The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-10-31


at length expanded into broad sheet of scater,
and we we're fairly afoat on the Great Sauk
Lake.
This lake is situated as nearly as may be
in the centre of Stearns County, its eastern
extremity being in direct line about 80 miles
from the Mississippi River. 1t is one of the
longest if not largest in Minnesota, being
computed to be about Ii or 16 miles in
length and varies in width from one mile to
mile and half, seldom if ever exceeding
the latter distance in fact think it scarcely
ever reaches it, and is very long and narrow
sheet of water. Dense woods environ it on
every side, growing close to the very margin
and dipping their branches in the waves
Not foot of beach of either sand or gravel
is to be seen, and all along the shore grow
very large and strong rushes frequently ex-
tending thirty or forty rods from the margin,
and so thick are they sometimes that it is
extremely difficult to push boat through
them. This was very annoying, and render
ed our progress much slower than it would
otherwise have been but we were obliged
to put up with it, because as the wind blew
strongly, our frail barque dared not venture
into the middle of the lake. AS nearly as
we could compute the distance we had made
about eight miles, and could see about three
or four still further ahead, when we were COM
PEELED to return lest night should overtake us
ere we could get into the river. 1t was with
great reluctance that we did so, having made
up our minds on starting to reach the very
extremity of this lake but the fates were
against us, so nolens volens we were compelled
to submit, and work our passage back.
From what I saw of Sank Lake must
confess 1 was grievously disappointed. There
is no variety nor beauty about it, and its
shores are of such monotoncus character
that it be came quite painful to look either up
or down, and was really glad when we reach
ed the foot of the lake and found ourselves in
tie river again. The water is quite clear, but
has a rather brakish taste however it is I'M
doubtedly full of large fish, as we saw num-
bers of them at different times in our voyage.
1t was quite dark before we reached our
camp, where we found our companions en-
joying themselves over roaring fire and hot
supper Of fresh fish, pork and beans, prairie
chickens, and other luxuries of the back
woods. Being pretty we'll used up, we, soon
after, having satisfied our ravenous appetites,
retired to our beds, and dreamed over our
tolls and pleasures, or recalled again the
scenes Of our early days and the long lost
friends of our youth.
-"Bd the morn of youth
Rise to new light, and beam afresh the days
OF innocence, simplicity and ruth
To cares estranged, and manhood's thorny ways.
What transport to retrace our boysh plays,
Our easy bliss, when each thing joy supplied;
The woods, the mountains and the warbling maze
OF the wild brooks.''
The next day we made preparations for a
more general exploration of the surrounding
country, especially that portion of it which
lies on both sides of the Ashley river, and if
possible trace this stream to its source Ac-
cordnsly we formed two parties of two in
each and started about A. M. In the eve
ming of our return we compared notes, and
the general result was as follows -
Following Ashley river for about six miles
from our encampment there are two branches
one considerably less than the other. The
main stream comes in from the northwest
and the smaller from the northeast, and
both are similar in their general characters !;
that is clear water flowing swiftly over gray
ell beds, and winding abont in the most tor
ed that the larger branch originates in lake
about IL or IA miles off in a north or north
western direction. Along both streams
stretch more or less meadow land, and the
prairie on both sides is undulating and gen.
orally of very rich soil. On the west are very
pretty groves, containing much fine timber;
these extend about four or five miles above
our camp and three or four below it, while
on the east stretch the Big Woods, extend
ing through to the Mississippi River
Among the groves on the west are a number
of little lakes and meadows, while the small
praires with which they are interspersed,
show soil of unsurpassed fertility, as black
as black can DC. This has been worked
over and over by the moles or, as they are
here called, gophers, SO that a single yoke of
oxen could easily break up any part Of it.
In short, nothing can be imagined more desir-
able for new settlers, and not more than q
year or two will pass before every portion Of
this country will be thickly settled up with
an industrious and thriving population.
On the whole, the more we explored the
country around the better we were pleased,
and all of us were unanimous in the opinion
that a more desirable country cannot be
found in all Minnesota possessing as it does
a splendid soil, charming lakes, beautiful riv-
ers, and an inexhaustible supply of timber,
while on the Ashley river is excellent water
power, and one of the best spots that can be
imagined for building a DAM the banks on
both sides being nearly forty feet in height,
and not more than $50 feet across.
Having thus spent all the time we could
spare, and our oats being nearly eaten up, it
was determined to make preparations for our
return to St. Paul, and by route altogether
different to that by which we came out. The
places we passed through, and the sights we
saw will be reserved for my next commune
cation. w.
saltwater Correspondence.
SALTWATER, Oct. %, 1857.
To the Editors ofthe Minnesotidn:
Judge Meeker is in this city looking after
the great interests ofthe St. Croix Valley
l.. - .,%o -,