YOUR Favor, covering a number of questions, came to hand by the last post—Being confined at home by a storm, I now take up my pen to make such answers to them, as my knowledge of facts will authorise—To state them to me did not require an apology—I shall always be happy, when you point out instances, in which I may, in any degree, become more useful to you and my friends.

I shall recapitulate your questions, and subjoin my answers.

"What was the population of the District of Maine in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, when the Census was taken?"

Ninety-six thousand five hundred and forty.

"What has been the increase of population, by the most rea­sonable estimate, since that time?"

About one-eighth per cent annually. This, you will observe, is double the common increase of our country—I suppose the migrations, thereto, to be equal to the natural growth.

"What causes, in your opinion, will be most likely to accele­rate the population of the District?"

No time should be lost in opening more principal roads through the country; this will facilitate a view of the lands, (their value only wants to be known to gain general attention) and accommodate after settlers. To cut a road, through the [Page 20] Lottery Townships, from west to east, where the bays terminate, and the rivers commence,—so as that they can be made passable by bridges, and on this road establish, in every ten miles, a good public house—People would then travel, through the country, without difficulty, from Boston to the eastern boundary of the United States. These are among the causes which, in my opinion, will accelerate the popu­lation of the District.

"Are not the advantages of situation, and the fertility of the soil, in this country, great stimulants to the industry of its inhabitants?"

Its situation being in a healthy latitude, the inhabitants become strong and nervous, and labour ceases to be a bur­then; a degree of it was never an evil—Hence, from the fertility of the soil, and the ease with which the surplus finds a market, people are stimulated to great industry, and are, thereby, preserved from that want, which naturally succeeds idleness and dissipation. Their situation will, always, evince the truth of the observation, that activity of body begets vigor of mind, the parent of information and a source of happiness; and you will have the most incontestible proofs, from the silvered locks of many of its aged inhabitants, that they inhale a salubrious atmosphere.

"Is it not probable, from the progression of population, and cheapness of living, that manufactures will flourish, and rapidly increase, in the District?"

From the present large demands for the produce of our farms, and the ease with which all the produce of the District may reach a market, and its being a country so fully accom­modated [Page 21] by large navigable rivers, down which produce may find its way to the sea, for a long while to come, and long after the inland parts of our country will want a market for their surplus; are suggestions, in my mind, that the people of the District will not, for some time to come, give up agri­culture to manufactures—Besides, it is with difficulty that we lead men off from old habits to new pursuits, and, whenever they are brought to it, they retire with reluctance, and approach with doubt. However, when it shall appear to be their interest to manufacture, they can always attend to it, as they have the raw materials, for manufacturing most of the necessaries of life, among themselves.

"What advantages are derived to the District of Maine, from the independence of the United States, and from the system of legislation in Massachusetts, that will tend to promote a more rapid settlement of this country?"

They derive all those advantages, with others, in being freemen, and of enjoying those rights, which are the sweet­ners of life. The lands can, now, be granted, by the common­wealth of Massachusetts, without any royal signature. The system of legislation has been mild, towards those inhabitants, and the Lottery Townships were exempt from taxes, and, those sold are so to remain for many years—In general, where taxes have been assessed, they have been remitted, and have been given to the people for making roads, support of the gospel and schools.

"Does not the vicinity of the sea countervail the small difference of latitudinal position, and render the climate of Maine more temperate than that of the Genesee country?"

[Page 22] From their vicinity to the sea, the inhabitants enjoy the benefit of those saline particles, which meliorate the air, and make it much less acute than it is far inland—I am not acquainted with the Genesee country, cannot, therefore, con­trast the cold there, with the degree of it in the District of Maine.

"Does not the clearing of the land sensibly affect the climate, and render it more moderate?"

The clearing of the country has been so partial in the District of Maine, that we can hardly determine any thing, from experience, on the important subject; philosophy is so fully in favor of the proposition, that we ought not to doubt, but that the clearing of the land will have the effect suggested.

"Does not the meadow, and upland pasture, yield well of the grass, natural to the soil, and of the English grasses, when sown?"

