1 2 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE Situation, Climate, Soil and. Productions O F Certain Traces of Land IN THE DISTRICT of MAINE, AND Commonwealth of Maflachufetta, , 4J* 4 5 A DESCRIPTION OF THE Situation, Climate, Soil and Productions, &c. TH E Lands, of which a defcription is given in the following pages, are fituated in the counties of Han- cock and Wafhington, in the Diftrict of Maine and common- wealth of Maffachufetts. They are divided into two traces __the firft lying on the fea-coaft and containing one million two hundred and fixty-nve thoufand and feventy-fix acres __the fecond lying on the waters of the Kennebeck river and containing one million and fixty thoufand, one hundred and fixty-four acre's. The lower tract is divided into townfhips, conformably to the annexed map, which exhibits the exterior lines of furvey, and Ihews its beautiful and advantageous fituation, as bounding on the Atlantic ocean, the Penobfcot and Schoo- diack rivers. Some fmall navigable lakes, which are a con- tinuation of the river Schoodiack, ftretch along the northern line of this tract, and nearly communicate with the waters of the Penobfcot river, and thereby give it the ineftimable advantage of being almoft furrounded with water. The rivers that fall into the fea, and the fmaller ftreams that are connected 6 ( 4 ) connected with the Penobfcot and Schoodiack, and which are plentifully fcattered through the tract, are not difplayed on the map, as they could not be delineated accurately, for want of a proper furvey which had a view to this particular object.—This is now accomplishing. The upper tract has the advantage of the Kennebeck river paffing through the centre of it, and of being watered by the various branches of that river, The fputhern boundary of thefe lands lies in forty-four degrees, fifteen minutes north latitude, and the eaftern boun- dary in fixty-feven degrees, ten minutes longitude weft from London. They are confequently fituated in the centre of the temperate zone, and in the fame parallel of latitude with the belt climates of Europe. The vicinity of the ocean, correcting the ftate of the air, occafions the moft agreeable and falubrious temperature of climate, of which the moft pleafing proofs are furnifhed in the uncommon health and longevity of the inhabitants. Indeed there is but one opinion on this fubject. Difeafes (by univerfal concurrence of teftimony) are hardly known in this country. Thefe lands, now a part of the ftate of Maffachufetts, were fo carefully preferved by the Britifh government, while the colonies were under its jurifdiction, that the crown's confirmation of grants to individuals (made by the Legifla- ture of the province) lying betwixt the rivers Penobfcot and Schoodiack, was uniformly refufed,—as well with a view of preferring the mails and valuable timber, while it re- mained a royal domain, as to confine the inhabitants of Maffachufetts 7 ( 5 ) Maffachufetts (of whofe importance a jealous apprehenfion was entertained) within certain limits—by thefe means pre- venting an extenfion of fettlement, and a confequent aug- mentation of numbers. At the treaty of peace thefe lands became the property of the ftate of Maffachufetts without any controul. Since which various plans have been projected, and difcuflions have taken place in the Legiflature concerning the beft mode of difpofing of them. It was, at length, determined to alienate them by fales to individuals, from a conviction that the energy of private enterprize would foon lead to a rapid fettlement and population; to accomplifh which was the leading and influential object of the ftate; and, as a further encouragement, it was refolved that they ihould be exempted from all ftate taxes until the year one thoufand eight hun- dred and one. It would be an ungracious talk to attempt to contraft thefe lands with thofe of an interior fituation in the feveral diftrids of the United States. It will be fufficient to fay, that fuperior pretenfions have never appeared in favor of any lands in this country, offered for fale or fettlement, and that they are not exceeded by any in the Diftrict of Maine, embracing the fame quantity of adjoining acres in a tract. The character that will be given of them in the following fheets will be drawn from the moft authentic and incontefti- ble documents—fupported by names, fome of whom are univerfally known and refpected throughout the United States. Within 8 ( 6 ) Within the period of a few years this Diftria will be erefted into a feparate ftate and become a member of the Union. The votes of the inhabitants were recently required, by the ftate of Maffachufetts, to determine whether they were ripe for a difmemberment; when it was oppofed but by a fmall majority in the Diftrict. But when its vicinity to thick fettled counties, combined with the incentive that a new country, pofleffing fuch lingu- lar advantages, offers, is taken into confederation, it muft naturally be inferred that the population and fettlement will be rapid. This will induce a feparation, which muft be accompanied by all the advantages that will be derived from the independence of its fituation. It will open an extenfive field for the ambition and talents of individuals, v,Tho will have all the honors and emolu- ments of the general and ftate governments to ftimulate their laudable enterprize and exertions. By the return of the Marfhal in one thoufand feven hun- dred and ninety-one, the Diftrict contained ninety-fix thou- fand five hundred and forty inhabitants; and when a State- Cenfus was taken in one thoufand feven hundred and ninety-two the return was upwards of one hundred and fix thoufand—fo great was the increafe from natural population as well as emigration! The population of the Diftrict of Maine already exceeds that of either of the five following ftates, viz. Rhode- Ifland, Vermont, Delaware, Kentucky, and Georgia—each of which, by the conftitution of the United States, is equally 9 ( 7 ) equally reprefented in the Senate with the largeft ftates, befides its proportional fuffrage in the Houfe of Representa- tives. Some of the genteeleft families of Maffachufetts inhabit the Diftrict, which renders a refidence there more agreeable than in fituations more remote from good neighbourhood. —It fends, at prefent, three members to Congrcfs. The degrees of heat and cold, throughout the year, are ftated in the fubjoined tables of meteorological experiments. In addition to which it may only be neceffary to remark, that the extenfion of improvements is found to operate very fenfibly in favor of the climate, fo as greatly to fhorten the duration of the winters, the cold of which is, at prefent, regular and temperate. The winter, which may be faid generally to commence about the tenth day of December and to continue until the twenty-fifth of March, is fteady and ferene. During this feafon the fnow affords to the inhabitants a moft convenient and eafy tranfportation, enabling them to carry all articles, however heavy and bulky, to the mills, to the fhipping ports, and to the market with the greateft facility; and, at the fame time, gives a covering to the ground, by preventing the admiflion of froft, which greatly promotes a quick vege- tation in the fpring. This is the feafon more peculiarly appropriate to feftivity and amufement; by affording the means of eafy conveyance it promotes the interchange of civilities and neighbourly attentions. The 10 ( * ) The feed time is the months of Auguft and September for winter, and as foon as the fpring opens for fummer grains. The