THOMAS COUNTY, -AND- GEORGIA. A HOME View of Mitchell’s Hotel, Thomasville, Ga.) A. i,. FABYAN & GO. '■» - Proprietors. A DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTY, ITS RESOURCES, SOIL AND CLIMATE; ALSO OF THE FLOURISHING TOWN OF THOMASVILLE, ITS SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, SOCIAL ADVANTAGES, Etc., Etc. J. S. MORGAN & CO. Printers, Binders and Blank Book Manufacturers. NOS. 2, 4. 6 & 8 HOME STREET, CINCINNATI. REAU CAMPBELL, General Passenger Agent. WBM I1IAIM HIE SLEEPING' CARS RUN THROUGH TO FLORIDA (VIA THOMASVILLE.) ALL THE YEAR ROUND. B. DUNHAM, Superintendent. T. P. WELLS, General Ticket Ajjent. PUBLISHED THE THOMAS COUNTY IMMIGRATION SOCIETY. Rev. JAMES McKEE, President, B. F. HA WKtNS, Vice President, W. D. MITCHELL, Secretary, C. P. HANSELL, Cor. Sec’y. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: Col. A. P. WRIGHT, Chairman, J. L. FINN, II. M. SAPP, JOHN II. STEPHENS, II. H. SANFORD. MXJlSriCIPAT^: IIox. W. E. DAVIES, Mayor, JOHN SPAIR, Marshal. AMOS J. LOVE, Clark ami Treat. Aldermen: A. P. WRIGITT, L. A. DREYER, JOSEPH JERGER, S. J. CASSEES, E. O. THOMPSON, H. B. AIXSWOBT1I. THOMAS COUNTY, GEORGIA. TII E natural advantages for man’s sustenance and enjoyment are more equally distributed throughout the earth than is gen- erally supposed; but when the climate, the seasons, the water courses, the soil and its varied productions, the proximity to the great high- ways of commerce, and the topography of THOMAS COUNTY GEORGIA, arc duly considered and compared with the advantages of other sec- tions, nature will be found to have expended here more than an average share of her blessing. LOCALITY. Thomas County lies in the south-western portion of the State, being bounded on the south by Florida, and having only one county (Decatur) on the west between it and Alabama. The Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, from Savannah to Cambridge, runs through from cast to west, dividing the county into two nearly equal sections, and touching its county site, Thomasvillc, exactly two hundred miles westward from Savannah. The South Georgia and Florida Railroad, fifty-eight miles long, starts at Thomasvillc and connects at Albany with the Southwestern Railroad, and the entire railway system of the State, and of Alabama by way of Eufaula and Montgomery. 2 THOMAS COUNTY, GEORGIA. THE CLIMATE. Lying, as it docs, but a few degrees north of the tropics, snow is seen only about once or twice in an ordinary lifetime, and the ground never freezes enough to prevent the entrance of the plow ; while in summer, the heat of an almost vertical sun is tem- pered by breezes from the Gulf and the Atlantic that the thermometer rarely ever registers more than ninety degrees in the shade, and the nights arc never oppressively, nor even uncomfortably warm. The disagreeable “Northers” of the western plains in the same latitude arc never known in this section, nor the sudden changes from heat to cold so common in the Atlantic States a few degrees north of this section. Laboring men can work twelve months in the year in this county and have perfect health at the same time. It is as free from malaria and all climatic diseases as any portion of the west or north- west. ITS SALUBRITY is in fact not surpassed by that of any section of the whole country. Those dreadful scourges, cholera and yellow fever, have never yet penetrated to this section ; lung diseases are very rare, and usually of a mild type ; anil typhoid fevers arc comparatively unknown and much less severe than in more northern and elevated regions. THE SEASONS. As there arc no extremes of heat or cold, so there is an exemption of such floods or droughts as sometimes visit the northern and western sections of the Union. No such thing as a general failure of crops has ever been known in Thomas County. Small grain may be sown whenever convenient, from September to February. Potatoes will produce good crops planted any time during the first six months of the year, and two crops are often made on the same ground. Sweet potatoes are planted from February to July and from May to July ; the “draws” or cuttings from the vines already growing “being set out” instead of planting the seed potatoes. Turnips are sown in July, August, and September, and also in THOMAS COUNTY, GEORGIA. 3 February and March for spring crop. Corn is planted from Febru- ary to June, cotton, generally in April; sugar-cane, in February and March. There is not a month in the year that a farmer may not plant some crop and gather some' other. WATER COURSES The Ocklockonce River in the west, and the Aucilla in the eastern portion of the county, with their numerous tributaries from living springs, furnish an abundance of good, pure freestone water for all purposes. Good freestone water can also be had from wells in any part of the county at an average depth of twenty-five feet. THE SOIL. The surface of the county is undulating with a variety of soil adapted to almost any and all kinds of agricultural and horticultural products. Cotton and corn arc the principle productions, but rice, sugar-cane, oats, rye, pindars, and peas are as profitably grown. From ten to fifty bushels of corn are produced to the acre ; from ten to fifty bushels of rice, from fifty to two hundred bushels of Irish pota- toes, from one to three hundred bushels of sweet potatoes, from one to three hundred bushels of turnips, from two to four hundred gal- lons of good syrup from sugar-cane, and from one bale of cotton to five acres, to one bale per acre. But to give the stranger an idea of the status and strength of the county and of our soil, the following list of premiums is appended, prefacing it with the remark, that Thomas County took these pre- miums at the great State Fair in Macon, Georgia, in 1S73. when almost every County in the State was bending all its energies to carry off the coveted prizes, and that the following is a true ex- tract from the published proceedings of said Fair: R. II. Hardaway, largest yield of corn on one acre upland, 119 3-56 bushels, eight entries. Capt. E. T. Davis, largest yield of oats on one acre, 75 bushels, four entries. R. II. Hardaway, best result on one cereal crop, eight entries. Joshua Carroll, best acre sugar-cane, 705 gallons syrup, two entries. 