781] that quarter the northerly branches of the Susquehannah seem to take their source, from amongst inferior ridges, and in their course to the Chesapeake, to break through all the mountains. From the Susquehannah, the principal chain assumes a more eastwardly direction, and washed on the north by the lateral valley of the river Mowhawk, whilst it gives rise southwardly to the Delaware, it terminates under the name of Catskill mountain, in view of the tide-water of the Hudson. This description has been introduced for the double purpose of pointing out all the rivers which can afford the means of communication, and of shewing the impracticability, in the present state of science, of effecting a naval navigation acress the mountains. | distance below that town the waters of lake George Five of the Atlantic rivers approach the waters of the St. Laurence; viz. the Penobscot, Kennebeck, Connecticut, the North, or Hudson river, and the Tioga branch of the Susquehannah. This last river will afford an useful communication with the river Seneca, and Genessee, which empty into lake Ontario. The length of the portage has not been precisely stated; and the general navigation of the Susquehannah has already been noticed. It may however be observed, that it is the only Atlantic river whose sources approach both the western waters, and those of the St. Lau- ́ The most elevated lock-canal of which a correct description has been given, is that of Languedoc, and the highest ground over which it is carried, Lake Superior, the largest of those inland seas, is only six hundred feet above the sea. It is not communicates with the northern extremity of believed that any canal has been undertaken, or at least completed in England, of an elevation exceed-lake Huron, by the river and rapids of St. Mary's. ing 430 feet above the waters united by it. The The fall of these is not ascertained; but it is said that a small canal has been opened around the Allegheny mountain is generally, and from obthe most difficult part, by the North-West Fur servations made in several places, about 3,000 The precise height Company. feet above the level of the sea. of the dividing ridge was ascertained by the commissioners, who laid out the United States road from Cumberland on the Potomac to Brownsville on the Monongahela, at 2,260 above the first, and at 2150 feet above the last river. Cumberland, from the levels taken by the Potomac Company, is itself 735 feet above tide-water. Although some more advantageous and less elevated places may be found, particularly amongst the ridges which divide some of the upper branches of the Susquehannah from the corresponding streams emptying into the river Allegheny, there is none which is not of an elevation much beyond what has ever The three eastern rivers afford convenient combeen overcome by canals in any other country. The impracticability arises from the principle munications with the province of Lower Canada, but not with that extensive inland navigation, of lock navigation, which, in order to affect the ascent, requires a greater supply of water in pro- which penetrates through the United States, withportion to the height to be ascended, whilst the sup-in two hundred miles of the Mississippi. No stateply of water becomes less in the same proportion; nor does the chain of mountains through the whole extent, where it divides the Atlantic from the western rivers, afford a single pond, lake, or natural reservoir. It may be added, as a general feature of American geography, that except in the swamps along the southern sea coast, no lake isly to be found in the United States, south of 41 deg. north latitude; and that almost every river, north of 42 degrees, issues from a lake or pond. The works necessary in order to facilitate the communications from the sea-ports across the rountains to the western waters, must therefor consist either of artificial roads extending the whole way from tide-water, to the nearest and most convenient navigable western waters; or of improvements in the navigation of the leading Atlantic rivers, to the highest practicable points, connected by artificial roads across the mountains, with the nearest points, from which a permanent navigation can be relied on, down the western rivers. Communications between the Atlantic Rivers, and the River St. Laurence and Great Lolces.-Vessels ascend the river St Laurence from the sea to Montreal. The river Screl discharges at some rence. ment has been received of any improvement having been made on the Penobscot, or Kennebeck ; and a very imperfect account has been obtained of some short canals opened around the several falls of the river Connecticut. One at Bellows falls, in the state of Vermont, has been particularmentioned, and is the highest improvement on the river. What is called the North River is a narrow and long bay, which, in its northwardly course from the harbour of New York, breaks through, or' turns all the mountains, affording a tide naviga. tion for vessels of 80 tons to Albany and Troy, 160 miles above New York. This peculiarity distinguishes the North River from all the other bays and rivers of the United States. The tile in no other ascends