264 The Natural Histoid 



of the Oystershells. Of this kind of Stone there are several 

 Quarries and Rocks to be met with towards the Heads of the 

 Rivers; notwithstanding there is plenty of Free-Stone near 

 the Mountains, and most kinds of Greet proper to make 

 Millstones, yet the former being so easily acquired, are only 

 made use of at present, except some few brought from Eng- 

 laiid, for their Water-Mills. The Proprietors of these Mills 

 take most commonly every other Barrel as Toll, for grinding ; 

 but the Laws of the Country allow only every sixth. 



There are abundance of excellent good Springs to be met 

 with in several parts of this Province, abounding with as 

 sweet and fresh Waters as any in Europe, and especially 

 near the Mountains, in which there can be none better. The 

 Lands near these parts being for the most part very rich, 

 with an extraordinary black Mold, some of a Copper colour, 

 and both very good. Here are likewise great quantities of 

 Iron Mine, several sorts of Stone, divers kinds of Spaws, 

 and chaliheat Springs, the Water whereof being drank, make 

 the Excrements as black as Ink by its chaliheat Quality. 



It is very remarkable, at certain seasons of the Year, but 

 especially in Winter, as Persons travel up near the Moun- 

 tains, they hear at E'ight the most hideous and strange Noise, 

 that ever pierced mortals Ear, which at first was very fright- 

 ful to us, 'till such time as we were informed by our Indian 

 Guides, that this !N^oise is customary in those parts there 

 being innumerable numbers of Panthers, Tygers, Wolves, 

 and other Beasts of Prey, going in whole droves to hunt the 

 Deer, making this frightful N'oise all the Night, until Day 

 appears, or that a Shot or two is fired, then all will be still 

 and quiet. There are several large Swamps to be met with 

 here, which are the Habitation of those wild Beasts, where 



they 



