2^8 



UNITED STATES. 



you find the roots clinging to the upper parts of the 

 rock. The soil on these agreeable ascents (for they 

 cannot be called hills) is sufficiently deep, as is evi- 

 dent from the size of the trees. The soil is either 

 black, or tinged with a lighter or deeper vermillion, 

 or is of the colour of dark ashes. In many places 

 there are appearances of potters' clay, and coal in 

 abundance. The country promises to be well sup- 

 plied with wholesome well-tasted water. In Nelson 

 county, north-west of Rolling fork, a branch of Salt 

 river, is a tract of about 40 miles square, mostly 

 barren, interspersed with plains and strips of good 

 land, which are advantageous situations for raising 

 cattle, as the neighbouring barrens, as they are im- 

 properly styled, are covered with grass, and afford 

 good pasturage. The lands east of Nolin creek, a 

 branch of Gref^n river, are in general of an inferior 

 quality, but the banks of Green river afford many 

 desirable situations. 



The accounts of the fertility of the soil in this state 

 have in some instances exceeded belief, and proba- 

 bly have been exaggerated. That «ome parts of 

 Kentucky, particularly the high grounds, are re- 

 markably good, all accounts agree. The lands of 

 the first rate are too rich for wheat, and will produce 

 50 and 60, and in some instances it is affirmed, 100 

 bushels of good corn an acre. In common, the lands 

 will produce 30 bushels of wheat or rye an acre. 

 Barley, oats, fiax, hemp, and vegetables of all kinds 

 common in this climate, yield abundantly. Cotton 

 is seldom, and with difficulty, brought to perfection. 

 Irish potatoes produce well, but succeed better far- 

 ther north ; sweet potatoes are raised with difficulty. 