crops fown in the preceding year are, from the very rapid growth, reaped in July and Auguft, and thofe put into the ground in the fpring are reaped in September. That period of the year, which offers a recefs from the labours of the field-, and other agricultural purfuits, may be appropriated to the profitable employment of fifhing, by thofe who may prefer it to the no lefs lucrative bufinefs of lumbering, making pot and pearl allies, collecting of bark, and clearing of land, &c. Thefe tracts abound in a variety of timber of an excellent quality, which principally confift of fugar maple, beech, aih, white and red oak, elm, hemlock, fpruce, yellow birch, white cedar, white pines of the fineft growth, and black birch and curled maple for cabinet ware. The foil is well adapted to all arable and pafture purpofes, and is eafily cleared, there being but little underwood: from its abundant production of the beft graffes, natural and artificial, it is peculiarly fitted for furnifhing a great fupply of butter and cheefe, as well as for raifing and fattening horfes, mules, black cattle, fheep, and every kind of ftock. The fheep thrive exceedingly well and are remarkable for the abundance of their fleeces, and the finenefs of their wool. Large ftocks of cattle may be fupported from the fponta- neous growth of the wildernefs, in which there is not only the browfe common to all wood-lands, but a full fupply of fucculent 11 ( 9 ) fucculent plants, on which the cattle eagerly feed, and from which they receive equal benefit as from cultivated grafs, both in fummer and winter. This point, confirmed by experience, is naturally inferred from the Diftrid being the only refidence of the Moofe Deer, which is the largeft known animal in the United States that feeds on herbage, and which fatten on thefe paftures and favannahs. The young cattle that are raifed in there woods are as large as thofe fed in common paftures, and even cattle intended for beef fatten there exceedingly well. While black cattle are thus fed in fummer, the fir ft fettlers may, on their arrival, procure from the grafs, cut in many parts of the country, and on the natural meadows, which are very abundant and interfperfed through the trad, ftretch- ing along the fides of the rivers, in wide ranges, a full fupply of hay to maintain large flocks throughout the win- ter; and, from the great quantity of rock-weed, which is fo abundant on the fea coaft, there is an inexhauilible fund of manure. From experience the foil is found to be wrell adapted to raifing of wheat, rye, barley, oats, buck wheat, Indian corn, hops, peas, beans, potatoes (the laft of an uncommon good quality,) cabbages, turneps, and other efculent roots, all of which are cultivated in the lands of the Diftrid with great fuccefs, and which, in a fhort time, will become confidera- ble objeds of exportation—together with the important articles of flax and hemp, to the culture of which thefe lands are eminently favorable. The B 12 ( 10 j The quantities of iron ore, which abound throughout the" whole extent of this Diftrid, afford additional means of profiting by the natural refources of the country, efpecially when the plentiful fupply of wood, for the ufe of furnaces and forges, and the numerous mill feats, for rolling and flitting mills, are taken into confidtration. Glafs-works may, with equal eafe and advantage, be ereded, as all the conftituent articles, that enter into the compofition of glafs, may be procured in the greateft abundance. As for fire wood, which forms the moft effential experice in the manufacture,- it may be obtained, nearly for the labour of cutting it.—Combined with the cheapnefs of transporting to a market fuch bulky articles of manufadure, thefe are advantages, which no other part of the fea coaft of the United States enjoys. Ship building, where wood and iron abound, muft necef- farily become an objed of very lucrative purfuit.—Hence if is found that this branch of bufinefs has aftonifhingly increafed, infomuch that in the year one thoufand feven hundred arid eighty-fix, there was but one top-fail veffel belonging to the Kennebeck river.—At prefent, fo great has been the accumulation of capital, from the profits of exter- nal trade, that twelve fhips, befides brigs and other veffels, are now on the ftocks in that fingle river, the greater number of which will be owned in, and navigated out of, Kennebeck. —Foreign orders for fhip building can here be executed on cheaper terms, than in any part of the United States. The inexhauftible ftock of wood, with which the land is timbered, applicable from its variety, to every purpofe of houfe building, furniture, fhip building, mafts, fpars, im- plements 13 ( n ) plements of hufbandry, carriages, cafks, fuel, pot and pearl allies, with the extreme facility of carrying the lumber, firft to the mills, and then to a market, either at home or abroad, muft give a high value to thefe lands over ail others, which do not border on the ocean, and which, from their remote interior fituation, are deprived of thefe ineftimable advantages. The connedion betwixt this Diftrid and the commercial towns of Bofton, Marble-head, Salem, Beverley, Newbury- port, Gloucefter, &c. is very confiderable, infomuch that feveral hundred veffels, of various fizes, are conftantly em- ployed between thefe places and the Diftrid of Maine, which affords the advantage of an intimate intercourfe, for the fupply of their mutual wants. Bofton and the other towns, that ftretch along the coaft, are principally furnifhed with fuel from the Diftrid, and nearly all the lumber, fhipped from Bofton and the neigh- bouring towns to foreign ports, is fupplied from thence; for want of a fufficient commercial capital, the Diftrid is compelled to have recourfe to thefe circuitous means of exporting, to a foreign market, the greater part of its own produce; befides which, the Britifh fettlements, in the vici- nity, are furnifhed with immenfe quantities of lumber, which are re-exported to their Weft India iflands. There are, likewife, large quantities of mafts and lumber annually exported diredly to Europe. In the progrefs of clearing the grounds, a more plentiful fupply of bark is furnifhed in one year, than the tanneries can confume in feven- Hence this article, from the increafing demand in Europe, may become a valuable objed of export, as it will well bear the expence of tranfportation, by being compreffed into a fmall compafs. 