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134 STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



the residence of several timber-cutters and brick-makers, the 

 soil for which is particularly good. 



The water of all the creeks is excellent, which in a great 

 measure makes up for the deficiency of springs. The only 

 one of any consequence is that already described, at the foot 

 of a large sand-hill forty miles up the Denierary river. 



The tides in these rivers are pretty regular, having about 

 five hours and a half flood and six and a half ebb : their influ- 

 ence extends nearly a hundred miles up, and in spring tides, 

 which rise regularly twice a month, at the full and change of 

 the moon, the rivers swell to a considerable degree, especi- 

 ally when accompanied by a strong northerly wind, which is 

 productive of bad consequences to the planter, if his front 

 dams are not in a situation to repel this additional swell of 

 water. 



In 1698, the first settlement was founded on the banks of 

 the Essequebo, but owing to an erroneous idea that the land 

 adjacent to the sea was too low and swampy for cultivation, 

 it was commenced on the higher land, nearly one hundred 

 miles from the mouth, where the soil was by no means so fa- 

 vourable. The land was granted gratis under express stipula- 

 tions that such a proportion should be under cultivation in a 