4 THOMAS COUNTT, GEORGIA. Dr. P. S. Bower, best yield of rice, on one acre upland, S4 bushels, two entries. R. II. Hardaway, best bushel of oats, eleven entries. Dr. P. S. Bower, best bushel of rice, three entries. While these arc extraordinary yields (the result of extra efforts) they show the capacity of the soil under skillful management, and its adaptability to the intensive system of farming. The lands arc, also, comparatively light and easily tilled. STOCK. and poultry, of almost every kind, arc easily raised here. Of the former, horses, cattle, hogs, sheep and goats, with proper at- tention, can be made very profitable; the large area of uncultivated lands being specially adapted to the purpose. MELONS AND FRUIT. Melons of every variety and of superior size and equality are grown throughout the county, while fruits, such as peaches, apples, pears, figs and plums, grow luxuriously and bear bountifully. Among the small fruits, such as raspberries, strawberries, etc., as fine specimens may be seen here as can be found anywhere. GRAPES. Recent experiments have fully demonstrated the fact that the grow- ing of the grape, both for table use and the manufacture of wine, is a complete success, and promises, ere long, to become a source of con- siderable profit. All the leading varieties, Scappcrnong, Hartford, Concord, Deleware, etc., etc., arc grown in the highest perfection in the vineyard, while the woodlands abound with the wild varieties. THE MORALS. of the people of Thomas County are decidedly good. Schools and churches arc well attended, and .arc so numerous as to afford every community the advantage of both. In addition to the usual number of private schools, there are several public schools in successful operation. THOMAS COUNTY, GEORGIA. LABOR. is plentiful, cheap and easily controlled. Field hands command usually lrom $7 to $10 per month, and, when properly directed, pay a handsome profit to the employer. PRICE OF LANDS. Lands can be bought at from $i to $10 per acre, according to quality and location, and are accessible to the county site (Thomas- villc) arid the railroad depots, over public roads that can not be surpassed in the Southern country. THOMASVILLE. HAVING gone over, in brief, some of the Agricultural resources and advantages of the County, we now come to the fast growing town of Thomasvillc, the metropolis of Southern Georgia. The town is situated within ten hours run of Georgia’s Great Atlantic seaport town, Savannah, and within sixty miles of the Gulf of Mexico, from whose broad expanse of waters come wafted to us a sea breeze robbed of its humidity by its passage inland and laden with the rich aroma of the vast pine forests lying between this and the coast. To the stranger seeking a home, health is one of his first and high- est objects. We can not throw more light upon this subject than by incorporating herewith the report of one of Georgia’s most dis- tinguished physicians to the late Medical Association of the State of Georgia at their last annual meeting. This body is distinguished alike for the high professional standard attained by its members and the wisdom of its deliberations as a body. In reference to Thomasvillc as a winter resort for invalids, we quote the following from the report of Doctor T. S. Hopkins, Chair- man of the Committee on the practice of Medicine, second Con- v y THOMAS VILLE. grcssional District, on “The Pine Forests of Southern Georgia, its Climate and Adaptability to the Consumptive,” read before the Medical Association of Georgia, at its twenty-fifth annual convoca- tion, on the second day of April, 1874, at Thomasville, Georgia : A prof essional experience of nearly thirty years in that portion of the Pine licit of our State, lying between the Flint and Altamaha rivers, has afforded me ample evidence of its peculiar adaptability to the consumptive. It is of rare occurrence, in our travels through that entire district, to find a case of consumption, and when found, it can be, in almost every instance, traced to hereditary transmission. I doubt if there is on the globe any region of country, of the same ex- tent, more exempt from all diseases of the respiratory organs. 1 have often been surprised at the rapid improvement in my consumptive cases, after removal from the seaboard into that region. I have never seen a case of Pulmonary Tuberculocis in that section of country that could be attributed to climatic influence. While I do not hesitate to recommend the entire district as a safe resort for the consumptive, 1 must admit that certain localities therein possess ad- vantages superior to others. With my knowledge of the country, if an invalid, seeking a winter resort, I would select Thomas County, and preferably the town of Thomasville, on account of its elevation, its thorough natural drainage, its pure and delightful freestone waters, its dryness, its equability of temperature, and its remoteness from the sea. This town, with a population of three thousand, is situated in latitude 30 deg. 40 north, and longitude 8 deg. 40 east. It occupies the greatest elevation of any town between the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, at the dividing point of the waters flowing into them—two hundred miles from the former, and sixty miles to the nearest point on the latter, in the midst of a vast pine forest of almost unlimited extent. Thus situated the winds from the ocean reach it sifted of all saline vapor and moisture, comparatively warm and innoxious. The natural drainage of the town is excellent, fully adequate to the speedy removal of all the water that falls. In a few hours after the heaviest fall of rain the streets are dry and the atmosphere as clear anil balmy as though no rain had fallen. In consequence of the rapidity with which the water is carried off, there is but little absorption, hence but little evaporation, and, as a consequence, less moisture than at other points less favorably situated. There are no bodies of water within eighteen miles of the town, and the nearest river is four miles dis- THOM A S VILLE. 