Passing oft' this stony and hard ground, I came down into Greenbush, a level country -- for about 4 miles from the mountains the soil appears to be good -- from thence to the river it is too sandy.

Albany, Jm/3/ 23, oi Trohridge's. -- At 11 o'clock left Albany. From Albany to Schenectada is a barren sandy plain -- the road very bad in consequence of sand -- but 3 or 4 houses in the whole 17 miles. Schenectada makes a singular appearance, being built in the old Dutch form -- houses in general but one story, or a story and half, and standing endwise to the street. Its local

MOHAWK AND BLACK RIVER COUNTRIES. 1129

situation is excellent, standing upon the south bank of the Mohawk -- and there appears in every [thing] a simplicity, and neatness that is very pleasing.

Passed the Mohawk at Schenectada-found an excellent turnpike for about ten miles. Some very good meadow on the left. The country in general level. Soil, except in the meadows, a hard gravel, not very productive. Fields of grain, however, appear good. People in the midst of harvest. After about 10 miles from Schenectada, the country becomes more hilly. As we pass up the river into Montgomery county, we find for several miles but little intervale ; what there is, appears to be good. On . Tripe's, or Tribe's hill, about 20 miles above Schenectady, we have the prospect of a few hundred acres of excellent meadow, which was formerly the seat of the famous Hendrick, the sachem of the Mohawks. The ancient and elegant seat of Sir- William Johnson I passed about 4 miles back. This is commonly called the Old fort. On Tribe's hill, I had great satisfaction and pleasure of meeting a M^ Plum, an old acquaintance from Westtield, and was treated with great kindness in his family -- tarried with him until Monday the 25th ; received correct and considerable intelligence from him respecting the country-- especially in Montgomery county.