One little incident will show how moderate were the anticipations of most persons at that period.
The certificate, which was issued in Robert's name (he representing the family in making the application), described only a fractional quarter-section of one hundred and two acres, instead of one hundred and sixty acres, the river and Lake Michigan cutting off fifty-eight acres on the southern and eastern lines of the quarter.

The applicants had liberty to select their complement of fifty-eight acres out of any unappropriated land that suited them.
"Now, my son," said his mother to Robert, "lay your claim on the corn-field at Wolf Point.

It is fine land, and will always be valuable for cultivation; besides, as it faces down the main river, the situation will always be a convenient one." The answer was a hearty laugh.

"Hear mother!" said Robert.

"We have just got a hundred and two acres--more than we shall ever want, or know what to do with, and now she would have me go and claim fifty-eight acres more!" "Take my advice, my boy," repeated his mother, "or you may live one day to regret it." "Well, I cannot see how I can ever regret not getting more than we can possibly make use of." And so the matter ended.