312 OCEAN TO OCEAN ON HORSEBACK. 



far away under an Italian sky, but there is a re-« 

 semblance, for the European duchy and its modest 

 American namesake both lie in a rich agricultural 

 region; and if I mistake not the dull white freestone 

 that is quarried here in such large quantities, finds a 

 prototype over the sea. 



Witt House, 

 Marshall, Michigan, 

 August Eleventh. 



As there was a heavy rainfall in the morning, I 

 waited in Parma until nearly ten o'clock, and even 

 then was obliged to start in a thunder-shower in 

 order to keep my appointment for the following 

 evening at Battle Creek. This required no sacrifice, 

 for, excepting the discomfort of wet clothes, the change 

 was agreeable. I reached Albion in time for dinner, 

 and immediately made myself comfortable at the hotel. 

 Rest and refreshment having the desired effect, I after- 

 ward took a short stroll through the town, which I 

 found very wide awake, although the Methodist 

 college, tlie life of the place, was still closed for the 

 summer vacation. In the meantime the men of the 

 village had met, and before I remounted, came to me 

 and persuaded me to return by rail and deliver the 

 Custer lecture on the fifteenth. Glad to do all I 

 could for the^Benefit Fund,"I readily consented and 

 started away with the good wishes of the impromptu 

 committee. Marshall, being only twelve miles beyond, 

 was reached early in the evening, so that before dark I 

 had time to get a mental picture of the place, Calhoun 



