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PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK. 691

Ontario and lake Erie and to the Ohio . The salt springs appear to be inexhaustible, and sufficientfor the supply of works of any extent. Iron ore has lately been discovered in the neighbourhood

of this lake, where a furnace has been erected, and is worked to advantage.Slate appears to

abound in some places between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, and adjoining the head of Seneca lake.

Seneca lake, which is situated on the western bounds, is before described.

The eastern and southern parts are partly watered by Chenango river , which is boatable in spring toSusquehanna river , and from thence boats and arks proceed to Baltimore ; and by Salmon creek, Fallcreek, besides many lesser streams.

This country is divided into three counties; viz. Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondago. Populationhas been uncommonly rapid, notwithstanding the discouragements proceeding from disputed titles tothese military lots, several deeds having been frequently granted for the same lots, and nearly one thirdof these titles are yet undetermined, though they are expected to be shortly ascertained by commissionerswho are appointed for that purpose by the state legislature. The number of inhabitants amounts nearlyto 30,000. Between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, the settlers are mostly from Pennsylvania , Jerseyand the Eastern parts of this state, and in the other parts, they are mostly emigrants from the New England States.

The most considerable village is Aurora, which is pleasantly situated near the Cayuga lake, andcontains about 25 dwelling houses, several stores and an academy. Cayuga village is situated nearthe outlet of Cayuga lake, and consists of about twenty dwelling houses, and several stores. TheCayuga bridge is built over the lake at this village ; it is in length nearly a mile, and cost 25000 dollars,which is defrayed by a toll. Levana village contains 20 houses. At this village, Mr. Richardsonsome years ago had 425 acres under a crop of wheat, which produced 12,000 bushels. The turnpikeroad to Albany is before described, and on some parts of it are buildings and improvements closelyadjoining to each other, which have the appearance of villages. This road in the year 1792, wasonly an Indian path, a little improved, and settled only with a few stragling huts 10 or 20 milesfrom each other, for the distance of nearly 100 miles; and was then the only road leading to thiscountry and Genesee. Many parts of the country are well improved and make a pleasant and flourishingappearance.

From this country a considerable quantity of produce is transported to Owego on Susquehanna River and to New town at which places a considerable part was, in winter beginning 1804, sold formoney, and from those places was floated in arks and boats to markets on the lower parts of Susquehanna .Wheat is also sold for money at mills, at which it is floured; and wheat is transported to Albany .A considerable quantity of produce is carried by sleighs in winter to markets on the Mohawk river .Potash is often manufactured and transported to Albany . Whisky is distilled in considerable quantities.Cattle, particularly cows, and sheep, always command a liberal price in money, and grain and otherproduce are sold for money to settlers emigrating into this country. The prices of produce is nearlythe same as in the Genesee country.