7 tant. Fogs which are the rule on the coast are the exceptions here. During the past winter the mercury was at the freezing point but three times, and then only for a few days. “ Some months since I addressed a circular-letter to all the Physi- cians with whom I was acquainted, as well as to those whose names were furnished me, practicing in the district of country referred to in this report, requesting them to furnish me the number of cases of Phthisis Pulmonalis coming to their knowledge in their respective counties during the year 1873. Twenty physicians were kind enough to respond : The total number of cases reported is three, two of which are attributed to hereditary transmission ; cause of the other not given. Thus, in a population of fifty thousand, eight hundred and eighty-seven, we have but three cases of consumption reported for the year 1873. I am satisfied that no other section of country can make a more favorable report. Surely, a climate where consump- tion so rarely occurs must be a safe climate for those in whom that disease exists.” Immediately after the reading of the report, Dr. H. V. M. Miller, of Atlanta; offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the association : “ Resolved, That this association earnestly and fully endoi'se the opinions and statements contained in the paper just read by Dr. T. S. Hopkins, and in view of its importance to the whole country, desire to give to it the widest possible publicity.” The town is situated just half way between Savannah and Pollard, the true terminus of the Gulf Road, and to which point the road must be built at an early day. In that event, work, repair, and ma- chine shops of an extensive character will be located here, land for that purpose having already been purchased. We have direct rail communication with the seaboard, also with middle Georgia and the West by the South Georgia and Florida Railroad. A road is in con- templation, and -will be built, connecting us directly with the system of railroads in Florida. There are two large and well conducted educational institutions in the town (Young Female College and Fletcher Institute), the latter being a male High School, where young men may prepare for college. There are four churches, viz : Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist and Episcopal. The society of the town is equal to any in 8 THOMAS V1LLE. the State. The place is noted for its morality, and the reputation of its citizens for attending to their own business. Strangers who come here to settle, or upon pleasure, are treated kindly and cordially. The people gladly welcome any who come for the purpose of locating and developing the country. They want good citizens, come they from whatever section they may. The place is rapidly growing in favor, as a winter resort for north- ern invalids. In order to accommodate this class, and others, who may seek our sunny clime in winter, one of our public spirited and wealthy citizens has erected one of the handsomest and most mod- ernly constructed hotels in the South. In point of construction and finish, it is second in the State only to the Kimball House in Atlanta. This Hotel has been rented to a gentleman from Massachusetts, who will have it open and ready for the reception of guests by the latter part of October, 1876, and will be well kept. Enterprising mechanics with small capital would find in Thomas- ville a good opening, as there are very few mechanical enterprises carried on in this section. What others think of us. Extracts from a private letter to a friend, not intended for publica- tion, but which we are permitted to insert. Thomasville, Georgia, May SO, 18'~j6. H. S. L. Morse, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir : In reply to yours of the 22nd inst., making enquiries about this place, and asking my advice in relation to coming here to live, permit me to say that I do not like to advise you about your business affairs, but I will freely give you the benefit of my experience and impressions after nearly two years residence in this place. I traveled through nearly every Southern State, including Florida, in search of a pleasant home in a mild climate, more especially on account of my health, and this place suited my ideas, as a Massachusetts man, more perfectly than any other one that I saw. First of all on account of its healthful advantages and locality, next in the intelligence and public spirit of the people, also its religious and educa- tional advantages. We have here six churches in all, a female college, and a boys seminary, both of a high order, and several superior private schools, and one or more supported by public funds. Thomasville is a lively thriving town, handsomely laid out, containing a city hall, court house, and jail, a large hotel that would be a credit to any city, wide streets, beautifully shaded with evergreen oaks, magnolias, etc. To me the climate is charming, the summers are long but no warmer than the warmest weather of Mew 10 WHAT OTHERS THINK OF US. England ; the winters are the crowning glory of all, with week after week of bright sunshine, and but a few days that make a fire necessary, peculiarly adapted to the comtort of invalids. This town is becoming a favorite resoi't to such persons dur- ing the winter. The water is good and plentiful. The soil is very generous in its productions with only moderately good cultivation" ; the staple products are rice, cot- ton, sugar-cane, corn, oats, sweet potatoes and pea-nuts ; almost all of the northern fruits and vegetables do well here ; two crops a year are easily produced ; in fact one can plow, plant, hoe, and harvest every month in tKe year ; there is no rest for the farmer. The semi-tropical fruits and flowers are almost indigenous. Oranges, lemons, figs, banannas, pomegranates are easily produced with a little protection against an occasional frost. Grapes and small cultivated very successfully. Sheep husbandly might be carried on with great prdfit, cows, hogs, and sheep sus- tain themselves in vast numbers on forest grass I think a little care and feeding would add to the profits. Land can be purchased for one dollar an acre, and upwards, according to location and quality ; the timber is yellow pine, oak hickory, poplar, cypress, bay, beech, maple, magnolia, etc., etc. Northern people are treated with much respect and courtesy and welcomed as citizens ; and contrary to a too prevalent northern notion, ladies will be-welcomed into good society. Georgia ladies are not excelled by any others in politeness, a kind disposition and ability to do the agreeable. We have most excellent neighbors, kind and social as could be desired. To satisfy yourself on these points come here and see and judge for yourself, you wifi find every thing new to you, all very different from New England life. I like Georgia, her government and her people, and only regret that 1 did not come here at an earlier date. Truly yours, WM. P. IIOMER. Thoniasville, Georgia, Sept. 6. 