From the natural grass we have good feed and mowing—all the exotic grasses have succeeded well, where trial has been made of them.

"Are the lands, in this District, well adapted to the raising of oxen, sheep, mules and horses; and are the fleeces of the sheep large, and the quality of the wool good?"

The lands are very friendly to the growth of oxen, mules and horses, after they are cleared—and, what is peculiarly advantageous to the settlers, the cattle fatten well from the spontaneous growth of the wilderness. The sheep are very healthy and strong, their fleeces are large, and the texture of the wool fine and good.

[Page 23] "Does not the arable ground, of this country, yield very well, when sown in English grain, as wheat, barley, oats, flax, &c."

We have had abundant proofs that these will do well, and that the soil appears to be very friendly to them—Those, also, who have planted Indian-corn, have succeeded very well, where the land has been in order for it, and where the seed has been of a proper kind.

"Does the abundance of grass, and hay, promise to render it a great provision country, in meats, butter, and cheese?"

This country, will undoubtedly, be a good provision country, as the feed is nutritious and sweet,—essential quali­ties for making good butter and cheese.

"Is the soil well adapted to hemp and flax?"

To the growth of flax we find it exceedingly friendly—I have not seen an experiment of hemp, but, from the nature and strength of the soil, I have no doubt that hemp will succeed well.

"What are the different kinds of fish, taken on the coast and in the rivers?"

Your question would have extended little farther, than it now extends, had you asked me to have enumerated to you the whole finny tribe—this I cannot do, or enumerate all the different kinds of fish to be found in the District. I shall content myself with mentioning a few, the most common—The cod, the haddock, the cusk, and the polluck. These are the fish, which are, generally, caught with the hook, and dried. Besides these, are the salmon, the shad, the bass, the herring, the alewives, &c. &c. Added to these are, the shell­fish, [Page 24] on the shores, the lobster, the clam, the scollop, and the crab. I ought not to have omitted the salmon-trout, because they are, here, very large and good, weighing four or five pounds—besides the eel, the flounder, the tom-cod, and the smelt are of daily and common use.

"Do the banks and rivers, within the District, so abound in fish, as to ensure a certain and ample supply at all seasons?"

Permit me to observe here, that, to have a supply of bank and river fish, at all times, depends very much on our own conduct: for a supply of the bank-fish, in our harbours, and near our shores, depends on the state of the river-fish. These, nature has pointed to the sources of the rivers, the ponds, and lakes, the quiet waters of which give that security to the spawn, necessary to its existence—Hence it becomes im­portant, if you would preserve those fish, to keep the passages open to the lakes, and prevent any unnatural obstruction being thrown in their way—The loss of these fish, to the inland-settler, is peculiarly injurious to him; but the evil doth not end here:—in proportion as the river-fish decrease, so will your shore-fish dwindle; for they are allured into our harbours, and about our shores, in pursuit of the river-fish, in their passage to, and return from, the rivers; and, also, by the fry, which fall down the rivers late in the season; and, as those fish are the natural food of the bank-fish, they cannot find a support from any other source.—Hence it is important, to the proprietors of the inland country, to see that the mouths of the rivers, on most of which are mills, are kept open.—An attention to this may be considered as one mean, by which the commonwealth of Massachusetts may promote the inte­rest, [Page 25] and facilitate the settlement, of the District of Maine. Nothing, therefore, is wanting to secure a full supply of fish, for ever hereafter, but an act to prevent unnatural obstructions being thrown in their way.

"Does not the proximity of the District to the banks of Newfoundland, and the smaller banks that lie on the coast, make it a most eligible situation for the establishment of fisheries?"

The proximity of the banks of Newfoundland would, doubtless, be important in pursuing the fishery in the District of Maine; but that is not all—The weather is so temperate, that, in prosecuting the business, less injury would be expe­rienced from the heat, the most fatal enemy to the fish, than is suffered in, and about, Boston.—Besides, in many places, the fish are taken within a line's length of the shore; and they are of such a kind as that many of them will make the best table-fish.

