146 [Senats 



the bill lands, is usually of a better quality tban that raised on allu- 

 vial lands. 



The eastern part of Elmira is billy, but generally productive, and 

 rapidly improving. New Town creek, or as it was called by the In- 

 dians, " Kauga," the river, and smaller streams running through this 

 town, afford an abundance of water power; indeed there is no want 

 of water power in this county, and Yankee enterprize and capital will 

 find here abundant and profitable employment. 



The Chemung canal, running through this town and county from 

 north to south; the navigable feeder, extending from its junction at 

 Horseheads, (now by a misguided taste called Fairport. This place is 

 made memorable by the circumstance of Sullivan's causing his pack 

 horses to be killed here on his return from the pursuit of the Indians, 

 in the expedition above spoken of. This name, connected as it is with 

 the early history of the country, should not have been changed,) through 

 part of Elmira and Big Flats, to the rapidly growling and important 

 village of Corning, in Steuben county, at its western termination, af- 

 fords great facilities for marketing all the products of this luxurious 

 soil; indeed, the immense coal trade, the rapid and healthful growth 

 of the latter town, connected as it is by the Blossburg Rail-Road, 

 with the vast and inexhaustable coal fields of Pennsylvania, would 

 justify the conclusion that Corning will of itself, at no distant day, 

 furnish a market for much of the surplus products of this region of 

 country. 



Big Flats. The name of this town, situate in the southwest cor- 

 ner of the county, is sufficiently' descriptive of that portion lying im- 

 mediately adjoining the river; the alluvial and table lands being ex- 

 tensive and very fertile, and generally under a good state of improve- 

 ment. The hills immediately adjoining the river are high and rug- 

 ged, but nevertheless are chiefly susceptible of cultivation, at least 

 for grazing purposes. As you depart from the river, the country, 

 although broken and hilly, produces fine wheat and grass, is well wa- 

 tered, very healthful, and is rapidly settling; the navigable feeder of 

 the Chemung canal and the Chemung river passing through it, af- 

 ford great facilities for marketing its surplus products. 



Southport. This town lies on the south side of the river, opposite 

 Elmira, and contains probably some of the most choice lands in the 

 State; the alluvial and table lands are from two to five miles in 

 width, highly improved, and chiefly devoted to the growing of grain, 

 which yields a bountiful harvest, particularly corn, oats and potatoes; 

 the back lands partake largely of the qualities above described. 



Veteran is adjoining Elmira on the north, and directly upon the ca- 

 nal; the soil has more clay in its composition, (as have all the north- 

 ern towns;) produces fine wheat and grass, and fruit in greater abun- 

 dance than the river towns; it is rolling, and chiefly under a good 

 and improving state of cultivation. The canal and Catharine creek 

 running through this town, afford an extensive water power, on which 

 there is in operation many lumbering and manufacturing establish- 

 ments; and the flourishing village of Millport has sprung up since 

 the completion of the canal, where a few years since it w^as a dreary 