higher than the granite ridge," or comes within thirty tales of the Blue Ridge, or eastern chains of mountains. In the North River, it breaks through the Blue Ridge at West Point, ascends above the eastern termination of the Catskill, or great western chain. A few miles above Troy, and the head of the tide, the Hudson from the north, and the Mohawk from the west, unite their waters, and form of gravel. A few wooden bridges, with stone abutments and piers, have been erected across the intervening streams. In Pennsylvania artificial roads of the most substantial kind, have been completed, or are proceeding from Philadelphia, in sundry directions. In Maryland, roads extending from Baltimore in various directions have lately been undertaken by several companies and are rapidly proceeding. South of the Potomac few artificial roads have been undertaken. From Alexandria one is now progressing in a northwestwardly direction towards Middleburgh. Another has lately been commenced from Richmond to Ross's coal-mine. But the only one which, so far as any accounts have been received, is completed, extends twelve miles from Manchester, opposite to Richmond, in a west Interior Canals.-Under this denomination will | be included all the canals of which any know-wardly direction to the coal-mines of Falling Creek, ledge has been obtained, and which are not immediately on the rivers opening communications with the western waters or with those of St. Laurence, although some of them may be considered as extending those communications to more remote sea-ports. 'Turnpike, or Artificial Roads-A great number of artificial roads have been completed in the eastern and middle states, at an expense varying from less than one thousand to fourteen thousand dollars a mile. The labour bestowed on the least expensive species consist in shortening the distance, diminishing the ascent of hills, removing rocks, levelling, raising and giving, a proper shape to the bed of the roads, draining them by ditches, and erecting bridges over the intervening streams. But the natural soil of the road is used, instead of covering it with a stratum of gravel or pounded stones. Fifty turnpike companies have been incorporated, since the year 1803, in the state of Connecticut alone; and the roads undertaken by those companies are all of that description. Thirty-nine of those roads extending together 770 miles, are completed. No particular account has been received of the roads in the other eastern states; but it is known that besides some of a similar description with those of the state of Connecticut, several of a more expensive kind have been completed, particularly in Massachusetts. A greater capital has been vested on turnpike roads in the state of New York, than in any other. In less than seven years, sixty-seven companies have been incorporated, with a nominal capital of near five millions of dollars, for the purpose of making more than three thousand miles of artificial roads; and twenty-one other companies have also been incorporated with a capital of 400,000 dollars, for the purpose of erecting 21 toll-bridges. More detailed information has been obtained respecting the roads in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In New Jersey a turnpike road has lately been completed from Trenton to Brunswick. The distance is 25 miles: the greatest angle of ascent 3 degrees, and the road is nearly in a straight line, the only considerable obstruction being the Sand Hills, through which it is necessary to dig at the depth of thirty feet, in order not to exceed the angle of ascent. The road is 36 feet wide, fifteen feet of which are covered with about six inches The greater progress made in the improvement of roads in the northern parts of the Union, must be principally ascribed to a more compact popu lation, which renders those improvements more necessary, and at the same time supplies with greater facility the means of effecting them. The same difference is perceptible in the number of bridges erected in the several states. In the eastern states, and particularly Massachusetts, wooden bridges, uniting boldness to elegance, and having no defect but want of durability, have been erected over the broadest and deepest rivers. In the lower counties of Pennsylvania stone bridges are generally found across all the small streams. Both in that state, and at some distance eastwardly, bridges with stone piers and abutments, and a wooden superstructure, are common over wide rivers. The want of bridges south of Pennsylvania, even on the main post road, is sensibly felt. One lately thrown across the Potomac three miles above the city of Washington, and which without any intervening piers, is wholly suspended to iron chains extending from bank to bank, deserves notice on account of the boldness of its construction, and of its comparative cheapness. The general principles of improved roads seem to be 1st. The reduction of hills by diminishing the angle of ascent, which ought not to exceed, whenever practicable, 3 degrees and a half, and under no circumstances, 5 degrees: 2d. A sufficient convexity in the bed of the road, together with ditches and drains, all which are intended to