other hand, may easily afford handsome returns and find many buyers if it be on a well highway leading towards the market or the shipping point.

We hope there will be a large attendance at the court house here August 17.-Asheville Citizen.