In the year 1789, Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, Esquires, of New England, purchased from the State of Massachusetts the pre-emption right of a large tract of land in the eastern part of this country, under the jurisdiction of the State of New-York ; but little was done ir the settlement of it until the year 1792, when the roads leading to this country were made and improved, and other extensive iraprovments were effected ; the progress of the settlement of this country has since been uncommonly rapid.

Nearly one half of this country, situated nearest the southern boundary, is generally hilly and broken, consisting however of many fertile tracts of land. The face of the other parts is generally even, a considerable part, on the east of the Genesee river, consisting of low ridges, or gradual swells running parallel with each other, which form handsome uplands and meadows; and on the west of Genesee river the country is more level.* On both sides of Genesee river are large openings which are thinly timbered, very fertile, and could easily be put under cultivation. In the eastern part the country in many places makes a pleasant and flourishing appearance, the settlers having a prevaihng practice of building adjoining the public roads, and cultivating lands nearest them. From Canandarqua to Genesee river, a distance of 25

• According to the geographical descriptions given of this country, it is erroneously reported as being " a dead level," a description that is only applicable to a small proportion of it.