Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/260

 *sonable. But what is the effect? That of driving away good little practical farmers to other neighbourhoods. I was introduced to the young Birkbecks, riding through Albion, and was struck by their polished and prepossessing appearance. I was introduced also to R. Flower, Esq., and engaged to dine with him and his family, at their house in the prairie. This gentleman much resembles the celebrated Benjamin Flower, though of a finer person; but is fast fading away.[86] The shock which he received by the death of a favorite son, a victim to the climate, has, together with some disappointments, greatly impaired the vigorous mind and body of this noble man, and true fearless friend of liberty all over the world. Mr. G. Flower lives in the completest log-cabin I have ever seen, near his father. It contains six or seven rooms, with other needful buildings, and as a {271} log-establishment, I will venture to say, possesses more comfort and elegance than any ever seen in America. It is a model for all future log-builders. This gentleman is very polite, mild, gentle, and unassuming; trying scenes have made him rather silent and sombre. His lady seems the happiest and most elegant female I have seen, and perfectly suited to her present or any situation, being neither above the cottage nor below the palace. Well, indeed, might four gentlemen contend for the prize!

"If some few failings to her portion fall, Look in her face and you'll forget them all."

The gay, graceful, modest, hearty, anticipating kindness of this lady, makes every guest feel himself at home and loth to depart.

This family (the Flowers) own a large and beautiful domain of prairie, containing unnumbered acres of fine