In the Bay of Passamaquody there are pretty voyages made in small open boats without decks.

"From your own observation, and from the best information you have received, what is your opinion of the comparative value of the land (in soil, situation, and other advantages) which was sold and conveyed by the commonweath of Massa­chusetts, in January last, to Mr. B—, with the other lands of the District of Maine?"

I think it is not exceeded by any in the District, should you embrace the same quantity in any one tract, or, in other words, an equal number of adjoining acres.

[Page 26] "Is the communication, by water, between the town of Boston and the District of Maine, so easy, and convenient, as to facilitate, and occasion, great intercouse with that town, and, thereby, to accommodate the inhabitants of the District?"

Yes, in general—but, to be a little particular on this, there are, at the least, in my opinion, one hundred vessels con­stantly employed in transporting wood for fuel, and lumber, of all kinds, for building, in Boston, and for the West India market; besides, a great proportion of the vessels, trading from the District to Europe, and the West Indies, touch, on their return, at Boston, and seek a market for their cargoes; if they find one, which suits them, they unlade; if not, they run home and store the goods, waiting a more favora­ble opportunity for sale.

The transportation is so easy and cheap, from the District to Boston, that the importer of goods cannot consider it much of an evil, if he doth not unlade in Boston in the first instance.

"What are the several species of game and wild fowl in the District?"

Herein you have assigned me a task but little inferior to the question respecting the fish. I am not enough of a sportsman to enumerate the several species of game. I can tell you, however, that, in the District, there are a great num­ber of moose, deer, bears, beaver, racoon, foxes, rabbits, sable, musquash, &c. Among the wild fowl are the goose, the duck, the wigeon, the dipper, &c. &c.

"Will the productions of the middle states generally suc­ceed in the District?"

[Page 27] I think all will succeed excepting the cotton, and some garden-plants.—All the essentials certainly succeed, such as the Indian corn, the wheat, rye, barley, oats, flax, apples, &c.

"Have there been any discoveries of lead, copper, or iron ores?"

None, to my knowledge, but iron.

"Have coals been found in the District?"

Not any that has fallen under my notice.

"Do lime and stone, for building, abound in the District?"

Yes, they abound.

"What are the advantageous be derived from the wood that abounds in the neighbourhood of the sea?—May it be readily converted into planks, boards, scantling, shingles, and staves?"

The wood, near the sea, not timber, finds a ready market, in our different sea-ports, for fuel. The large, which we call timber-trees, such as the pine, spruce, hemlock, cedar, oaks, birches, maples, &c.—These answer, respectively, for shin­gles, boards, planks, staves, tun-timber, &c.

"May the wood, which is more remote from navigation, be profitably converted into pot and pearl ashes?"

From the hard wood the best of pot and pearl ashes may be made; but it is quite a question, among the farmers, how far it may be for their interest to attend to this manufacture, while clearing their land, whether, on the whole, their inte­rest will be promoted by it or not; for, if all the wood is left on the ground, it promotes the burning of it—To have [Page 28] what they call a good burn is very important—It prepares the ground for the seed, the ashes serve as manure, the burn­ing, also, destroys the moss and the small brush—So that the clearing, thereby, is more complete, and the crop greatly promoted. If pot ashes are to be made from the wood, it must, after being cut, so as that it may be well handled, be hauled together and burnt on a good hearth, free from the air, otherwise the wind will deprive you of a great propor­tion of the ashes; and, from the want of a hearth, the ground will inhale a large proportion of the salts; and, on taking up the ashes, it will be impossible to avoid collecting, with the ashes, a large proportion of foreign matter. To ascertain the advantages of burning the wood on the ground, comparing that with the expence of hauling the wood together, and saving the ashes, must be the basis of such an enquiry, as will be necessary to a right decision of this question.

"Are there many mill-seats in the District, and are they plentifully supplied with water?"

There are a great number of mill-seats in the District well supplied with water.—I do not remember that I ever heard it suggested, that, in this respect, the country was deficient.—The parts, which I have visited, I know are not.

