THE DIVIDING LINE. 
75 
it was pretty clear of underwood. We avoided crossing the Dan twice by 
taking a compass round the bend of it. There was no passing by the angle 
of the river without halting a moment to entertain our eyes again with that 
charming prospect. When that pleasure was over we proceeded to Sable 
creekj and encamped a little to the east of it. The river thereabouts had a 
charming effect, its banks being adorned with green canes, sixteen feet high, 
which make a spring all the year, as well as plenty of forage all the winter. 
One of the men wounded an old buck, that was gray with years, and seemed 
by the reverend marks he bore upon him, to confirm the current opinion of 
that animaFs longevity. The smart of his wounds made him not only turn 
upon the dogs, but likewise pursue them to some distance with great fury. 
However he got away at last, though by the blood that issued from his wmund 
he could not run far before he fell, and without doubt made a comfortable 
repast for the wolves. However the Indian had better fortune, and supplied 
us with a fat doe, and a young bear two years old. At that age they are in 
their prime, and, if they be fat withal, they are a morsel for a cardinal. 
All the land we travelled over this day, and the day before, that is to say 
from the river Irvin to Sable creek, is exceedingly rich, both on the Virginia 
side of the line, and that of Carolina. Besides whole forests of canes, that 
adorn the banks of the river and creeks threabouts, the fertility of the soil 
throws out such a quantity of winter grass, that horses and cattle might 
keep themselves in heart all the cold season without the help of any fodder. 
Nor have the low grounds only this advantage, but likewise the higher land, 
and particularly that which we call the Highland Pond, which is two miles 
broad, and of a length unknown. 
I question not but there are thirty thousand acres at least, lying altogether, 
as fertile as the lands were said to be about Babylon, which yielded, if 
Herodotus tells us right, an increase of no less than two or three hundred for 
one. But this hath the advantage of being a higher, and consequently a 
much healthier, situation than that. So that a colony of one thousand families 
might, with the help of moderate industry, pass their time very happily there. 
Besides grazing and tillage, which would abundantly compensate their labour, 
they might plant vineyards upon the hills, in which situation the richest wines 
are always produced. They might also propagate white mulberry trees, 
which thrive exceedingly in this climate, in order to the feeding of silk-worms, 
and making of raw silk. They might too produce hemp, flax and cotton, 
In what quantity they pleased, not only for their own use, but likewise for sale. 
Then they might ^raise very plentiful orchards, of both peaches and apples, 
which contribute as much as any fruit to the luxury of life. There is no soil 
or climate will yield better rice than this, which is a grain of prodigious in- 
crease, and of very wholesome nourishment. In short everything will grow 
plentifully here to supply either the wants or wantonness of man. Nor can 
I so much as wish that the more tender vegetables might grow here, such as 
orange, lemon, and olive trees, because then we should lose the much greater 
benefit of the brisk north-west winds, which purge the air, and sweep away 
all the malignant fevers, which hover over countries that are alw’ays warm. 
The soil would also want the advantages of frost, and snow, which by their 
nitrous particles contribute not a little to its fertility. Besides the inhabitants 
would be deprived of the variety and sw’eet vicissitude of the season, which 
is much more delightful than one dull and constant succession oP warm 
weather, diversified only by rain and sunshine. There is also another con- 
venience, that happens to this country by cold weather — it destroys a great 
number of snakes, and other venomous reptiles, and troublesome insects, or 
at least lays them to sleep for several months, which otherwise would annoy 
us the whole year round, and multiply beyond all enduring. Though oranges 
