CITY WATER SUPPLY.--That often vexatious subject of city water supply never agitates the Kearney public. The city has a perfect system of water distribution, and the supply is inexhaustible. It is drawn from that great under-flow which geologists have demonstrated underlies the broad Platte Valley, and has its source in the never-failing snows of the Rocky Mountains. An independent plant pumps the purest, crystal water from this great undercurrent, a vast natural reservoir, which penetrates to the tertiary rocks, and the same power distributes it to meet the needs of the city, whether for house or fire purposes. Our present capacity is 3,000,000 gallons a day. Sixteen miles of water mains are now laid. No expensive reservoirs of masonry are needed, for nature has supplied our wants.

     CHURCHES. .-- Kearney has thirteen church edifices, costing all the way from a few hundred dollars to eighteen thousand--Baptist, Congregational, Christian, Catholic, Church of Christ, Episcopal. First M. E., German Presbyterian, Trinity M. E., Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Presbyterian, Union Chapel (S. S.), United Brethren. The Episcopal bishop resides in Kearney.

WATER POWER.--The value of a waterpower to a city within reach of a large market is well appreciated. Several large cities owe their growth to the development of a water power. Manufacturing, which has been carried on almost exclusively in the East until recent years, is now rapidly seeking new fields in the South and West. A waterpower in a prairie country is an exceptional advantage. Kearney

offers the best opportunities to manufacturers that can be found in the West. The water is taken from the Platte River by a canal sixteen miles long. It has a fall of seventy-six feet within the city limits, and furnishes at present 2,500-horse power. The canal can be enlarged to any desired capacity. This power, when fully employed, will make Kearney a large manufacturing city. The canal is now being widened and deepened to meet an increased demand for power, the water supply being sufficient for more than five times the present capacity.

     CANNING INDUSTRY.--The following interesting statistics are given in connection with the business of the Kearney Canning Factory: Output 1891--Corn, tomatoes, etc., 1,000,000 cans; pickles, 6,500 barrels. From 150 to 200 employes were engaged in the work during the busy season. The whole output was disposed of at a fair margin of profit. In this connection a few figures in regard to market-gardening may be of interest: An acre planted with peas yields 125 bushels; tomatoes from 400 to 450 bushels; cucumbers, 250 bushels; sweet corn, one and one-half tons.

     EDUCATION. .-- Kearney enjoys exceptional public school facilities. Seven school buildings accommodate 2,200 scholars at this time, with forty teachers. Four of these buildings are brick, handsomely designed, and occupying squares of several acres each. Among the number is a high school, presided over by a graduate of Union College, where students may be prepared for university studies. The city has voted $65,000, for the erection of three additional brick buildings to meet increasing

requirements. Buildings are now being erected for an Episcopal school. The Midway Business College gives a large number of students a thorough business education.

     IMPROVEMENT RECORD.--Since 1888, improvements have been made in Kearney, necessitating an outlay of $3,576,852. The expenditure of this large sum of money places Kearney in the front rank of progressive American cities.

     STREETS.--No feature adds more to the attractiveness of a city than handsome, regular streets. This is a noticeable characteristic of Kearney. Its business and residence blocks are of uniform size. Its streets are wide and well-graded. Every square is divided by an alley, allowing the laying of sewer, gas and water mains at the rear of houses, enabling repairs to he made without inconvenience. The streets vary in width from 80 to 130 feet.
     There are 175 miles of graded streets in Kearney, and fifty-three miles of sidewalks. The principal thoroughfares are lighted with electricity. The main business street is provided with stone curbing and gutters. For nine months in the year, owing to the character of the soil, Kearney's streets rival Macadam pavement in smoothness and beauty.

     AMUSEMENTS.--Within the past year an opera house, costing $140,000, has been completed. which has no rival in beauty of design or equipment with any in the West. Its seating capacity is 1,200. It is lighted by electricity. In summer base ball and tennis have many enthusiastic followers: Boating and horseback exercises are features of our outdoor life. Musical and literary societies draw membership from a considerable number of college