“We chopped in all,” writes Mr. S. “about forty-five acres, but a team is necessary to clear off the timber, so that the land can be cleared and prepared for a crop this season.  During the winter we had a school, which produced very encouraging results.  I taught it in my own house.  The scholars applied themselves closely to their studies and made great progress in learning, so that, if we had funds to go forward without embarrassment, our progress of ameliorating the condition of this band would be very flattering.

“The Indians say they are going to remain here this summer, and improve their lands, and that, if they can get their oxen, wagons, tools, &c., this spring, those who have never been here since they purchased (these purchases were in the U.S.  Land Office), will come immediately and settle.  And, I think, if their expectations in this respect could be realized, they would go forward with renewed encouragement, and with a success which would well compare with our best expectations.  Also if their annuities could be paid somewhere in this vicinity, it would be of great advantage to them, as it would save much time which might be very profitably spent at home.”

CHAPTER LXXII.

Popular common school education—­Iroquois name for Mackinack—­Its scenic beauties poetically considered—­Phenomenon of two currents of adverse wind meeting—­Audubon’s proposed work on American quadrupeds—­ Adario—­Geographical range of the mocking-bird—­Removal from the West to the city of New York—­An era accomplished—­Visit to Europe.

1841. May 3d.  F. SAWYER, Jr., Esq., a gentleman recently appointed Superintendent of Public Instruction, from Ann Arbor, writes:  “Yours of the 19th April came during my absence at Marshall, and I take the first opportunity to reply, thanking you for the suggestions made.  It is my intention to attempt the publication of a monthly, something after the manner of the Boston Common School Journal, one of the best things of the kind, in my humble opinion, to be found in the Union.  As the legislative resolution authorizing a subscription for such a publication is repealed, a journal, if started, will depend upon the disposition of the people to sustain it.

“My intention is to address a circular to the different Boards of School Inspectors throughout Michigan, urging upon them the necessity of doing something for the cause, and invoking their efficiency in the matter.  If they will take hold and raise a certain amount in their district, and pledge their constant exertions to excite and keep alive public interest on the subject of common schools, much will have been effected.

“To succeed, the journal must treat of subjects in the most popular manner, avoiding, as far as is consistent with the dignity of the object in view, very elaborate and prosy disquisitions.  I shall endeavor to get a circular out next week.  Meantime accept my thanks for the interest you take in the subject, and be assured that if I succeed in starting the journal, I shall, at all times, be grateful for contributions from you.”