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THE LAND ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA.

(Continued from page 231.)

"We encamped near the bank of the river at four o'clock, P.M. About two miles from our camp, near the base of the mountains, we discovered a circle of dark green herbage. A phenomenon so unusual in such a position excited my curiosity, and, notwithstanding my fatigue, I determined to visit the spot, and ascertain its cause. Accompanied by Jacob and Nuttall, I walked to the place, and discovered that what produced the remarkable verdure was the water flowing from a number of boiling springs, which, cooling as it flowed down the slope of the valley, irrigated and fertilized the earth, producing luxuriant grass in the small circle dampened by it, before sinking and disappearing in the sands. There are some ten or twelve of these springs, the basins of the largest of which are ten feet in diameter. The temperature of the water is boiling heat. To test it by the best method within our power (our thermometer having been broken), we procured from camp a small piece of bacon, which, being placed on the end of a stick and thrust into the boiling basin, was well cooked in fifteen minutes. "August 16.-When I woke this morning it was cloudy, and rain was falling copiously. From appearances, it had been raining several hours, and those of our party who had bivouacked were quite wet. Nothing could be more agreeable to us than this rain. By it the dust, which in places is almost suffocating, has been laid for a short distance at least, and the sultry and dry atmosphere has been cooled and moistened.

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August 18.-We were in our saddles, and under way, as the sailors say, very early this morning, there being nothing in the features of our camp to entice delay a moment beyond the time necessary to prepare our coffee and fried bacon; the last of which, by the way, has become very rancid, and is covered with a thick coating of the dust of the desert. The extreme heat of the sun during the day has melted and wasted nearly all the unctuous qualities of our meat, leaving little else than the skin and cartilage, and these in a very bad condition. Travelling usually in front of our party, I had watched with much interest and scrutiny the trail of the two emigrant wagons in advance of us when we struck Mary's River. I was fully satisfied, from the freshness of the signs on the trail, and the number of their encampments, that we could not be more than a day in the rear at this point; and I determined, if possible, to overtake them this morning, and obtain from them, if they had it to spare, provision sufficient to carry us into the settlements of California. As soon, therefore, as our party were all fairly on the march, I urged my mule forward at a rapid pace, leaving my fellow-travellers, in a short time, far behind me, and out of sight. After crossing a totally barren plain, ten miles wide, I saw at an apparent distance of five or six miles two white specks upon a gentle swell of the plain, surrounded by verdant vegetation. These specks I instantly knew to be the wagons; and as I could perceive no motion, I was satisfied that they were encamped. Increasing the speed of my mule by a liberal application of spur and whip, it was not long before I approached the wagons. I must remark here, by the way, that the sight of an emigrant wagon in these wildernesses and deserts produces the same emotions of pleasure as are felt by the way-worn and benighted traveller, within the boundaries of civilization, when approaching some hospitable cottage or mansion on the roadside. More intense, perhaps, because the white tent-cloth of the wagon is a certain sign of welcome hospitality, in such form as can be afforded by the ever liberal proprietor, who without stint, even though he might have but a single meal, would cheerfully divide it among his stranger visitors. Civilization cannot always boast of such dispensers of hospitality; but, among the emigrants to the Pacific, it is nearly universal. When the company of men belonging to the wagons discovered me at a distance, much apparent surprise was manifested. A solitary individual in this abandoned region was well calculated to excite curiosity. I saw several of them mounted upon the tops of their wagons, to obtain, as I supposed, a correct idea of my nationality and purposes. When I came up to the camp, I was greeted in the most cordial manner, with every mark of kindness that I should expect from my dearest friends. I soon explained to them the nature and purpose of my visit, and received such a response as was entirely satisfactory.

"Two Digger Indians came into our camp about sunset. One of them mounted on a miserably lean and broken down horse; and the other walking by the side of the swarthy, and nearly naked savage Caballero. The mounted man was the spokesman; the other appearing to act in the capacity of a servant, or a personage of inferior consequence. After the first salutations, and shaking of hands, the principal desired a smoke. A pipe was produced, filled with tobacco, and lighted. Most of our party, as usual, declined a participation in this friendly ceremonial of the savages; but I took my turn at the pipe, and puffed with a gusto equalling that of our two sable and naked visitors. The ceremony of smoking being concluded, the several members of the party commenced a conversation with our good-natured visitors. When one of the party spoke in English, the chief Indian would invariably imitate with great precision the sound of each word to the end of the sentence. The remarkable accuracy of this repetition or imitation, accompanied as it was with an indescribable comic action, was highly amusing, and produced peal upon peal of loud laughter. A member of Messrs. Craig and Stanley's party, who for a number of years had been a trapper in the mountains, and was considerably skilled in the significance of Indian signs, afterwards held a conversation with the principal Indian, and learned from him, that a short day's journey would bring us to some pools of standing water, and that after this we would find no water or grass for a long distance. The information derived from this conversation was not sufficiently clear to solve the doubt as to whether this was or was not the 'Sink' of Mary's River. Before our company retired to rest, I instructed the sentinel first on duty to communicate to those who succeeded him, that the two Indians were not to be permitted to leave the principal camp-fires until morning, under any pretext. We gave the two a skin to spread on the ground for their bed, and, coiling themselves up in an incredibly small space, the hare-skin shawl or blanket covered their bodies, heads, and feet entirely. How they managed to compress their persons into so small a space is a marvel. Distance sixteen miles. "August 19.-I rose this morning before it was light, and approaching the embers of our watch-fire, which had been kept burning during the night by those on duty, the first object I discovered was the two Indians coiled up, and enveloped in the yard-square of rabbit-skins, as I had left them when I retired to my bivouac last night. They were in a profound slumber, evincing their perfect confidence in our good faith in regard to them. I touched this small round heap of human flesh gently with my foot, when they roused from their sleep, and, rubbing their eyes, sat upright before the faint blaze