"What will be the expence of a saw-mill, and how much lumber will it saw annually?"

The expence of a mill depends, greatly, on the length of the dam, the nature of the ground, on which it is to be built, and the weight of water to be counteracted.—I think, however, from the expence our mills cost us, that from four [Page 29] to five hundred pounds may be a pretty good estimate.—A good mill, fully supplied with water all the summer, and fully attended, night and day, will cut five hundred thousand of boards annually.

"Do rock and sea-weed abound on the coast?"

Rock-weed is to be found, on most all the shores of the Maine, in very great plenty. What we call sea-weed is a very different vegetable.—This plant grows in harbours, in which are flat grounds, nearly uncovered at low water, is from three to four feet long, washed on shore by heavy storms—The District of Maine does not abound with these kind of lands.—The harbours are generally deep, and free from these flat grounds seen in Boston harbour.

"What is the average price of uncultivated lands, in the settled townships, in the District?"

I cannot answer this question.—There are so many circum­stances, which give real value to some spots over others, besides the difference of the soil, that I am left, in this matter, with­out that information necessary to a satisfactory answer.

"Can the land be cleared for giving the first crop to the person who clears it?"

There are instances, where the first crop may refund the expence of clearing—This, however, is not common.

"Is ginseng found in the District?"

Yes, ginseng is found in the District.

"Which of the exotic fruits would succeed in the District?"

The apple, the pear, and the cherry.

[Page 30] "What articles can the District of Maine furnish for the the consumption of the West India islands, and for the European market?"

They can supply lumber, fish of all kinds, salted beef, and, for the European market, marchantable fish, square tim­ber, deal boards, and different kinds of lumber—pot and pearl ashes—In short, all those articles which are now shipped from Boston.

"When is the seed time and the harvest?"

I think September the best time for sowing the wheat and rye, and as soon as the ground opens in the spring, the spring grain should be put in—July and August may be con­sidered as the months for harvesting.

"When does the winter set in?"

About Christmas the snow generally covers the ground, and it remains, so covered, until towards April.

The inhabitants, interested in mills, generally commence sawing about the first of April.

The duration of winter is from the twentieth of Decem­ber until the twentieth of March—generally about three months.—In these three months, from the regularity of the season, and from its being the most convenient time for doing many kinds of business, more is done, than in any three months in the year, especially among the lumber-men.

"Are the harbours, in the District, safe and accessible?"

The harbours are very accessible, as the waters, around the shores, are generally deep, and the land generally high [Page 31] about them, and good anchorage ground within.—I never met, in the District, a barred harbour, which depended on the tide for entrance, and they are, from the dissimilarity of the ground, easily discovered.—Their entrances are strongly marked by nature, and can hardly be mistaken by the attentive mariner.

"From the quantity of bark to be obtained in the District, do you suppose that the tanneries would flourish?"

Of the success of this business there cannot be a doubt.

"Might not bark become a valuable export from the Dis­trict?"

Bark might become [...] valuable article of exportation with­out injury to the tan [...], which might be established in the District—for, in opening the country, there is more timber cut down in one year, the bark of which is useful in tanning, than the tanneries would use in seven—Great quan­tities are used in Boston every season—some of it has been sent on to Philadelphia, and there found a good market.

It would make a valuable article of export to Europe, if we could transport it, pressed into casks, after grinding it between stones, fitted on purpose, as our grain is ground—This saves a vast deal of room in the ship, and is, besides, ready for use on its arrival.

"What are the average prices of lumber, viz. masts, planks, boards, scantling, staves, and shingles?"

I do not know the prices of masts.—Boards, at the mills, the last year, have been about six dollars—far east, more. They will, always, bring more, when they can be rafted, [Page 32] from the mills, into the British lines.—Planks are, generally, double price to boards.—Shingles, eighteen inches by four, nine shillings.—The price of lumber, in the western part of the District of Maine, is, generally, three fourths of Boston price.

"Is the sea navigation free through the winter?"

