98 Topographical Geology, 



ses, be quite as effectual a remedy for ennui and other fashionable 

 complaints, as a resort to Ballston and Saratoga. 



In crossing the sands of the Cape, I noticed a singular mirage or 

 deception, which was also observed by my traveling companions. In 

 Orleans for instance, where the ocean is within a short distance on 

 either hand, we seemed to be ascending at an angle of three or four 

 degrees ; nor was I convinced that such was not the case, until turn- 

 ing about I perceived that a similar ascent 'appeared in the road just 

 passed over. I shall not attempt to explain this optical deception : 

 but merely remark, that it is probably of the same kind, as that ob- 

 served by Humboldt, on the Pampas of Venezuela ; " All around 

 us," says he, " the plains seemed to ascend towards the sky." 



In crossing the island of Nantucket, in company with Dr. Swift of 

 that place, I noticed the same phenomenon, though there less strik- 

 ing. Afterwards, I saw it for miles on the plain in the southeastern 

 part of Martha's Vineyard. In the latter case, the plain was covered 

 with low shrub caks. 



Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 



If the traveler wishes to enjoy more of the peculiar scenery of 

 Cape Cod, with some interesting variations, let him pass over to 

 Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The former island he will find 

 to be an extended plain, 15 miles in its longest direction, and but 

 slightly elevated above the ocean ; containing not one tree, nor a shrub 

 of much size, except in the immediate vicinity of the village. Scarce- 

 ly a dwelling will meet his eye, except a few uninhabited huts, scat- 

 tered along the desolate shore, as a refuge to the shipwrecked sailor, 

 Yet from 12000 to 14000 sheep, and 500 cows find nourishment on 

 this island ; and in not a few places, especially in the immediate vi- 

 cinity of the town, may be seen tracts of land of superior fertility. 

 It will strike the traveler at once, as an interesting monument of 

 industry, that nearly every part of the dwellings, stores, &c., for the 

 accomodation of more than 7000 inhabitants, must have been trans- 

 ported from the continent. And on acquaintance, he will find that they 

 still retain the characteristics of industry and hospitality, for which 

 they have long been known; and that the usual concomitants, of these 

 virtues, general intelligence and strong local attachments, are not 

 wanting. 