14 ( I* ) So ftriking indeed is the difference of Situation in favor of thsfe lands, from their vicinity to a fea coaft, abounding in the fafeft and moft acceflible harbours, that the timber, which, in the interior parts of America, is regarded as an incum- brance, is here converted into a mine of wealth, the riches of which are renewable forever. Nor are the advantages of this Situation confined to the facility of exporting the produdions of the country. Others of a confpicuous nature prefent themfelves, as they regard the convenience and ceco- nomy (particularly writh refped to land carriage for heavy articles) with which the emigrants from Europe, or from the ftates of America, can tranfport themfelves, their families, and effeds, and the eafe of intercourfe which they will after- wards enjoy with other parts of the world—They ftep from the veffel, in which they embark, to the fhore of their defti- nation, and are at home. On their arrival, by the labor of a few hours, a Single per- fon may provide a fufTicient quantity of the beft fifh to fupport a family for many days. The minds of the emigrants being thus relieved from the great care of providing fubfiftence and tranfporting their pro- perty, they are enabled at once to turn their attention to the eftablifhment of their families, and the cultivation of their lands, which they may do in perfed fafety, under the pro- tedion of falutary laws and excellent municipal regulations. In this Diftrid there are ten fca-ports of entry, viz. York, Biddeford and Pepperlborough, Portland, Falmouth, Bath, Wifcaffet, Penobfcot, Frenchman's Bay, Machias, and Paffa- maquody, eftablifhed by the laws of the United States, which are 15 ( 13 ) are rapidly encreafing in foreign trade—all thefe ports were furveyed at an immenfe expence by the Britifh, and the depth of foundings, in all the harbours and channels* has been accurately delineated on charts with the refpedive bearings of the coaft. Thefe charts have been publifhed at great coft, in a mafterly manner, under the diredion of the lords of the admiralty in Great Britain. If a few more commercial houfes, and thoSe of refpedable capital, were eftablifhed in theSe ports, it would give a con- siderable ftimulus to the Settlement of the lands, by affording the means of purchafing, and fhipping to a market, the various and valuable produce of the country.:—Thofe who have already engaged in this bufinefs have been exceedingly fuccefsful, and their profits will be great, in an increafed ratio, in proportion to the extent of their capital. In forming fettlements on thefe lands, the ftate of Maffa- chufetts becomes the country of the emigrants, in the privi- leges and immunities of which, they equally participate with all deferving citizens. It is well known that there is no ftate, where the laws are better adminiftered and property fecured, or the government more refpeded than in this powerful and well ordered commonwealth. Befides, the eafe with which the inhabitants of thefe lands may procure their timber, boards, fhingles, lime, bricks, clay and ftone, will give a facility to fettlement and accom- modation Scarcely exceeded in old, and no where Surpaffed in new countries. It muft be peculiarly grateSul to the heads oS families to be informed of the pointed attention paid by Maffachufetts to the 16 ( «4 ) the education of youth, and the maintenance of the mini- ftry.'—Whence the inhabitants are diftinguifhed by their acquirements in learning, and the regularity of their deport- ment. The ftate has made a liberal grant of one thoufand two hundred and eighty acres, in every townfhip of fix miles Square, for the uSe of the firft Settled minifter, the miniftry, Schools, and other public objeds. TheSe public Spirited endowments are not to be met with in the political arrange- ments of other ftates. Notice having been taken of the great quantity of valua- ble timber, which grows on thefe trads, and the feveral ufes to which it is applicable, it is proper to obferve that the lands are every where interfeded by ftreams of the beft water, furnifhing numerous and excellent mill-feats, and providing the means of watering immenfe quantities of meadow. Befides, tide-mills, where the water is not frozen during the winter, may be ereded on all the rivers, which will yield the greateft profits to the owners of the mills, the pro- prietors of the land, and the perfons who follow the bufinefs of lumbering. The contiguity to the banks of Newfoundland, and to the banks which lie immediately on the coaft, muft give a decided preference to the Diftrict of Maine over every other place in the United States for the fifhery bufinefs, and cannot be mentioned without exciting great and well founded ex- pedations in all thofe, who may meditate either fettlement or purchafe. Befide 17 ( «S ) Befide the codfifh on thefe banks, which, as an article of Commerce, is fo highly valuable, the coaft abounds in feals, whales, halybut, polluck, cufk, haddock, bafs, mackarel, eels, flounders, torn cod, &c. &c. and with lobfters, crabs, oyfters, fcollops, clams and other fhell-fifh. The rivers abound in herring, fhad, fturgeon, Smelts, and particularly Salmon, by taking and curing of which a foreign trade is carried on to the extent of many thoufand barrels. The lakes and ponds furnifh perch, and falmon-trout weighing from five to fix pounds. Nothing is wanting but an increafed population, and a larger monied capital, to render the Sea-ports of this coaft the great emporium of the fifning trade. Superadded to this inexhauftible refource, are all the invi- tations to agricultural purfuits, in a fertile foil and good climate, with the extra benefits refulting from thofe objeds which, in a lefs favored fituation, are of detriment to the farmer—fuch as converting every ipecies of timber to lucra- tive purpofes. In the interval of farming duties, the manu- fadure of maple-fugar may become a profitable avocation, by employing the labor of women and children. In the months of February and March the juice may be extraded in the greateft quantity—The procefs is rendered eafier, and. the proceeds turned to better account, from the vicinity of thefe lands to fea navigation. The quantity of game, with which this country abounds, muft afford great pleafure, as well as profit, to the inhabitants —moofe, deer, bears, beaver, fable, otter, minx, martin, foxes, mufquafhes, rabbits, &c. whofe furs form an import- ant 18 ( 16 ) ant article in trade, are among the number; to which may be added the greateft variety of land and water-fowl, fuch as geefe, ducks, teal, wigeon, brandts, pheafants, partridges, pigeons, &c. It may be proper here to obferve how Singularly this fitu- ation is favored for an intimate and advantageous commerce with the Weft India iflands, whofe principal wants confift of lumber, fifh, and falted provilions. The policy of opening the iflands to the free admiflion of American produce, and of breaking through the fyftem of prohibitory laws, has become a favorite dodrine, and is daily gaining ground amongft the nations of Europe: For it is clearly evident, that the colonies muft flourifh in propor- tion as they are placed in a ftate of eafe and plenty;—From whence a well grounded expedation maybe entertained of a great augmentation of exports from the Diftrid of Maine, by means of the advantageous connedion, which their local Situation and circumftances afford. A moments refledion muft evince the advantages to be expeded from an intercourfe with the French iflands in parti- cular, which have recently been laid wafte by the infurredions of the flaves, and which will require immenfe quantities of lumber to repair the devaftations. It has been already noticed that no country in the United States abounds fo plentifully in this article, or is more hap- pily placed for profiting from this refource. As for fifh, the greateft abundance may be procured throughout the whole extent of the coaft. With refped to the 19 ( >7 ) the important Staples of butter, cheefe, and falted provifions, (both beef and pork,) it will furnifh them in great plenty, and on cheap terms, this being, confeffedly, the beft grazing Diftrid in the Union. As Ireland has, comparatively, abandoned thefe objeds, and is turning its pafture into arable grounds, the eaftern ftates of America are making a rapid progrefs towards fup- plying the deficiency. Already are the falted provifions of thefe ftates in the higheft reputation, and greateft demand. Nothing is wanting but additional population, to place thefe lands on a footing with thofe of a fimilar foil, Situation and climate in Europe. This period cannot be far diftant, as it is computed, on a moderate calculation, that