In many places it is perfectly so.—This we may ascribe to several causes:—from the rapidity of the tide, the ice is prevented from making:—from the great degree the tide flows, some places thirty feet:—from the great accession, hereby, of sea water, once in twelve hours; by which, the waters, in the bays and rivers, are preserved from chilling. In the bay of Passamaquody, as far north as any of our ships will lade, it is not uncommon for them to raft boards, from the shores, into the channel, and there load all winter.

"Is the lumber business profitable to those persons, who now carry it on?"

Very much so.

"Did the officers of the Massachusetts line, of the late army, propose to purchase these lands from the commonwealth?"

They did.

"Do the lands abound in pines fit for masts?"

They do.

"What are the sizes of the pines, and may they be brought to the shipping ports with convenience?"

They are of all sizes, generally large. They may be brought to the shipping-ports with convenience.

[Page 33] "From the facility with which materials may be obtained, will the accommodation of emigrants, to that country, in point of dwelling, be cheap and convenient."

Their accommodation, in point of dwelling, will be very cheap and convenient.

AMONG the questions, which you have stated to me, there is one, which you seem to consider as of the first im­portance to have satisfactorily answered, viz.

"Why any part of the District of Maine, if really a coun­try so valuable in itself, as has been represented, should remain unsettled?"

As several circumstances, all of them susceptible of the clearest explanation, have combined to produce the delay of settlement, I must ask your indulgence in being more parti­cular on this question, than on any which I have taken up.

It will be conclusively satisfactory, to shew why the Di­strict of Maine, however inviting, was not settled antecedent to the reduction of Canada, and the peace of one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, to state, that the hostile dis­position of the Indians, which it was the policy of the French and the Canadians to inspire, and stimulate, rendered all attempts at settlement, in certain parts of the District, during a period of one hundred and thirty years, impracticable. On the cession of Canada, in one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, this obstacle to settlement was removed; and the banks of the Kennebeck river, which, from the commencement of the war, in one thousand seven hundred and fifty-four, to the peace, had been covered with forts and garrisons, now present a peaceful and well settled country.

[Page 34] The following reasons will explain, why the settlement of the District has not been more rapid, than it was within the last thirty years.

Great Britain, always jealous of Massachusetts, omitted no opportunity of straitening her limits, and checking her importance.—This disposition was manifested on every occa­sion, and we never obtained a settlement of boundary, without the most evident partiality operating against us.

The lands, lying east of Penobscot river, were so circum­stanced, that they could not be granted, by the province, without the approbation of the king; and, although the lands were, at different times, granted by the province, yet, every attempt, to obtain the royal approbation of these grants, (excepting in a single instance, in behalf of the favorite royal governor Barnard, in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty-two) was without success; as, on a reference to the public documents, will fully appear.

This, effectually, prevented the settlement of the lands east of Penobscot river.

An early grant, of thirty miles square, to the west of that river, fell into the hands of a few people of property, by whom, when the late war commenced, arrangements were making for settlement, which were entirely interrupted by the war.

Next to this was an extensive grant to a body of men, called the Plymouth company, of fifteen miles, on each side of the Kennebeck river, and extending a considerable distance along the same—This tract was, also, in the hands of a few [Page 35] wealthy proprietors, who reserved it, in an uncultivated state, knowing that it would yield a great interest, when disposed of for settlement, which is now taking place.

An additional reason may be given, for the reluctance of the British government, to consent to grants of land in the District—Some of the lands abound in pines of the finest growth—The reservation of these lands preserved this valua­ble timber in the disposal of the crown, and for the use of the royal navy.

These are among the most operative causes, which have hitherto retarded the settlement of this fine country.—They are now happily removed, and the best founded expectations are entertained of the progressive prosperity of the District.

From the peace of one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, until the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy­four, when the contest with Great Britain commenced, such parts of the District, as could be occupied, were fast settling, and many people emigrated to that country—The war arrested the progress of settlement, and checked emigration until the peace of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three.

