29 



below appears to be on a perfect level. Besides a 

 grist and saw mill, a furnace has been erected, 

 which was expected to go into operation the last 

 summer. Near the furnace is the appearance of 

 a large quantity of iron-ore, supposed to be of a 

 superiour quality. Coal abounds in this vicinity 

 and can be procured nearly as cheap as at Mari- 

 etta. 



On the State road, west of the Muskingum, are 

 rich and moderate swelling hills. On the north- 

 ern side of the road they gradually flatten oflf 

 almost to a level, and are clothed with excellent 

 timber, consisting principally of oak, hickery, 

 beach, black walnut, blue and black ash, mulberry, 

 elm, buckeye, cherry, and gum. The soil is deep 

 and rich. This description of land extends from 

 the head waters of the Muskingum, to the waters 

 of Scioto and Miami's, and northward to Lake Erie 

 with little variation. Only a few large hills and 

 yidges are distributed over a great extent of 

 country. 



On the State road, 39 miles from Zanesville, is 

 the town of New Lancaster. This town was laid 

 out by Col. Zane, in the year 1800, on a delight- 

 ful spot, and has increased with great rapidity. 

 It is built on the east side of the Great Hock- 

 hocking, where the stream is not more than six 

 yards in width, but on rising ground, and where 

 a beautiful prairie or natural meadow, stretches 

 along the bank of the river for several miles, and 

 about half a mile in width. This prairie renders 

 3* 



