When they compare this with the difficulty of reaching the new settlements on the western waters, and the little value of produce there, the comparison is highly in favour of the Genesee.* Here they find the inhabitants enjoying more comforts and conveniences than is at this moment experienced in many settlements of twenty years standing. The most advantageous markets are courted, and recourse is had to them by such exertions, that men of respectability and property are drawn into the country, not only from the neighbouring States, but from Europe.

An European, who contemplates moving to America, has a vast field before him. The United States offer a variety of soil, climate and people. It is difficult to select from these, the situation most comformable to his opinions and habits. That country whose climate requires exertion and industry to procure the comforts of life, and whose geographical situation admits of its produce being easily transported to market, certainly bids fair for having an orderly and well regulated government. The certainty of reaping a moderate profit, is. the only security for industry.

This is very far from being the case on the western waters.

• It is found that the price of lumber, fat cattle, butter and cheese, is at least fifty per cent hif^her in Baltimore than in Albany; a circumstance much in favor of Steuben county, when compared with the counties North of Albany. VOL. TT. 73

1154 PAPERS RELATING TO

Their corn, the common food of the inhabitants, is sometimes 62^ cents per bushel and sometimes 12^, and everything else in proportion* The distance from any large city is too far to drive fat cattle, and the climate too warm for the dairy, or to allow salting or barrelling beef, could salt be procured. That country seems also to have a different interest from the A.tbntic States.