SPRINGFIELD PRAIRIES. 241 



He was particular in his enquiries about Ottawa, on the river 

 Illinois, to which he had some thoughts of removing, as he 

 had resolved to leave hi^ present situation, where he had re 

 sided for six years, on account of the scarcity of water. His 

 health and that of all his family had been good until the pre 

 sent time, when he was seized with fever, which he thought 

 the doctor had broken. He regretted that his weakness could 



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not stand cooking meat in the house, but if I could partake 

 of other food, his wife would place it before me. A snow- 

 white cloth was spread on the table, followed by bread, milk, 

 butter, and preserved fruits of excellent quality, and to which 

 I did justice. On departing, I received an invitation to call 

 at the house if ever I passed in the direction. Soon after 

 wards, crossing the Sangamon river in a boat, although the 

 stream was not more than eighteen inches deep, I reached 

 Springfield about two o clock. 



Dinner was readily promised at the hotel, although past 

 the regular hour, and in the meantime I prepared to wash and 

 shave. On asking for a bedroom, the landlord personally 

 brought water, and on a second application, soap and a mirror. 

 I had now discovered that I also wanted a towel, and at last, 

 conscious of the impropriety of keeping the master of the 

 house running up and down stairs on my account, I moved off 

 to the pump-room and apologized for my past conduct, on the 

 score of being a stranger in the country, and unacquainted 

 with its customs. I had no cause to regret this proceeding, 

 the landlord being remarkably attentive during my stay, 

 pointing out what was worthy of notice, and offering his horse 

 to visit them, 



In the evening I passed two individuals conversing on the 

 prairie, to whom I nodded, a practice universal in all country 

 places of the States I visited. After proceeding a short dis 

 tance, one of the persons overtook me, and commenced con 

 versation. &quot; Sir, you are a European?&quot; &quot; Yes.&quot; &quot; And 

 an Englishman?&quot; &quot; No; I am a Scotchman.&quot; &quot; You are 

 at a great distance from your own country ? &quot; &quot; I am, but 

 the sight of this beautiful one has repaid me for the journey.&quot; 

 &quot; You are a mechanic?&quot; &quot; No; I have been a farmer 

 from my youth upwards.&quot; &quot; What induced you to come 



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