SOLON ROBINSON, 1841 283 



land — the cultivators of the soil. I have seen and ob- 

 served the different kinds of soil, and mode of cultivation, 

 and the different kinds of stock, and their adaptation to 

 different sections of the country. I have carefully exam- 

 ined a great many improved implements of husbandry; 

 and above all things, I have observed that there is an 

 evident spirit of improvement abroad that has, and that 

 will elevate the character and standing of the agricul- 

 tural population of the United States. I have found a 

 strong evidence of this good spirit in the cordial manner 

 that I have everywhere been received throughout my 

 journey. I had no claims from political notoriety or offi- 

 cial station to draw attention, but everywhere I found 

 myself known and welcomed, as a friend of the agricul- 

 tural interest of the country, in a manner that astonished 

 me not a little. I have often asked myself the question, 

 What have I done to cause all this ? It is true that I had 

 devoted a share of the talent which nature had endowed 

 me with, for the benefit of my agricultural brethren ; but 

 I did not feel that on that account I merited the honour 

 and respect which I have met with. But let this fact en- 

 courage others to do likewise. Let them bear in mind 

 that a good reputation, so easily earned is worth their 

 attention, and will prove of a value that cannot be com- 

 puted in dollars and cents. I have reason to hope, al- 

 though I may never meet a return in that currency for 

 the time and money spent during the past summer, that 

 I have done some good. I have aided in awakening the 

 public mind to pay more attention to the best interest of 

 the country; and I am fully persuaded, if agricultural 

 writers would take the trouble to make themselves more 

 personally known, that they would increase their own 

 usefulness, while adding days of pleasure to their lives. 

 I reached home on the 13th instant, by way of the lakes, 

 from Buffalo to Chicago, having had rather a rough pas- 

 sage, though not more than could be expected at this late 

 season of the year. I hope to be able, after I recover 

 from the fatigue of my journey, to let you and your read- 



