140 Gypsum^ found in the State of New York. 



ensuing summer : about 350 tons have been taken 

 from it, and forwarded to the head of the Cayuga 

 Lake. It is very similar to the last mentioned, and 

 has the same outlet to the waters of the Susquehannah, 

 For some time after the discovery of this plaster, 

 the usual want of confidence, in native productions, 

 caused these beds to be neglected, but owing to the 

 spirited exertions of Mr. John Laning, merchant at 

 Owego, and a few others, in the introduction of it into 

 this state, it has already become a trade of considera- 

 ble importance. During the summer of 1811, about 

 1000 tons were taken from the beds, and sent as far as 

 Harrisburg — through the whole of this distance it was 

 much approved of by the most experienced farmers, 

 in the counties of Luzerne, Northumberland, Dau- 

 phin, and Lancaster, and during the year 1812, about 

 3500 tons have been delivered at the head of the Lake, 

 or at Ithaca, chiefly destined for the Pennsylvania mar- 

 ket.^ 



If the communication between the Susquehannah 

 and Delaware v/as once opened, we should be able to 

 supply Philadelphia with both plaster and coal, in 

 abundance. 



This last article alone would be of sufficient conse- 

 quence to your city, and the country through which 

 the canal will pass, to warrant the expenditure of half 

 a mallion of dollars ; — and when the immense quantity 



* During the last year, ( 1 8 1 2,) it is calculated that 6000 tons have 

 been sent into Pennsylvania from the vicinity of Cayuga Lake. 

 See annual address before the society of arts of N, York. — By 

 Th. R. Beck, M. D. p. 35. Albany, 1813. J. M. 



