CHATHAM COUNTY. 155 



or Wilmington, Vernon river, Pipemaker's and Hainer's 

 creeks, &c. 



Population, Taxes, Representation. — In 1840 the popu- 

 lation was 18,801 ; in 1845, 20,046. Amount of tax returned 

 for 1848, $24,715 14 cents. Sends a senator and two repre- 

 sentatives to the Legislature. 



Islands. — Tybee island, at the mouth of Savannah river, 

 five miles long, three broad, upon which there are two light- 

 houses. Wilmington island, eight miles southeast of Savan- 

 nah, six miles long, four broad. Whitemarsh island, two miles 

 long and two miles broad. Isle of Hope, Skidaway, Liberty 

 island, Green, Oakland, Great and Little Warsaw, Elba, Bear, 

 Burnsides, Little Tybee, &c. The soil generally on the sea 

 islands is sandy, and produces cotton, corn, sweet potatoes in 

 great perfection, and oranges, figs, melons, &;c. The trees 

 are, the oak, pine, gum, magnolia, cedar, wild cherry, wahoo, 

 &:c. The islanders are noted for their hospitality. Oysters, 

 fish of every description, and wild ducks abound. The islands 

 are generally healthy, and afford pleasant retreats for the citi- 

 zens of Savannah during the summer months. 



Roads and Bridges. — The roads are unsurpassed by any 

 in Georgia, and the bridges are kept in fine order. 



Face of the Country, Nature of the Soil. — The face 

 of the country is flat, interspersed with many swamps. The 

 county has a large portion of fertile land. On the Savannah 

 river the rice lands have long been celebrated for their fertility. 

 The lands on the Ogeechee are very rich, and are mostly culti- 

 vated in rice. The inland swamp lands are productive, as 

 well as the oak and hickory lands. The pine lands are poor, 

 but will yield very well if manure is applied. In addition to 

 rice and cotton, the soil produces corn, peas, besides almost 

 every variety of fruits and vegetables. 



Towns. — Savannah is the seat of justice, and the largest 

 city in Georgia. It is situated on the southeast bank of the 

 Savannah river, on a high bluff 40 feet above low water mark 

 12 miles in a direct line from the ocean, and 18 miles by the 

 course of the river. 



It is in north latitude 32 degrees, 4 minutes, 5G seconds ; 

 west longitude 81 degrees, 8 minutes, 18 seconds, from Green- 



