METHOD OF IMPROVING PROPERTY. 337 
“ fever and ague, and, what is infinitely worsen 
that horrid disorder which ‘some call the 
terra-phobia *. 
We can hear nothing from the poor crea- 
ture now (in his ravings) but of the captain 
and Billy—-of ranges — townships — nmn- 
bers—thousands — hundreds—acres*—Bath 
—fairs—races—heats—bets—pu rses —silk 
stockings—^fortunes^-fevers—agues, &c. &c. 
&c. My son has part of a township for 
" sale, and it is diverting enough io hear him 
narrate his pedigree, qualities, and situation. 
In fine, it lies near Bath, and the captain 
(C himself once owned, and for a long time re- 
served it. It cost my son but five dollars 
per acre ; he was offered six in half a minute 
after his purchase; but he is positively deter- 
mined to have eight, besides some precious 
reserves. One thing is very much in my boy’s 
favour—he has six years credit. Another 
f<r thing is still more so—he is not worth a 
sous, nor ever will be at this rate. Previous 
to his late excursion the lad worked well 3 
and was contented at home on my farm ; 
but now work is out of the question with 
him. There is no managing my hoy at 
home; these golden dreams still beckon him 
* Our farmer does not seem to have well understood the 
import of this word, but we may readily guess at his mean* 
Z 
VOL, II. 
