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.

WESTERN NEW- YORK. 1173

miles, the country has the most flourishing appearance, that part being earliest settled, anil abounds with very substantial inaprovements, which are seldom equalled in the United States, in the pleasantness of their appearance.

The quality of the soil is various, but in the better or most even parts of the country before mentioned, a rich loamy soil is the most common, and it is sometimes covered on the top wiih a loose black mould, from six to ten inches deep. The most common sorts of timber in these parts of the country is as follows : sugar maple, beech, lyn (here called basswood) oak, ash, and elm ; and the hilly parts are mostly timbered with oak. Where the sugar maple and basswood are most common, the land is generally esteemed best for grass, and probably for grain, and is experienced to be durable ; and lands which produce mostly beech timber, are considered as generally clayey, wet and cold.