ed advantage by admitting the roots to protect their whole length down. In planting with a hoe, the roots, in a bunch, are generally bent on one side, laying horizontally and superficial. There are other good reasons in favour of the dibble in all trans plantings of smaller plants. Should the ground be too dry for its use, make but prints with its point, pour a little water into each, and as soon as that settles down the dibble will have its desired effect in the driest soil. and it is in itself comparatively a thick, tough leaf, in the drying in damp weather, or perhaps the un- When we see a batch of tobacco come from this Snuff ought not to be neglected; it is a profitable sweating process with the desired colour, it is high-concomitant on the manufacture of segars. The ly praised, and the conclusion is, that it has taken shreds, injured leaves, leaf stalks, thrown aside from a great sweating; whereas, the fact is, that it has the one, work well into the other; and the labour of 6th. In preparing new land, or that which has not been sweated at all, or so very little as not to pounding or grinding is but trivial to its profit. been long idle, the herbage should be hoed and have perceptibly changed it; that is, though the to I am of the opinion that one acre of good land, raked off to a dunghill; unless it be full of ripe bacco felt a little warm, it fortunately escaped the well tended in culture, suckering, worming and curseed, and then it had better be burnt; break it up heat intended; never measured by a thermometer or ing, will keep an active hand busy all the season; thoroughly with a plough or hoe; but a spade well other guage than the feeling of the hand-a misera- but this will make a valuable return. handled is better than either; and harrow or rake ble criterion: it did not, from want of bulk, or owing Three kinds of worms attack this crop. First: it level. Land lately under culture will require, af to the dry state of the air, the coolness of the wea the cut worm, a dirty looking fellow, who lies conter clearing it of weeds as before, to be tilled only ther, &c. reach the fermenting point, and the to-cealed all the day in the ground, and cuts off the in the rows where the plants are to stand; a deep bacco escaped with its native qualities unimpaired. young plants just above the surface in the night. furrow wide with the plough, or the breadth of a When the fermentation is effected, the colour is in- This worm is the least destructive of the three, and hoe or spade, and raked. The rows thirty inches jured, the fragrance spoiled, it no longer yields can be kept under by keeping the land clean of apart from centre to centre; the plants twenty-four white ashes, and won't keep fire a moment without dry ligneous weeds. All such as form wooded inches. The land should be rich and moderately low. sucking. This is then attributed to any other cause stalks, should be destroyed in a young succulent If originally poor, or exhausted by bad manage but the real one, even superstition is not without its state, as the eggs of a butterfly which produce these ment, a case so common in our southern uncivilized influence. It is sometimes turned over to the snuff worms, are deposited on the bark of such weeds, course of culture, a double handful of any well rot-manufacturer; but, too often, it is worked into se- and hatch from the dried stalks. By the bye; the ted manure, laid under each plant, will pay well the gars mixed with a better batch, well scented, and same industry is excellent for exterminating all trouble. This is an easy and cheap mode of ma palmed on those who are not judges. To these kinds of annual grasses and weeds; and greatly dinuring to be done after tilling. The ground should circumstances of accident and design arises, prin minish all those that are perennial. The second is be kept clean of weeds by very light hoeings; and cipally, the great difference in quality all connois the leaf worm; green, large and ravenous; he can the more often this is performed, the better, parti-seurs must have met with under the name of Ha-eat up nearly a whole full grown leaf in a day; but cularly in very wet and very dry spells of weather. vana segars. yet less injurious than the third-the bud worm, a Letting in liberally atmospheric air to the roots, by My method is this: When the plant is at a cer-striped, slender animal, that cuts through branches frequently stirring the surface of the ground, has a tain stage of maturity, (which must be shewn in of the young leaves just formed; and these small fine effect on all vegetables. It is as necessary to the field,) it is cut down, and immediately hung up holes grow with the leaves large enough to admit their roots as such to their foliage, and which very in a tight and dry room, shut up from light and the fist through them. These last, if not attended wet and very dry weather obstructs, by paralyzing air, and left for some weeks to dry. If the drying to with much care, will destroy all the seed of the the leavening effects of the manure on the soil, and is very gradual, the leaves change from their native plants left for seed. The earliest plants and latest frequently forming of surface the one a tough, the green to a clear light yellow, and from that to the ratoons, are the best to insure seed from their raother a hard crust. Always perform the works of fine yellowish brown; but when the drying is pre-vages. These three kinds of worms follow in suctillage as immediately before planting as conve- cipitated by light, a dry, cold or heated atmosphere, cession; their number and duration depend greatly nient. it passes from the green to a dull greenish brown, on the state of the weather; but they can always be 7th. As soon as each plant has formed the num- which age will measurably improve, but it never kept down with proper care. A good flock of turber of leaves desired, from twelve to twenty, ac-looks as well as the others—the other should be se-keys are of great value in a tobacco crop, and they cording to the strength of the soil, no matter how lected for wrappers. When the stalk of the leaf is diminutive the upper leaves may then be, the bud thoroughly dry, the windows are thrown open dur 11th. The opinion that we must import the seed should be nipped off, and the earth hauled up to the ing a dewy night; this will dampen the leaves so as of this tobacco from Cuba every year, is wrong. plant, a continued ridge along the rows like corn that they can be handled without breaking. In The seeds of some annual plants in all countries beds, or in small detached hills six or eight inches stripping the leaves from the parent