RIVERS. 



165 



^buixdan6e, having a black thin skin, and of which 

 the inhabitants in the autumn make a sufficient quan- 

 tity, for their own consumption, of well-tasted red 

 wine. Hops, large and good, are found in many 

 places, and the lands are particularly adapted to the 

 culture of rice. All European fruits, apples, peaches, 

 pears, cherries, currants, gooseberries, melons, &c. 

 thrive well, both here, and in the country bordering 

 on the river Ohio.* 



Before taking leave of the western waters, we will 

 take a view of their principal connexions with the 

 Atlantic. These are three ; the Hudson's river, the 

 Patowmac, and the Mississippi itself. Down the 

 last will pass all heavy commodities. But the navi- 

 gation through the gulf of Mexico is so dangerous, 

 and that up the Mississippi so difficult and tedious, 

 that it is thought probable that Euroj^ean merchan- 

 dise will not return through that channel. It is most 

 likely that flour, timber, and other heavy articles 

 will be floated on rafts, which will themselves be aa 

 article for sale, as well as their loading, the naviga- 

 tors returning by land, or in light batteaux. There 

 will therefore be a competition between the Hudson 

 and Patowmac rivers for the residue of the commerce 

 of all the country westward of lake Erie, on the 

 waters of the lakes, of the Ohio, and upper parts of 

 the Mississippi. To go to New York, that part of 

 ihe trade which comes from the lakes, or their wa- 

 ters, must first be brought into lake Erie. BetwecEJ. 

 lake Superior and its waters and Huron are the 

 rapids of St, Mary, which will permit boats to pass, 

 hnt not larger vessels. Lakes Huron and Michigan 

 affiird communicatton with lake Erie by vessels of 



, * Hutchins. 



