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"such circumstances, it was hardly possible to escape a 'seasoning. On the contrary, when emigrants have selected sites for their dwelling

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on eminences, or on high and dry land, removed "from the inundated bottoms, from ponds of stag"nant waters, and from wet marshy ground, and "have not unnecessarily exposed themselves to the "damp of the evening air, during the summer sea66 son, there are but very few, if any, instances "which are referable to climate."

The bilious and febrile diseases which Mr. Latham mentions, as endemic, are those to be most seduously avoided. They are, necessarily, attendants on those situations which border on the streams subject to inundations; or those which are in the vicinity of stagnant ponds, and marshy grounds. These are so common in the western states, that a "seasoning" is spoken of as such a matter of course, that to have any chance of avoiding it, it is necessary to seek out particular situations, and even then, the poor settler must be careful to avoid exposure to tle damp of the evening air during the "summer season." Is it expected, that in the most healthy parts of Ohio, a settler must, after dusk, confine himself to the house? If so, the condition of the inhabitants of that part of the country must be very deplorable. And if Americans themselves are so likely to undergo the "seasoning," what might not an Englishman dread! But this exposure to bilious fevers, is far from being confined to the

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lands watered by the Ohio; it extends, with few intermissions, along the Mississippi to its entrance into the Gulf streams, in consequence of the flat and marshy state of the country on its banks. Mr. Schultz, a very intelligent traveller, himself an American, speaking of the Walnut hills, says: "the men generally had a sickly appearance, but "the women and girls looked fresh and sprightly. "From their own account, however, they consider"ed the situation as unhealthy. If this is the case, 'it is my opinion that there is nct a spot on the "whole Mississippi, below the mouth of the Ohio, "fit for the residence of man." And in a late work on Louisiana, by Mr. Breckenridge, of the Maryland legislature, this gentleman observes: "The "settlements of this territory have, in some measure, attained the character of being unhealthy. "It is a prevailing notion, that to be sick the first sumnier, is what every settler must expect. In some parts of the territory this seasoning is severely paid; but in other parts of the territory, I can say with confidence, that not more than one "tenth undergo it. From the first of August to the "last of September, is considered the most un"healthy. The last season was uncommonly unhealthy throughout the western country, and this territory experienced it in a degree not much less "than many other places. The natives, and the "oldest inhabitants, were attacked, as well as stran68 gers. This season did great injury to the com

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mencing emigration to this country. Many who "had suffered, retired from it; and others, who had "determined to come, changed their minds." What must we think of a situation where an apologist for the territory is obliged to concede, that in the most healthy parts of it, one tenth of its settlers have to undergo what he very ominously calls a seasoning! somewhat more serious than that of Coleman's" fat

single gentleman." If the natives of the western states, and even those born in the "western coun"try," experience the ill effects of the unhealthiness of the climate, how much more are they to be apprehended by a foreigner. But in some parts of the United States, idleness is considered so great a blessing, that I am not sure if many would not purchase it at the expense of a bilious or intermitting fever. How strange it is, that the father of a family, will take that family to a situation, where he knows they will be exposed to an enemy, against whom here can be no protection! One would suppose, that such a person must believe firmly in the fatalism of the Turks, which induces them to die of the plague by thousands, rather than use the salutary precautions of their Frank neighbours. Is the country healthy? should be the first question of an English settler, when about to establish his habitation. Is the water good? should be his second. Wherever the country is flat, the water must be stagnant, and consequently impure. Wherever the water is impure, the country must be unhealthy. If the pain

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of sickness could be disregarded, the advantages of health are all important to the farmer. Of what use is the greatest fertility of soil, if he is too ill to sow his grain! Of what advantage is the most abuncrop, if his debility prevents his taking hold of the sickle! And yet, his own sickness is but a part of his sufferings: his wife and children have also to participate in the dangers and disease that pervade his abode.

In the country in which we have fixed ourselves, we have a good soil, pure water, and a climate which accords well with an English constitution. We have, therefore, only to use that industry, which English farmers boast of possessing at home, and we shall hope to contribute in some degree to the abundance of the country of which we have become citizens, and by doing so to give a stimulus to some of the many shuttles and hammers of old England!

LETTER XIII.

Manners, Religion, Politics.

YOU will expect me to say something of the society, and manners of the people, among whom you are invited to reside. This is a more difficult task than that of analysing the quality of the soil, or classing the varieties of the timber. Many of our

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countrymen ridicule the manners of the higher classes of the people of the United States, with a view I believe of having it supposed that they moved in a superior station at home. For my part, I have experienced much politeness and urbanity; and so far as my testimony will go, it is in favour of the frank and courteous demeanour of the gentlemen of this country; among whom there is to be found an abundant share of good sense and liberal feelings.* As to the “very learned,” they are not to be expected to abound here, as in Europe, where learning is a trade, which numbers are brought up to. The Americans suffer us to manufacture books for them, as well as the cutlery and cottons which they consume. But although they write little on general topics, they read much ; and you see no house without books in it. I was pleased to find in this new township a public library, which was commenced by a donation of books from Mr. R. and some of his friends, and is supported by a small annual contribution from those who enjoy its advantages. An institution of this nature is peculiarly advantageous to youth, among whom I have always observed that a

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* In corroboration of this remark, Mr. Hall, whom I have already mentioned, permits me to extract the following passage from a letter which he received from Lord Selkirk, dated Huntingdon, 8th June, 1810. is truly gratifying to a Briton to find that the most estimable part of your nation are those who are the most partial to the land of their ancestors."