SOLON ROBINSON, 1841 289 



though the experiments that have as yet been made in 

 the United States to enclose land with hedges have gen- 

 erally proved failures. 



The most feasible plan, it seems to me, would be to 

 enclose large tracts by ditching, and cultivate the land 

 without division fences, even between many occupants. 

 Such is the mode in many parts of Europe, and more 

 particularly in China. Or this kind of land could be 

 profitably improved by grazing herds of cattle and sheep 

 under the care of shepherds. Houses of a most com- 

 fortable kind can be built of clay without burning into 

 brick, and the expense of hauling lumber for roofs and 

 inside work would be trifling. The only difficulty would 

 be fuel. In many parts of the West coal exists in abun- 

 dance, and where that is not to be had, the expense of 

 hauling wood over a smooth and nearly level country 

 would not be a serious obstacle. It is also thought that 

 peat will be found abundant. 



At present, however, there is an abundance of unoccu- 

 pied land so convenient to timber as to be easily fenced 

 in the common way, with Virginia or worm fence, and 

 the oak timber of this region is very durable. 



I have heretofore published several articles of advice 

 to western emigrants, which I have much reason to be- 

 lieve have been well received by the public, and I have 

 received many earnest solicitations to make further re- 

 marks upon the same subject. But my present letter has 

 become too long to do it now, but if my health is spared, 

 I hope to have the will and ability to do so hereafter. 



In the mean time, permit me to say that although I am 

 a new correspondent to your new paper, yet I hope you 

 may so meet with public favor as to be able to write 

 yourselves down to the public as I do now, 



Your old friend, 

 Solon Robinson. 



Lake C. H., la., Dec. 10, 1841. 



