Use the excerpt to answer the question. “Ladies should remember that in a new country they cannot get things made at any moment . . . Those who must have a feather-bed had better bring it . . . though the air swarms with live geese, a feather-bed could not be got for love or money. Mattresses . . . are made of the moss, which hangs on almost every tree. They cost nothing but the case and the trouble of preparing the moss.” —Mary Austin Holley, Texas: Observations, Historical, Geographical and Descriptive, 1833 What is Mary Austin Holley trying to explain to new immigrants about moving to Texas?
1 answer
Mary Austin Holley is trying to explain to new immigrants that they should not expect to find everything they need readily available in Texas. She mentions that certain items, such as feather-beds, may not be available for purchase in the new country, so it is advisable to bring those items with them. Additionally, she mentions that even though there are many live geese in Texas, finding a feather-bed could be difficult. She suggests that newcomers should consider alternative options, such as making mattresses from the moss that can be found hanging on trees, which is readily available and affordable. In summary, Holley is conveying the message that newcomers should be prepared to be self-sufficient and resourceful when it comes to obtaining certain goods in Texas.