550 LETTER TO [PART 



proof that you gain no advantage from being in 

 woods, as far as building is concerned. And 

 the truth is, that the boards and plank, which 

 have been used in the Prairie, have actually been 

 brought from the Wabash, charged with ten 

 miles rough land carriage: how far they may 

 . have come down the Wabash I cannot tell. 



1001. Thus, then, the question is settled that 

 building must be cheaper here than in the Illi 

 nois. If, therefore, a house, 36 by 34 feet, cost 

 here 6000 dollars, what can a man get there for 

 1500 dollars? A miserable hole, and no more. 

 But, here are to \>e farm-buildings and a//, in the 

 1500 dollars' worth! A barn, 40 feet by 30, 

 with floor, and with stables in the sides, cannot 

 be /built for J 500 dollars, leaving out waggon- 

 house, corn-crib, cattle-hovels, yard fences, pig 

 sties, smoke house, and a great deal more ! And 

 yet, you say, that all these, and a farm-house 

 into the bargain, all " exceedingly comfortable 

 *' and convenient" may be had for 1500 dollars! 



1002. Now, you know, my dear Sir, that this 

 is said in the face of all America. Farmers are 

 my readers. They all understand these mat 

 ters. They are not only good, but impartial 

 judges; and J call upon you to contradict, or 

 even question, my statements, if you can. 



1003. Do my eyes deceive me? Or do I really 

 *ee one hundred and fifty dollars put down as 



