Manufacturers. Rail Roads. Water Power. Churches. Educational and Social Privileges. Beautiful Location. Health and Enterprise. As the traveler approaches the city of Beloit, from any point of the compass, "while he is yet a long way off" his attention is attracted by several tall symmetrical spires which rise far above the surrounding hills, and have the distant sky for a background. As he draws nearer, other lofty shapes appear, their summits crowned with curling clouds of smoke. The two are fitting emblems of the prominent characteristics of our city. Churches, religion, good morals, side by side with the bustle, smoke and clatter of manufacturers. The BEAUTIES OF MIDSUMMER are just now upon the place, and the dense foliage of its million trees conceals a large number of its homes, but enough appear, as the stranger comes closer, to convince him speedily that he is about to enter one of the most attractive and beautiful of inland cities; and he is not disappointed upon more intimate acquaintance. The streets are broad, several of them fully a hundred feet, laid out with due regard to theh points of the compass, smoothly graded, clear of rubbish and stones, provided with ample drainage and substantial sidewalks, and bordered with beautiful shade trees, a comfort to the heated pedestrian and a delight to the eyes of all. Neat cottages and fashionable mansions upon either side, surrounded by trees and flowers, and well kept lawns, tell of something more and better than mere greed of money getting, - a knowledge of how to use it. And this is what has given Beloit her well earned title, "A CITY OF HOMES." The business streets give evidence of prosperity and thrift in the numerous blocks of brick and stone recently erected and noiw building, more than twenty substantial fronts having been put up within two years. The material chiefly used for business blocks is limestone, from quarries near the city, faced with beautiful light colored brick, which give the streets a neat and cheerful appearance. The trade of the city is not merely of a local character, but large quantities of merchandise are annually shipped to various parts of the country by our enterprising merchants who either canvass extensively through agents carrying samples, or send out wagons to carry stock in quantity, and supply dealers direct. Through the midst of the city flow the clear waters of THE BEAUTIFUL ROCK, winding in peaceful curves in a south-westerly direction, its banks adorned with pleasant homes, or busy with the life of machinery. PAPER MAKING is one of the most important branches of industry, three large mills in the city, and three more four miles south, running night and day, converting comparatively worthless materials into paper of various weights and qualities, from the thin and brittle sheets on which some of the Chicago dailies are printed to heavy board for building purposes. It is fitting, too, that a locality which, from its immense production of this line has earned the name of the great PAPER TOWN of the West, should have an establishment able to build the heavy machinery necessarily used in the business. This it has and upon a very large scale, although that particular branch of machine building is but a single item in a very extensive business, the details of which will be found in another column. Other portions of this issue of the CRESCENT also tell in detail about the various factories and shops of which the city boasts, and this article is only intended to touch lightly here and there upon some of the chief items of interest. So we will leave for the present the fascinating river side and pass to higher ground, where the many institutions of RELIGION AND EDUCATION are to be found. In churches, we are favored with a variety in creed and style of architecture which ought to satisfy a wide range of taste, there being nine church edifices scattered through the city; and services for those who hold to systems of belief not taught in any of them, conducted for the present in public halls. BELOIT COLLEGE has hosts of friends throughout this country, and is by no means unknown in other lands. Its graduates are numbered among our prominent statesmen, clergymen, lawyers, editors, and not a few of them have found their way to foreign lands, carrying a good record for their alma mater. Our PUBLIC SCHOOLS are our pride. An elegant new High School building occupies one of the sightly locations in the city, and its beautiful proportions and ample size aptly indicate the symmetrical education which may be obtained within its walls. Other buildings, upon either side of the river, give full accommodations to scholars of middle and lower grades and numerous private schools throughout the city do their part toward filling the ceaseless demand for mental food, which is one of the characteristics of the Western