The Western States have all sprung into existence within the period of
the last fifteen years, and their growth has been unparalleled, both in
the increase of population and wealth.
Probably no district of country on earth, possesses so great a
proportion of soil capable of yielding the necessaries and luxuries
of life, in so great abundance. The seasons are regularly divided
into spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and the climate is generally
healthful. Furs, minerals, cotton, indigo, tobacco, hemp, wheat, and
every description of grain and fruit common in the New England States,
flourish here.
Prairies are common in this section of the country, on which immense
herds of buffaloes are often seen grazing.
The remote situation of these states from the ocean, has retarded their
growth as a commercial country; but the introduction of steam-boats,
canals, and railways, is fast overcoming the difficulty, and some of
the western towns are already very large, and are rapidly increasing.
[Illustration: CINCINNATI.]