stalk, beat had better be changed in longer or shorter periods, high. Three or four of the bottom leaves that would each small handful several times against the other as experience fairly point out; and others degenecome in the way of this bed, or hang low enough hand, holding the bunch of leaves by one end, then rate, not so much from the nature of the climate as to chafe on it. should be previously stripped off; by the other, to shake out the sand from among from mismanagement in their culture. I have paid and these strung by a large needle and thread and them; and lay away those handfuls in a pile as broad close attention to this point during a successive culhung up in the drying room. The number of leaves as the length of two leaves, with their butt ends ture of the same seed of this tobacco for the last mentioned above are independent of these. outwards on both sides, that these may dry tho- four seasons, and cannot perceive the smallest de8th. In curing the tobacco much importance is roughly, which are, at this part of the work, still generacy in the plant or its product. very erroneously attached to its being well sweat-full of moisture. Keep a board with two weights GEO. J. F. CLARKE ed; that is, after a parcel is quite dry, before it on the top of the pile in order to press it, and keep is laid away, it is dampened by various mixtures, off the air from the body of the leaf. Here it may crowded into a pile, and covering with blankets stand in store, or be packed away at pleasure as to bring on a fermenting heat; and left in this si-soon as the butt ends of the leaves are quite dry tuation three days. This, I know, is sanctioned I use no sprinkling, scenting, brushing, or sweatby a long course of practice, but not the more ing. immaculate on that account. Sweating is limited 9th. It is customary to let the tobacco lay one year, thrive finely in it. AGRICULTURE IN GEORGIA. Agriculture and Internal Improvement, to which was referred the resolution from the House of Reered the same, and have the honour to submit the presentatives of the 23d ult., have maturely considfollowing REPORT: to three days' duration by even writers on the sub-at least, after being cured, to get mellow: that is, to ject. Now this is but another term for fermenta- lose by age a degree of asperity to the taste attend tion, nature's first stage of putrefaction; and which ing on new tobacco; this is called the last ripening. That from the continued depression of the cotton is altogether dependent to the meeting of heat, I prefer having the segars made as early after cut-market, whereby the principal staple of the state moisture and air. To attempt, then, to reduce to ting the tobacco as convenient, so as to let this riis become gradually a drug, it is all important that a standard of time the effects of an unqualified pening take place in the segars themselves, boxed the attention of the people of Georgia, should be meeting, progress and duration, of three agents, so up tight, to that of making them after the ripening. directed to its improvement, and also to the rearing precarious, so mutable, is at once evidence of a Opening and moistening the tobacco then, to make and cultivation of other articles for export and want of information. We had better leave it alone; it pliable, the long handling and exposure to the home consumption, than those now reared and culit always brings with it labour, risk, injury to the air in that dampened state during the manufacture, tivated; but more especially, to an improved condicolour and to the fragrance; and not one real good and then drying the segars for boxing, necessarily tion of all that extensive alluvial region within our can be set up in its justification. It may be very gives room and cause to the escape of much of its borders, ordinarily known as the "Pine Barren" well to sweat northern tobacco, intended principal-strength and fragrance. land, whereon many of its inhabitants are forced to ly for chewing; and which commands a better mar- 10th. Among the very best segars, we now and glean a miserable subsistence, without comfort in ket in Europe, where the idea of strength is asso-then meet a bad one. This happens mostly from their present condition, satisfaction in the recollecciated with the dark colour, this sweating gives it; leaves, that either from an unfavourable situation [tion of the manner in which they have been obliged No. 43-VOL. 9.] 1. That the great value of a selection from the gramineous family, is illustrated by a comparison be tween the productions of a kitchen garden, and those which are the spontaneous offering of the wil derness. 3d. That they produce a considerable profit, by saving labour-because the poor land requires the most toil to be exerted on it, at the same time that it yields the least profit. to rear their offspring, or hope for better times from produced by a citizen of Georgi; with an account of the mode of culture pursued by him; the vines, whether native or exotic, which yield the greatest product; the processes and method of preparing the wine, together with the number of gallons se made. 5. For the greatest quantity of sugar, Spanish tobacco, opium, and valuable vegetable dyes; with samples of the same, and an account of the mode of culture pursued. 6. To the person who shall most successfully cultivate the greatest quantity of artificial or natural grasses, in a manner the best calculated to assist the farmer in the rearing of stock; particularly the sainfoin, lucerne, crop or crab grass (Digitaria sanguinalis.) and the Bermuda grass, (Digitaria dactylon)-with certificates from persons having viewed the same in a proper state, that they are one or other of the grasses above mentioned, indicating clearly the particular species, and stating that the sample produced, is free from weeds or mixture with others of the same family. It may, moreover, be added, that as our territory exceeds in proportion, in the Pine Barren lands, the population scattered over it, there is the greater necessity to use all our endeavours to convert this dreary and monotonous region into something more of an arcadia, than it is at present. And why We have the very high authority should we not? of Mr. Stephen Elliott, of Charleston, for saying, 7. For the best experiments on the feeding of that "the cultivation of the Bermuda grass, on the poor and extensive sand hills of our middle coun- cattle, in order to prove the earliest maturity and try, would probably convert them into sheep walks greatest propensity to fatten; with an account speAlso, that "the crab or crop cifying the nature of the food given, together with of great