prevent the injury caused by standing water or freshes: 3d. An artificial bed of pounded stones or gravel, sufficiently substantial to support the weight of the carriages in general use on the road, either for the conveyance of persons, or for the transportation of merchandize. On the last point it appears, from the facts already stated, or scattered in the communications received on that subject: 1st. That the stones ought to be similar in quality and reduced to the same size which should not exceed three inches in diameter: 2d. That the preferable qualities of stone, rank in the following order; hard black stone, granite, flint, or quartz, blue lime stone, white ditto 3d. That the stratum may be either of pounded stones twelve inches thick, or of pounded stones ten inches thick, with two inches of gravel spread over the stones, or entirely of gravel eighteen inches thick: 4th. That when the materials are equally convenient, the expense of those three modes will not materially differ, but that the rate of expense depends principally on the number of hills and bridges, distance of materials, breadth of the road, and price of labour; and 5th, that the general adoption of broad wheels for the transportation of heavy loads, is necessary to the full enjoyment of the advantages expected from the most substantial artificial roads. On the degree of convexity, and on the proper shape to be given to the natural bed of the road under the artificial stratum, a diversity of opinions seems to prevail. Recapitulation of Resources.-The improvements which have been respectfully suggested as most important, in order to facilitate the communication between the great geographical divisions of the United States, will now be recapitulated; and their expense compared with the resources applicable to that object. I. From north to south, in a direction parallel to the sea coast: 1. Canals opening an inland navigation 'for sea vessels from Massachusetts to North Carolina, being more than two-thirds of the Atlantic sea-coast of the United States, and across all the Dollars. principle capes, Cape Fear excepted 3,000,000 2. A great turnpike road from Maine to Georgia, along the whole extent of the Atlantic sea-coast.......... .4,800,000 II. From east to west, forming communications across the mountains between the Atlantic and Western rivers: 1. Improvement of the navigation of four great Atlantic rivers, including canals parallel to them.... 2. Four first-rate turnpike roads from those rivers across the mountains, to ... 1,500,000 AMERICA, SOUTH. Vaccination..St. Salvador (Brazils), June 13, 1808.-The Vaccine inoculation has been first practised in St. Salvador towards the close of the year 1804, and since spread through all the provinces by orders from the Prince of Brazils. His royal highness appointed Dr. J. A. Barbosa to superintend and promote the new practice, and so beneficial have been its effects, that the SmallPox, which was very destructive here, has almost totally disappeared. INDIES, EAST. Spontaneous Combustion of wet Paper in a hot Climate.-The following is to be added to those instances of spontaneous combustion, which we lately submitted to our readers. [Vide Panorama, Vol. V p. 135.] The ship Albion, Capt. James Robertson, cember, 1807, under the following circumwas burnt at Whampoa in China, in Destanees:--On the morning ofthe 4th, the hop. Company's treasure left Canton, and Captain Robertson proceeded down the river, with a quantity of money belonging to the owners, but did not reach the ship until about half | past six in the evening; going over the gang. way, Captain Robertson observed to the offi cer, who at this time was employed receiving the honorable company's treasure, and had then upwards of one million and a half of dollars on board, that there was a strong smell of fire; went below to discern if possible from whence it proceeded, and obser| ving the people at work in the main hatch way, inquired whether or not they perceived any smell of fire, to which they re| plied, in the negative. Captain R. then 300,000 | when to the fore hatchway, uncovered it, and removed the hatches, when the flame 200,000 burst forth with great fury so high as the main stay. He ordered the hatches to be put on again and used every endeavour to smother the flames but without effect. At 3 A.M. of the 5th, the ebb tide having made, she went over on her broad side; the decks by this time were so much heated, as to oblige the people to quit her. At four in the afternoon she was completely burnt the water's edge. Such was the fury of the flames that the treasure between decks was run into masses of from two to ten thousand dollars weight.-Suspicion of misconduct or carelessness fell on the people on board, and it was said, that a sea-cunny had dropped a candle in the fore-hold, and concealed the desertion among the people, this was not accident through fear; but as there was no believed.-A later account tically, that the loss of the Albion was not occasioned through carelessness as had been conjectured, but in consequence of some paper umbrellas, received on board as cargo, packed up not thoroughly dry, which had caught fire in the hold. Similar accidents have occurred through the same means. the four corresponding western rivers 2,800,000 3. Canal around the fall of the Ohio. . 