5 EASTERN AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. 



11. The Eastern agricultural dlstrict is boiindod by the States of Connecticut, 

 Massnchusetts and Vermont, and extends to (lie innnediate skirts of the Hudson valley on 

 the west. The eastern boundary referred to, however, passes through the district, and 

 bounds it only so far as New-York is concerned. It really extends to the foot of the Green 

 mountain range. 



The features of this district differ from those of the preceding, where we find bold 

 abrupt niouniains rising in peaks, and ])resenling, on one side at least, steep or perpendi- 

 cular precipices ; while here the mountains slope moderately, rise in long narrow ridges, 

 and present but few inaccessible cliffs. The steepest slope is generally too upon the north- 

 west side. Wc find also a contrast in the character of the soil, which is deep, covers the 

 lops and sides of the hills, and gives them a rounded form, which renders them susceptible 

 of cultivation to their tops. The elevation in New-York does not exceed fourteen or fifteen 

 hundred feet, and by far the greater proportion of the surface is not much above seven or 

 eight hundred feet. The greatest elevation in Massachusetts is three thousand and five 

 hundred feet above the sea level. 



Bui the soil and surface of this district differ no less from those of the preceding, than 

 does its system of rocks. This system, which may be said to spring out, or to be derived 

 more inmiediately from, primary rocks, partakes necessarily of an intermediate character, 

 bearing something of a primary aspect, but at the same time being not so far removed 

 from the newer sedimentary rocks as to be mistaken for primary. The composition of the 

 members of this system, too, is quite remarkable and important. We find magnesia to be 

 a common element ; and we imagine that we see in their composition the reason why 

 indian corn, one of the best of products, is so much at homo upon the soils of the gentle 

 slopes of this system. At any rate, in no other district is this crop so perfect, so sound and 

 rich, as in Dutchess, Columbia, Rensselaer and Washington counties. Comparing this 

 crop in the Eastern district with that of tlic Western, we unhesitatingly give preference to 

 the former, as being more thrifty anil sounder in the kernel, and better filled out. There 

 is a limit, however, at whicli maize ceases to ripen in this district. For example, along 

 the Taconic range between Massachusetts and New- York, at the height of about one 

 thousand feet above tide, it dwindles to a short slender stalk, and yields but small tapering 

 ears. This limit is often marked by a line of frost during the cold months, to which it 

 very frequently descends, forming a distinct icy line of congealed vapor upon the forests, 

 and upon the trees of the cultivated fields. 



The Eastern district is a belt extending from the Sound in Westchester county, to the 

 iiead of Lake Champlain at the north extremity of Washington county. It embraces a 

 large proportion of the four counties aljove enumerated ; and though narrow and long, it 

 is very constant in its character and features, as well as jjroductions, through its entire 

 range. 



This district resembles that of the Hudson and Mohawk, and perhaps both might be 

 included in one. The taconic and Ijlack slates form, by their decomposition, a soil closely 