country. As might be expected, in a community so highly favored with religious and educational privileges, Beloit stands pre-eminent in the SOCIAL CULTURE and refinement of the society. This has long been admitted by neighboring cities, which are its rivals in other respects. Many families in "comfortable" financial circumstances are attracted here for the purpose of educating their children, and enjoying the many advantages which a COLLEGE TOWN can give. Literary entertainment is abundant, the various public exercises of the schools and colleges providing rich enjoyment for those whose tastes are met in that direction. During each term of the college year occurs a public meeting of the stiudents' literary society; in the spring is the annual exhibition of the Junior class, at the close of the schools interesting exercises are held, and in July the educational year is fitly closed with the Commencement exercises of the College, extending through several days and attracting hitherward a large number of the friends of the institution from all parts of the country. June and July are emphatically the season of SOCIAL FESTIVITIES here, and while most cities are, at this time of year, comparatively dull and lifeless, we are brimming full of gayety and hospitality. No city is worthy of the name without good HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS. These Beloit lays claim to without fear of contradiction. A brief article in another column alludes to the Goodwin House, whose name indicates the character of its entertainment, and there are several other well-kept houses in the city, each with its own peculiar attractions and characteristics. As a place of resort for seekers of amusement, GOODWIN'S OPERA HOUSE opens its willing doors and provides frequent entertainment of uncommon merit. Here Paropa has sung, the Mendelsohns have produced faultless harmony, and Ole Bull has sent the cold chills over the entranced listener; each season bringing some new attraction, of music, literary talent, or the drama. In the line of reading matter, we have a flourishing PUBLIC LIBRARY, occupying pleasant rooms, and presided over by a lady of talent and intellectual tastes, who is doing much to improve its condition. Beloit has two weekly papers, and three publications less frequent in appearance. THE FREE PRESS is the leading paper, and well deserves the substantial support it receives. A daily paper is contemplated and confidently hoped for. A DRIVING PARK Association has recently been organized, and one of the best tracks in the West is the result of its labor. The FARMING COUNTRY around Beloit is one of the most desirable in the land. The Rock river valley is the admiration of thousands of travelers, who annually pass through it, and enjoy the sight of its rolling prairies, fertile soil, clear water and growing crops. In the midst of this valley stands Beloit, surrounded by beauty, thrift and wealth, with numerous lines of railroad, giving it close connection with all parts of the country, and possessing ample facilities for great success of business and prosperity. The present WATER POWER is of great value, and steps are being taken toward developing another power, about two miles below the city; and when this is done, as it undoubtedly will be soon, an additional fall of some ten feet will be obtained, which will inevitably be speedily occupied and add greatly to our population and wealth. Beautifully located BUILDING LOTS can now be obtained at very reasonable prices, in various parts of the city, the gradual use of bluffs on either side of the river making a large area, delightful for dwelling purposes. STRANGERS accordingly invited to stop at Beloit, and examining our numerous attractions, and families contemplating escape from the larger cities during the hot and dusty months, will find Beloit a most inviting summer resort. Especially to we ask any individual who desires to locate in one of the most attractive places for a home to come and share with us the future prosperity of our city. CAPITALISTS, MANUFACTURERS, MERCHANTS, MECHANICS, FARMERS, SCHOLARS, LABORERS, Whether with the head or hands, persons of leisure, taste and culture; whoever will of whatever employment or nationality, only that they be lovers of good morals and progress, all will be welcome. For many years there has not been a time when the opportunities of Beloit seemed so great, and never was our city so beautiful and attractive as to-day. COME AND ENJOY it with us. Letters of inquiry will be cheerfully answered by the Mayor, H. N. DAVIS, Esq.; President CHAPIN, of Beloit College; T. L. WRIGHT, Esq., President Northwest Paper Co.; S. T. MERRILL, Esq., President Rock River Paper Co.; S. J. GOODWIN, Esq., Proprietor Goowin House and Goodwin Opera House; Prof. J. J. BUSHNELL, or H. F. HOBART, Publisher of THE CRESCENT.