The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1858-01-16


ed in both places, and as for the quantity of
snow which falls, have reliable information
from gentleman who has spent three or
four winters at place - miles still further
north, but in the vicinity of Kandotta, that
not nearly as much snow falls there as at ST.
Paul Our present winter thus far affords an
instance Of something similar for in the lat
ties part of November just passed there was
good sleighing between Hastings and St.
Paul, while at that time not a particle of
snow was to be seen in the Sank Valley,
and there was not until the 10th of Dec
more than three inches, when it showed on
the night previously.
Then the Spring opens quite as early as at
st. Paul. so it will be abundantly evident |
think that so far as climate is concerned
those who are satisfied with st. Paul will be
equally so with the Sank Valley.
This much in reference to the climate: will
now proceed with my narrative. In the
morning after our arrival the first thing to
be attended to was the sending after the goods
which had been left behind. We could not
but think what a glorious haul there would
have been for any rowing band of Indians who
might chance to be around, so that it was
with some fears Of the result that the party
started on their expedition. To be sure there
was scarcely any danger of this, as the Indi-
ans, whether Sioux or Chippewas seldom WIS.,
it this portion of the country, the one tribe
being afraid of meeting the other.
While those for the goods went off in one
direction, four others, myself among the num-
Der, started on a hunting expedition, and paid
visit to Fairy Lake, which was now firmly
frozen over with ice of great purity, and about
three or four inches thick. | noticed innu-
merable cracks extending across the lake in
all directions, and at the intersections Of these
cracks were to be frequently seen the most
brilliant cOrruscations, as if ten thousand da-
monds were collected together in one regal
gem. As the day was charming one, not q
breath of air stirring, and the sun shining
most brilliantly, the scene around was perfect
ly enchanting, and all the party were in rap
lures. Occasionally a strange booming noise
was heard, as if artillery at great distance
were being discharged !; at first we could |
scarcely imagine the cause, but soon discov-
cred that it was produced by the cracking of |
the ice. | do not know that | ever noticed |
anything of the kind BEFORE but presume it |
is common on all Lakes under similar circum-
stances. But as some Of the party were i'm
patient to test their skill in cunning, We &C
cOrdingly left the Lake and all it's varied |
beauties for the woods where the more ambi-
tous had made up their minds on shooting
either bear or deer, or a wild cat at least
while others more modest would have been
quite contented if they could but knock down
some patridges or rabbits even. Some hours
were spent in these ramblings, and although
nothing like a bear or a buffalo rewarded our
exertiOns, we saw many of the smaller game,
and succeeded in bagging a pretty good
number.
On our return we found the folks who had
gone for the wagon, or rather the articles
that were in it, had returned, having found
as we left it; the broken axle was
brought along so that new one could be
made. The afternoon was spent by those
who now paid visit for the first time to the
place in rambling around in various direc
tons, while took two or three sketches.
And this be it remembered was in the month
of December, when eastern people think all
we poor miserable Minnesotians are buried
in snow five or six feet deep. 1t was indeed
a lovely day, just such as had heard spoken
OF by old residents of the Territory as being
quite common to the winters. In the even
ing we all compared notes, and unanimously
agreed that the winters of Minnesota are
vastly preferable to those of any other portion
of the United States both for beauty and |
health, and we invite all infidels from the
East and South to come out here and see for |
themselves, and if they do not become firm
in the new faith 1 shall be greatly mistaken,
that is all.
Two more days, equally charming, or more
so, if such would be possible, were very
agreeably spent around KandOtta in explor-
ing, hunting, &C., and then preparations were
made for our return to st. Paul. The night
before our intended departure slight sprink-
ling of snow fell, and there was some fear
that we should have more than might be de-