78 Remarks on Mr, Johnsonh Paper, 



also have seen as much as 200 acres in a body, and that 

 not of the most solid nature, clothed with a fine crop of 

 rye ; the straw was strong and the heads large and well 

 filled. 



I am ready to attest the correctness of Mr. Johnson^s 

 view as a general one, and indeed that it is more appli- 

 cable to meadows than to upland. I would even admit 

 that in any situation of high or low, interior, or sea shore, 

 where there is a sufficiency of grain for the support of 

 the inhabitants, and no extraordinary foreign demand that 

 would raise the price of it, the system of laying grounds 

 into grass is preferable. 



Your valuable correspondent is " satisfied that the up- 

 land was by nature intended for the production of both 

 grass and grain, but that the marshes were designed for 

 the grasses only.'' The observation may be correct with 

 regard to most situations, but too extensive in its bearing ; 

 for there are districts of upland too sterile for grain or 

 grass, and yet there appears no reason from that circum- 

 stance, to imagine that providence intended marsh alone 

 for the production of them. It is to the unqualified opi- 

 nion of Mr. JoTinson that I object, while I take the occa- 

 sion to express the satisfaction you have afforded me by 

 lending; his letter, and in the opportunity of improvement 

 from reading the remarks of so intelligent and experi- 

 enced a gentleman. 



Very respectfully, your friend, &c. 



John R. Coates. 



Hon, Judge Peters, 



[See the valuable communications of Mr. Coates and Mr. 

 SwaHwout, in our 4th volume. I very much approve of Mr« 

 Coates's genera! obser\a»i<.ns, in the foregoing letter. I do 

 not profess to be acquainted with salt or brackish marshes; 

 and uhilst 1 express mv high estinration ot Mr. Johnson's 

 communication, 1 must say, that some marshes are exceptions 