the population, in the middle and eaftern ftates, doubles itfelf in the fpace of fifteen to fixteen years, from the advantages of the taxes being low, the lands cheap, and the means of fubfiftence fo very abundant. Another powerful caufe of rapid population, arifes out of the prefent convulfed ftate of Europe, and the propagation of principles and opinions, that have a tendency to fubvert the exifting governments. Confiderable emigrations muft enSue from this general con- fufion; and the United States certainly offer the moft defina- ble reSuge, Sor the poor and oppreffed of all nations to retire to, as well as for thofe, vvho are in more favored circum- ftances—a country, where civil and religious liberty exift in all their purity—where property is fo well proteded by the laws, and fo eafily acquired by honeft induftry—-a country, C whofe 20 ( 18 ) whofe profperity is So progreflive, and which, in extreme youth, has exhibited Such marks oS firmneSs and vigor, muft clearly beSpeak a more than common weight of charader* at a meridian age. HAVING mentioned documents of incontrovertible au- thority, to fupport the credit of thefe lands, it becomes expedi- ent to publifh anfwers to a number oS queries, on the fubjed, addreffed to a perSon, whoSe knowledge of that country was obtained from obfervations, during various excurfions he made there. This charader ftands too high to admit of entertaining the leaft doubt of the truth of the fads, which he afferts—- Indeed, more refpedable teftimony could not be had in the United States. To which are added the anSwers to, nearly, the Same quef- tions, on the part of a committee of their own body, appointed by the Senators and Reprefentatives, from the Diftrid of Maine, in the Legiflature of that ftate. Much additional evidence, in comfirmation of thefe re- ports, might be publifhed, but it would fwell this fketch to too voluminous a fize. Hingharn, 21 ( '9 ) Hingham, February 26, 1793. Dear Sir, YOUR Favor, covering a number of queftions, came to hand by the laft poft—Being confined at home by a ftorm, I now take up my pen to make fuch anfwers to them, as my knowledge of fads will authorife—To ftate them to me did not require an apology—I Shall always be happy, when you point out inftances, in which I may, in any degree, become more ufeful to you and my friends. I Shall recapitulate your queftions, and fubjoin my anfwers. " What ipjas the population of the Di/iricl of Maine in the year o?ie thoufand feven hundred and ninety-one, 'when the Cenfus 'was taken V Ninety-fix thouSand five hundred and forty. " What has been the increafe of population, by the mofl rea- fonable eflimate, fincc that time?"" About one-eighth per cent annually. This, you will obferve, is double the common increafe of our country—I fuppofe the migrations, thereto, to be equal to the natural growth. " What caufes, in your opinion, 'will be mofl likely to accele- rate the population of the Difiricl?" No time fhould be loft in opening more principal roads through the country; this will facilitate a view of the lands, (their value only wants to be known to gain general attention) and accommodate after Settlers. To cut a road, through the Lottery 22 ( 2° ) Lottery Town (hips, from weft to eaft, where the bays terminate, and the rivers commence,—fo as that they can be made paffable by bridges, and on this road eftablifh, in every ten miles, a good public houfe—People would then travel, through the country, without difficulty, from Bofton to the eaftern boundary of the United States. Thefe are among the caufes which, in my opinion, will accelerate the popu- lation of the Diftrid. " Are not the advantages of' fit nation, and the fertility of the foil, in this country, great flimidants to the induflry of its inhabitants?" Its Situation being in a healthy latitude, the inhabitants become ftrong and nervous, and labour ceafes to be a bur- then ; a degree of it was never an evil—Hence, from the fertility of the foil, and the eafe with which the furplus finds a market, people are Stimulated to great induftry, and are, thereby, preferved from that want, which naturally fucceeds idlenefs and diflipation. Their fituation will, always, evince the truth of the obfervation, that adivity of body begets vigor of mind, the parent of information and a Source of happinefs; and you will have the moft inconteftible proofs, from the Silvered locks oS many oS its aged inhabitants, that they inhale a Salubrious atmoSphere. " Is it not probable, from the progrejjion of population, and cheapnefs of living, that manufactures will flourifi, and rapidly increafe, in the Di/iricl?" From the preSent large demands for the produce of our farms, and the eafe with which all the produce of the Diftrid may reach a market, and its being a country fo fully accom- modated 23 ( 21 ) modated by large navigable rivers, down which produce may find its way to the fea, for a long while to come, and long after the inland parts of our country will want a market for their Surplus; are fuggeftions, in my mind, that the people oS the Diftrid will not, for fome time to come, give up agri- culture to manufadures—Befides, it is with difficulty that we lead men off from old habits to new purfuits, and, whenever they are brought to it, they retire with reludance, and approach with doubt. However, when it Shall appear to be their intereft to manufadure, they can always attend to it, as they have the raw materials, for manufacturing moft of the neceffaries of life, among themfelves. " What advantages are derived to the Diflricl of Maine, from the independence of the United States, and from the fyftem of legiflation in Mafachifetts, that will tend to promote a more rapid fettlemeiit of this country?" They derive all thofe advantages, with others, in being freemen, and of enjoying thofe rights, which are the fweet- ners oSliSe. The lands can, now, be granted, by the common- wealth of Maffachufetts, without any royal fignature. The fyftem of legiflation has been mild, towards thofe inhabitants, » and the Lottery Townfhips were exempt from taxes, and, thofe fold are fo to remain for many years—In general, where taxes have been affeffed, they have been remitted, and have been given to the people for making roads, fupport of the gofpel and fchools. " Does not the vicinity of the fea countervail the fmall difference of latitudinal poftion, and render the climate of Maine more temperate than that of the Genefee country? From 24 ( « ) From their vicinity to the fea, the inhabitants enjoy the benefit of thofe faline particles, which meliorate the air, and make it much lefs acute than it is far inland-^-I am not acquainted with the Genefee country, cannot, therefore, con- trail the cold there, with the degree of it in the Diftrid of Maine. " Does not the clearing of the landfenfibly off eel the climate y and render it more moderate?" The clearing of the country has been fo partial in the Diftrid of Maine, that we can hardly determine any thing, from experience, on the important fubjed; philofophy is fo fully in favor of the propofition, that we ought not to doubt, but that the clearing of the land will have the effed fuggefted. " Does not the meadow, and upland paflure, yield well of the grafs, natural to the foil, and of the Englifh graffls, 'when fown?" From the natural graSs we have good Seed and mowing— all the exotic graffes have Succeeded well, where trial has been made of them. " Are the lands, in tfjis DifricJ, well adapted to the raifing of oxen, fheep, mules and horfes; and are the fleeces of the Jloeep large, and