value." grass, already so well known to the planters, though the daily consumption of each beast, with its weekan annual, is yet the best grass for hay, at presently increase in weight; and such other observaknown in the low country." In addition to which, tions upon the method employed and expense atyour committee would respectfully recommend, that tending the system pursued, as may be deemed of the attention of the public should likewise be turn- consequence. ed to the cultivation of the lucerne, and of the sainfoin; both of which, besides being well suited to our soil and climate, are also extremely profitable; the first of which delights in rich sand, light but substantial; and the other possesses the very advantageous quality of succeeding in the very poorest land, and upon declivities of which it keeps the ground. The state is also deeply indebted to Thos. M'Call. Esq. for his successful experiment in relation to the making of wine from our native grapes. So far back as 1740, there is historical evidence, that very good wine could be made in Georgia; and when we Your committee would likewise very respectfully take into view, the health, the morals, and the character of our people, surely this branch of agri-urge upon the attention of the public, this fact, that culture likewise merits all the countenance that their representatives can give it. the argument in relation to the culture of the The committee therefore recominend, that when Respecting indigo and tobacco, and sugar cane, it is only necessary to refer to our own statute book, and the experience of many now living, to determine their utility and value, and adaptation to our state. Besides indigo, there are several vegetable dyes which, it is believed, would eminently contribute to enhance the value of our exports, and promote alike the agricultural and the commercial pros perity of the state. That most to be recommended, is the madder, which has many years since been ever the necessary appropriation shall be made for cultivated with success in Georgia, and is known for the specific object, that the board of commissioners its properties in dying the Turkey red. It is suited for the internal improvement of this state, as soon to those sandy loams so common in our country, as the same shall be constituted, be empowered to whether light or deep, that are not retentive of award premiums for the following objects: moisture-asks for its cultivation, but little and light labour-requires, to be sure, three years to bring the plant to maturity; and, though expensive at first, when once done, a supply from the plantation will constantly be had for a long time; and, according to the best calculations, will yield, at the least a clear profit of $150 per acre. The white poppy is also believed to be well adapted to this climate. 8. For the most satisfactory account of the best method of improving any one of the soils, commonly known among the people of this state, by the denomination of the red, the grey, and the Pine Barren lands; with a statement of the number of acres, of the quality of the land so improved, and of every operation and expense, the state it is in as to the proportion of grass to arable, and the average value thereof. But, your committee cannot conclude this report, without reminding every liberal and enlightened patriot of an aphorism derived from Dean Swift, well worthy of the young and the aspiring, that the man who causes two blades of grass or two stocks of corn, to grow from the soil where only one grew before, is worth the whole race of politicians put together. BLISS' MOVEABLE HAY PRESS. [We have before adverted to the demand which exists in this and other parts of the country for some simple contrivance that might be used by common labourers for pressing hay and straw in such compact form as would admit of their being transported by water to supply the demand of large cities. 1. To the person who shall deliver to the board If such contrivance were brought into general an effectual method of counteracting the rot in col-use, large quantities of these articles which have ton, and of destroying the insect commonly called been made beyond the consumption in the few states on the waters running into the Chesapeake the caterpillar, both of which are occasionally so destructive to the cotton plant; and to the person bay; and yet larger quantities that might have been who shall devise the best mode of improving the made if they could have been sent to a safe marquality and value of each variety of that staple. ket, would have been sent to Baltimore, when hay 2. For the greatest quantity of raw silk, produc has been selling at prices varying from fifteen to It forms a considerable branched by any person in Georgia, from silk-worms bred thirty dollars per ton. In the New England states of the commerce of Asia; and, when the fact is stain the state. Specimens of the silk, not less than this thing is well understood, and we believe that one pound, with an account of the method in which a large proportion of hay consumed in the New ted, that six hundred thousand pounds of opium are exported from the region of the Ganges alone, an- the silk-worms were managed; the kind and size of York market, is brought there by water, after havnually, there can be no doubt that the subject is the mulberry trees from whence they were furnishing been pressed into a small compass. If agriculwell calculated to arrest the attention of the agri-ed with food, and particulars respecting the culture tural improvements did not travel at a pace, in comof the mulberry trees for that purpose, to be exhi-parison wherewith that of the tortoise is fleeter cultural portion of this community. The next object to which your committee would bited to the said board of commissioners for the in-than the greyhound, the most improved hay presses desire to call the attention of the people of Geor-ternal improvement of the state. gia, is the cultivation of natural and artificial grasses. The experience of that celebrated agriCulturist, Colonel Taylor, of Caroline, in Virginia, has established the following facts--all important to this state, as they must be to the whole southern section of this union: 3. For the greatest quantity of merchantable olives, being the produce of Georgia; with an account of the number of trees, their age, nearly the quantity of fruit on each tree, and the manner of culture. 