6 
EASTERN AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT. 
II. The Eastern agricultural district is bounded by the States of Connecticut, 
Massachusetts and Vermont, and extends to the immediate skirts of the Hudson valley on 
the west. The eastern boundary referred to, however, passes through the district, and 
bounds it only so far as New-York is concerned. It really extends to the foot of the Green 
mountain range. 
The features of this district differ from those of the preceding, where we find bold 
abrupt mountains rising in peaks, and presenting, on one side at least, steep or perpendi¬ 
cular precipices ; while here the mountains slope moderately, rise in long narrow ridges, 
and present but few inaccessible cliffs. The steepest slope is generally too upon the north¬ 
west side. We find also a contrast in the character of the soil, which is deep, covers the 
tops and sides of the hills, and gives them a rounded form, which renders them susceptible 
of cultivation to their tops. The elevation in New-York does not exceed fourteen or fifteen 
hundred feet, and by far the greater proportion of the surface is not much above seven or 
eight hundred feet. The greatest elevation in Massachusetts is three thousand and five 
hundred feet above the sea level. 
But the soil and surface of this district differ no less from those of the preceding, than 
does its system of rocks. This system, which may be said to spring out, or to be derived 
more immediately from, primary rocks, partakes necessarily of an intermediate character, 
bearing something of a primary aspect, but at the same time being not so far removed 
from the newer sedimentary rocks as to be mistaken for primary. The composition of the 
members of this system, too, is quite remarkable and important. We find magnesia to be 
a common element; and we imagine that we see in their composition the reason why 
indian corn, one of the best of products, is so much at home upon the soils of the gentle 
slopes of this system. At any rate, in no other district is this crop so perfect, so sound and 
rich, as in Dutchess, Columbia, Rensselaer and Washington counties. Comparing this 
crop in the Eastern district with that of the Western, we unhesitatingly give preference to 
the former, as being more thrifty and sounder in the kernel, and better filled out. There 
is a limit, however, at which maize ceases to ripen in this district. For example, along 
the Taconic range between Massachusetts and New-York, at the height of about one 
thousand feet above tide, it dwindles to a short slender stalk, and yields but small tapering 
ears. This limit is often marked by a line of frost during the cold months, to which it 
very frequently descends, forming a distinct icy line of congealed vapor upon the forests, 
and upon the trees of the cultivated fields. 
The Eastern district is a belt extending from the Sound in Westchester county, to the 
head of Lake Champlain at the north extremity of Washington county. It embraces a 
large proportion of the four counties above enumerated ; and though narrow and long, it 
is very constant in its character and features, as well as productions, through its entire 
range. 
This district resembles that of the Hudson and Mohawk, and perhaps both might be 
included in one. The taconic and black slates form, by their decomposition, a soil closely 
