284 On Salt Marsh. 



to raise them, is universally approved; but salt water 

 meadows should not be subjected to it, if it can be avoid- 

 ed, lest the salt water herbage revive : and here again we 

 see the necessity of attending to our cardinal point, that 

 of elevation, before a single spit of mud be thrown. 



The marshes near Savannah have been lately enclos- 

 ed. Those opposite to Charleston, (S. C.) I am told, 

 have the necessary qualities. The western and eastern 

 shores of Delaware bay, and the small rivers that ebb 

 into it, afford extensive and valuable tracts, among many 

 of no value whatever : and between Newark and New 

 York, the best improvement in this country, all things 

 considered, has been effected. This marsh, it is be- 

 lieved, is of the requisite height, and the banks are 

 large and well constructed in every respect. A morass 

 of three thousand acres, which separated and sickened 

 very populous districts, has recently been brought to an 

 healthy and fruitful state. The complete melioration of 

 this tract remains to be seen. It will be proven to be 

 the most valuable one, of the same dimensions, in the 

 United States : its local situation and quality ensure this 

 result. The worthy proprietors of it will be soon com- 

 pensated for their anxiety, labour, and expense, as well 

 as for the discouragements that constantly assailed them, 

 from the good and ill nature of friends and pretended 

 friends, at every step. 



I regret the prolixity of these remarks ; but the sub- 

 ject is so important, if it be touched at all, that less in- 

 formation should not be given ; and indeed many details 

 have been omitted, for the sake of brevity. The object 

 is to excite undertakings that may be profitable and du- 

 rable ; and to discourage others. Those immense tracts 