1876. I cordially concur in all the important statements of the above letter, and I de- sire further to add the testimony of my own experience to the advantages of this climate in cases of throat and lung troubles. Less than four years ago I came to this plaee utterly broken down in health from bronchial trouble of long standing. 1 have been restored beyond the most sanguine hopes of myself and friends, so that for over two years past 1 have been able again to engage regularly in the duties of the ministerial profession. JAMES A. McKEE. WHAT OTHERS THINK OF CIS. 11 East Cambridge, Mass., August 81, 1876. W. P. Homer, Esq., Thomasville, Georgia. Deur Sir : I have this day read your letter regarding Thomasville and its at- traction, and I freely endorse all you say. After extensive travels in Europe and this country, I am free to admit all the facts you name, and for the benefit of others seeking after a healty locality, 1 will state that 1 purchased, last April, a residence in Thomasville, and after October, shall take up my abode there, where I expect and hope to get relief from a severe pulmonary trouble. The air is dry and loaded with a strong pine odor, unlike any part of Florida, and the north-east winds do not prevail. Yours truly, A. WINTHROP HASTINGS. Springfield, Mass., August 81. 1876. My Dear Brother : I can most heartily endorse all you say of Southern Georgia and Thomasville, so far as my experience of last, winter enables mi* to judge. Yours affectionately, L. C. HOMER. Dedham, Mass., August 26, 1876. W. P. Homer, Thomasville, Georgia. Dear Sir: I have read, very carefully, your letter in regard to the climate, peo- ple and productions of Thomasville, and can endorse it in every respect as being truthful and deserved and in no way exaggerated in the least. You have full permission to use my name in the above connection and to publish my recent letter to the Dedham Transcript if you think either will do any good. Yours truly, CHAS. MARSH. 12 WHA T 0 THERS THINK OF US. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Dedham, Mass., July n, 1S76. From the Dedham, (Mass.) Transcript. The rapid growth of Florida during the past ten years has made the people of the North well acquainted with the climate and resources, as well as the people of that beautiful State, and, while the consequent intermingling of old enemies has done much toward the reconciliation of the two sections, it has also introduced many new ideas and improvements into the “ Sunny South,” which before were never heard of or cared for there. As most of the lands of Florida are ill adapted to the pursuit of farming, on account of their sandy soil, energetic men from North and West have struck out into several of the adjacent States for that purpose, and with excellent results. Southern Georgia may justly claim a superiority in this respect, and there is not a more pleasant spot, taking it the year round, than Thomasville, which is situated two hundred miles from Savannah, and thirty-five miles from Tallahassee, and which is now the home of Mr. Wm. P. Homer, formerly of Dedham. The in- habitants of this place are as intelligent and refined as can be found in any part of the country ; a short residence among them during the past winter, having shown to me that the majority of them are men of ability, learning and enterprise, who are earnestly seeking to improve their race—not as the politicians aver, by destroying or injuring their former slaves, but by honest toil and good management, uplifting the negro as well as themselves. While Florida has the advantage of being an orange growing State, Southern Georgia can well assert a superiority in climate and can justly claim that within her borders is the place of refuge for the struggling, half-sick mortals who are worthless at home, but who could have and enjoy happy and beautiful homes in that section, if they would but exert their energies sufficiently to make the change. A high belt of pine lands (so healthy to live upon) runs through that portion of the State and in its center is Thomasville. Ten miles distant is Boston, so that any of your readers would feel quite at home in the former place. An immigration society recently formed there would render to settlers much needed assistance and information. Lands are cheap. The negroes are improving in education and manners very rapidly, and labor is so cheap as to cause a northern farmer to laugh for exceeding joy at the great difference. Young men, go South ! Buy farms and be happy. M. WHA T OTHERS THINK OF US. Thomas County, Georgia, Sept., 9th, )876. W. P. Homer, Esq., Dear Sir: Having read your letter carefully, I endorse ail you say most heartily from my own experience, having moved to this point from Seymour, Indiana, two years ago, and lived here constantly since that time. Yours truly, A. FROST, M. D. The following extract from the Bainbridge (Decatur County, Georgia,) Democrat, is appended : After a short ride we arrived at Thomasville, the Little Giant of Southwestern Georgia, and undoubtedly the most enterprising town of like size in Georgia. The train arrived soon enough to give us time for a promenade about this flourishing city; and each and all of us were struck with its charming appearance. '“Town Pride ” met the eye on every hand ; it was noticed in the style of the dwellings, the arrangement of the yards, the neatness of the streets, the finish of the stores, the self-satisfied air of the men and the approving smile of the women—all, everything, betokened even in this dull, blue season of business stagnation, that these people had never lost heart, at least in the success of their town. ***** Upon a pine barren where, but a few years ago, stood a straggling village, now is seen in bold relief, a buoyant, young, vigorous and healthty city. It possesses fine society, a well sustained press, good hotels, splendid schools, an able ministry and a flourishing mercantile and business community. These