246 THE REV. J. G. WOOD. 



accustomed to the differences of customs. In England and on the 

 Continent you pass through a series of pictures, every little village 

 having its individuality. But, here, every place is like every other 

 place. There are the same white wooden houses and green blinds, 

 the same wooden churches with wooden spires that look as if they 

 could be unscrewed, and the same lack of durability, as if they could 

 be swept away with a birch broom. Per contra, the scenery, when 

 ice on the car window does not shut out the view, is often lovely, 

 and, owing to the difference of trees, quite unlike the scenery of 

 Europe. Anyway, I am glad to have seen these big lakes and the 

 Mississippi ; though, as to the latter, I only saw the frozen surface,. 

 \T lich was traversed by big horse vehicles. 



I have put up the frame in the " Opera House." The enclosed 



letter from H shows that it would be absurd to linger in the 



West on the mere chance of someone procuring lectures somewhere. 



As it was, my literary reputation got me this lecture, and H had 



nothing to do with it, beyond sending me the date. I at once sent 

 an urgent telegram to him, and by the time that I reach Boston he 

 may have something. Anyway I am fighting my best, and it is a 

 mighty tough fight. For nearly a week I shall only have three clear 

 hours in bed, rough-and-ready meals snatched anyhow (fancy dininy 



at 12.0 !), and all for nothing. I cannot find H 's letter, but it 



was to the effect that there may be lectures in and about Chicago ; 

 whereas I, who have been to headquarters there, know that there can 

 be none. 



Tea-time ; ticket-taking, &c. &c. 



When the time for the La Crosse lecture arrived, 

 the thermometer had fallen to no less than forty degrees 

 below zero ; but the audience was nevertheless full and 

 very appreciative, and the lecture a great success ; and 

 next day the return journey to Boston a very 

 fatiguing one was commenced. My father writes from 

 Boston on the 16th as follows: 



Here I am, back again, after such a journey (fifty-two hours !} 

 On Tuesday I could not get to bed until after midnight, and had to 