4. For the greatest quantity of mechantable wine, would, before now, have been employed in this and the more southern parts of the United States. It is calculated that when the rail-road is finished, hay will be amongst the commodities that will come to us from the fertile vallies of the west. On opening the first number of a new work published in Maine, entitled the New England Far mers' and Mechanicks' Journal-the first article is one on BLISS' MOVEABLE HAY PRESS, from which we extract the following. The subject is there illustrated by a lithographic print, and explanations:] HORTICULTURE, lodge the overseer and the labourers, to shelter the carts and a chair if used; to store the instruments of horticulture, the lumber for the boxes for oran(From the St. Augustine Florida Advocate.) ges, to receive the benches of the carpenters makON THE CULTIVATION OF ORANGES. We have now in operation in this village two hay ing them, the boxes made, &c. The stable for two presses. One of them is the hydrostatic press of One of the most profitable ways of investing horses and two cows may be built against the fence, immense power; the other is known by the name of money near this city, and in most parts of this pro- and also some lodging rooms for the people. The "Whitney's hay press"-A very convenient ma- vince, for a person who is both able and willing to dwelling house and out houses, the stable, &c. ought chine, and although not so powerful, yet it is much wait for the interest of his money, and principally to be built only with the proceeds of the sale of cheaper in its construction, and presses sufficiently for a father of a family, is by establishing an orange the oranges. The ground and its fences only ought hard for common purposes. Both of these are fix-grove, because time and almost time alone, will suf- to be bought and made at first, with a small house blishment requires only two negroes, working under the labourers, until the orange trees yield a crop. fice to make it extremely valuable. Such an esta- of $100 for the overseer, and one hut or two for the direction of an intelligent white man or man of 7th. Such a grove as this would, when the four It will yield in time (considering the small-hundred trees becomes 20 years old (and supposing ness of the sum invested, and the few hands which them to be in a thriving state,) yield at least $3000 are wanted,) a greater reward than any agricultural a year; and if the fruit was exported with due care, produce raised or known here, cotton, corn and the from $4000 to $4500, without reckoning the proceeds of the sale of the grasses, young orange trees and sugar cane not excepted. vegetables which might be raised at the same time. ed, and all hay to be pressed must be carried to them. It has long been a desideratum to have a press which should be moveable, which could be carried into the meadow with ease, or from barn to barn, and thus save the labour of moving the hay, (perhaps several miles,) to the press. This has been very ingeniously effected by Mr. Moses B. Bliss, of Pittstown, (Me.) This improvement consists, in the words of the specification, in making the box to revolve on trunnions which project from near the centre of its two large sides, so that it may be turned to an upright position for the convenience of filling and stowing, and then to a horizontal one for the pressure. We had an opportunity, not long since, of seeing this machine in operation, and were much pleased with the ease and facility with which the hay is pressed. Two yokes of oxen are sufficient to move it to any distance. It is taken into the barn floor and filled from the bays or mows, and requires one man to pitch the hay, and another to stow it in the box; when thus filled, the box is brought down to a horizontal position and secured by bars, and the hay within these subjected to the pressure. The strength of two men is amply sufficient; even one might do it. The time employed in pressing is about five minutes. Two men can press two tons per day. When the hay is sufficiently pressed, the two side doors are opened; the bay secured by hoops; the top door is then opened and the bay is pushed out in the form of a compact bale about three feet long and two wide, and weighing from two hundred and fifty to three hundred pounds, and sometimes more. chinist, of Gardiner. FINE SPINNING. colour. 1st. The seed of the China or sweet orange tree planted here, on a suitable spot, will show its two first leaves in six, seven or eight weeks, according to more or less rain received. 2d. That young trees will require an easy attendance during the three or four first years, to prevent its taking a bent, forking, or branching out too soon. Often, also, the slender stem will want a proper guide given it, in order that it may grow straight and of a proper shape. 3d. When six, seven or eight years old, it will yield from 25 to 50 oranges. When nine, it will yield 100 and upwards, and thus go on increasing every year. When fifteen, it will yield from 500 to 600 oranges; and when twenty, which is its prime, though not its full growth, 1000. When thirty years old, it will, if having always been thriving, yield from 1600 to 2000-and so go on increasing with age, till it will yield as many as 6000 oranges every fruitful year, as many trees do in this province. That tree lives generally here one hundred years, or a little more, and then decays gradually. 4th. Oranges will sell here generally at $1000 a thousand, in September and October, and at $2.50 in November and December. sent back here. We earnestly recommend this machine to the at5th. Were the owner to have his oranges boxed tention of the public. To the farmer who is in the up properly, (only two hundred in a box, in which habit of screwing his hay by hand, for a distant state they would keep three months,) and exported to Philadelphia, New York or Boston, he could almarket, it presents peculiar conveniences. The cost of one of them, complete, is about two hun-ways count upon an average sale of from $15 00 to dred and fifty dollars, and as they can be moved $2000 a thousand, and all expenses paid, and all from place to place with ease, one or two would be deductions made for the oranges which might be sufficient for a town. Should any person be desi- rotten. He could also gain always from five to ten rous of purchasing one of thein, or a patent right,per cent. on the employment of his funds, being or of making any further inquiries, he is referred to 6th. A square of six acres, (261,300 feet, or 510 the inventor in Pittstown, or to Calvin Wing, Ma-feet square,) will contain four hundred orange trees, planted in four clusters of one hundred each, at 20 feet distance from each other, and will afford in the centre a suitable place for a two story dwelling house, 54 feet long north and south, and 18 feet wide, In Ulster, Ireland, a young girl, named Catherine for three rooms above and two galleries in the Woods, spun seven hundred hanks from one pound length way of the house; spaces also for four walks, of flax, making a thread 2,521,400 yards in length. 