people did the right thing when they went crazy on the subject of the town, and we only wish that some of their neighbors would make up their minds to establish just such a lunatic asylum. At night we went to the Public Library and Museum in this deligthful little city7. We were astonished at the progress this institution has made. It is situated in a quiet part of the town, in a building which the association owns, built in cottage style, overhung by creeping vines and surrounded with gardens of c.hoiee flowers. The interior is at once elegant and commodious ; the tables are strewn WHAT OTHERS THINK OF US. with all the latest magazines and newspapers of the day, and the shelves are filled with all kinds of standard literature, while the museum is replete with many curiosities of the mineral, animal and vegetable kingdom We spent two hours in this pleasant retreat, and only regret that we have not sufficient space to give a creditable description of what we saw. The following from the Telegraph and Messenger, Macon, Georgia, of recent date, will he appreciated when it is known that this is one of the leading dailies in the South. That paper, in speaking of the county, says : It is one of the best and most prosperous counties in the State. Tt comprises an intelligent commuity of people, who are peaceable thrifty and prosperous, and who are speedily converting their county into a “ land flowing with milk and honey.” Some of the best farmers and fruit-growers of the South are in that county, and the example and success of the few are speedily remodeling the many, and if the thing is kept up for a few more years, Thomas will be the banner county of the State in domestic thrift and prosperity. The following extracts, taken from leading and influential journals, published in various portions of the State, will give the stranger a fair estimate of the status of Thomasville and Thomas countv. They are voluntary tributes to the energy, progress and advantages of this section, and to their careful consideration the attention of the reader is called : [Macon Telegraph and Messenger.] The enterprise of this little city and the abounding hospitality of its inhabitants has grown into a proverb, but still the half has not been told. There have been a greater number of agricultural fairs, horticultural displays, and political, religious and scientific assemblages held here, involving heavy expenses, than the record of any place in Georgia since the war can show. And in every instance have they been a success, increasing the prestige and fame of her people. Thomas county, too, with commendable pride in her thriving capital and market town, has ever de voted every energy to its rapid development. One of the best and most commodious court-houses in the South stands here, with its neat offices and fire-pi oof vaults. WHAT OTHERS THINK OF US. 15 The streets are broad, well shaded with magnificent forest trees, and kept scrupu- lously clean. Young College, with its exceptionally gifted and worthy President, John Baker, Esq., and a noble array of pupils, challenges the admiration of the visi- tor. The Mitchell House, a daring and mammoth enterprise, whose success already attests the sagacity of its. founder, will vie in dimensions, elegance and superior management with the most pretentious hotels of the state. Two newsy and well- supported journals, whose editors are gentlemen of the first water, illustrate the in- telligence and morals of the community. A model public library, graced with many valuable volumes neatly arranged, and a large variety of excellent newspapers and serials, stands invitingly open to the seekers after knowledge. The stores are numerous and handsome ; the churches are well attended, and to crown all, neither city or county owes a single dollar, and a handsome balance in the treasury of the latter insures light taxes for the future. Now, what town in Georgia, of equal pop- ulation, can excel this summing up of intellectual, moral and material resources? [Savannah Morning New.1.] The Press Convention of 1S77 will long be remembered by those who were present as one of the most pleasant re-unions which the profession has had since its organization. Thomasville and Thomas county have ever borne a reputation for hospitality, and this was expected, but we did not expect to see in an inland town of moderate population so much thrift and go-aheadativeness as was evinced in our growing South Georgia metropolis. To those to whom this occasion was their first opportunity of seeing Thomasville it must have been a surprise, as no place of its size in the whole Union, probably, has so many attractions for a visitor. The Mitchell House is a valuable addition to the town, and was built by one of her enter- prising citizens whose name it bears. It has all the modern improvements so neces- sary to make “h tel life” happy, and is superbly furnished. It is well kept by Messrs. A. L. Fabyan & Co., who are experienced hotel keepers. It was opened for the first time last fall, and was crowded during the winter with guests, many of them from the Northern States, seeking the mild climate. South Georgia will be as much a resort for health seekers as Florida, for it is a well-known fact that pulmon- ary diseases are almost unknown in Thomas county. An addition to the Mitchell House, containing fifty rooms, is to be built this year. [Washington Gazette.] Thomasville is a beautiful place, with many handsome residences, surrounded by magnificent gardens and grounds. Her citizens are energetic and progressive and public spirited to a degree worthy of imitation. They have, by their own lib- erality and broad and expanded ideas, made their town one of the most flourishing in the state and one of the most desirable to live in. 1 ler agricultural fairs have been the wonder of the whole country, and have attracted attention from all quar- ters; and, what is better, have attracted people and capital and more enterprise and muscle from a distance, and have vied with the State exhibitions and almost rivaled 16 WHAT OTHERS THINK OF US. them. As a place of residence it is most delightful. The atmosphere is pure and dry and healthful, and the climate very fine. As a ninter residence there is no spot more desirable. The winter climate is the most delightful imaginable. As a