The soil looked rich, as though it might be very productive.

We passed several small lakes that had nice fish in them, and plenty of ducks on the surface.
Walking began to get pretty tiresome.

Great blisters would come on our feet, and, tender as they were, it was a great relief to take off our boots and go barefoot for a while when the ground was favorable.

We crossed a wide prairie and came down to the Rock river where there were a few houses on the east side but no signs of habitation on the west bank.

We crossed the river in a canoe and then walked seven miles before we came to a house where we staid all night and inquired for work.