No. 112.] 873 



twice that sum in the purchase of cotton cloth at fifty cents the 

 yard. 



The construction of the Champlain canal formed a new era in 

 the affairs of this region. The fetters of position and seclusion 

 wliich had bound its energies, were broken, and its native capaci- 

 ty receiv^ed a vigorous and enduring impulse. The exactions and 

 abuses of trade were controled. 



This new avenue of commerce at once enhanced to the producer 

 the value of those materials which were exported, and at the 

 same time reduced the prices of the articles of consumption 

 which were imported. The canal, if it did not in its influences 

 reveal the magnificent iron resources of the north, infused into 

 their development animation and activity. The immense pro- 

 gress and expansion of this m.anufacturing interest, have cherished 

 and advanced all the departments of agriculture. The progress 

 of the one has essentially preserved an even pace with the pros- 

 perity of the other. The farmer of Essex has enjoyed a high pri- 

 vilege known to few agricultural districts. He possesses at his 

 own tlircshold, a market for almost every product of his farm. 

 The prices of nearly all agricultural commodities in Essex county 

 are graduated upon the scale of New- York prices and often literal- 

 ly exceed them. The extensive manufacturing establisiiments 

 spread along the valley of the Au Sable, create an immense de- 

 mand for every product of the soil. 



The Adirondac works, Avheu in operation, afford a ready and 

 certain market for all the commodities of the secluded inte- 

 rior towns, and were easily approached by winter roads. Local 

 institutions, diffused in all sections of the county, supi>ly a do- 

 mestic market to every agricultural district. We have contem- 

 plated the beneficial influences upon the agricultural improve- 

 ment uf the county, which resulted fnmi the temporary declen- 

 sion of the iron interest; but it must, in turn, have langui-hcd, 

 if the stimulating influence of the latter, h id been permanently 

 extinguished. The resuscitated manufactories will find their in- 

 creased demands, now met by greatly augmented capabilities; 

 while the agri'Milture of the county will derive fresh impulses, 

 from the renewed prosperity of the manufacturing interest. All 