80 feet wide from the four gates. to the house, and Seven hanks containing each 1600 yards, is as fine a walk of 34 feet wide in four directions along the as the linen commonly sold in the shops at a dollar four fences, (leaving one foot for the fence,) and per yard. Sixty-four hanks, produced from one consequently surrounding the four clusters above pound avoirdupois, was so fine as to require split-mentioned of one hundred orange trees each. On ting the fibres of the flax with a needle, and it was each side of these walks, grape vines, young orange a fortnight's work for one woman to spin one hank trees from seed and for sale, and all kinds of vegeIn the same part of Ulster where the above named tables may also be planted in beds, 6 feet wide, taken extraordinary spinning was done, several industrious out of the centre of each north and south walk females produced from one pound and a half of which is between the trees, and there are thirty-six flax, which cost two shillings, an elegant cambric such walks. Each of the four clusters of one hun thread, which sold for 5l 28 44d.-and yet such is dred trees each, ought to have a well in its centre, the length of time taken to spin this exceedingly the dwelling house of course one also. The lower fine thread with the fingers, that it is not consider part of the house (after reserving two rooms for ed profitable, and it is only done by some patient cooking, washing and ironing,) ought to be kept for individuals. receiving, drying and packing up the crop. Also to 8th. An intelligent and industrious man, something of a gardener, with two or three negroes, will suffice to attend such a grove, and also the garden, except in the time of the crop of the oranges, when a greater number of hands will be wanted, during two or three days, from time to time, to gather the fruit. 9th. A better plan than that of raising such a grove from the seed, would be (as small sweet orange trees cannot be procured here,) to plant four hundred straight and healthy sour orange trees, of four or five years of age, (which are abundant here,) and engraft on them the buds of such China orange trees as are known to yield very sweet fruit. This would advance the crop four or five years, but would cost more money. The former plan, therefore, ought to be pursued, if economy be the principal object, and the latter plan, if the saving of time be the main point. The form which I would recommend as the most eligible for such a grove, is given below. 10th. What I have stated, is derived from men of experience, and is good in all its parts; I believe, however, a square of ten acres (or 669 feet square,) would be far preferable, inasmuch as it would enable the owner to place his four hundred orange trees at 26 feet distance from each other, instead of twenty, to make his thirty six beds for vegetables, between the four hundred orange trees, much larger, the same in the four walks converging to the house; the same in the four walks along the fences to have more room for stables, pens, store rooms and lodg ing rooms along the fences, to cultivate more grapes, more vegetables, and to have more orange trees raised from seeds, and for sale every year, and finally to procure to his four hundred standard orange trees, and whatever else he would raise, more air, heat, light and moisture, which are well known to be the great promoters of a strong vegetation. CULTURE OF TEA IN BRAZIL. Botanic gardens are established throughout the country by government, who have directed the attention of cultivators to Camellia bohea and viridis, of which one proprietor already has a plantation of 4000 plants. (Asiat. Journ. for Nov. 1825.) APPLES MARKED WITH THE IMPRESSION OF A LEAF are sold in the bazars of Persia. To produce this impression, a leaf of some flower, or shrub is glued or fastened with a thread on several parts of the fruit, while yet growing; the apple gradually ripens, and all that the sun reaches becomes red; the parts covered by the leaves remaining of a pale green or yellow colour. PEPPER.--There are no fewer than 41 kinds of pepper. A Batavian naturalist of the name of Blume has written a description of them, accompanied with plates. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. ticability of making a rail-road upon the bed of the other country has ever accomplished. Pennsyl present turnpike road, commencing at Baltimore, vania, following this noble example, has commenced passing by York Town, and terminating at York a system of internal improvement, which seems to BALTIMORE AND SUSQUEHANNA RAIL-Haven, upon the Susquehanna. To this particular have no limit short of the boundaries of the state. ROAD. Report and Proceedings in relation to a Rail-road from Baltimore to the Susquehanna. Baltimore, August 3d, 1827. On this day, a meeting consisting of delegates from the Baltimore and York Turnpike, the York and Maryland, the Conewago Canal Turnpike, and the York Haven Company, was held in the city of Baltimore, in the Exchange buildings, when JOHN SMITH HOLLINS was called to the chair, and GEORGE WINCHESTER appointed secretary. ed: object the committee have not failed to pay the Commencing at Middletown, it stretches to the proper and necessary attention; but the pursuit of Juniata-thence up that river to the foot of the Althat investigation, extended their views over a more leghany mountains on the east, and crossing the enlarged field of inquiry to the general question of ridge to connect the waters of the Susquehanna the practicability of a rail-road from Baltimore to with the Alleghany and Ohio river, ascending the the Susquehanna, without reference to any previ- main branch of the Susquehanna to the dividing ously designated route-indeed, the special object point of the eastern and western branches, it conof their appointment, necessarily called for this en-templates an improved navigation to the sources of larged examination of the country adjacent to the these great streams, as well as some of their tribuline of the turnpike road, inasmuch as the positive tary branches-presenting one connecting chain of advantages of the turnpike route, must, in a great improved or canal navigation of not less than five On motion, the following resolutions were adopt routes, which the reconnoisance of the country nemeasure, depend upon a comparison of it with other hundred miles in extent. The New York canal, connecting the waters of cessarily brought under the inspection