The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-01-20
A Tour Through Kansas.

The following Quotations are from
pamphlet recently published in Cincin-
matt, BY Rev. C. B. BoYSroS and 7. B.
MAsox, who visited Kansas during last
autumn, under the auspices of the Amer
lean Tract and Book Society and the
Cincinnati Kansas League, to makeobser-
yations through the Territory, and hay the
result before the public. On Mr. BoYNroN's
return he gave an address before the peo.
pie of Cincinnati upon the subject of his
observations, a synopsis of which was
given in our second number. His book
describing the country, soil, climate. min
eral, manufacturing, and other resources,
will be read with interest. Willthe pub
fishers be so kind as to favor us with a
copy
SCENERY AND IScIDESTs.-"One can
form no correct idea of the prairies of
Kansas by a previous knowledge of those
of Indiana and Illinois and residents In
Iowa add the same remark of theirs.
How, without the majesty of mountains
or lakes, or broad rivers, and with so few
colors as here are seen, such an effect can
be produced, is worthy the study of ar
fists.
''The view from the bluffs above Fort
Riley, at the confluence of the Repubh-
can and Smoky Hill forks, is one of the
most beautiful valley scenes on which the
eye ever rested it reminded me of some
of the celebrated views on the Connecti-
cut, by none of which do think it sur
passed. Not human dwelling, except
anIndian wigwam, has been erected there,
aad yet it wore the aspect of a highly
cultivated country The green meadows
and pasture lands stretched away to the
limit of vision-the scattered tufts or
copse of timber resembled orchards or
artificial groves, while the bluffs oneither
hand rose with outlines which, though
bold, were SO flowing and graceful that
it was a pleasure to the eye to rest on
them. Still, though accurate description
is SO difficult, it will doubtless be expect
ed that we shall make some statements
concerning the general aspect of the
country. Its structure may be said to
be governed by its streams, along which
run, first, the level ''ricer Jot,oms," on
which nearly the whole of the timber of
the country is found These are some
times, though not generally, too low for
cultivation. On the Kansas river they
are often five or six miles broad, and in
fertility they are probably not surpassed
by any lands on the continent. To these
"river bottoms" succeeds second level,
perhaps, ten or fifteen feet above
the first; level also, and in appearance
and in fact, equally productive. Above
these, and from. .seyenty-five to one hun
dred feet above the river bed, lies the
high rolling prairie, whose ever-varying
character gives to the country its pictur
esque appearance.
'These features do not, ofcourse, pre-
sent themselves at all points with the dis
tinctness and regularity which we have
mentioned. Sometimes the two lower
levels are blended into one, and again the
streams, in their windings, viii sweep
to the very base of the rolling bluffs The
high prairie forms the general surface of
the country, and constitutes one vast un
dulating table-land, whose main slope is
towards the east and southeast, while in
its smaller divisions it presents every va
riety of exposure, yet every outline is a
lowing one, rounded to the line of beau
y. Conical mounds sometimes rise a
hundred feet above the level, with for
nation as regular as if shaped by art.
Some of these are visible at distance of
fifty miles or more, and are bold and i'm
pressive features of the landscape. Again,
Tar in the distance the river bluffs appear
like the walls of gigantic fortifications,
with parapets and even towers, as if the
vast amphitheater embraced in their long
lines were guarded by watching armies.
In some places the prairie sinks gently
toward the river, with an easy slope sew
eral miles in breadth, exactly shaped for
beautiful farms; while in the background,
under the shelter of the bluff, is the very
spot for pleasant residences.
"Here the low hills sweeprounden enough
for single farm, and then they inclose
sufficient for little community. Wheth-
er a man desires level farm, or with an
eastern, western, northern, or southern
exposure, he can be suited; and if he
desires all these combined in one location,
he need not despair of finding even that,
without one harsh or abrupt feature in
the whole scene.
"We will make here but one remark in
reference to soil. In general, it appears
to be black vegetable mould, deepest and
purest, of course, in the bottoms, but
usually blackon the highest prairie; there.
however, it is mixed somewhat with sand,
which not only improves it for cultiva-
ton, but renders it more capable than the
low lands of enduring drouth. On some
of the higher bluffs We observed that this
vegetable soil was not more than twelve
inches thick, with sandy subsoil; and
at such points the surface was sometimes
strewn with pebbles. These, however,
are exceptions; and even in such loca-
tions the color of the soil is black. In
some districts this dark vegetable mould
is mixed with yellow sand and clay, so
as to form ehocolate-coiored soil, called
by some the .mulatto soil, much priced
for its fertility.
"It is land of springs, which indeed
might be inferred from Its undulating
character, and living water may probably
be found in nearly every section of land.
1t is probable that at some points wells
must be depended on for the use of est-
tie, vet even this is questionable. The
deepest well we saw had been sunk thirty
FIVE feet, and the temperature of several
which we tried was 54 Fahrenheit.
'Some of these wells and springs sup
ply water suitable for washing but In
general, we think, it is what is called hard.
"Many good mill sites are already
known ON the various streams, and some
of them are occupied but from the
abundant indications of coal it is pFOba-