Yet fine as the land is, it isn't the finest
portion; (there is a bed of impervious clay and hard-pan beneath this
section that holds water too firmly, "drowns the land in wet weather,
and bakes it in dry," as a cynical farmer told me.) South are some
richer tracts, though perhaps the beauty-spots of the State are the
northwestern counties. Altogether, I am clear, (now, and from what
I have seen and learn'd since,) that Missouri, in climate, soil,
relative situation, wheat, grass, mines, railroads, and every
important materialistic respect, stands in the front rank of the
Union. Of Missouri averaged politically and socially I have heard all
sorts of talk, some pretty severe--but I should have no fear myself of
getting along safely and comfortably anywhere among the Missourians.
They raise a good deal of tobacco. You see at this time quantities
of the light greenish-gray leaves pulled and hanging out to dry on
temporary frameworks or rows of sticks. Looks much like the mullein
familiar to eastern eyes.
LAWRENCE AND TOPEKA, KANSAS
We thought of stopping in Kansas City, but when we got there we found
a train ready and a crowd of hospitable Kansians to take us on to
Lawrence, to which I proceeded. I shall not soon forget my good days
in L., in company with Judge Usher and his sons, (especially John and
Linton,) true westerners of the noblest type. Nor the similar days in
Topeka. Nor the brotherly kindness of my RR. friends there, and the
city and State officials.
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