In Central and Southern Illinois uncommon advantages are presented for the extension of Stock raising. All kinds of Cattle, Horses, Mules, Sheep, Hogs, &c., of the best breeds, yield handsome profits; large fortunes have already been made, and the field is open for others to enter with the fairest prospects of like results. DAIRY FARMING also presents its inducements to many. ~CULTIVATION OF COTTON~. _The experiments in Cotton culture are of very great promise. Commencing in latitude 39 deg. 30 min. (see Mattoon on the Branch, and Assumption on the Main Line), the Company owns thousands of acres well adapted to the perfection of this fibre. A settler having a family of young children, can turn their youthful labor to a most profitable account in the growth and perfection of this plant_. ~THE ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD~. Traverses the whole length of the State, from the banks of the Mississippi and Lake Michigan to the Ohio. As its name imports, the Railroad runs through the centre of the State, and on either side of the road along its whole length lie the lands offered for sale. ~CITIES, TOWNS, MARKETS, DEPOTS~. There are Ninety-eight Depots on the Company's Railway, giving about one every seven miles. Cities, Towns and Villages are situated at convenient distances throughout the whole route, where every desirable commodity may be found as readily as in the oldest cities of the Union, and where buyers are to be met for all kinds of farm produce. ~EDUCATION~. Mechanics and working-men will find the free school system encouraged by the State, and endowed with a large revenue for the support of the schools. Children can live in sight of the school, the college, the church, and grow up with the prosperity of the leading State in the Great Western Empire. * * * * * ~PRICES AND TERMS OF PAYMENT--ON LONG CREDIT~. 80 acres at $10 per acre. with interest at 6 per ct. annually on the following terms: Cash payment.............$18.00 Payment in one year.......48.00 " in two years......48.00 " in three years....48.00 " in four years....236.00 " in five years....224.00 " in six years.....212.00 " in seven years...206.00 40 acres, at $10.00 per acre: Cash payment.............$24.00 Payment in one year.......24.00 " in two years......24.00 " in three years....24.00 " in four years....118.00 " in five years....112.00 " in six years.....106.00 " in seven years...100.00 Commissioner. Illinois Central Railroad, Chicago, Ill. THE CONTINENTAL MONTHLY. DEVOTED TO Literature and National Policy. * * * * * NOVEMBER, 1863. * * * * * NEW YORK: ~JOHN F. TROW, 50 GREENE STREET~ (FOR THE PROPRIETORS). HENRY DEXTER AND SINCLAIR TOUSEY. WASHINGTON, D.C.: FRANCK TAYLOR. CONTENTS.--No. XXIII.