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_Illinois-Climate-Face of the country-Prairies-Soil-Salt-Lead-Iron-Coal-Water Communication-History-Towns-Government-Education-Kentucky Population-New Englanders-Pioneers-Manners and Customs._
Some of the western United States, forming part of the extensive and fertile valley of the Mississippi, are so different in character from the Eastern States and the Canadas for agricultural emigration, as to merit particular consideration. The region alluded to lies north of latitude 38°, and from 7° of west longitude from Washington to the rocky mountains. Much of this tract is imperfectly known, having never perhaps been trod by civilized man, and embraces the states of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and the Michigan, North-west, and Missouri territories. My personal observation extended to a portion of four of the mentioned divisions, which enabled me to form an opinion of their characteristics, which are said to be pretty uniform; and for the sake of precision Illinois shall be noticed.