4. Improvement of roads to Detroit, St. Louis, and New Oricans...... III. In a northern and north-westwardly direction, forming inland navigations between the Atlantic sea-coast, and the great lakes and the St. Laurence: 1. Inland navigation between the North river and lake Champlain..... 2. Great inland navigation opening the whole way by canals, from the North river to lake. Ontario...... 3. Canal round the falls and rapids of Niagara, opening a sloop navigation from lake Ontario to the upper lakes. as far as the extremities of lake Michigan 800,000 2,200,000 1,000,000 Making together...... 16,600,000 We refer our readers to Panorama, Vol I. P. 1323-Vol. II. pp. 373, 1153—Vol. III. pp. 389, 856-Vol. IV. pp. 555, 750, 790-where will be found such other useful intelligence, as, with the present interesting Report, will completely elucidate the present state of the United States. -For comparison with the method of arranging the turnpike roads in England, see page 1. et seq. of our present volume for three Reports of Com mittee of the hon. House of Commons. VoL. . [Lit. Pan. Jan. 1809. 2 E states authen Arrivals from China.-Bombay, Jan. 9, 1808. We are happy to announce the safe arrival of a large and valuable convoy of ships from China and other places, during the course of the last seven days; three of them, namely, the Anna, Friendship and Cornwallis, have made a remarkable voyage, to and from China, having completed the same in 4 months and 23 days. The Anna left this port on the 2d, and the others on the 13th of August last. Nautical Remarks.-Situation and description of the two following rocks, the authenticity of which may be relied upon : Bale of Cotton Rock.-N. Latitude, 5 18. East Long. (from London) 90: 44.-It is about the size of a large room, is high, and has the appearance of a ship under sail. The above account is from the verbal information, confirmed by the journal of a gentleman, who has been twice upon the rock.-Le Meme's Reef, N. Latitude, 1:20. East Long. (from London) 94: 20. -The reef is 8 or 10 feet above the surface of the sea, and extends about a mile from east to west. This account is from the information of the same gentleman above alluded to, who was with Monsieur Le Meme at the time he discovered the rock, and went upon it. He afterwards saw it, and attempted to get upon it, but was prevented by a heavy swell of the sea. many accidents happening to people who Chinese Junk at Calcutta. Feb. 23, 1808.-A Chinese junk is now in the river; she is supposed to come from Mergui. This is said to be the first instance of the kind.- Ceremony in Jews Synagogue at Cochin. During a storm on Monday, March 17, the-Bombay, Jan. 27, 1808.-A correspondent Chinamen had an opportunity of shewing has favoured us with some account of a ceretheir humanity to nine Lascars, who were mony, that took place last Christmas day, in tossing about at the mercy of the elements the synagogue of white Jews near Cochin; in the neighbourhood of the junk. The from which we extract the following Chinamen threw a log of wood overboard," All things being prepared in the synagogue, connected to their vessel by a rope, which served as a lifebuoy, and by that means, the unfortunate sufferers, were drawn on board, though nearly lifeless.-One singular circumstance may be mentioned, which serves to illustrate the violence of this storm a sixoared pinuace, belonging to the Lady Barlow) which was lying upon the beach near the top of the Esplanade, was thrown up the bank, carried across the Respondentia walk, and lodged among the bricks on the ..opposite side. This we should have thought incredible-had we not witnessed the circumstances.It can only be accounted for by supposing, that she had been upset by the violence of the waves, and afterwards repeatedly overturned by violent gusts of wind. Tigers on Saugor Island; escaped by wimming and diving.-Sangor Island has so long been considered as the favourite haunt of tigers, that we are not surprised at so the Rabbis, and Elders, with the whole of the people, male and female, assembled and arranged, each in their alloted places.-The Dewan of the Rajah of Travancore, attended by the British Resident, approached in procession and entered the synagogue at sun-set of the 25th December. They were received by the Elders at the gate of the congregation standing up, and were led to seats, which had been prepared for them, in front of the ark; and under the extended wings of the cherubim.-Being seated, the service of the evening commenced. The chief priest, standing before the altar of the Lord, in the presence of the congregation, spread forth his hands towards heaven, and with prayer and supplication, the whole standing, plored a blessing upon His Majesty the King of Great Britain and Ireland.-All the people saying, Amen.-The words of the favourite air of God save the King, having been previously translated into the Hebre language, were then chaunted, the whole in many instances, widely differ from yours, Congregation joined in the chorus.