The Marsh That Swallowed the Land: A Call to Drain Snohomish

One objection some have ever urged against this climate is the rain, yet this winter there has not been enough to prove a source of discomfort. While the weather has been so mild that stock required no shelter, and we doubt if a week has elapsed, during the whole winter, but what one person might go into the Woods and select a bouquet of flowers, the same thing has been done in the flower gardens of many residents of the Sound since the first of January.

But the picture that is so bright and sunny at many points of view is far different at Farmer's Point. A similar loss in many fields, having the life of the church near by, is of good promise. Recently last week Mr. H. W. Ludlam of Seattle made a tour over this road with a level team, this is the first time that any work has been put upon this road, but not only as an improvement to the land, but also for the convenience of travel, will it prove of immense value to those who live in that vicinity.

The marsh which is known by the name of Farmer's Point has long been a source of annoyance to many of its inhabitants. There have been many attempts made to drain it, but none have succeeded excepting those who have taken the channel by their adjacent in the river bank and which extends some distance into the marsh. They are about three or four feet to mix our marsh. Small streams which flow into the river which during high water discharge a part of its contents. These streams have been made full feet clear indicating that the bottom of the marsh is sufficiently above the river to admit of a thorough and perfect drainage in this district.

In our opinion the most feasible method would be for a number of interested farmers to join together, make the necessary location on the government lands, and together drain the entire body of land occupied by their claims. This work we are satisfied could easily be accomplished in one season if undertaken by the right kind of men, each of whom would ultimately have secured to himself one of the richest and most fertile farms to be found anywhere.