70 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



The above accounts are designed to exhibit 

 a just view of our climate. But instead of re- 

 maining fixed and settled, the climate is per- 

 petually changing and altering, in all its cir- 

 cumstances and affections : And this change 

 instead of being so slow and gradual, as to be a 

 ■matter of doubt, is so rapid and constant, that 

 it is the subject of common observation and ex- 

 perience. It has been observed in • every part 

 of the United States ; but is most of all sensi- 

 ble and apparent in a new country, which is 

 suddenly changing from a iytate of vast unculti- 

 vated wilderness, to that of numerous settle- 

 ments, and extensive improvements. When 

 the settlers move into a new to\\"nship, their first 

 business is to cut down the trees, cleai' up the 

 lands, and sow them with grain. The earth is 

 no sooner laid open to the influence of the sun 

 and winds, than the effects of cultivation begin 

 to appear. The surface of the earth becomes 

 more warm and dry. As the settlements in- 

 crease, these effects become more general and 

 extensive : the cold decreases, the earth and air 

 become more warm ; and the whole tempera- 

 ture of the climate, becomes more equal, uni- 

 form and moderate. At the same time the 

 lands and roads become more dry and hard : - 

 the stagnant waters disappear, small streams and 

 rivulets dry up, and the redundant waters are 

 carried off. The number and quantity of the 

 snows decrease ; the winds receive new direc- 

 tions, and the weather and seasons become much 

 altered. These changes every where attend the 

 cultivatiou of the country ; and have formed a 

 remarkable change of climate in those states, 

 which have been long settled. 



