M J TRAVELS THROUGH NORTH AMERICA t 
the flood does not come on too rapidly, they 
unfasten all the chains by which the bridge is 
confined in its proper |flace, and then let the 
whole float down with the stream to a conve¬ 
nient part of the shore,, where it can be hauled 
up and secured. 
The country, after passing the Schuylkill, 
is pleasingly diversified with rising grounds and 
■woods, and appears to be in a good state of 
cultivation. The first town of any note which 
you come to is Chester, fifteen miles from 
Philadelphia; this town contains about sixty 
dwellings, and is remarkable for being the 
place where the first colonial assembly sat. 
From the neighbourhood of this town there is 
a very grand view of the river Delaware. 
About half a mile before you come to 
Wilmington is Brandy-wine River, remark¬ 
able for its mills, no less than thirteen being 
built almost close to each other upon it. 
The water, just above the bridge which is 
thrown over it, comes tumbling down with 
great violence over a bed of rocks ; and seats, 
at a very trifling ex pence, could be made for 
three times the number of mills already built. 
Vessels carrying 1,000 bushels of wheat can 
come close up to them, and by means of 
machinery their cargoes are received from, 
or delivered to them in a very expeditious 
i$&iuipr. Among the mills, some are for flamy 
