CHAPTER IX.
General description of the state of Illinois--streams skirted with timber--more than half prairie--a level State--generally rich soil--American bottom--military bounty lands--beautiful region of Sangamon river--the best tracts of land in the State--more good land than any other State--cause of the existence of prairies--country once inhabited by a civilized race anterior to the Indians--its rivers, Kankakee, Oplane, Du Page, Fox, Illinois, Rock, Spoon, Kaskaskia, Wabash, &c.--lead mines--productions--milk-sickness--chief towns--schools, &c. 79