New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-05-23

ouI DedGt
/ had been told that could not miss the road,
but did, and before had ridden half mile. At
bifurcation chose the broadcast prong, and had
proceeded three or four miles before perceived
that it was gradually swerving round and taking
me in the direction Of Fort Winnebago. FROM
the ridges Of San Prairie over which was rlding
could see the mile-long waves OF yellow grass
barred here and there with black streak, wne,e
a beaten road laid bare the fatness OF the SOL,
stretching away before me till they gradually sub
sided into genter undula.ions and retreated behind
oak Openings in the distance. The exercise OF
riding warned my blood, and there was dehgnt-
full exhilaratiOn in the dry, pure air that came TO
me direct from the head-waters of the Mississippi.
Soon after perceiving the error of my way, met
a native of whom inquired the road to Colnm-
bus "Da Mnater - lover yonder) was all the in
formation ! could get, and accordingly took the
first trail across The prairie in that direction.
After while found two mere Germans, who
were putting up board shanty in the wilderness.
They had Just arrived, and knew no Wisconsin
geography Then i met two youths in an oak
opening, one Of whom carried pistol with bar
rel at least two feet long They were native
Americans, and therefore KnowNothings, but their
guesses confirmed mine. and pushed ahead
At last came upon a log.csbn, around which
six or seven yellow haired children with not more
than years difference between the ages Of any
TWO OF tItm were pldlIugs icnicuOcItu thtt
WiscODsin is the most prolific state in the Union,
one Of the versions of the State seal having a
cornucopia out of which babies and bars of pig
lead are tumbng pell-mell The father, who was
not over thirty years old, came To the door, put
me on the right track, and / reached Columbus
without further incident After a late dinner
resumed my journey. 4 ride of twelve miles
brought ne to Beaver Dam, very flourshing VII
Iage, with good water-pOwer. II WAS now nearly
sunset, but had sill IA miles to Waupun, and
therefore passed through without halting. The
country after leaving san Prairie is rich, well
watered and wooded, and beautifully undulating.
The dwellings are mostly Of primitive fashion,
though here and there clap-boards are beginning
to supersede rough hewn logs Fruit trees are
scarce, and orchards hardly to be seen. The cOun-
try s new to be sure, but much time has already
been lost Tie climate is rather too cold for
peaches, but for apples and pears there is none
better, while currants, strawberries and goose
berries produce fabulous yields
| crossed broad brown prairie at nightfall and
aferward ourneyed On by starlight for a couple of
hours, finding my way by the scattered poles of
deserted telegraph line. Lightning it seems is
rather too fast for this part of the West Ii was
o'clock before / reached Waupun, and | was so
stifiened ard bruised by such unwOnted exercise
that found it necessary to make an ouinard appli
cation of brandy remedy which | can safely re-
commend to the most rigid PrOhibitoDist under
similar circumstances. At the Exchange Hotel
found comfortable bed, and good quarters for the
gallant mare that had carried me through so
spiritedly.
ride Of two miles next morning brought me 10
the head Of Lake Horizon, where there is an incl
pient town called Chester. Three edifces have
been erected, and several more are thought Of
There is rather picturesque view of the de-
bOuchement OF Rock River into the Lake, and the
wooded hills beyond Lake Horizon is very shall
low, and though now presenting the appearance of
a large body of wafer is mostly swamp later in
the season. Chester is the present terminus Of
the northern fragment of the Rock River Valley
Railroads. road which is the butt of much Wis
consin fun. OF the trains on this road, it is said
that the cow-catcher is always attached TO the
rear of the last car, in order to prevent the cattle
from running the trains off the track. Ii is also
said that.when farmer brought suit against the
Company for killing one of his cows the Judge re-
fused to allow him any compensation, declaring
that if the COW was killed (Which he doubted) she
must have been so Old and iDfrm as TO be wholly
worthless. Now, do not youch for the truth of
these stories but | must say, that when first
saw the railroad bridge over Rock River, took it
to be an ordinary road-brdge seeing that there
was an ascent 10 il on one side, and correspond
ing descent on the ether However, the road has
a six feet gauge, and ii baggage and passenger cars
and post-cflce are all il one they are no doubt
amply sufficient for the travel.
The country around Fond du Lac is low, and the
shore of Lake Winnebago at this point ia marshy.
II began TO rain soon after my arriyal, so that
did not get beyond the limits of the town. My
engagements also prevented me from examining
the Artesian wells which supply the town with
water. Fond du Lac contains about 5000 in
habitants, and is well situated for the purposes of
trade. When the Fox River Canal is completed
probably during the coming Summer-it will have
a direct steamboat communication with all the
Lake ports. 1t appears 10 be very thriving,
active, 90 ahead place The use of water from
the Artesian wells seems to have prevented the
recurrence of fever and ague which was formerly
prevalent The water, though slightly tinctured
with lime and sulphur, is much softer and purer
than that Of the streams in the neighbOrh0od.
took an early start yesterday morning, and was
charioted over to Waupun by smart Vermont
boy There found the little mare in good cond-
ton, and Immediately bestrode her. l dined at
Beaver DAM pushed on through Columbus, and
without straying away from the road this time,
reached San Prairie at sunset Here found neat
and pleasant accommodations in the village tavern
The landlord, who is postmaster, informed me that
forty copies of THE TRIBUNE are taken in that
little mock of Wisconsin.
This morning rode into Madison, little sore. but
very much refreshed by my journey. | find Sir
Iaunfal and BarbarOssa, but not duck or pigeon
have they wherewith TO regale me. B.T.
.-@-
UMoS SETTLEMENT CoSPAsY.-The Committee ap-
20 ox,,oipa ccunfry West of the Missouri