buildings are neat, though small, and furnished in many instances with brick chimnies and glass windows; there the habitations are miserable cabins. Here the grounds are laid out in a regular manner, and inclosed by strong posts and rails; there the fields are surrounded by a rough zigzag log fence. Here are thrifty young apple orchards; there the only fruit that is raised is the peach, from which a good brandy is distilled!
{59} I had often heard a degrading character of the Back settlers; and had now an opportunity of seeing it exhibited. The abundance of wild game allures them to be huntsmen. They not only find sport in this pursuit, but supply of provisions, together with considerable profit from the peltry. They neglect, of course, the cultivation of the land. They acquire rough and savage manners. Sloth and independence are prominent traits in their character; to indulge the former is their principal enjoyment, and to protect the latter their chief ambition.
Another cause of the difference may be that, in the back counties of Virginia, every planter depends upon his NEGROES for the cultivation of his lands; but in the State of Ohio, where slavery is not allowed, every farmer tills his ground HIMSELF. To all this may be added, that most of the "Back-wood's men," as they are called, are emigrants from foreign countries, but the State of Ohio was settled by people from New-England, the region of Industry, Economy, and steady habits.
{60} The wilderness through which we rode often presented most delightful prospects, particularly as we approached the bank of the river, which opened and enlarged the view.
We frequently remarked that the banks are higher at the margin, than at a little distance back. I account for
