98 CANAL. 



ded — and the beneficial vegetables which he in- 

 troduces, invite the annoyance of this tribe of 

 beings; and the great numbers of some invaria- 

 bly indicate an unhealthy state of the atmosphere, 

 and in some degree contribute to it. 



Respice finem. The diseases which necessarily 

 follow from the clearing of a country will be im- 

 puted to the peculiar malignity of this canal. Is 

 there not in human nature a diabolical spirit 

 which delights 



'' to damn and to destroy ?" 



What pleasure can be derived from the deface- 

 ment of milestones — the prostration of monuments 

 *— the destruction of aqueducts ? — and yet, go 

 where you will, and you will see the ravages of 

 Vandalic fury. I have just been told that a ruf- 

 fian was caught in destroying the banks of the 

 canal. The state prison will be his destiny. 

 But in the eye of moralit}' and patriotism, is not 

 the wretch equally culpable, who endeavors to 

 arrest this great improvement, by poisoning the 

 public mind — by calumniating its patrons — and 

 by circulating false reports about its stability 

 and usefulness. 