the ouality of the wool good?" The lands are very friendly to the growth of oxen, mules and horfes, after they are cleared—and, what is peculiarly advantageous to the Settlers, the cattle Satten well Srom the Spontaneous growth oS the wilderneSs. The fheep are very healthy and ftrong, their fleeces are large, and the texture of the wool fine and good. il Does 25 ( *3 ) " Does not the arable ground, of this country, yield very 'well, when fown in Engli/h grain, as wheat, barley, oats, fax, EffV." We have had abundant proofs that thefe will do well, and that the foil appears to be very friendly to them—Thofe, alfo, who have planted Indian-corn, have fucceeded very well, where the land has been in order for it, and where the feed has been of a proper kind. " Does the abundance of grafs, and hay, promife to render it a great provifion country, in meats, butter, and cheefe?" This country, will undoubtedly, be a good provifion country, as the feed is nutritious and Sweet,—-effential quali- ties for making good butter and cheefe* " Is the foil well adapted to hemp aud fax?" To the growth of flax we find it exceedingly friendly—I have not feen an experiment of hemp, but, from the nature and Strength of the foil, I have no doubt that hemp will fucceed well. " What are the different kinds offfd, taken on the coqf and in the rivers?" Your queftion would have extended little farther, than it now extends, had you alked me to have enumerated to you the whole finny tribe—this I cannot do, or enumerate all the different kinds of fifh to be found in the Diftrid. I Shall content myfelf with mentioning a few, the moft common—^ The cod, the haddock, the cufk, and the polluck. Thefe are the fifh, which are, generally, caught with the hook, and dried. Befides thefe, are the falmon, the fhad, the bafs, the herring, the alewives, &c. &c. Added to thefe are, the fhell- fifh 26 ( *4 ) iih, on the fhores, the lobfter, the clam, the fcollop, and lie crab. I ought not to have omitted the falmon-trout, hecaufe they are, here, very large and good, weighing four r five pounds—befides the eel, the flounder, the tom-cod, ,:nd the fmelt are of daily and common ufe. " Do the banks and rivers, within the Di/lricl,fo abound in fifh, as to enfurc a certain and ample fupply at all feafons?" Permit me to obferve here, that, to have a fupply of bank and river fifh, at all times, depends very much on our own condud: for a fupply of the bank-fifh, in our harbours, and near our fhores, depends on the ftate of the river-fifh. Thefe, nature has pointed to the fources of the rivers, the ponds, and lakes, the quiet waters of which give that fecurity to the fpawn, neceffary to its exiftence—Hence it becomes im- portant, if you would preferve thofe fifh, to keep the paffages open to the lakes, and prevent any unnatural obftrudion being thrown in their way—The lofs of thefe fifh, to the inland-fettler, is peculiarly injurious to him; but the evil doth not end here:—in proportion as the river-fifh decreafe, fo wnll your Shore-fifh dwindle; Sor they are allured into our harbours, and about our fhores, in purfuit of the river-fifh, in their paffage to, and return from, the rivers; and, alfo, by the fry, which fall down the rivers late in the feafon; and, as thofe fifh are the natural food of the bank-fiih, they cannot find a fupport from any other fource.—Hence it is important, to the proprietors of the inland country, to fee that the mouths of the rivers, on moft of which are mills, are kept open.— An attention to this may be confidered as one mean, by which the commonwealth of Maffachufetts may promote the inte- reft 27 ( *5 ■) reft, and facilitate the fettlement, of the Diftrid of Maine. Nothing, therefore, is wanting to fecure a full fupply of fifh, for ever hereafter, but an ad to prevent unnatural obftrudions being thrown in their way. " Does not the proximity of the Di/lricJ to the banks of Newfoundland, and the fmaller banks that lie on the coafl, make it a mq/l eligible ft nation for the efablifhment offifheries?" The proximity of the banks of Newfoundland would, doubtlefs, be important in purfuing the fifhery in the Diftrid of Maine; but that is not all-—The weather is fo temperate, that, in profecuting the bufinefs, leSs injury would be expe- rienced from the heat, the moft Satal enemy to the fifh, than is Suffered in, and about, Bofton.—Befides, in many places, the fifh are taken within a line's length of the fhore • and they are of fuch a kind as that many of them will make the beft table- fifh. In the Bay of Paffamaquody there are pretty voyages made in fmall open boats without decks. " From your own obfervation, and from the beft information you have received, what is your opinion of the comparative value of the land (in foil, fituation, and other advantages) which was fold and conveyed by the commonweath of Maffa- chufetts, in January laft, to Mr. B-----—, with the other lands of the DifricJ of Maine?" I think it is not exceeded by any in the Diftrid, fhould you embrace the fame quantity in any one trad, or, in other words, an equal number of adjoining acres. " Is D 28 ( 26 ) " Is the communication, by water, between the town of Bofton and the Difricl of Maine, fo eafy, and convenient, as to facilitate, and occafon, great intercourse with thai town, and± thereby, to accommodate the inhabitants of the Difricl?" Yes, in general—but, to be a little particular on this, there are, at the leaft, in my opinion, one hundred veffels con- ftantly employed in tranfporting wood for fuel, and lumber, of all kinds, for building, in Bofton, and for the Weft India market; befides, a great proportion of the veffels, trading from the Diftrid to Europe, and the Weft Indies, touch, on their return, at Bofton, and feek a market for their cargoes; if they find one, which fuits them, they unlade; if not, they run home and ftore the goods, waiting a more favora- ble opportunity for fale. The tranfportation is fo eafy and cheap, from the Diftrid to Bofton, that the importer of goods cannot confider it much of an evil, if he doth not unlade in Bofton in the firft inftance. " What are the feveral fpecies of game and 'wild fowl in the Difricl?" Herein you have afligned me a tafk but little inferior to the queftion refpeding the fifh. I am not enough of a fportfman to enumerate the feveral fpecies of game, I can tell you, however, that, in the Diftrid, there are a great num- ber of moofe, deer, bears, beaver, racoon, foxes, rabbits, fable, rnufquafh, &c. Among the wild fowl are the goofe, the duck, the wigeon, the dipper, &c. &c. " Will the productions of the middle fates generally fuc- ceed in the Difricl?" I think 29 ( 27 ) I think all will Succeed excepting the cotton, and Some garden-plants.—All the effentials certainly Succeed, Such as the Indian corn, the wheat, rye, barley, oats, flax, apples, &c. " Have there been any difcoveries of lead, copper, or iron ores? None, to my knowledge, but iron. " Have coals been found in the Difricl?" Not any that has fallen under my notice. " Do lime and ft one, for building, abound in the Difricl?" Yes, they abound. " What are the advantages to be derived from the wood that abounds in the neighbourhood of the fea ?—May it be readily convcritd into planks, boards, J cantling, fbingles, andfavcs? The wood, near the Sea, not timber, finds a ready market, in our different Sea-ports, Sor Suel. The large, which we call timber-trees, Such as the pine, Spruce, hemlock, cedar, oaks, birches, maples, &c.