The Press., 1890-02-13
Issued Every Thursday Evening.
(For The Press.) BLOCKING BACKWARD.O

BLOCKING BACKWARD"
 The abandoned farms" and low price of land in New England mark decided change during the last forty five years. I speak from personal knowledge recall the spring of 1845 when we (ny husband and myself) started on lfe's journey to- gether. Gladly would we have remained in Connecticut among our friends, but our meager purse and the high price of land made it necessary to seek home in a country, where land was cheap. Accord ingly we had secured tract of one hun dred acres, at four dollars per acre, situated in Erie County, N. Y, twenty miles from Buffalo. We packed our trunks and 8 few household goods, and bidding our friends sad farewell, with little hope we should ever meet them again, we left Will lington and were taken to Palmer, Mass, where we took a train on the railroad which had recently been made from Boston to Albany. The cars were uncomfortable, and moved at a rate which seemed fearful ly rapid, but would now be considered de- cidedly slow. Arriving at Albany we went on board canal boat, and, after waiting two days launched out upon the great Erie canal, about which we had heard so much. We had pleasant journey. There were several passengers, mostly young people, going to seek their fortune in the far distant land of Michigan. We were seven days going from Albany to Lockport, where we disembarked and hired team to take us out to our place ten miles distant. Ar rangements had been made for us to occu- py rooms ill MT. Burdick's house, the only framed dwelling in 8 radius of two miles. Mrs. B. greeted us cordially, and invited us into her ample kitchen, where she was sweeping the floor with turkeys wing. She explained that her broom collapsed some time previous, and she was waiting an opportunity to send for one at the store, ten miles away. It was a novel ex- perience for me, though, in the light of later events, it seemed but Q slight incon- | venience.
 Letters from friends constituted our greatest enjoyment, but they were an ex- pensive luxury, postage being twenty five cents for distance of 300 miles or over. That same year congress very considerate- ly reduced the postage to ten cents.
 | Our land was covered with heavy tim Der, but my husband was strong and ener- getic, and soon made a clearing, felllng the trees, drawing them together ana burning them, as they would not pay for marketing. In few months we had 8 house built and moved into it. It was slt- uated on knoll on the east bank of Tona! wanda creek. The creek had vicious habit of overfowing It's banks at certain seasons. One morning in early spring We found ourselves prisoners on our own premises, sole inhabitants of an island, and for four days dld not see a human be. ing. On the fifth day joyful sight met our vision. Ayoung man came struggling against the current in canoe. He came to see if we needed assistance. We give him an enthusiastic greeting, and have never forgotten his kindness. Next morn ing the waters assuaged, and we resumed fraternal relations with those around us. We received frequent calls from an In. dian reservation occupied by Tuscaroras. They were harmless, but their slovenly appearance and indolent habits soon dis pelled all our previous admiration ano sympathy for the "noble red man."
 A change in commercial affairs soon be came apparent. A railroad was built thro to Buffalo. Timber became valuable Land increased in price. New settlers came in, and, taking advantage of the change, we removed to more desirable location. Many times since then we have visited our eastern friends, and many times have our hearts been gladdened by visits from them. They take breakfast a' their own tables, and dine with us in thu evening of the same day. Our friends ii Southern California come to us in less tune than we were journeying from Alban, to Lockport.
 In this world of miracles what may b. expected in the future? The finger O fortune points eastward. Commissioners of agriculture are doing good work. Al ready their efforts bear fruit. It require no prophet to foretell that in the near flu ture the deserted farms of New Englant will put on new vigor, the waste piace will be built up, and the "wilderness but and blossom as the rose." M. T. B. Walworfh. N. ". -s-.4A