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Show 308 Early Western Travels [ Vol. 26 Active measures for securing the blessings of education, religion, temperance, etc., have already been taken. 199 The edifices of " Illinois College," to which I have before alluded, are situated upon a beautiful eminence one mile west of the village, formerly known as " Wilson's Grove." The site is truly delightful. In the rear lies a dense green clump of oaks, and in front is spread out die village, with a boundless extent of prairie beyond, covered for miles with cultivation. Away to die south, the wild-flower flashes as gayly in the sunlight, and [ 54] waves as gracefully when swept by the breeze, as centuries ago, when no eye of man looked upon its loveliness. During my stay at Jacksonville I visited several times this pleasant spot, and always with renewed delight at the glorious scenery it presented. Connected with the college buildings are extensive grounds; and students, at their option, may devote a portion of each day to manual labour in the workshop or on die farm. Some individuals have, it is said, in this manner defrayed all the expenses of their education. This system of instruction cannot be too highly recommended. Apart from the benefits derived in acquiring a knowledge of the use of mechanical instruments, and the development of mechanical genius, there are others of a higher nature which every one who has been educated at a public institution will appreciate. Who has not gazed with anguish on the sunken cheek and the emaciated frame of the young aspirant for literary distinction? Who has not beheld the funeral fires of intellect while the lamp of lot in a proposed colony to be founded in Illinois, On May 7, 1836, the first entry was made by the committee of purchase. After the hitter's return a new committee was sent out and the town of Wethersfield, in the southeastern corner of Henry County, was laid out in the spring of 1837. For an account of the founding of Andover and Wethersfield, and the names of persons serving on the various prospecting committees, see History of Henry County, Illinois ( Chicago. 1877). PP- I37- I4X, 524- 526 - ED. m Since the above was written, the emigrants have removed.- FIAQG. |