—TheSe anfwer, refpedively, Sor fhin- gles, beards, planks, flaves, tun-timber, &c. " May the wood, which is more remote from navigation, be prof tably converted into pot and pearl a/hes?" From the hard wood the beft of pot and pearl afhes may be made; but it is quite a queftion, among the farmers, how far it may be for their intereft to attend to this manufadure, while clearing their land, whether, on the whole, their inte- reft will be promoted by it or not; for, if all the wood is left on the ground, it promotes the burning of it—To have what 30 ( 28 ) what they call a good burn is very important—It prepares the ground for the feed,' the afhes ferve as manure, the burn- ing, alfo, deftroys the mofs and the fmall brufh—So that the clearing, thereby, is more complete, and the crop greatly promoted. If pot afhes are to be made from the wood, it muft, after being cut, fo as that it may be well handled, be hauled together and burnt on a good hearth, free from the air, otherwife the wind will deprive you of a great propor- tion of the afhes; and, from the want of a hearth, the ground will inhale a large proportion of the falts; and, on taking up the afhes, it wTill be impoflible to avoid colleding, with the afhes, a large proportion of foreign matter. To ascertain the advantages of burning the wood on the ground, comparing that with the expence of hauling the wood together, and faving the afhes, muft be the bafis of fuch an enquiry, as will be neceffary to a right decifion of this queftion. " Are there many mill-feats in the Difricl, and are they plentifully fupplied with water?" There are a great number of mill-feats in the Diftrid well fupplied with water.—I do not remember that I ever heard it fuggefted, that, in this refped, the country was deficient.—. The parts, which I have vifited, I know are not. " What will be the expence of a faw-mill, a?id how much lumber will it faw annually?" The expence of a mill depends, greatly, on the length of the dam, the nature of the ground, on which it is to be built, and the weight of water to be counteracted.—I think, however, from the expence our mills cott us, that from four to 31 ( 29 ) to five hundred pounds may be a pretty good eftimate.—-A good mill, fully fupplied with water all the fummer, and fully attended, night and day, will cut five hundred thoufand of boards annually. " Do rock and fea-weed abound on the coaft? Rock-weed is to be found, on moft all the fhores of the Maine, in very great plenty. What we call fea-weed is a very different vegetable,—This plant grows in harbours, in which are flat grounds, nearly uncovered at low water, is from three to four feet long, waihed on fhore by heavy ftorms—The Diftrid of Maine does not abound with thefe kind of lands.—The harbours are generally deep, and free from thefe flat grounds feen in Bofton harbour. " What is the average price of uncultivated lands, in the fettled town/hips, in the Diftricl?" I cannot anfwer this queftion.—There are fo many circum- stances, which give real value to fome fpots over others, befides the difference of the foil, that I am left, in this matter, with- out that information neceffary to a fatisfadory anfwer. " Can the land be cleared for giving the frft crop to the p erf on who clears it?" There are inftances, where the firft crop may refund the expence of clearing—This, however, is not common. " Is ginfeng found in the Difricl?" Yes, ginfeng is found in the Diftrid. " Which of the exotic fruits would fucceed in the Diftricl?" The apple, the pear, and the cherry. " What 32 ( 3° ) • " What articles can the Difricl of Maine fur nifh for th& the confumption of the Weft India iflands, and for the European market?" They can fupply lumber, fifh of all kinds, falted beef, and, for the European market, marchantable fifh, fquare tim- ber, deal boards, and different kinds of lumber—pot and pearl afhes—In fhort, all thofe articles which are now fhipped from Bofton. " When is the feed time and the harvef?" I think September the beft time for Sowing the wheat and rye, and as Soon as the ground opens in the Spring, the Spring grain fhould be put in—July and Auguft may be con- sidered as the months for harvefting. " When does the winter ft in?" About Chriftinas the fnow generally covers the ground, and it remains, fo covered, until towards April. The inhabitants, interested in mills, generally commence fawing about the firft of April. The duration of winter is from the twentieth of Decem- ber until the twentieth of March—generally about three months.—In thefe three months, from the regularity of the feafon, and from its being the mofl convenient time for doing many kinds of bufinefs, more is done, than in any three months in the year, efpecially among the lumber-men. " Are the harbours, in the Diftricl, fife and acceffible?" The harbours are very acceffible, as the waters, around the fhores, are generally deep, and the land generally high about. 33 ( 3i ) about them, and good anchorage ground within.-—I never met, in the Diftrict, a barred harbour, which depended on the tide Sor entrance, and they are, from the diffimilarity of the ground, eafily difcovered.—Their entrances are ftrongly marked by nature, and can hardly be miftaken by the attentive mariner. " From the quantity of bark to be obtained in the Difricl, do you fuppofe that the tanneries would fourifh?" Of the fuccefs of this bufineSs there cannot be a doubt. " Might not bark become a valuable export from the Dif- tricl?" Bark might become a valuable article of exportation with- out injury to the tanneries, which might be eftablifhed in the Diftrid—for, in opening the country, there is more timber cut down in one year, the bark of which is ufeful in tanning, than the tanneries would ufe in feven—Great quan- tities are ufed in Bofton every feafon—fome of it has been lent on to Philadelphia, and there found a good market. It would make a valuable article of export to Europe, if we could tranfport it, preffed into calks, after grinding it between Stones, fitted on purpofe, as our grain is ground— This Saves a vaft deal of room in the fhip, and is, befides, ready for ufe on its arrival. " IVhat are the average prices ef lumber, viz. mafs, planks, boards, feantling, faves, and fhingles ?'' I do not know the prices of mails.—Boards, at the mills, the laft year, have been about fix dollars—Sar eaft, more. They will, always, bring more, when they can be rafted, from 34 ( 32 ) from the mills, into the Britifh lines.—Planks are, generally.; double price to boards.—Shingles, eighteen inches hy four, nine Shillings.—The price of lumber, in the weftern part of the Diftrid of Maine, is, generally, three fourths of Bofton price. " Is the fea navigation free through the 'winter?" In many places it is perfedly fo.—This we may afcribe to Several cauSes:—from the rapidity of the tide, the ice is prevented from making:—from the great degree the tide flows, fome places thirty feet:—from the great acceflion, hereby, of fea water, once in twelve hours; by which, the waters, in the bays and rivers, are preferved from chilling. In the bay of Paffamaquody, as far north as any of our Ships will lade, it is not uncommon for them to raft boards, from the fhores, into the channel, and there load all winter. " Is the lumber bufinefs profitable to thofe pcrfons, who now carry it on? Very much fo. " Did the officers of the Maffachufetts line, of the late army, propofe to pur chafe thefe lands from the commonwealth?