from 1835 to the crash of 1837, that the prosperity of the country was unreal, and would end in disaster. Perhaps we can afford space for a single specimen of his way of treating this subject; although it can be fully appreciated only by those who are old enough to remember the rage for land speculation which prevailed in 1836:-- "THE RICH POOR--THE POOR RICH.--'I have made $50,000 since last January,' said one of these real-estate speculators to a friend. "'The dense you have,' said the other, looking up in astonishment 'Why, last January you were not worth a twenty-dollar bill.' "'I know that; but I now calculate I'm worth full $50,000, if not $60,000.' "How have you made it?' "'By speculating in real estate. I bought three hundred lots at Goose Island at $150 apiece; they are now worth $400. I would not sell them for $350 apiece, I assure you.' "' Do you think so?' "'Sartain. I have two hundred and fifty lots at Blockhead's Point, worth $150 a piece; some on them are worth $200. I have one hundred lots at Jackass Inlet, worth at least $100, at the very lowest calculation. In short, I'm worth a hull $60,000.' "'Well, I'm glad to hear it. You can pay me now the $500 you have owed me for these last four years. There's your note, I believe,' said he, handing the speculator a worn piece of paper that had a piece of writing upon it. "The speculator looked blank at this. 'Oh! yes--my--now I'd like--suppose,' but the words could not form themselves into a perfect sentence. "'I want the money very much,' said the other; 'I have some payments to make to-morrow.' "'Why, you don't want cash for it surely.' "'Yes, but I do. You say you are worth $60,000,--surely $500 is but a trifle to pay; do let me have the cash on the nail, if you please.' "'Oh!--by--well--now--do tell--really, I have not got the money at present.' "'So you can't pay it, eh? A man worth $60,000, and can't pay an old debt of $500?' "'Oh! yes I can--I'll--I'll--just give you my note for it at ninety days.' "'The D--l you will! A man worth $60,000, and can't pay $500 for ninety days! what do you mean?' "'Well now, my dear sir, I'm worth what I say. I can pay you. There's my property,' spreading out half a dozen very beautiful lithographs; 'but really I can't raise that amount at present. Yesterday, I had to give three per cent a month for $4,000 to save my whole fortune. I had to look out for the mortgages. Take my note; you can get it discounted for three per cent.' "'No, I can't. If you will give me $250 for the debt, I shall give the other half to pay the interest on your mortgages.'....