104 [Assembly 
only one among hundreds of the same size. It is from facts like 
* these, that we learn what mighty forces have operated in former 
times. 
Connected with the subject of which we have been speaking, is 
a question of some interest, not only to individuals but the public 
at large. It is whether the waters of the upper Hudson can be 
made navigable, by creating slack water by a series of dams; and 
if so, at an expense proportionate to such an amount of capital as 
shall produce per centage to stockholders. 
The importance of this question is created in part by the immense, 
or rather inexhaustible quantity of iron ore in the town of Newcomb. 
This ore lies about 5 miles from the Notch* on the north branch of 
the Hudson; it is at present owned by the Messrs. Mclntyres, Mc- 
Martin & Henderson. The river at this place has already become a 
powerful stream, and it may be enlarged one half at least by turn- 
ing the east branch into its channel. Here is water, wood, and 
ore sufficient to employ profitably a capital of two millions. Eve- 
ry establishment with half a million of capital, has from 4 to 600 
dependants; so that if there were four companies with an invest- 
ment of half a million each, no less than 2,000 persons could be 
directly or indirectly supported by them. The numerous lakes in 
this vicinity, and among them we might perhaps include Long 
lake, may probably be made useful in conveying wood, coal, ore 
and manufactured articles, &c. to and from this place. The natu- 
ral channels leading out of this wilderness are by the Hudson to- 
wards the south, and Long lake, and Racket ^river towards the 
northwest. It will, however, be seen by reference to the height 
of this place, that the practicability, or we should say expediency, 
may fairly be questioned; still it will be good policy to examine 
the country farther, as something more favorable to the question 
may be discovered; even something ought to be hazarded when 
objects of so much importance are concerned. 
We have spoken rather favorably of this region of country, but 
those who have observed the influence of elevation and latitude 
on climate, will not be likely to overrate the value of it, as it cer- 
tainly can have no particular claim to fertility or evenness of sur- 
face, yet it is heavily timbered, and wherever it is cleared, pro- 
duces the most luxuriant herd's grass and the finest of the rooted 
vegetables. 
* See note at end of report, 
