No. 112.] 749 



the woodman's axe, in most parts of the country, he collected the 

 bodies of the trees into log heaps, reduced them to ashes, and 

 with the simple chemistry of the woods, and in the rude labora- 

 tory that necessity had invented, manufactured them into pot- 

 ashes. This commodity commanded a prompt and high price in 

 the Canadian markets, and was received by the local merchant 

 in exchange for merchandise and provisions required by the set- 

 tler. 



The beauty and magnificence of the forests upon the islands 

 and shores of Lake Champlain, excited the admiration of its dis- 

 coverer. His description of the scenery in this particular, evinces 

 the singular accuracy which characterises his entire v/ork. He 

 speaks of '• the quantity of vines^ handsomer than any I ever 

 saw." The wild grape is still fuund upon these islands, and upon 

 the mainland, in tlie greatest profusion, and in numerous varie- 

 ties of color and Havor. They spread their tendrils far and wide, 

 often overtopping the loftiest trees in their luxuriance and beauty, 

 and forming barriers in their tangled branches, impervious to 

 manor beast. In the month of July, when Champlain first visi- 

 ted the lake, he could only see and admire tlie splendor of the 

 vegetable growth, without being able to judge of the quality of 

 the fruit. Amid the numerous varieties of the graj e, indigenous 

 to this district, investigation would, doubtless, detect species, from 

 which skilful culture might produce fruit, equal in every desira- 

 ble quality to the Isabella or Catawba. The wild jdum and the 

 thorn api^lc, grow in great profusion. Thty prove well adapted 

 as stocks for engrafiing. I saw, at Crown Point, the engrafted 

 pear, ilourisliing in great vigor upon the latter. 



The shag bark hickory, the hazle, the butternut and the chest 

 nut, now rarely found, but formerly very common, are indigenous 

 t) the county. The various species of the maple, bircli, beech, 

 elms and oaks, are all native of these woodlands, and often attain 

 in the primitive forest, a magnificent growth. The wliite cedar 

 of great beauty and size, abound in the swamps, and often a]>pear 

 in large numbers on the uplands. I noticed them, far up on the 

 acclivities of tlie Adiroiidacs, of immense proportions, but ob- 

 served, and was assured that the lact was uniform, tliat, although 

 beautiful in thiir exterior appearance, they were defective and 