winter resort for invalids it must be the best in the South. It is better than Florida, because there is less dampness in the atmosphere, and there is not the same M ann, sultry and debilitating influence about it. It is superior to Aiken, South Carolina, for it has all the advantages of dryness in the atmosphere, together with a dry soil, so well drained that it M ill never dampen the feet except when the rain is actually falling; then, besides all these advantages, it has a more equable and salubrious winter climate. It is warmer than Aiken, without being prostrating like the climate of Florida, there being enough cold and freshness in the air to brace up and stimu- late and keep up the tone of the system. There can not be a finer winter climate on earth for invalids suffering from affections of the lungs. . The Mitchell House is a very handsome and commodious building, with every convenience and comfort attached. It is well kept, and nonhere can a guest be made more thoroughly comfortable. The fare is delightful, the surrounding country affording supplies in great abundance at very moderate prices. The rates of board are reasonable, and the surroundings are very attractive. There is no necessity for invalids to go way down into Florida now, for they can find accommodations equal to any, and a climate superior to any, at Thomasville, Georgia. [ Talbatton Standard.] Thursday the annual Floral and Horticultural Fair of the Thomas County Agricultural Society opened. We saw all manner of vegetables, fruits and dowers. Cabbage were there, weighing thirty pounds, and larger than a half bushel meas- ure; and turnips were there, weighing fifteen and twenty pounds. Besides these, huge beets, carrots, parsnips, Irish and sweet potatoes, roasting ears, beans, peas, squashes, cucumbers, and all other vegetables growing in a garden were displayed in great profusion. Oh, it was a scene of which Georgia should be proud! And it was enough to cause a blush of shame upon the cheek of the less enterprising sisters of glorious old Thomas county. If all the people of Northern and Middle Georgia M ould visit this grand old county at one of her lairs, they M ould never rest satisfied to live their present life. Would that Georgia had one hundred and thirty - cight Thomas counties. The citizens are alive to everything of local interest. The men of capital are not misers; they put their money where it wifi benefit others. The men who labor are never idle; there is a spirit of enthusiasm in every vein. All work, all plan, all unite, and all are harmonious and happy. Such a county should be the pride of her section and state. We can readily believe that Thomas county is a progressive region. The material evidences of its progress and prosperity arc as numerous and striking as the hospitalities of its people are warm and graceful. [Darien Gazette.] WHA T O THERS THINK OF US. 17 [Quitman Reporter.] The fairs that are being held at Thomasville twice a year are attracting to our section of the state more people than everything else put together, and ought to in- spire the people of Southwest Georgia to emulate the noble example of Thomas county, and cause them to take a lively interest in the fairs. As it is, Thomas county displays more enterprise, and is of more real benefit to this section of country than all the other counties put together, and the others are profiting by her outlay and industry, almost, if not quite, equal with herself in the way of immigrants. [Brunswick Advertiser.] Tiiomasville is indeed a live town. She bears every mark of it on her very face. Her City Ilall, market, Library Association, churches, colleges and schools, graded streets, brick stores, well patronized newspapers, well-dressed citizens, hand- some “turn-outs,” etc., to say nothing ot her fine hotel, the “Mitchell House,” (of which she is justly proud)—all tell, in language unmistakable, of the go-ahead and vim of her people. [ Cuthbcrt Messenger.] The key note to the success and advancement of Thomas county industries and enterprises is a unity of action and sentiment among her people. Their magna- nimity, energy and liberality is unsurpassed by any people, and this is the prime cause of her success. [Fort Valley Mirror.] The farmers never think of storing away hay, pcavines, and other forage in barns for their stock in winter. The climate is usually so fine, that an ordinarily industrious bovine can live comfortably on the pickings to be found in the forest, but last winter was unusually rough on them. [Gcorgia Grange.] A Grand SitEEr Walk,—The thousands of acres of green pastures, now in their prime, and shaded by the pines from the summer sun, seem intended by nature as the home of the sheep, and are destined at no distant day to become as noted as the celebrated Downs of England. We would make only one amendment to what nature has done—we would supplement the natural pasturage with Bermuda grass, the best sheep pasturage grass in the world. This done, South Georgia will indeed be the “ Shepherd’s Paradise.” I wish to say, in conclusion, let every county in the state follow the example of Thomas. She is shipping many thousands of bushels of corn this year. The citi- zens of the city of Thomasvillc can buy Thomas county hams for their tables, and it is believed that by another year a full supply of pork will be raised in the county. 18 WHAT OTHERS THINK OF US. [Gwinnett Herald.) Thomasville is a beautiful city of about three thousand inhabitants, and sur- rounded by a fine farming country and a thrifty population. It is a popular resort, and its hotels and boarding-houses are filled to overflowing with visitors and invalids for about half the year. In wealth and intelligence it will compare favorably with any town in the state according to population. We were struck with the fine, healthy appearance of the people. No section of the state can furnish a better ex- hibit of fine looking, healthy men and women. [Dawson Journal.) The people of Thomasville are liberal and enterprising, and fully alive to every interest that will* tend to the pleasure of those who go among them. The city fur- nishes the attractions that win the admiration of her visitors. Chief among them is her magnificent hotel, situated right in the heart of the city, and erected at a cost of over one hundred thousand