Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/270

 After this conversation within doors, we agreed to walk out and view the house and estate. The first is very capacious and convenient, furnished with winter and summer apartments, piazzas, and balconies, and a fine library, to which you ascend by an outward gallery. Every comfort is found in this abode of the emperor of the prairies, as he is here called. It is situated out of the village, and on an elevation, having a fine view of his estate, and the prairies generally, in front. It is a pity that it is not built of brick or stone, instead of wood; once on fire, it will be inextinguishable, and the loss of comfort and property considerable, and, moreover, irrecoverable. There is no limestone here for mortar, but what is made, expensively, twelve miles off, of shells from the Wabash. Brick buildings are laid in muddy clay!

This estate, consisting of 16,000 acres, which he sells as customers offer, comprises some fine, and some wet land; and, at present, with the exception of a few acres of wheat just sown, too late, it is all uncultivated. Many acres are, however, enclosed by a ditch and rail fence, formed by stakes, bands, and split rails, which will oftener need repairing than the worm fence, without being so complete a protection. Less timber, however, is needed in this mode; and timber, drawn from a distance, is {283} now, and, in times to come, will, if no green fences are raised, become a matter of great importance. I believe this fence will not be imitated by any American. Land here is of no value without fences, which will keep cattle in and pigs out. He does not intend to farm much; "I had enough of farming for thirty years in England. I came here to rest. It ought not to be expected of me that I should incumber myself with much business." He means to plough two years, and then turn the land into