^ They did. " Do the lands abound in pines ft for mqfts?" They do. " What are the fzes of the pines, and may they be brought to the fDipping ports with convenience?" They are of all Sizes, generally large. They may be brought to the Shipping-ports with convenience. " From 35 ( 33 ) From the facility with which materials may be obtained, will the accommodation of emigrants, to that country, in fjoint of dwelling, be cheap and convenient. Their accommodation, in point of dwelling, will be very cheap and convenient. AMONG the queftions, which you have Slated to me, there is one, which you feem to confider as of the firft im- portance to have fatisfadorily anfwered, viz. " Why any part of the Diftricl of Maine, if really a coun- try fo valuable in iiflf, as has been reprefented, fjould remain uifettled?'' As feveral circumftances, all of them fufceptible of the cleareft explanation, have combined to produce the delay of fettlement, I muft afk your indulgence in being more parti- cular on this queftion, than on any which I have taken up. It wrill be conciufively fatisfadory, to Shew why the Di- ftrid of Maine, however inviting, was not Settled antecedent to the redudion of Canada, and the peace of one thoufand Seven hundred and Sixty-three, to ftate, that the hoflile diS- pofition of the Indians, which it was the policy of the French and the Canadians to infpire, and Stimulate, rendered all attempts at Settlement, in certain parts oS the Diftrid, during a period of one hundred and thirty years, impradicahle. On the ceffion of Canada, in one thoufand feven hundred and fixty-three, this obstacle to fettlement was removed; and the banks of the Kennebeck river, which, from the commencement of the war, in one thoufand feven hundred and fifty-four, to the peace, had been covered with forts and garrifons, now prefent a peaceful and well fettled country. E The 36 ( 34 ) The following reafons will explain, why the fettlement of the Diftrid has not been more rapid, than it was within the laft thirty years. Great Britain, always jealous of Maffachufetts, omitted no opportunity of ftraitening her limits, and checking her importance.—This difpofition was manifested on every occa- fion, and we never obtained a fettlement of boundary, without the moft evident partiality operating againft us. The lands, lying eaft of Penobfcot river, were fo circum- stanced, that they could not be granted, by the province, without the approbation of the king; and, although the lands were, at different times, granted by the province, yet, every attempt, to obtain the royal approbation of thefe grants, (excepting in a fingle inftance, in behalf of the favorite royal governor Barnard, in the year one thoufand Seven hundred and Sixty-two) was without SucceSs; as, on a reference to the public documents, will fully appear. This, effedually, prevented the fettlement of the lands eaft of Penobfcot river. An early grant, of thirty miles fquare, to the weft of that river, fell into the hands of a few people of property, by whom, when the late war commenced, arrangements were making for fettlement, which were entirely interrupted by the war. Next to this was an extenfive grant to a body of men, called the Plymouth company, of fifteen miles, on each fide of the Kennebeck river, and extending a confiderable diftance along the fame—This trad was, alfo, in the hands of a few wealthy 37 < 3S ) wealthy proprietors, who referved it, in an uncultivated ftate, knowing that it would yield a great intereft, when difpoSed of for fettlement, which is now taking place. An additional reafon may be given, for the reludance of the Britifh government, to content to grants of land in the Diftrid—Some of the lands abound in pines of the fineft growth—The refervation of thefe lands preferved this valua- ble timber in the difpofal of the crown, and for the ufe of the royal navy. Thefe are among the moft operative caufes, which have hitherto retarded the fettlement of this fine country.—They are now happily removed, and the beft founded expedations are entertained of the progreffive profperity of the Diftrid. From the peace of one thoufand feven hundred and fixty- three, until the year one thoufand feven hundred and feventy- four, when the conteft with Great Britain commenced, fuch parts of the Diftrid, as could be occupied, were faft fettling, and many people emigrated to that country—The war arretted the progrefs of fettlement, and checked emigration until the peace of one thoufand feven hundred and eighty- three. Since which time, the population of the Diftrid has been more than doubled, and now amounts to upwards of one hundred and fix thoufand. Another reafon, why the Diftrid of Maine was not fooner fettled, may be drawn from the mode of fettling, which has generally prevailed throughout America, namely, to occupy, in the firft inftance, the lands neareft to the capitals—of courfe 38 ( 36 ) courfe the lands, neareft to the town of Bofton, which were not fully fettled till Since the late war with France, obtained a preference, in fettlement, over thofe of the Diftrid, which were more remote from the capital. HAVING noticed your feveral queftions, and given fuch anfwers, as occurred at the moment, (I wifh I had more time) I will add one idea of my own, which relates to the making of iron, in the various branches of it—It is profe- cuted inland in this commonwealth, to advantage, where the coals are double the price they would coft in the Diftrid, and where the transportation is a heavy drawback on the profits.—A word to the wife is enough. I HAVE now cloSed my anfwers to your Several queftions —They are neceffarily fhort, as I have confined mySelS, therein, very much to a ftate of fads, as I fuggefted to you, in the firft inftance, I Should.—Had I Suffered myfelf to have gone into probable conjedure, they might have been more fatisfadory to you—but, in that cafe, I could not have been accountable, in equal degree, for the authenticity of thtfj obfervations. I have the honor of being, Dear Sir, With great efteem, Your obedient fervant, B. LINCOLN. WILLIAM BINGHAM, Efquire. 39 ( 37 ) Queries proposed to Members of the Legislature of Mas- sachusetts, WITH THEIR ANSWERS ANNEXED THERETO. " WHAT was the population of the Difricl of Maine in the year Gne thoufand, feven hundred and ninety-one, when the Cenfus was taken?" When the Cenfus was taken, in one thoufand, feven hun- dred and ninety-one, there were ninety-fix thoufand, five hundred and forty. " What has been the increafe of population, by the moft rea- fon able efimate, fnce that time?" By the report of a committee of both houfes of the Le- giflature of Maffachufetts, now in feflion, there are now, in Maine, upwards of one hundred and fix thoufand. " What caufes, in your opinion, will be moft likely to accele- rate the population of the Difricl?" A feparate government, the eftablifhrnent of fchools, opening of roads, and a grant of a lot of land to each Settler, " What advantages are derived to the Difricl of Maine, from the independence of the United States, and from the fyfem of legiflation in Maffachufetts, that will tend to promote the rapid fettlement of this country?" The diftrid participates of the ineftimable advantages, which refult, to every part of the Union, from this im- portant and interesting event. " Are not the advantages of fttuation, and the fertility of foil, in this country, great fimulants to the indufry of its inhabitants?" 