SOLON ROBINSON, 1841 239 



shade for man or beast. Look at his log cabin, standing 

 alone in the bright broad glare of sunshine, with nothing 

 upon which the morning larks could perch but a stump 

 near his window, to wake him with her cheerful cheering 

 song. 



What a perverted taste has that man who builds his 

 house upon the open prairie, and for years lives on in his 

 solitary black looking prison, with not a single green 

 and waving branch to add to the look of cheerfulness and 

 comfort to his abode. Is it possible that his children can 

 grow up to be good citizens and never know the youthful 

 luxury of a gambol under a green shade? 



Reader, go plant a tree. And when the birds come and 

 rest in its branches and pour forth their melody, it will 

 be more soothing to thy mind than ever was that cup to 

 which so many resort to sooth the cares and troubles of 

 life, and which is the cause of sending so many to that 

 dark shade from which they can see no gleam of sun- 

 shine, or have no lovely melody of the pleasure inspiring 

 birds, or see the expanding beauties of the love inspiring 

 flower. But teach your children to love these innocent 

 sources of happiness, and they will have less temptation 

 before them to seek pleasure where they will find ruin. 



Lake C. H., la., July 15, 1841. 



Solon Robinson. 



To the Friends of a National American Society 

 of Agriculture Throughout the United States. 



[Petersburg, Va. Farmers' Register, 9:476-77; Aug. 31, 1841 1 ] 



[July 24, 1841] 

 Felloiv-Citizens : — The object of the present address is 

 to ascertain whether there is, at this time, a sufficient 

 number of the friends of this great measure in our Union 

 willing to lend their influence to warrant the call of a 

 primary meeting to organize such an institution. Should 

 the indications appear favorable, a committee of the 

 friends of the cause will take upon themselves the re- 



1 Reprinted from the National Intelligencer. 