Since which time, the population of the District has been more than doubled, and now amounts to upwards of one hundred and six thousand.

Another reason, why the District of Maine was not sooner settled, may be drawn from the mode of settling, which has generally prevailed throughout America, namely, to occupy, in the first instance, the lands nearest to the capitals—of [Page 36] course the lands, nearest to the town of Boston, which were not fully settled till since the late war with France, obtained a preference, in settlement, over those of the District, which were more remote from the capital.

HAVING noticed your several questions, and given such answers, as occurred at the moment, (I wish I had more time) I will add one idea of my own, which relates to the making of iron, in the various branches of it—It is prose­cuted inland in this commonwealth, to advantage, where the coals are double the price they would cost in the District, and where the transportation is a heavy drawback on the profits.—A word to the wise is enough.

I HAVE now closed my answers to your several questions—They are necessarily short, as I have confined myself, therein, very much to a state of facts, as I suggested to you, in the first instance, I should.—Had I suffered myself to have gone into probable conjecture, they might have been more satisfactory to you—but, in that case, I could not have been accountable, in equal degree, for the authenticity of these observations.

I have the honor of being, Dear Sir, With great esteem,

"WHAT was the population of the District of Maine in the year one thousand, seven hundred and ninety-one, when the Census was taken?"

When the Census was taken, in one thousand, seven hun­dred and ninety-one, there were ninety-six thousand, five hundred and forty.

"What has been the increase of population, by the most rea­sonable estimate, since that time?"

By the report of a committee of both houses of the Le­gislature of Massachusetts, now in session, there are now, in Maine, upwards of one hundred and six thousand.

"What causes, in your opinion, will be most likely to accele­rate the population of the District?"

A separate government, the establishment of schools, opening of roads, and a grant of a lot of land to each settler.

"What advantages are derived to the District of Maine, from the independence of the United States, and from the system of legislation in Massachusetts, that will tend to promote the rapid settlement of this country?"

The district participates of the inestimable advantages, which result, to every part of the Union, from this im­portant and interesting event.

"Are not the advantages of situation, and the fertility of soil, in this country, great stimulants to the industry of its inhabitants?"

[Page 38] Yes, equal to any of the eastern states.

"Is the country healthy—and are the people remarked for longevity?"

The air and climate are remarkably salubrious.

"Is it not probable, from the progression of population, and cheapness of living, that manufactures will flourish, and rapidly increase, in the District?"

No: the advantages resulting from clearing the lands, and cultivating the soil, will, for many years to come, preclude the increase of manufactures in general.

"Does not the vicinity of the sea countervail the small difference in latitudinal position, and render the climate of Maine more temperate than that of the Genesee country?"

This is not yet fully ascertained.

"Does not the clearing of the land sensibly affect the climate, and render it more mild?"

Most certainly, this is the consequence.

"Does not the arable ground, of this country, yield very well, when sown in English grain, as wheat, barley, oats, &c."

The improvements of agriculture, within the last ten years, fully evince that the country is friendly to the pro­duction of wheat, barley, oats, rye, &c.—Barley never fails.

"Do the meadow, and upland pasture, yield well of the grass, natural to the soil, and of the English grasses, when sown?"

No country affords better forage or finer pastures.

[Page 39] "Are the lands, in the District, well adapted to the raising of oxen, sheep, mules and horses?"

The answer to the aforegoing article, evinces that this must be answered in the affirmative.

"Are the fleeces of the sheep large, and the quality of the wool good?"

Equal to any in the United States.

"Does the abundance of grass, and hay, promise to render it a great provision country, in meats, butter, and cheese?"

The grass and hay, being of a good nutritive quality, and in great abundance, promise a large supply of these articles.—It is allowed to be the best grazing country in the Union.

"Does not the proximity of the District to the banks of Newfoundland, and the smaller banks that lie on the coast, make it a most eligible situation for the establishment of fisheries?"

Most certainly, this is the truth.

"Do the banks and the rivers, within the District, so abound in fish, as to ensure a certain and ample supply at all seasons?"

