SOLON ROBINSON, 1845 401 



perhaps months, in daily intercourse, and agreeable con- 

 versation. 



In my card introductory, which I have printed for the 

 occasion, I announce myself as "Traveling Correspond- 

 ent of the Cultivator," and in that capacity I hope to 

 make my notes of travel, as I proceed through the South 

 Western States, somewhat interesting to both Eastern 

 and Western readers. 1 



So far, this has been a remarkably mild and pleasant 

 winter; almost without snow, and no very severe cold 

 weather ; and now the warm sun bids fair to carry off the 

 little ice already formed. Bad weather for the growing 

 wheat, which does not look so well as it did last year, and 

 so far as my observation extends, there are not as many 

 acres growing. 



Now, Messrs Editors, and you my dear old friends who 

 have so often told me that you delighted to read my let- 

 ters from the West, let me in fancy seat you by my side 

 in my buggy, wrap you in Buffalo skins to protect you 

 from the prairie blast, give the word to a pair of excel- 

 lent mares, (by the bye, I always prefer mares for work,) 

 and we will leave the home of your old friend upon this 

 new day of a new year, and in the course of our long ride, 

 we shall see many things that will be new and strange to 

 you as well as me. The top of the ground is slightly 

 thawed, and has the appearance and consistency of a 

 first rate article of "paste blacking," ready prepared for 

 use ; and although we may get an over supply on coats as 

 well as boots, be not alarmed ; it will "rub off when it gets 

 dry;" and even if it did not, it will not give us a very 

 singular appearance, for in this respect, all men (trav- 

 elers) are equal. 



The first object of importance that meets our view, is 



1 Luther Tucker had announced in the January issue, 1845 (n. s. 

 2:10), Robinson's proposed tour of the southwestern states, "for 

 the purpose of procuring information and promoting the interests 

 of 'The Cultivator'." 



