®jre imit M^st— Illinois u)i llje '§xmm. 



'HEN we reflect on the prairies of the West, and remem- 

 ber the activity of the inhabitants of that great Empire, 

 we are lost in pleasing anticipations of the future, no 

 less than with gratification at the aspects they already 

 present. In reading, as we have done, the volume of 

 " Tratisactiotis of the Illinois State Agricultural Society, 

 with the proceedings of the County Societies and kindred 

 associations," as prepared by Dr. John A. Kennicott, 

 we come almost into the presence of a race of mental 

 pioneers, such, as we verily believe, the world never saw 

 before. The spirit that actuates and moves that region and its neighborhood is 

 surprising, gratifying, and unique. The volume is the "first," no doubt the pre- 

 decessor of a long series which will record the advance of our race through a 

 career of unexampled prosperity, upon plains formed by Nature — 



" Where man hath no part in all this glorions work : 

 The hand that built the firmament hath heaved 

 And smoothed these verdant swells, and sown their slopes 

 With herbage, planted them with island groves. 

 And hedged them round with forests. Fitting floor 

 For this magnificent temple of the sky — 

 With flowers whose glory and whose multitude 

 Rival the constellations ! The great heavens 

 Seem to stoop down upon the scene in love — 

 A nearer vault, and of a tenderer blue, 

 Than that wliich bends above our eastern hills." — Bryant. 



Dr. Kennicott has executed a task which deserves the gratitude of every citizen 

 of the State. It was no small labor to consign to print all the manuscripts of 

 various merit which compose this goodly volume. Most ably has it been accom- 

 plished, and though we could wish that paper a little thicker, and ink a little 

 blacker had been employed, the contents arc so suggestive and full of information, 

 that we pardon the slight defect for the knowledge it imparts, and more especially 

 for introducing us to the mind of the State, of which, as an American, we cannot 

 but be proud. 



A young State, by comparison, in wisdom Illinois is old. With a wonderful 

 soil to depend upon, she has found a bold and active people to cultivate it, with 

 capacities for turning its blessings to the best account ; her future it needs no 

 prophet to foretell ; unnumbered millions will enjoy the light of happiness upon 

 plains; man, here, is destined to fulfil all the objects for which he was created; 



Vol. VI.— Mauch, 1856. 



