SOLON ROBINSON, 1844 385 



one can resist it; so that it may be said that nearly the 

 whole of the western population are afloat, with sails un- 

 furled and anchors tripped, and ready to be off with the 

 first favorable breeze that blows. If then you ever travel 

 through the west, bear this in mind, that it may serve as 

 an explanation why you see so few, such solid and per- 

 manent improvements as those you have described upon 

 the banks of the Saugatuck. How seldom will you see a 

 synonym of these good roads that you mention, while 

 traveling over this country. For the same neglect of im- 

 provement is painfully visible upon the roads as upon the 

 farms. But you must also bear in mind that we are yet 

 in our infancy, and that every thing is to be created 

 anew. That in buying a farm, you get a perfect naked 

 piece of smooth prairie, covered with a thick strong sod, 

 that requires a strong team of three or four yoke of oxen 

 to break up to advantage; and this sod requires several 

 years to rot before it becomes perfectly mellow for till- 

 age. And how much is required beside the breaking up 

 of the ground before such a tract of land is justly enti- 

 tled to the appellation of farm. What a different aspect 

 will this country present when it has been so long settled 

 as that you have described. Vast tracts of the prairie 

 will be cultivated, but without fence, and timber will be 

 grown for fuel and building. The locust that you men- 

 tion, grows most luxuriantly upon this soil. No doubt 

 that and other timber can be grown to great advantage 

 and profit. Some of the numerous marshes will also be 

 found to afford combustible turf; and through a great 

 part of the Illinois prairies, stone coal can be conven- 

 iently obtained. But I must close, for my sheet is full, 

 and the loss of the franking privilege warns me not to 

 tax my friends with a double postage while that upon a 

 single sheet is exorbitantly high. I thank you for your 

 sympathy for my removal from an office that I endeav- 

 oured to use for the public good. Shall I hear from you 

 again soon? I remain your friend, SOLON ROBINSON. 

 Lake C. H. la., Jan. 20, 1844. 



