Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-03-27
A RIDE ACROSS THE PRAIRIE.

We stole few hours from our editorial duties
on Wednesday, and with fleet horse, a fine cutter,
and an agreeable companion, were soon jingling
our way out of st. Paul into the broad, open
country, where the bleak snow of winter lay un-
disturbed and where the hill-tops were crowned
with its snowy whiteness. Passing out of Fort
street we were surprised at the large number OF
buildings which have been erected during the
winter on the plateau where the city of St. Paul
should originally have been built. Here we coun-
ted some ten new and tasty dwellings which have
sprung, Minerva-Gke from the earth, and are now
vocal with the music of busy life. But onward
we speed. The murmuring brook, that in the
summer season delighted our ears with its sweet
song, is now cold and cheerless; the trees are
barren of their beauty, and the birds whose songs
were wont to please us, have flown to more con-
genial chimes. Ugh! how cold it is let's drive
on. We soon came in sight of the grim outlines
of Fort Smelling, planted firmly on its rocky bed
and surrounded with natures impregnable barri-
ers. At this point we found the crossing on the
river perfectly safe, and the ice quite firm. Here
we are, at the top of the now for the bleak
prairie. Mufle up well, whip up the pony, and
away we glide over the vast sheet of snow which
lays spread Out before 1t is exhilarating
sport. On every side as far the eye can reach,
nothing greets it but purity, the purity of the
new fallen snow. What a contrast between the
scene before US and the dirty, political mud
puddles we have left behind US. "Look yonder
what's that" 'sSomc body in distress, think,
having got lost on the prairiep' ssNo, that can't
be; it don't move. 1t must be house! % elm
possiblew eyes, it is a house, and there's
another, and another, and another" and before
we were aware We had counted some eighteen new
shanties, scattered hither and thither, over the
prairie, every one of which have been erected
during the past few months. On the sunny side
of this house sat half dozen children, with the
faithful watch dog, who greeted us as we passed,
and on the other side of that, the tenant was pre-
pairing his fre-wood, all apparently well pleased
with their lot. How cold and cheerless every
thing looked about them Il! and this is the life of
the pioneer and the settler. Who knows how
much he endures for the sake of getting little
spot he can call his own. How cruel to wrest it
from him. How cruel to turn bis wife and little
ones out into the cold blasts of winter, that 9TH
ers more able can add golden dollars to their
Golfers. ..,-.~. Il, '...~.-.,s ..stt..-. -..
But we cannot dwell on this theme Whip up
the pony, and hurry out of this keen, cutting air
which penetrates the system, and causes US to
shudder. "Stop minute! stop! See that little
mouse-he has run under the sleigh. Pity, pity
he's dead the runner passed over him and
there he lies, the white snow of the prairie his
winding sheet, and the moaning wind singing his
dirge. Many poor fellow, of more Importance
than that mouse, has found less inhosptable
grave. We soon left the prairie, having rode
eight miles on it, and emerged into what are term
ea oak openings, and just at the hour when the ap
petite was keenest, we found ourselves comfort.
ly slowed away in the residence of Mr.. Gibson
where for a time reigned ...t,.,o.raj,.
"The feast Of reason and the flow of soul.',
AT 2 O'Clock We were on our homeward beat
renewed in body and spirits and better able t.
commence again the duties of life. Reader! il
your head is Gas big as back log,'' and you ar,
as "uneasy as kettle of fish," jump into a sleigh
and ride across an eight mile prairie, and if YOU
are not renewed, 'call at the captains Office ant
we'll sette!"