EARLY MANHOOD IN THE MIDDLE WEST 125 



are apt to conclude that any change would be for 

 the better and, usually, it is a wise conclusion. The 

 advice given to an old farmer whose pigs were 

 doing badly : " If they are shut up, turn them 

 out, if they are running out, shut them up," was 

 wise if not altogether scientific. 



In the winter of 1861-2 for the first time I did 

 not teach school ; everything conspired to drive me 

 back to farming. I spent the first part of the 

 winter in pricing land, but it had not gone down 

 with the prices of farm products. Coming home 

 one evening cold, wet and discouraged, I said to 

 my wife : " Let's go west there is nothing in 

 this country for us ! " "I am ready and have been 

 for a year," she replied. "But I'm in earnest," 

 said I. " So am I," she answered promptly and 

 so that momentous decision was made. 



Only ten days after this conversation all except 

 a few personal things were sold at public vendue. 

 The two-horse wagon was "bowed" and the ribs 

 first covered with carpeting, and then with oilcloth 

 securely fastened. A thousand pounds, perhaps, 

 of goods which had been packed in boxes, consti- 

 tuted the load. A spring wagon seat, a plank foot- 

 warmer, and plenty of robes and blankets, gave 

 promise of comfort on our long journey. About 