-Following this, a benediction was implored for his Highuess the Ram Rajah of Travancore; and a compliment, suited to the solemn occasion, was addressed, by the chief priest, to the resident, and to the Dewan.-The service being concluded, the Dewan of Travancore, in a few words neatly delivered, expressed for his master and himself, the high sense which was entertained of the honour and favour conferred on them; and turning round to the elders, requested, that the Rajah of Travancore might be permitted to make an offering of a crown of gold, to be placed within the ark of the tabernacle, upon the sacred book of the law; and requested further, that he himself might be permitted to make an offering of a rich chandelier to illuminate the Sanctuary. These requests having been gratefully acceded to, and suitably acknowledged; the Resident, and the Dewan, retired in the same manner, and with like ceremony, as had been observed on their entrance." Conflict of Gods at Negapatam.-The city of Negapatam is very considerable, having 17 large and 68 small pagodas, in which famps are kept burning all night before their idols: there are also five mosques, two Catholic and two Protestant churches.-Mr. Vos relates the following incident as having lately taken place-A few days ago, when the Malabars were carrying their idols in procession through the streets, it happened that they carried the god Seeva through a part of the city which belongs to the god Vishnu, in consequence of which a violent tumult was excited, in which one of the gods was beaten, two houses were demolished, three men killed, and several others wounded, and whose nation is at this period unfortu aately at war with your own, but at the same time feel happy in the occasion now afforded us of bearing honourable testimony to the perseverance you have evinced in the attempt, and ultimate success in so arduous an undertaking. We have also to request you will have the goodness to express to your officers the grateful sense we entertain of the kind attentions they have on all occasions shewn us.--Mrs. Miek begs leave to add her tribute of praise, and truly grateful thanks for the extremely polite and delicate manner in which you have at all times conducted yourself towards her.-With sincere good wishes for your health and happiness, we remain, dear Sir, your much obliged and very obedient servants, (Signed) R. Turton, Lieut. Colonel, Bengal Artillery.-J. P. Keasberry, Captain, Madras Est.-C. Bean, late Commander of the Gilwell.-W. Richardson, late Com. of the Althea.-R. Dickie, late Commander of the Elizabeth.-W. C. Ord, late Passenger on the Althea.-Port Napoleon, Nov. 1, 1807. Scurvy. To the Editor.-The preservation of seamen from the scurvy, and even the cure of that disease so far as it has yet been investigated, being best effected by fresh succulent vegetables, you will oblige me by the insertion of the inclosed letter from Mr. Charles Ed man, surgeon of his majesty's ship Russell, as shewing, in a clear and distinct manner, the practicability of employing the Kew Nopal, as it is called here, for that valuable purpose, to which it appears peculiarly adapted, by being so far an air plant as to preserve life, and the capacity of vegetation, for nonths after an entire removal from the earth, or watering gardens. J. ANDERSON March, 1808. H. M. Ship Russell, Madras Roads, 3d French true Politeness.--As we some time March, 1808.-Sir, The plant, by the name ago gave an account of the unmanly behaviour of Kew Nopal, which you were so polite as of a French sea officer, we have great plea to furnish nie with to try its effects in scurvy, sure in exhibiting a character diametrically that was so general among the crew of his maopposite. The following leiter is an honour-jesty's ship Russell, after a cruize of three able testimony, and speaks for itself. To L. Motard, Esq. Capt. Com. of the French Frigate, La Semillante.--Dear Sir, Having at length reached that port which the chance of war has destined us to enter, we hasten to request you will be pleased to accept our sincere and warmest acknowledgements for the very many polite and kind attentions you have shewn to our wants and comforts, during a period of nearly ten weeks we remain ed on board the frigate you command. We are well aware of the irksomeness of the situation in which you have been placed, in having to conciliate the minds of a body of nien, whose language, and even habits of life, Compare Panorama, Vol. III. p. 408Vol. IV. p. 1819. – months, entirely confined to sea diet, I have the pleasure to say, proved so agreeable to those who had it given them in its raw state, that they compared it to sorrell, and I have no doubt but it would have proved highly useful could it have been continued; but owing to a diarrhoea, which generally occurs of the first use of every kind of fresh diet, I was obliged to desist from giving the Nopal or any other succulent vegetable, and to pay attention to the state of the bowels by opiates, and occasionally, by a little creta or tome absorbent to correct the acidity in the stomach. As I considered the whole of the crew as being more Compare Panorama, Vol. III. p. 804, for Dr. Anderson's former letters on this subject. |