Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. II
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. An accurate examination of this country, by men of observation and science, might throw light on the history of this part of America, now so little known.
The soil of the country has, in every instance, proved favourable to the raising of grain : ■ the long and moderate summers spem particularly adapted to bring to perfection wheat, barley and oats ; the two last, so inferior on the coast to the Engliiih, are here ci a
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quality equally as good. The crops of timothy and clover hay are superior to most in America; and have been known to produce from three to four tons per acre, of excellent well dryed hay.* The price of grain and average produce per acre is nearly as follows :
Price per bushel Dol's. Cts. Produce in busliels per acre.
Wheat, s 1 from 25 to 30
Rye, 75 40 to 50
Oats, 50 40 to 50
Indian corn, 50 30 to 60
Barley, 70 60
Ten dollars per ton for timothy and clover hay ; the product is from two to three tons per acre on an average. That you may be able to ascertain, with some accuracy, the advantage that may be reaped from an expenditure of capital in this country, in improving a farm, it is necessary to make some calculation, founded on the expence and probable return.