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On reclaiming, improving, and cultivating Salt Marshes- 



Belmont, March 25, 1818. 

 Sir, 

 I have been gratified for all the pains I have taken to 

 procure the very valuable and instructive communica- 

 tions relative to the improvement of salt marsh, from ge- 

 neral Swartwout and his brothers ; through the instru- 

 mentality of Dr. Hosack. John R. Coates, Esq. has 

 completed the subject; also from actual experience. 

 Both these communications, on a new, and hitherto un- 

 explored topic, will be highly prized by all who are en- 

 gaged in such enterprizes ; because they warn against 

 imprudent undertakings ; and instruct those who contem- 

 plate practicable and profitable improvements. To those 

 not interested in such property, the details may appear 

 unimportant ; but they are, in my humble opinion, inva- 

 luable to adventurers in similar pursuits. On a careful 

 perusal of them, I cannot satisfy myself with any abridg- 

 ment I have attempted to make. Having been commu- 

 nicated to the society, as they came from the hands of 

 my very obliging correspondents, I think it best to suf- 

 fer them to remain entire. Not only the operations re- 

 quired in the preparation of the soil, but some sound 

 agricultural principles, and economical arrangements are 

 developed by Mr. Coates ; and the clear and strong light 

 thrown on the subject by Messrs. Swartwout s, entitle 

 them to our grateful approbation. Yours very truly. 



Richard Peters. 

 Roberts Vaux, Esq. 



