ESSAY ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS. 119 



of the farmer's family and of theneighborhood, is not of minor im- 

 portance. The draining and otherwise improving of wet lands, adds 

 much to the salubrity of the surrounding air, and thus renders a 

 I summer's residence in towns in the vicinity of populous cities more 

 ' agreeable for men of business, and of leisure, who would purchase 

 estates, thereby enhancing the value of lands in such towns. I 

 1 know of instances of evident improvement in the health of families, 

 I residing near lands that have been reclaimed. The fact, too, that 

 the raising of more grain, more vegetables, more hay, &c., enhances 

 the capital of the whole State or County, and that more people are 

 fed, and made comfortable, by means of such improvements, is also 

 a matter worthy of consideration. 