40 ( 38 ) Yes, equal to any of the eaftern ftates. " Is the country healthy—and are the people remarked for longevity?" The air and climate are remarkably Salubrious. " Is it not probable, from the progreffton of population, and cheapnefs of living, that manufactures will four ifh, and rapidly increafe, in the Difricl?" No: the advantages refulting from clearing the lands, and cultivating the foil, will, for many years to come, preclude the increafe of manufadures in general. " Does not the vicinity of the fea countervail the fmall difference in latitudinal poftion, and render the climate of Maine more temperate than that of the Genefee country? This is not yet fully afcertained. " D es not the clearing of the landfenfbly off eel the climate, and render it more mild?" Moft certainly, this is the confequence. " Does not the arable ground, of this country, yield very well, when fown in Englifh grain, as wheat, barley, cats, &c." The improvements of agriculture, within the laft ten years, fully evince that the country is friendly to the pro- dudion of wheat, barley, oats, rye, &c.—Barley never fails. u Do the meadow1, and upland pafure, yield well of the grafs, natural to the foil, and of the Englifh graffes, when fown?" No country affords better forage or finer paftures. 41 ( 39 ) 18 Are the lands, in the Difricl, well adapted to the raiftng of oxen, fheep, mules and horfes?" The anfwer to the aforegoing article, evinces that this muft be anfwered in the affirmative. " Are thefeeces of the fheep large, and the quality of the wool good?" Equal to any in the United States. " Does the abundance of grafs, and hay, promife to render it a great provifion country, in meats, butter, and cheefe?" The grafs and hay, being of a good nutritive quality, and in great abundance, promife a large fupply of thefe articles.—It is allowed to be the beft grazing country in the Union. " Doef not the proximity of the Diftricl to the banks of Newfoundland, and the fmaller banks that lie on the coaft'■ make it a mofl eligible ft nation for the efabliffment offfheries?^ Moft certainly, this is the truth. " Do the banks and the rivers, within the Diftricl, fo abound inffj, as to enfure a certain and ample fupply at allfeafons?" The whole country abounds in codfifh, and moft of the rivers produce falmon and Sturgeon plentifully; befides which, baSs, Smelts, and other fifh, are caught in the rivers during the winter. " What are the different kinds offfh, taken on the coaft and in the rivers?" Partly anSwered in the preceding article; befides which, there are caught, on the coaft, haddock, polluck, hake, mackarel 42 ( 40 ) mackarel, herring, &c. in great abundance:—herring, fhad and alewives are caught, in the rivers, in the Spring and Summer. " What are the feveral fpecies of game and wild fowl in the Difricl?" MooSe, bear, otter, beaver, Sable, minx, martin, Soxes, mufkrats, rabbits, &c. geefe, brandts, ducks, teal, and a great variety of wild-fowl, befides the largeft and fineft partridges, and wild pigeons. " Is the foil well adapted to hemp and fax?" Peculiarly fo. " Will the productions of the middle fates generally fuc- ceed in the Difricl?" In general they will. " Flave there been any difcoveries of lead, copper, or iron ores? Large quantities of iron ore have been difcovered in the Diftrid. " Do lime and flone, abound in the Difricl?" Yes, in great plenty, in Some parts of the Diftrid. " Has coal been found in the Difricl, and at what difance from navigable water?' No Search hath yet been made Sor this article. " What are the advantages to be derived from the wood that abounds in the neighbourhood of the fea?—May it be readily converted into planks, boards, fcantling,f bingles, andfaves?" Yes. 43 ( 4' ) u May the wocd, which is more remote from navigation, be profitably converted into pot and pearl affes?" Great advantages may be obtained by converting the wood, remote from navigation, into thefe articles. " Will the cord-wood, 'which is not confumed in the manu- factures of the Difricl, find a good market at Bofon, and in the other fca-port towns of Maffachufetts?" Yes, a great number of Sloops, and other veffels, are continually employed in this carrying bufinefs. " Do rock and fea-weed abound on the coaft?" Yes. " What proportion of lumber is allowed to the proprietor of the land, from which the timber is cut, and delivered to him free of expence, at the faw-mill?" One eighth part. " Are there many mill-feats in the Difricl, and are they plentifully fupplied with water?" Yes, as many, and as good, perhaps, as in any part of the world. " What will be the expence of a faw-mill, and how much lumber will it faw annually?" From fix hundred to one thoufand dollars, including the dam. " At what rates were good lands, fituated on the navi- gable waters of the Diftricl, fold, previous to the late war?" The price was different, in different places. F " What 44 ( 42 ) " What is the average price of uncultivated lands, in the fettled townffips, in the Difricl?" From one dollar to five dollars per acre. " Can the land be cleared for giving the frf crop, as a competifation, to the perfon who clears it?" No. " What articles can the Difricl of Maine furnifh for the confanption of the Wcfi India ifiands,. and for the European market?" Malls, Spars, boards, plank, Shingles, Slaves, oak and pine timber, and lumber of a]l forts; pot and pearl afhes; oak and hemlock bark for tanneries; and fifh, fuch as cod. Sturgeon, falmon, fhad, herring, &c. " Which of the exotic fruits would fuccecd in the Difricl?" Apples, pears, plumbs, currants, &c. fucceed well. " Is ginfeng found in the Difricl?" Yes, in large quantities, and of excellent quality. " Are the harbours, in the Difricl, fafe and acceffible?" Yes, there are a great number of capacious, fafe, and acceffible harbours in this Diftrid, which exceed any on the continent. " From the quantity of bark to be obtained in the Diftricl, do you not fuppffe that tanneries would four ifh?" There are, already, many tanneries eftahlifhed, and they are in a flourifhing condition. " Might 45 ( 43 ) 1 Might not bark become a valuable export from the Dif- tricl?" It may. " When is the feed time and the harvcfi?" Seed is in May; harveft, for European grain, the laft of July; for maize, Odober. " When does the winter ft in, and •what is its ufual duration?" From the firft of December to the firft of April. " Is the fea navigation free throughout the winter?" Yes. " What are the average prices of lumber, viz. mafs, planks, boards, fan t ling, fiaves, and fjingles ?'' The prices are in proportion to the demand. " May fhip-building be expecled to form an article of important confderation in that country? Ship-building is, already, an article of imporant confider- ation, in this Diftrid, and will, undoubtedly, increaSe, as the materials are to he Sound, here, in great abundance. DANIEL CONY, ~) A committee of Senators and T GARDINER Reprefentatives from the Diftrid ^* ' |. of Maine, thirteenth of March, FRANCIS WINTER, onc thoufand feven hundred and DAVID SiLVESTER,J ninety-three. Portland— 46 ( 44 ) Portland—Diftrid; of Maine. A Meteorological Diary, for the year 1792, abbreviated. The Obfervations were at eight A. M. and at one, and nine P. M.—The Thermometer, in a part, on the north weft, of a houfe, in a room not heated by fire, and open to the air. bl January. February; March. April. May. June. 10 20 30 24-34-34-20. 23. 23. 27.32.31. 13.16. 20. 24.27. 29. 30.32.44. 32- 37-39-25. 30. 29. 41.45.46. 35-45-45-42. 45. 52. 45- 54- 49- 51.59.56. 53-57-58. 60. 65. 61. 58. 72.66. 54-62.56. 60. 68. 66. Juh- Auguft. September. Oclober. November. December. 10 20 3° 62. 73. 66. 62. 66. 61. 66. 72*66. ,68.79.68. 60. 68. 65. 60.64. 6^. 54. 64. 62. 63. 64. 71. 46. 62. 6^. 42.44.43. 32.40.38. 38.38.34- 41.43.44. 19. 22. 2$. 28.32.34. 15-20.23. 21. 22. 22. 18. 24. 26. Coldeft day in the year, January twenty-third, 4. 0. 1