56 ' KANSAS AND THE COUNTRY BEYOND.

intensity ; but the heat is mitigated by an almost constant breeze.
The fall montbs, to the last of December, are dry and pleasant. I
was at Fort Riley last November, and found the weather bright, and
quite warm and clear, and the roads dusty.

Any man who may think of going to Kansas as a farmer, must bear
in mind that he needs a good deal more than a tract of land to begin
with. He cannot here improvise a dwelling in a day or two, as the
first settlers of the “ back-woods” did, and many things which could
there be obtained easily and at his door, are not to be had here. He
had better take at least a part of his house with him, and as much
money as will enable him to fence and break up at least one good
field. Arrange to have fruit-trees sent on as soon as the ground can
be prepared for their reception. Never mind agricultural implements,
for they can be obtained there cheaper and better than they can be
brought from the east. Plant trees quickly and plenty of them, for
fruit, for shade from the sun and shelter from the winds, and for
beauty. I only saw one farm in the Kansas valley that I thought had
trees enough, and it was very beautiful.

It is wonderful how vigorously, beautifully and rapidly trees grow
in that country. They really look as if they themselves rejoiced in
their fulness of life, and in the poetic language of the prophet, they
would ‘‘clap their hands.” I think I am more of a cold utilitarian
than an enthusiast; but truly those Kansas trees awakened emotions
that bordered on enthusiasm.

I know of no situation where a man, who should go out without
proper provision and forecast, and set himself down upon one of those
broad prairies, would feel so utterly destitute, helpless and forlorn.
But let him ascertain what he has to do, and prepare himself to do it,
and there is probably no place on this earth where, in so short a time,
he can have a valuable and productive farm and a most desirable
home.

LETTER XIV.— Education in Kansas— The Free School System —
State Normal School — Peculiar Mode of Teaching — State Agricul-
tural College — University of Kansas —~ Equality and Oommingling of
the Sexes in the higher Schools.

ALLEGHENY City, July 16, 1867.

FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Amonasr a people so intelligent and progressive as those of Kansas,
I was prepared to find that the cause of popular education was re-