36 



number, size, and extent of the rivers, which flow 

 into the Delaware river, from the Jersey and Dela 

 ware shores. 



The relative situation of those hanks to the rivers, 

 seems to show that they were gradually deposited 

 there, by the currents being opposed by the tides ; 

 and that as soon as the currents of the rivers resumed 

 their wonted course, uninterrupted, these banks were 

 modified in this form, by the almost reciprocal action 

 of the current of some of those rivers which flow into 

 the Delaware river almost opposite to each other, 

 and nearly at right angles. Hence it is, that instead 

 of running obliquely or across the river, or being dif- 

 fused, they are long and narrow, and, in some cases, 

 ranged parallel to each other, as many as three or 

 four in number. 



The next in course, and most important in every 

 point of view, is the Chesapeake bay. If there was 

 no other case to which we could refer to regulate our 

 opinions, as to the truth of the proposition under consi- 

 deration, this alone would be amply sufficient. An im- 

 mense bay, one of the largest in the known world, ex- 

 tending from the sea nearly, or quite, two hundred and 

 seventy miles into the country, and every superficial 

 inch of which is bounded by an alluvial soil, or banks 

 of alluvial formation. 



Into this great reservoir, are poured the waters of 

 about forty rivers and creeks ; five of which are of the 

 largest class, and take their rise in the primitive range 

 of country. 