of the com- lake Erie with the Hudson river, is a violent effort Resolved, That in the opinion of the delegates mittee. We shall submit a brief and condensed to drag, by artificial means, the trade of that counhere assembled, it is desirable that a survey or ex-view of the result of our labours, guided by the try out of its natural channel down the different amination of the country between Baltimore and liberal and extended constructions we have given of branches of the Susquehanna, which stretch almost York Haven, should be made by a committee, to the object of those under whose immediate direc- to the foot of the lakes, and skirt the borders of the consist of at least one delegate from each of the intion the investigation was undertaken. canal itself. Even in their present natural condicorporated companies here represented, with a view The public mind has at length become directed tion, they attract an immense trade, and when imto obtain such information, to be communicated to to the improvement of our internal resources, and proved by the efforts of Pennsylvania, they will exthe several turnpike companies, as will enable them to decide whether it be practicable to make a rail-it is matter of great gratification to find the senti-haust the Erie canal at every pore of its unnatural ment pervading the whole community, that the com- burdens, and conduct them to the borders of our road upon the bed of the present turnpike, or whe mercial existence of the city, rests upon opening an own state; so, in like manner, will the canal up the ther it will be advisable for them to unite in con-intercourse with the vast regions west of the Alle Juniata and the western branch, conduct to the structing a rail road from Baltimore to York Hagany, and the extensive tracts of country included same point, the trade of the fine country east of the ven; and that the several corporations here repre- within the states of New York, Pennsylvania and Alleghany ridge, and that which the same exertions sented, contribute equally to the expense of making Virginia. To facilitate the natural means, or to may have transported over the ridges. The whole create an artificial means of easy communication trade, then, of the country referred to, seeks its outResolved. That the committee unite with the gen-with this immense region, seems now to occupy the let in the valley of the Susquehanna; and, pursuing tlemen appointed at York Town, for the purpose of undivided public opinion-the liberal and enlight the artificial channel provided for it, terminates at making the survey, and the secretary is directed to ened-the bold and manly enterprise which belongs the end of the eastern section of the Pennsylvania notify them of the proceedings of this meeting, and to our city, is all directed to the completion of this canal at Middletown, at which point the competirequest their attendance in Baltimore. magnificent undertaking, and we may look forward tion for its possession between Baltimore and Philawith a well founded confidence to the period when delphia must commence. we shall realize all its promised rewards. such examination. In pursuance of the above resolutions and pro .ceedings, a committee was appointed, and proceeded, during the month of August last, to make the investigation directed. The efforts which have been made, and those which are still making by Philadelphia to supply, by artificial means, the disadvantages of her natural position, deserve great commendation, and reflect infinite credit upon her enterprise, liberality and intelligence. That the period for systematic and powerful exertion, on the part of Baltimore, has at length arriTheir report, accompanied by a profile and map ved, is no longer doubted. The great plans which of the country between Baltimore and the Susque-are going on, and, in a great measure, matured in hanna, is now submitted to the consideration of the New York, and those which are projected, and will people of Baltimore. be completed in Pennsylvania, show a determina- The Union canal which commences at the mouth It has been delayed until this moment, that no tion on the part of our rival cities, to push, as far as of the Swatara, and there forms a junction with the room should be left even for conjecture, that the unlimited capital, seconded by liberal views and grand Pennsylvania canal, is intended to conduct project which it presents was intended, or should great enterprise, a competition, which can only be- from that point the immense trade which must be in any manner, interfere with the great scheme of come dangerous if we permit their schemes to be there concentrated, as the termination of the canal the Baltimore and Ohio rail-road. Public opinion matured, and the current of trade to take a settled navigation of the whole state. The difficulties which is now so settled, as to the importance and feasi-direction in the channels provided for it by our ri- have been encountered and overcome in the probility of that enterprise, as to place it beyond the vals-for commerce, like water, will seek its level, gress of this work, show the importance which is reach of competition, and far above opposition or depending upon natural or artificial causes, and if justly attributed to it by our neighbours; it is now impediment from any quarter, even if such were we once permit it to be diverted from its natural in a great state of forwardness, and will no doubt intended. It is believed by those who are instru-channel, it will be found most difficult to bring it be finished in a short time. It was intended, and its mental in bringing before the public, the Susque- back. projectors calculated originally that it would be sufhanna rail-road, that it will, by its success, tend to If, on the other hand, we enter early into the field ficient to carry the whole trade of the Susquehanna, strengthen public opinion, and sustain the confi of competition, and improve our natural advanta- and thus form one continued line of canal navigation, dence of the community in the magnificent underges, we may make the efforts of our rivals tributary ramified over the whole state, and terminating at taking which has preceded it. to our views, and they cannot make a foot of canal Philadelphia. If their expectations had been realizor rail-way, erect a bridge, or pave a turnpike road, ed, it would indeed have proved a fearful, if not a which does not necessarily lead the trade or com- successful competition with Baltimore, for the trade merce embarked upon it, directly to our own door of a country which is ours by all the ties of nature. We have nothing, in fact, to do, but to take up the But, it is