MARYLAND. 37 
fof the logs of one side resting alternately on 
the ends of those of the adjoining sides, in 
notches; the interstices between the logs are 
stopped with clay ; and the roof is covered 
with boards or 'with shingles, Which are small 
pieces of wood in the shape of slates or tiles, 
and which are used for that purpose, with a 
few exceptions, throughout America. These 
habitations are not very sightly, but when 
well built they are warm and comfortable^ 
and last for a long time. 
A considerable quantity of wheat and In¬ 
dian corn' is raised in. this neighbourhood, to 
the production of which the soil is favourable; 
but the best cultivated parts of the country- 
are not seen from the road, which passes 
chiefly over barren and hilly tracts, called 
ridges.The reason for carrying the road 
over these is, because it is found to last longer 
than if carried over the flat part of the country, 
where the soil is deep, a circumstance which 
the people of Maryland always take into 
consideration ; for after a road is once cut, they 
never take pains to keep it in good repair. 
The roads in this state are worse than in 
any one in the Union; indeed so very bad 
are they, that on going from Elktdn to the 
Susquehannah ferry, the driver 1 ' frequently had 
to call to the passengers in the stage, to lean 
©ut of the carriage first at ons side, then at 
2 
