NOKTH-CAKOLINA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 3l 



the growth is healthy and vigorous; a few very large, long bodied poplars; 

 some maples, corresponding in appearance, as regards size, &c., with the 

 gums above described ; cypress trees, averaging from 8 to 10 in number 

 per acre, from two and a half to four and a half feet diameter at the stump ; 

 one hundred feet to the limbs, straight bodies, small bulky tops, limbs not 

 drooping but erect. I have none of this land in cultivation, but have just 

 commenced to reclaim it. My opinion is it will be found equal in produc- 

 tion to the lands on the south-side of Matamuskeet lake. 



On a farm laying on said lake that I once owned I have made one hun- 

 dred and fifteen bushels of indian corn per acre, and thirty bushels of wheat 

 per acre. I think this last described land, No. 4, with perfect drainage 

 and judicious cultivation, will produce as much as the Matamuskeet lake 

 land spoken of ; appearances, however, may be deceptive. 



I have been, for a period of forty years, engaged in reclaiming and cul- 

 tivating swamp lands, such as I have described, and have found it a profit- 

 able business. I am located near the margin of the swamp, (of which my 

 plantation is a part;) it contains about 30,000 acres, and is south of my re- 

 sidence. The health of my family, white and black, will compare favorably 

 with the healthiest locations in eastern North-Carolina. 



We have, as you are aware, large bodies of rich swamp lands in this 

 portion of the State. Within a few years wealth and population has 

 flowed, and is still flowing in upon them, which promises the happiest re- 

 sults to the good Old North State. Rich swamp land, like almost every 

 thing else, will show after a while the effects of bad treatment, but fortun- 

 ately for us, if we impoverish our land by severe and injudicious cultiva- 

 tion, we have in close contiguity inexhaustible supplies of shell marie, 

 which has proved itself a panacea to worn down swamp land. Guano and 

 the other manures in common use produce as fine, perhaps a better effect, 

 on swamp land than any other description of land of which I have any 

 knowledge. I fear, sir, I have taxed you too severly ; the interest I feel as 

 a citizen of the eastern part of the State I mention as my justification. 

 Should you wish more specific information than I have given, it will afford 

 me pleasure to furnish it. 



Such is my great aversion to writing, I have been compelled to enlist 

 the aid of my daughter, Mrs. B., who is now with me. You will perceive 

 that a lady has been my amanuensis. 



Most respectfully, 



WILL. A. BLOUNT, SEN'K. 



From the foregoing communication the reader will be pre- 

 pared to form a correct opinion of the character of the swamp 

 lands referred to, especially when taken in connexion with 

 their composition as determined by analysis. 



No. 1. On being exposed for a few weeks to the air be- 



