The openings, or large tracts of land, found frequently in this country free of timber, and showing great signs of having been once in a state of cultivation, are singularly curious. This sort of land, from the ignorance of the first settlers in regard to its quality, was supposed to be barren, and was therefore little valued : necessity, however, obliged some to attempt the cultivation of it, and they were agreeably disappointed on finding they had got a good crop, and in numberless instances they have continued to reap plentiful crops every year for seven years past. This kind of land, which, six years ago would not have sold for a quarter of a dollar an acre, is now reckoned cheap at ten dollars an acre. It is difficult to account for these openings, or for the open flats on the Genesee River, where ten thousand acres may be found in one body, not even encumbered with a bush, but covered with grass of such height, that the largest bullocks, at thirty feet from the path, will be completely hid from the view. Through all this country there are not only signs of extensive cultivation having been made at some early period, but there are found the remains of old forts, where the ditches and gates are still visible. They appear to be, in general, well chosen for defence. From the circumstance of swords being found in them with French inscriptions, it is concluded they are of French origin. I do not recollect that the French had ever so great a force in this part of America, at so early a period ; for these forts, from very large decayed timbers lying in them, and large timber growing over those fallen down, must be at least two hundred years old: the forts are, besides, too numerous for mere stations; and great collections of human bodies are found in them, which shows they have been occupied for many years.