The whole country abounds in codfish, and most of the rivers produce salmon and sturgeon plentifully; besides which, bass, smelts, and other fish, are caught in the rivers during the winter.

"What are the different kinds of fish, taken on the coast and in the rivers?"

Partly answered in the preceding article; besides which, there are caught, on the coast, haddock, polluck, hake, [Page 40] mackarel, herring, &c. in great abundance:—herring, shad and alewives are caught, in the rivers, in the spring and summer.

"What are the several species of game and wild fowl in the District?"

Moose, bear, otter, beaver, sable, minx, martin, foxes, muskrats, rabbits, &c. geese, brandts, ducks, teal, and a great variety of wild-fowl, besides the largest and finest partridges, and wild pigeons.

"Is the soil well adapted to hemp and flax?"

Peculiarly so.

"Will the productions of the middle states generally suc­ceed in the District?"

In general they will.

"Have there been any discoveries of lead, copper, or iron ores?"

Large quantities of iron ore have been discovered in the District.

"Do lime and stone, abound in the District?"

Yes, in great plenty, in some parts of the District.

"Has coal been found in the District, and at what distance from navigable water?"

No search hath yet been made for this article.

"What are the advantages to be derived from the wood that abounds in the neighbourhood of the sea?—May it be readily converted into planks, boards, scantling, shingles, and stoves?"

Yes.

[Page 41] "May the wood, which is more remote from navigation, be profitably converted into pot and pearl ashes?"

Great advantages may be obtained by converting the wood, remote from navigation, into these articles.

"Will the cord-wood, which is not consumed in the manu­factures of the District, find a good market at Boston, and in the other sea-port towns of Massachusetts?"

Yes, a great number of sloops, and other vessels, are continually employed in this carrying business.

"Do rock and sea-weed abound on the coast?"

Yes.

"What proportion of lumber is allowed to the proprietor of the land, from which the timber is cut, and delivered to him free of expence, at the saw-mill?"

One eighth part.

"Are there many mill-seats in the District, and are they plentifully supplied with water?"

Yes, as many, and as good, perhaps, as in any part of the world.

"What will be the expence of a saw-mill, and how much lumber will it saw annually?"

From six hundred to one thousand dollars, including the dam.

"At what rates were good lands, situated on the navi­gable waters of the District, sold, previous to the late war?"

The price was different, in different places.

[Page 42] "What is the average price of uncultivated lands, in the settled townships, in the District?"

From one dollar to five dollars per acre.

"Can the land be cleared for giving the first crop, as a compensation, to the person who clears it?"

No.

"What articles can the District of Maine furnish for the consumption of the West India islands, and for the European market?"

Masts, spars, boards, plank, shingles, staves, oak and pine timber, and lumber of all sorts; pot and pearl ashes; oak and hemlock bark for tanneries; and fish, such as cod, sturgeon, salmon, shad, herring, &c.

"Which of the exotic fruits would succeed in the District?"

Apples, pears, plumbs, currants, &c. succeed well.

"Is ginseng found in the District?"

Yes, in large quantities, and of excellent quality.

"Are the harbours, in the District, safe and accessible?"

Yes, there are a great number of capacious, safe, and accessible harbours in this District, which exceed any on the continent.

"From the quantity of bark to be obtained in the District, do you not suppose that tanneries would flourish?"

There are, already, many tanneries established, and they are in a flourishing condition.

[Page 43] "Might not bark become a valuable export from the Dis­trict?"

It may.

"When is the seed time and the harvest?"

Seed is in May; harvest, for European grain, the last of July; for maize, October.

"When does the winter set in, and what is its usual duration?"

From the first of December to the first of April.

"Is the sea navigation free throughout the winter?"

Yes.

"What are the average prices of lumber, viz. masts, planks, boards, scantling, staves, and shingles?"

The prices are in proportion to the demand.

"May ship-building be expected to form an article of important consideration in that country?"

Ship-building is, already, an article of important consider­ation, in this District, and will, undoubtedly, increase, as the materials are to be found, here, in great abundance.