believed, that as this canal approaches to work where they leave it, and to finish, at a trifling its completion, much of the speculation indulged in The committee appointed by a convention of de- expense, a great line of internal communication, about its capacity and importance, have been made legates, from the above institutions, to examine into which the exertions of our spirited and enterprising to yield before the difficulties arising from the nathe practicability of making a rail road from Balti-neighbours have conducted within our reach. ture of the country over which it passes, and the more to the Susquehanna, now reportThat this is the present situation of things, a want of an adequate supply of water for the summit That in execution of the object of their appoint- slight view of the map of the adjacent country, will level. The Union canal, from these causes, has ment, a majority of the committee proceeded to sufficiently demonstrate. The Susquehanna river, therefore diminished in some measure from its imexamine and explore the country between Balti-which finds its outlet at our harbour, stretches its portance, but still is capable of conducting a great more and the Susquehanna, with a view to obtain branches to the north, the east and the west, reach commerce to and from Philadelphia, and opening a the information requisite to a judicious direction of ing to the borders of the lakes, on the one hand, connection which the spirit and capital of Philadelsuch future operations as might grow out of the and ascending, upon the other, the ridge of the Alphia will extend by all other means that the improvsuggested enterprise of a rail-road from Baltimore leghany. The state of New York, animated by the ed state of knowledge on the subject of internal to the Susquehanna. spirit of her enlightened chief magistrate, and pur communication will place at her disposal. The more immediate object of their appointment, suing a liberal and enlightened policy, has complethe committee are aware, was to ascertain the prac-ted one of the greatest works which this, or any To the President and Directors of the York Road, The trade of the Susquehanna which now floats on the surface of the river and finds its way through this natural channel to Baltimore, will, when the land and those to which it is designed to apply them face of country, over which it may be desired to carry it, whether it be mountainous or broken, or comparatively level; and the only subject for consideration is, that which we have suggested as forming the second point of inquiry, viz:- The route which ought to be pursued in the location of the road. much useful knowledge from England, with regard Upon this head, our views 'must necessarily be of to the mere mechanical construction and fitting of a general character, as the information upon which The moment for commencing this system has, as the material of which the road is to be constructed our opinion is founded, is not of that precise and all agree, at length arrived, and the only question and put together-but when we come to stretch definite kind, which would enable us to say posi now remaining, is not whether it shall be done, but such a road over the high, broken and uneven sur-tively what direction ought to be adopted in the lowhat is the best mode in which it can be done. face which intervenes between Baltimore and the cation of the road. Still there are some leading The division of public opinion on the subject of a Susquehanna, or the more mountainous and rocky features which our reconnoissance of the face of canal from the Susquehanna, has retarded the pro- barrier which separates us from the western coun- the country, presented to our view, that we gress of this important communication for many try, we look in vain for information and instruction deem proper to present to the consideration of years, but it seems now to be a general, and indeed from the rail-roads in England, which travel for the those more immediately interested in the location almost universal impression, that a rail-road from most part over a level surface, and are not impeded of the road, as well as to afford information to the Baltimore to the Susquehanna presents the cheap-by a hill or a valley in their progress, from its com community at large- and, in either way, calculated est and best mode of forming this important commu mencement to their terminations, worthy of being to lead to further investigation, and, in some meanication, and to examine and ascertain the correct-mentioned-we should find ourselves still more at a sure, assist future inquiries. ness of this opinion was the duty committed to our loss in endeavouring to fashion the propelling power From Baltimore to York Haven, in nearly a charge, which we have endeavoured to perform to to such a road; to the inevitable inequalities mark straight line, upon the bed of the turnpike road, is the best of our ability and knowledge; and if the ing the progress of our daring enterprises, descend- a distance of sixty miles, passing over an undulating result of our labours should not prove entirely satis-ing into deep vallies or scaling the boldest acclivi- country, intersected, in its whole course, by a range factory, with regard to the details of the project, we ties; and we should wholly fail, if, pushing our ex-of hills, which cross the turnpike road nearly at trust it will produce conviction in the truth of our amination further, we endeavoured to find the right angles. These hills continue to ascend gra general views, and an accordance in the opinion smallest instruction upon the purpose to which rail- dually from the tide at Baltimore, with occasional which we entertain, that a rail-road from Baltimore roads are intended to be applied in this country. abrupt acclivities and descents, until they reach the to the Susquehannna is practicable at a moderate In England they are generally used rather as pri summit level at Strasburg, a small village near the expense, and will afford an ample revenue for the vate ways than otherwise, and chiefly to conduct thirty-sixth mile stone on the York turnpike road, capital wanted in its construction. burthens in one direction-but the attempt to apply where it attains an elevation of one thousand and In presenting our views, the subject naturally di-a rail-road to all the various purposes of a public nine feet above the tide, and from thence it devides itself into different points of inquiry. highway, is an experiment which has been tried, scends to the Susquehanna, over a country of a very 1st. The general practicability of a rail-road from but on a very limited scale in England, and which