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sections of western Texas it will only be a question of a few years before ranchers will be established throughout this region. Numerous pools of water are found along the course of San Francisco? and Mana billas? creeks at Pena Nigras?, Pena Blanca and other points. There are several pine springs at Pena Colorado which discharge their water into long pools where it remains permanent throughout the year, and springs also occur at other places in the vicinity. There is a little cedar and pine timber scattered through the mountains, but it does not become abundant except at a point fifteen miles northeast of Pena Colorado where there is a large cedar grove of more than a mile square in extent, and the hills on both sides of the valley are covered with excellent cedar and pine timber of sufficient size for building purposes.

The mountainous region just? mentioned prevails westward to Fort Davis and beyond that point to the valley of the Rio Grande, and Northward to the southern boundary line of New Mexico. The same character of country extends over this whole section. The valleys are enclosed between high ranges of mountains and frequently extend for many miles without any decided variation in the character of the surface. The soil is generally sandy especially along the Rio Grande and although it is not suitable for cultivation except in remote instances, it produces a good quality of grass which can be made available for stock raising? wherever water is found in