pasture, it being not desirable to have a large surplus produce above what can be consumed by the settlement; but of this there is little fear, as not above six original farmers are yet here. Mr. B. discovers that ditching and fencing removes the cause of the fogs which hang over the low prairies. About nine to twelve inches of surface, good soil, rather light, is found. Underneath is white clay, which an animal like a crab, but called a craw-fish,[89] throws up into numerous hills, bigger than the large anthills in old English pastures. This white clay, thus mixed, is, by Mr. B., deemed a benefit. These curious creatures delve down into the water under the soil. They are, like moles, seldom seen but in their effects.
During our pleasant morning walk, John Ingle said, "His father (the patriarch) wished to come, but found it difficult, as his daughters were marrying, and giving in marriage, and therefore impeding the father's wishes." "What," replied Mr. Birkbeck, {284} "What! stay and breed beggars in England! Well! with industry, we shall always have an asylum for them here, but not soft independence."
Mr. B. said the Rowdies had threatened him with assassination; but showing and convincing them that he would shoot them if they attempted to enter his house without permission, they had abandoned their design. This circumstance, no doubt, gave birth to a report of his death, which I saw entered in the news-book at Wheeling, and at Zainsville, Ohio.
25th.—After sleeping and breakfasting at Mr. Birkbeck's, I called and dined with Joseph Hanks,[90] Esq. and