similar description, till it strikes the river at York Baltimore to the Susquehanna. in this country must depend for its success upon the Haven, maintaining an elevation at that point of 2d. The route which ought to be pursued in the lo-genius, intelligence and enterprise of our own peo-two hundred and fifty-six and a half feet above the cation of the road, and the power to be used upon it. ple, applied to the actual condition of the country tide. The dividing ridge of land, of which Stras3d. The probable cost of the road--the material and the nature of the work. burg is the summit, ranges along the Pennsylvania of which it should be formed-and, lastly, the re- Our own experience upon the subject of forming and Maryland line; it is about fifteen miles wide, venue which may be calculated upon being derived canals in this country, points out the necessity of and extends, without any material depression, from from it, upon the capital invested in its formation. drawing upon our own resources instead of relying beyond the Monocacy, in a direction a little to the As to the general question upon the practicability upon foreign instruction and foreign models. Many northward of east, till it strikes the Susquehanna of making the road, there is neither room nor ne-efforts were made to construct canals in different river at McCall's ferry, when it presents itself for a cessity for much observation. parts of the United States, and the advice and assis- short distance in a narrow ridge, and then spreads The construction of rail-roads, from their simpli-tance of foreign engineers were procured at enor out in Lancaster county. city, was very naturally the first species of improve- mous salaries, and millions of money were wasted The range of hills, therefore, presents an obsta ment upon public highways, which followed the in- in unsuccessful attempts to imitate the works of cle which cannot be evaded, but must be overcome troduction of wheel carriages, when civilization and another country. The New York canal project in any location that may be given to the road, purcommerce enforced the adoption of means of com languishing for years under the incubus influence suing a course along the direction of the turnpike munication more suitable to the improved condi- of foreign science and experience, which, however road or parallel to it, as the country on either side tion of society; and hence we find that rail-roads valuable where it was acquired, was more than use- presents the same uniform surface, and nearly the are almost coeval with the first dawnings of society less here, and it was left for the genius and bold same elevation. Such are the general features of in England, and indeed may be traced back to the practical common sense of our own countrymen, to the country between the Susquehanna and Baltiinvasion of that country as one of the means adopted project and complete one of the noblest and great-more, looking at it with a view to forming a connexby its conquerors to preserve their dominion by afest of human undertakings. ion by a line which would pursue nearly a straight fording facilities to the transportation of men and These observations are made with a view to illus direction from one point to the other-in the natural munition of war; their recent revival in England trate the position, that the general question of the situation of the country, there would be no choice has, however, afforded a fruitful subject for specu- practicability of the rail-road, must depend upon as to the route, as the same difficulties are found in lation and an ample field for the ingenious mecha- the peculiar circumstances attending the particular any which might be selected. nic-the visionary theorist and the sanguine politi-enterprise, and that but little or no aid, or informa The same ridge of land, above mentioned, also cian, to indulge in their various pursuits-to give tion, can be had by reference to works in other forms the dividing summit between the streams of birth to endless projects, many of which have been water rising upon either side of it, and running on started and adopted only in turn to make room for the south towards Baltimore, and upon the north as others equally short lived, and destined to share the tributaries to the Codorus, emptying into the Sussame fate which had consigned their predecessors to There is nothing of mystery in the nature of a quehanna. Deer Creek has some of its smaller oblivion; but this system of speculation, conjecture rail-road-it is a matter of plain common sense, and sources near the summit at Strasburg, from whence and experiment, has led to the acquisition of a vast when divested of a few technical words and phrases, it runs in a south easterly direction towards the Susbody of useful and practical knowledge which is it is fairly open to the plainest understanding. In- quehanna, into which it empties opposite to Port now diffusing itself over the whole kingdom, and deed, it may be resolved into the simple proposi-Deposit at tide. This stream is too far out of the producing immense works of public utility, and of tion, that whenever a turnpike, or any other road course to need observation, as is likewise the Little national and individual enterprise and wealth--per for the transportation of commodities in carriages, haps, however, there is no subject upon which the can be made, a rail-road may also be constructed. experience of another country could profit us as lit A line of rail-road is as easily conducted over a tle as upon that of forming artificial communica-surface of country as any other road; and the questions by means of roads and canals. tion to be disposed of, is not the physical practicaThe difference of climate-of soil-of the general bility of making a rail-road in any particular direcface or topography of the country--of the population, tion, but which is the mode of doing it so as to and intercourse amongst a dense population-and make it productive of the greatest possible benefit, above all, the great and essential difference in the at the least possible expense. There can be no purposes to which rail-roads are applied in Eng-doubt, that a rail-way is equally suited to any sur places which have nothing in common with this, Falls of Gunpowder. The Great Falls of Gunpowder rises in several sources from the dividing ridge, and crosses the turnpike road, about twenty-eight miles from Bal timore-then takes a direction parallel with the turnpike for about twelve or fourteen miles, and then pursues an easterly course, and at right angles to the turnpike road to its mouth in the Great Gunpowder river at tide. (To be continued.} |