Texas: the rise, progress, and prospects of the Republic of Texas, Vol.1 Page: 215 of 432

                                
CtIAP., V.]

COUNTIES.

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ous small prairies.  In otlher parts of the county the
prairies are large and interspersed with " islands" of
wood.
The bottom lands of the streams are composed of
a deep rich loam, resembling most of the soil of the
Brazos Valley. The soil of the numerous prairies
is generally rich and mellow, and of different colours,
dark-grey, red, and chocolate. Both bottoms and
prairies yield a thick mat of grass, and are well
adapted for pasturage. Indian corn, cotton, potatoes,
rye, and oats are the chief productions; wheat,
sugar cane, and indigo would, it is believed, do well,
and the cultivation of a variety of vegetables and
fruits has been tried with success.
The Brazos and Navosota Rivers, and Yegua,
New Year's, and Caney Creeks are the principal
streams. The Brazos in this county is about eighty
yards wide, but is obstructed by falls, or rapids, for
a part of its course. Above these falls it is said to
be navigable for vessels drawing three feet of water.
These streams, some of which have excellent mill
sites, are fed by innumerable springs of sweet and
wholesome water.
MATAGORDA COUNTY, with the exception of a
slight undulation at the north, is level. The smaller
streams are bordered by narrow belts of timber, the
Colorado and Caney by forests, extending in many
places six or seven miles on either side. The remainder
of the county, comprehending more than
two-thirds of its surface, is open prairie.  
This is one of the most productive counties of
Texas; the general characler of the soil being a very
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