Box 14, Folder 4: Climate

2 a

The "falls" of the several larger tributaries of the Miss, present wild and romantic scenery well worthy of a visit by all who are delighted to view such displays of natural beauty and grandeur. On most of the larger streams are also places known as dells, where they have forced passages through rocky barriers and now exhibit some interestig [interesting] scenery and studies, for the geologist. * One It would be doing a great wrong when speaking of the natural scenery of Wisconsin not to mention the beautiful lakes so abundantly dotting its surface, especially in the interior and northern portions of the state. Their quiet, placed, subdued + softened character tend to excite feelings of the most agreeable nature in those who have the good fortune to see them and be able to appreciate their scenic beauties.

* The interest in one of these dells on the St Croix

is much increased from the peculiar character of the trap rocks constituting the banks of the gorge, which have a columnar structure reminding one of the descriptions of the famous Jiants [Giants] Causway [Causeway] and Fingals Cave of the Old country.

Some interesting caves have been descovered [discovered]

The scenery along the Mississippi in this state has that agreeable medium between the Majesty and grandeur of Mountainous country and the tame [mountains?] of a level country. It is neither too bold nor too tame; and it moreover exhibits that combination of steep rocks, gentle slopes, grassy [launs?], clumps of trees, pebly brooks, which is most calculated to [rivit?] the attention of the traveler and keep his imagination and fancy ever active. Many of the rocky cliffs strongly remind one of the ancient ruins of ^the castles of feudal lords of an age gone by in a far distant country.

No one who is traveling to see the scenic beauties of our country should omit to make the tour to the Falls of St Anthony. Within a very few years he may be conveyed across the country with ease and comfort to Lake Superior and enjoy the bold scenery there presented.

3

In 1830 the three counties into which the state was then divided had a population according to the U.S. census of that year of only 3,245 ; and in 1836 it had only increased to 11.686. The progressive increase of population continued without much change until 1840 when the number of inhabitants was 30,945 and 1842 when it was 46,678. About this time the growth was very materially accelerated so that in June 1846 the population was 155.277 and in December of the following year 212.857, and we may now safely estimate it at fully 325000. It would be needless to speculate on the causes of this unparalleling increase of population, even in the west. It is clear however that Wisconsin must hold = out unusual attractions

of some kind to induce so many of our eastern brethren and Europear [European] friends to select her as their future home.

The great facility of access by meand [means] of the Great Lakes is undoubtedly the principal ^external cause this rapid settlement. From the first, large & commodious stean [steam] = boats landed directly at out shores, from and connecting at Buffalo with the eastern world by mean of the grand canal of New York. Men of intelligence foresaw that but a short time would elapse before they could here enjoy all the advantages afforded by a residence much nearer the great cities of the East. If we except the places immediately on the great routes of trade & travel there are none that can afford every comfort and convenience of life at a cheaper rate