dollars. The citizens of Thomasville and Thomas county are truly a live and progressive people, and the county in point of horticul- tural and pomological pursuits now ranks second to none in the state. The sub- ject of grape culture is now becoming one of considerable importance with her ■citizens, and many are pursuing it to advantage. The wine produced from the scuppernong, the Concord grape, etc., are as fine as any domestic wine we have ever tested, and if farmers in every other portion of Southern and Southwestern Georgia would turn their attention to grape culture, we are quite confident that they would find it a source of revenue to themselves and advantage to the whole country. [Early County News. ] Everybody in Thomas county seems to be full of energy. They conduct their business as if they felt at home and were determined to make the best of the situa- tion. They started out on that line soon after the war, and with them success is no longer an unsolved problem—they have worked it out, and established the fact for their own county at least, that no part of the United States can surpass it as a home for the husbandman. [Sumter Republican.) Thomasville is one of the most delightful and interesting little cities it has ever been our good fortune to visit. Its atmosphere is pure and its climate health- ful and invigorating. Its citizens are social, refined, and famously hospitable. As a class they will rank with any people in the state. They are intelligent, progressive and up with the times. They are a reading people, and a reading community is always an intelligent one, and, as a rule, a successful and prosperous one. Thomas- ville has a population of about three thousand. It has of late become a most healthful resort for invalids and tourists, and its importance continues growing as its merits become known. Tts streets are well shaded with magnificent forest trees. WIIA T OTHERS THINK OF US. 19 [Albany News.] Thomasville and Thomas county are growing under the direction and guidance of their enterprising and public spirited press and people. Let other towns and other counties note this progress and catch the inspiration. [Lake City, Minnesota, Leader.] EXTRACT FROM LETTER OF W. J. M’MASTER. Tiiomasville is situated in an immense pine forest, at an elevation of four hundred feet above tide-water, the highest altitude in the state below Macon, and also higher than any point in Florida. It is rather a novelty to find a flourishing and growing town without a stream or lake of any size, or even a pond of stagnant water within its limits. The nearest body of water is a small river several miles distant. This fact, increasing the natural dryness and purity of the air, and the elevation for so low a latitude (being but a few miles north of Jacksonville), and the influence of the pines, all make Thomasville a desirable point for the health seeker and those desiring an equable temperature all the year. The medical association of Georgia, at their annual meeting two years ago, united in a resolution that Thomasville was the most desirable place in the state for the treatment of lung diffi- culties, and this has given it much notoriety. The summer heats rarely range above ninety, and the winters furnish all the merits of Florida without any of its excessive humidity. While we had three or four weeks’ more or less steady rain in Macon this winter, there was only one week’s here. This place is reached by rail from Louisville via Nashville and Montgomery, being upon one of the direct routes between that city and Jacksonville. Thomas- ville can be reached with only two changes of cars from Minnesota—at Chicago and Louisville. The natural drainage of the town is perfect, being situated upon the apex of a ridge. In riding into the country in any direction you frequently meet running brooks with their outlets some in the Atlantic and others in the Gulf of Mexico. After two months spent in Thomasville, we can regard it as probably the pleasantest part of our Southern sojourn, and certainly the most beneficial to my health. It would be difficult to find a better community in the land. Southern men seem to take more time to cultivate the social amenities of life with one another than do we of the North. There is a cordiality, a heartiness and a courtesy in their relations with each other, and particularly in their reception and treatment of strangers, that is refreshing. A cultivated Southerner is a gentleman par excellence. WHAT OTHERS THINK OF US. THE SUBJECT OF SILK CULTURE. Office of Edward W. Serrell,Jr., No. So Broadway, ( New York, June 4, 1S77. 1 John Stark, Esq., Thotnasvillc, Ga.— Dear Sir: The cocoons forwarded by you came duly to hand. I have com- pared them with California, Japanese, Chinese and Brazilian cocoons, as well as cocoons from Kansas and Australia. So far as I am able to judge from the small number you sent me, I shall say that these are the best cocoons I have ever seen, and that if they are a fair sample of what you can do in Thomasville, at fair prices, your future as a silk growing center should be brilliant. I should like a sufficient number of your cocoons to make a fair test of their reeling; say half a pound, or a pound of them. I will gladly pay you a good price for them, if you will send them by mail, informing me at the same time of their value. Very repectfully, yours, EDWARD II. SERRELL,Jr. INDORSEMENT OF THOSE WHO HAVE TESTED TIIOMASVILLE AS A WINTER RESORT. Mitchell House, Tiiomasville, Ga., April 7,1S77. Dr. T. S. Hopkins— Dear Sir: I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of jour letter, re- questing me to state “ how. in mj opinion, the climate of Thomasville compares with that of other localities which I have tried, or its effects in mj case,” and to make reply as follows : I consider the climate of this immediate vicinity as superior to that of Florida or Texas, and not inferior to that of California, and its effects in my case have been highly beneficial. The temperature during the winter w as me- dium, with no extreme variations. Very little high wind, and never charged with WHA T O THERS THINK OF US. 21 moisture. The air has generally been pure, fresh and dry, and the weather such as to enable one, even with very weak lungs, to spend the greater portion of the time in the open air. In general the