BUFFALO TO CLEVBlAm. 219 



Before leaving I bade good-bye to Mr. Farrlngton, 

 who had been with me from Boston, but who now 

 found it necessary to return to his home at Ehnira, 

 New York, owing to business interests there. I 

 regretted exceedingly his retirement, as he had ren- 

 dered invaluable service in connection with my 

 lectures, and had been a most genial and companionable 

 fellow-traveller, whenever circumstances brought us 

 too^ether aloncr the route. 



I found the people everywhere engaged in prepara- 

 tions for the Centennial Fourth, which, as it was to be 

 one of our greatest holidays, was to be celebrated 

 with unusual enthusiasm. Owing to the excitement 

 which prevailed, and to the fact that almost every 

 man and woman was employed upon some active 

 committee, I decided to waive my lecture at Ashta- 

 bula, and enter into the public demonstration. The 

 Rev. Mr. Fisher, who had intended introducing me 

 to my audience at this place, came to see me at the 

 Fisk House soon after my arrival, and talked of the 

 arrangements that were being made for the morrow. 

 In the evening I called upon Rev. L. AY. Day and 

 had a chat with him about Ashtabula. The town 

 is the capital of Ashtabula County, and lies at the 

 mouth of a small river of the same name, in the 

 midst of a good farming district. The principal 

 products are wheat, maple sugar and those of the 

 dairy. The chief interests of the town are its manu- 

 factures, which I understand are quite important. 



As in all such towns, the population is varied. 

 The combination of the farming and manufacturing 

 elements gives a decidedly picturesque aspect. 



