220 
[Assembly 
vel and sand which occurs at the depth of from 1 foot to 10; but 
when the depth is greater, it is not an unfavorable circumstance, for in 
almost every instance of the kind, I found the superior stratum to con- 
sist of peat. 
So far then as it regards marshes, wet and cold lands, and irreclaima- 
ble bogs, they are rare, and most of the marsh land forms the most valua- 
ble and productive portions of the county; producing, as I have already 
remarked, a valuable grass, called the hlue joint, and which makes a 
nourishing food for cattle without the labor of tillage, or supplies it un- 
til such times as the better grasses can be raised by the ordinary labors 
and prosperity of the husbandman. 
Again, it is probable that when the county is settled extensively, and 
the timber and wood removed, there will be an amelioration of climate; 
it will then become drier and less frosty, and the summer warmer and 
better suited to the raising of corn. The condensation of moisture over 
an extent of surface equal to this uncultivated tract in this section, must 
have a great influence in reducing the temperature to a low standard. 
The density of the forests, the thick growth of underwood, effectually 
excludes the rays of the sun during the entire summer. For this cause 
the temperature of a wooded district is considerably lower than an open 
country under tillage. 
The most interesting physical features in this county arise from the 
number and beauty of the lakes which are sprinkled liberally and pic- 
turesquely over its surface. 
Much has been said of the clearness of the waters of Lake George, 
and not without reason; if however, the traveller will extend his wan- 
derings to Lake Pleasant, Round, Piseko, and Racket lakes, he will find 
them its equals, if not its rivals. The clearness of the waters in all 
these lakes is owing to the primitive character of the region in which 
they occur. The lakes of Hamilton form a beautiful addition to the 
scenery of our country. Although the mountains are not so high as 
those of Scotland, still, it will be a matter which will occasion no sur- 
prise, (when Americans shall have acquired sufficient independence to 
admire a thing that is American,) if these lakes do not become objects 
of admiration, and shall be considered as vieing with those of Scotland. 
Settlements are now forming on the margin of those beautiful sheets of 
water, and were buildings erected suitable for the accommodation of 
travellers in some central place among these lakes, (which we doubt 
not will be the case in a short time,) our pleasure seeking community, 