climate seems to be quite free from injurious agencies, and to possess nearly all those qualities which experience has shown to lie beneficial. Yours truly, JAMES THOMPSON, Brevet Luit. Colonel, U.S.A. Thomasville, Ga., March 22, 1877. Dr. T. S. Hopkins— Received yours of the 20th, asking for my experience in regard to the benefits to be derived by a residence among the pine forests of Southern Georgia, compared with other localities, for persons troubled with pulmonary complaints. I have spent seven years in search of climate, most of the time in California, Colorado and Florida. The winter spent in Southern California was a great disappointment to the many that staid there, on account of the fog and heavy dews. I admit the many clear and delightful days to be found in Colorado, yet the sudden changes, frequently of thirty and fifty degrees within three or four hours, compel invalids to spend part of the winter in doors by large fires, the thermometer outside often ten and twenty degrees below zero. The marked improvement by the many now stop- ping at Thomasville. after having been the early part of the winter in Florida with- out any benefit, is positive proof of the advantages of this place over the enerva- ting regions of the St. Johns. In conclusion, after having been three months with you,? with much better health than.in former winters, I can cordially give a decided preference in favor of Thomasville over ather sections visited. „ Most respectfully yours, JOHN HAMILTON,New Tork City, N. T. Thomasville, Ga., April 7, 1S77. Dr. T. S. IIopkins— Dear Sir: It is with pleasure I certify to you my experience with the climate of Thomasville, State of Georgia. For the past four years I have been traveling for my health, having had several hemorrhages of the lungs, and in that time have passed the winters of 1S73-74 at Aiken, South Carolina; 1S74-75 at Jacksonville, Florida ; at Santa Barbara, Lower California, and the past winter in this place. I find the climate of this place much milder than that of Aiken by many degrees of temperature, and without the debilitation of Florida. The air is dry, and free from the dampness so prevalent in Florida. I have no hesitation in say- ing that the climate of Thomasville is equal, during the winter months, to that of any resort I have yet visited. I ask for no better climate. I am, very truly yours, etc., WM. F. BENNETT, Banker, Boston, Mass. RANGE OF THERMOMETER Thomasville, Ga., May 18, 1S77. Capt. John Triplett, Editor Times, Thomasville, Ga.— Dear Sir: I have carefully noted the weather here from January 1, 1877, to the 17th inst., to ascertain how the number of fair days would compare with re- ports from other resorts for invalids. The following is the result: Total number of days. .. .! 147 Number of days of rain 25 Fair days 101 Cloudy days 11 In January, 1875, temperature here ranged as follows: Monthly mean temperature 55 deg-. 50 min. I lighest temperature 72 deg. Lowest temperature 3$ deg. At Santa BarHara, California, for the same month, the range was as follows: Monthly mean temperature , ....53 deg. 50 min. Highest temperature 70 deg. Lowest temperature. 38 deg. In temperature, you will perceive, we have the advantage of Santa Barbara, whilst in the number of fair days, so important to the welfare of the invalid, we know of no region which can report more favorably. Very truly yours, T. S. IIOPKIXS, M. D. HOW TO GET TO THOMASVILLE. The facilities for reaching Thomasville are perfect. The Eufaula Line of through sleeping cars between Florida and Louisville, Ky., pass the city each way daily, all the year round, and tickets are rapidly being put on sale at all important offices. Passengers from Louisville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Mem- phis, or any point in the West, should ask for tickets via Eufaula Line, as it is the only one running through sleepers to Florida via Thomasville. Eastern tourists from New York, Boston, or New England points, Philadelphia or Baltimore, unable to get Thomasville tickets, should buy to Montgomery, Atlanta, Macon or Savannah. Those buying to Montgomery, take Eufaula Line sleepers at that point; via Atlanta and Macon, at Smithville, Georgia; via Savannah, at Du- pont, Georgia. Parties holding round-trip, tourist or straight tickets to Florida, can procure “ stop-over checks ” from the conductors of the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad after leaving Savannah or Albany, either going or returning. A thorough system of excursion tickets to Thomasville is being perfected, and will doubtless be put in effect during the present season (1877-78), and we are as- sured by the management of our railways that no pains will be spared to render communication with Thomasville full and complete. PRINTING-BINDING-BLANK BOOKS, off J. S. MORGAN & CO., £2, 4, 6 and 8 1I03VIK STREET. the T T AVING moved into a more commodious building, especially adapted to our business, and fitted up one of the largest PRINTING OFFICES AND BINDERIES in the Western country, with a separate department for each of the following : Edition Printing, Job Printing, Edition Binding, Job Binding, Blank Book Work, Job Ruling, &c., We desire to call your attention to our unexcelled facilities for executing promptly and in good style, at EXTREMELY LOW RATES, all kinds of Printing and Binding Blank Book fork, Mercantile fork, Medical Circulars, Almanacs, Catalogues, Pamphlets, Be, Our Composing room and Job room contain a complete series of new and elegant Types and fast-running steam Presses, &c. Our Press room and Bindery are provided with a complement of the most improved machinery and tools, including Patent Wire Stitching and Improved Folding Machines. On cloth and half-hound work the labor is all performed by machinery, except the finishing; pamphlet work entirely so, thus lessening the cost of production to such an extent that we are enabled to offer rare inducements for work of this kind in large editions, such as Almanacs, Premium Lists, Catalogues, Pamphlets, and all styles of cloth and leather binding. Parties who may contemplate issuing large editions of Book or Pamphlet work would be well repaid by calling upon us and examining our facilities and procuring estimates, which we will furnish on application. Respectfully, j. s. morgaTt & co., Nos. £2, 4, e