made by the dry willow twigs I had placed upon the fire. The elder and more consequential of the two ordered the other to go and collect some fuel, which service he performed with much promptitude, bringing in a large bundle of dead sage-bushes, which, igniting upon the fire, burned with a brilliant blaze. During the absence of the junior or serving Indian, his nakedness the seignior or master gave many shrugs and shivers, showing conclusively that the cool morning atmosphere did not strike agreeably upon his bare skin, and he pointed with much meaning and earnestness to my coarse palto, as being an excellent protection against the chills of the morning. Leaving the grassy oasis upon which we were encamped a little after sunrise, and travelling a few miles, we turned the point of a mountain, the slope of which juts into the plain on the right. From this point the trail takes a south-west course, and runs across a totally barren plain, with the exception of a few clumps of sage-bushes, a distance of twenty miles. At the southern edge of this plain we came to some pools of standing water, as described by the Indians last night, covered with a yellowish slime, and emitting a most disagreeable fetor. I procured from one of the pools a cup of the water, and found it so thoroughly saturated with alkali, that it would be dangerous for ourselves or our animals to make use of it. A ridge of low sand-hills runs entirely across the plain or valley immediately below these pools, and from these features corresponding in some particulars with the description I had previously received of it, I was compelled to believe that this was the 'Sink of Mary's River,' instead of the place where we had encamped last night. Some of our party were in favour of encamping here, forbidding as the place was in all its aspects; but I immediately came to the conclusion that to encamp at this place would be not only useless to ourselves, so far as rest and comfort were concerned, but dangerous, in our thirsty state, both to us and our animals. In preference, therefore, I determined to proceed on our march, and encamp in the desert beyond, without grass or water. Adopting this plan, we would by diligence, before sunset, approach to within twenty or twenty-five miles of water and grass, and by starting early, after resting our animals six or eight hours, we could reach Truckee River before our own thirst and the thirst and hunger of our mules became unbearable. The dim outlines of mountains could be seen through the dense smoky vapour impregnating the atmosphere, about fifteen or twenty miles in front. A low gap afforded us an easy passage between the mountains, which are composed of nearly black basaltic rocks. The whole country in this vicinity, at no very remote period, has evidently been under the action of volcanic fires. The rocks are cinders, and the earthy substances with which they are mingled are ashes. I noticed to the left, on the declivity of the mountain, a small patch of ground displaying a pale yellowish vegetation. Calling Miller, I requested him to ride up to the spot and ascertain what the yellowish growth might be. He was quickly at the place designated, and very soon afterwards, taking off his cap, swung it round and round, nearly overjoyed at the discovery he had made, which we all immediately knew to be a spring. Before I reached him, I could perceive a sensible moderation in his joyous manifestations. I asked him if he had found water? He answered that he had, but that his mule, in attempting to drink out of a hole, had nearly scalded its tongue off. Passing a little further along, I found myself in the midst of 100 or more holes or small basins, varying from two to ten feet in diameter, of boiling water. Searching about, I found in a ravine a small basin of water, that oozed sluggishly through a stratum of earth, which, although quite warm, was not burning hot. I drank copiously of this water, and the other members of our party and our mules coming up, one after another drank likewise. But as soon as the stock in the basin was exhausted, the new supply that flowed in became too hot for use. We encamped here, after a ride of twelve hours, tying our mules closely to the wild sage-bushes, to prevent them from falling into the boiling holes by which they were surrounded. As we moved about our camp after dark, we were in constant danger of falling into the scalding and bottomless basins or holes by which we were surrounded. Fortunately no accident occurred. The ground under our blankets was quite warm, from the effects of the heated matter rolling, bubbling and puffing, in the bowels of the earth.

