The people are poor, and too much of ye land is leased. ^The Americans never can flourish when on leased lands -- they have too much enterprise to work for others, or to remain tenants -- and where they are under the necessity of living on such lands I find that they are greatly depressed in mind, and are losing their animation.

From Boon's settlement, 13 miles to Remsen,is a most tedious road. Lands here are not so good as further down the river j yet they are very productive. This is a poor society.

GENERAL REMARKS UPON THE BLACK RIVER COUNTRY.

The river lies in general very low, compared with the lands. On tlie S. W. side the road on an average may be 2 or 3 miles from y« river, and most of y« way the land is descending towards it; and in many places too marshy to admit of settlements. The countiy is heavy timbered. In some parts you will find townships quite level, and in others hilly ; but there is no waste land from liills -- which are gentle ascents in most places, on a rich, productive soil. It appears to be a white clay, bordering upon a mai-l mingled with a black loam. In some places you find rotten slate, or rather clay stones. Over all this country sea-shells are found of almost all kinds. The country is well watered ; and the water appears to be good -- as good as can be from limestones.