Texas in 1850. By Melinda Rankin. Page: 119 of 196

                                
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TEXAS IN 1860.

must see that this country must rapidly increase in
prosperity and population.
One of the great means observed to operate in Texas
for attracting settlements is the advantage of education.
Let an institution of learning be properly and permanently
established in the midst of a fertile and healthy
country, there will be undisputably a concentration of
population, sufficient to sustain it upon an extensive
and comprehensive system.
Those objects require only to be set in operation to
ensure success. Public mind needs but to be awakened
and the most important interests of Texas might
be secured.
The region of country adjacent to the confluence of
East fork with the Trinity river, has, in a great measure,
been overlooked by the emigrant in his struggle
for lands farther south. It is beginning to be regarded
as desirable and important as any other portion of the
State. Its superior advantages and facilities for trade
and navigation, now rapidly developing, as well as the
remarkable beauty and fertility of the country, will
ensure a rapid settlement. On the high and low lands
grow a great variety of the wild grape in the greatest
profusion, and of the. finest quality; and which would
yield wine of a superior quality; not inferior to the
best of Italy or south of France.
The valleys of this portion are as rich and beautiful
as it is possible to conceive, over which nature has
strewn her variegated flowers of every hue, and finest
texture; and spread her emerald carpet of grass and