g2 HISTORY OF OHIO. 



we cannot say which, though wo do know, that it acts very 

 beneficially on all sorts of vegetables, in certain soils, though 

 not on others. It acts most beneficially on vegetation, in a 

 sandy soil, and in a time of drowth. We have reason to be- 

 lieve, that this beautiful variety of gypsum, exists in great 

 abundance, on many of the lake islands, far westwardly, all 

 the way possibly, to lake Superior, or even, on the islands of 

 the Superior — itself. 



The compact limestone of these islands, so easily approach- 

 ed by vessels, will soon become very valuable, and be trans- 

 ported all along the eastern end of lake Erie, where that rock 

 is not foimd. The beautiful red cedar, of these islands, too, 

 will be sought for, and transported, to the lake cities and towns, 

 on the southern shore. 



It is now one hundred and fifty-seven years since the first 

 white man sailed across lake Erie, in the Griffin. Our har- 

 bors, along lake Erie, are already visited by a mercantile ma- 

 rine, of no little value and importance. 



Beginning at the west end of the lake, we have Maumec bay 

 at the entrance of the Maumee into this inland sea. This bay 

 is several miles in width, and deep enough for all the lake 

 vessels. Next to this bay castwardly, is Port Clinton. The 

 next port eastward, is Sandusky bay, which is sheltered from 

 all winds, and is an excellent harbor. There is a light- 

 house here, as in Maumee bay, built and under the control 

 of the United States. Next eastwardly, is the mouth of 

 Huron river, where the United States have done much for 

 its harbor. At the mouth of Black river. Congress have 

 expended money ver}' usefully to make a harbor. Next go- 

 ing eastward, we come to Cleveland harbor, where a great 

 deal of lake shipping resorts. This is the mouth of the Cuy- 

 ahoga river, and the end of the Ohio grand canal. 



So long ago as August 1834, we counted, twenty-eight 

 canal boats, twelve lake schooners, and four large steamers 

 each averaging four hundred and fifty tons, lying in Cleve- 

 land harbor, at one time. The steam vessels had tall masts, 

 and they carried sails. 