"August 20.-The disquiet of our animals, thirsting for water and famishing for food, kept me awake nearly the whole night. As soon as the stars indicated the approach of the morning I woke my fellow-travellers, and a cup of coffee having been made from the hot water of the springs, a little after daylight we were ready to take leave of our dismal encampment. When I first woke this morning, there was no sound of the agitation of water in any of the basins, but, just as we were about to depart, the rumbling and rolling, and the loud puffs, accompanied by fog-like volumes of steam from the boiling liquid beneath us, were resumed with an energy greatly increased from what I observed on our first arrival. One of our party, noticing this display of infernal steam power, exclaimed, Let us be off: h―ll is firing up," and it did, indeed, seem as if the machinery of the vast workshops in the subterranean recesses of nature had just been put in operation for the day by the spirits and powers of the middle earth. In the course of the morning I noticed the phenomenon of mirage in great perfection. A wide cascade or cataract of glittering, foaming, and tumbling waters was represented and perfectly well defined on the slope of the mountain to our left, at an apparent distance of five or six miles. Below this was a limpid lake, so calm and mirror-like that it reflected, with all the distinctness of reality, the tall, inverted shapes of the mountains and all the scenery beyond its tempting but illusory surface. Nature, in this desert region, if she does not furnish the reality, frequently presents the ghosts of beautiful objects and scenery. At half-past 12 o'clock we saw, at the distance of about two miles, the course of Truckee River, indicated by a line of willows, grass, and other green herbage, and a number of tall trees,-the last a sight that has not saluted us for 500 miles. Our animals, as if reinvigorated by the prospect of grass and the scent of water, rushed forward with great speed, and we were soon in the middle of the stream, from the clear current of which all drank copious draughts.

"August 21.-I was wakened from a profound slumber this morning by piercing shrieks and wailings. I was not quite certain when I woke whether it was a dream or reality. Satisfying myself that I was not asleep, I listened attentively for a repetition of the strange and mournful sounds which had disturbed my repose. They were soon renewed with greater distinctness than before, and appeared to proceed from some animal or person n distress or danger, on the opposite side of the river. They soon, however, ceased altogether, and it being quite dark, exhausted as I was, I concluded that I would lie down again, and, when daylight dawned, ascertain the cause of these singular vocal performances in this desert region.

(To be continued.)

EMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA ON AN ECONO-
MICAL PRINCIPLE.

JARRANTED to sail from

Plymouth the 10th May, for PORT PHILIP, SYDNEY, and ADELAIDE, the remarkably fine, fast-sailing, first-class ship "JOHN MUNN," 637 Tons Register, Coppered and Copper-fastened, lying in the London Docks.

This splendid ship has a spacious poop, and upwards of 7 feet in the 'tween decks. She will be fitted up expressly for Passengers, who will be taken for 20 Guineas each, the ship finding excellent provisions, bedding, and all requisite mess utensils for the voyage. An experienced Surgeon will proceed in the ship. Early application necessary for choice of berths.

For further particulars apply at the Emigration Office, 4, Barge Yard, Bucklersbury; or THOMAS WOOLLEY, 2, Cullum Street, Fenchurch Street; or J. W. GULL, 4, Brabant Court, Philpot Lane.

Parties proceding by this ship will be afforded every information, gratis, by Gentlemen long resident in the Colonies.

EMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA.

WITH a view to enable respect

able persons, who are ineligible for a free passage, to proceed to the Australian colonies, at the lowest possible cost, it has been arranged to despatch a line of superior First-class Ships of large tonnage, for the especial accommodation of steerage and other passengers, at an exceedingly low rate of passage money. These vessels will be subjected to the inspection of her Majesty's emigration officers, and will be despatched on the appointed days (wind and weather permitting), for which written guarantees will be given :

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THE

Management, Feeding, and Medical Treatment of Swine. To which are added Directions for Salting Pork and Curing Bacon and Hams, as practised abroad and at home. By WILLIAM YOUATT, V.S., author of "The Horse," &c. Illustrated with Engravings drawn from life, by Wm. Harvey, Esq. In 8vo, price 68. 6d., bound.

The COMPLETE GRAZIER; a Compendium of Husbandry. By W. YOUATT. The Eighth Edition, in a thick 8vo volume of upwards of 700 pages, and 125 Engravings, price 188., bound and lettered.

***In this greatly improved edition, besides valuable
additions throughout the work, the Book on Manures
-a subject of vital importance in agriculture--has under-
gone a thorough revision, embodying the best and latest
information from both native and foreign authorities.

The SHEEP: its History, Structure,
Economy, and Diseases. With fine Engravings after
Harvey, William Spooner, M.R.V.C. Price 78.

"This is a book which Farmers' Clubs ought to add to
their libraries, and, as a work of reference, it ought to be
in the possession of all Sheep Farmers."-Gardener's
Chronicle and Agricultural Journal.

CLATER'S EVERY MAN HIS OWN FARRIER; with the Diseases of Dogs. Twentyninth Edition, corrected, enlarged, and nearly rewritten. By EDWARD MAYHEW, V.S., Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. 12mo, 68., cloth lettered.

CLATER'S CATTLE DOCTOR; with the Diseases of Sheep, Swine, Poultry, and Rabbits. Tenth Edition, corrected and enlarged. By the same. 12mo, 6s., cloth lettered.

***These new editions of Clater's two celebrated works have had a complete revision by one of the most rising veterinary surgeons of the present time. In the "Cattle Doctor," the fatal diseases of pleura-pneumonia in cattle, and small-pox in sheep, are for the first time given; with many other original treatises, now introduced into these popular works, giving them an advantage that must greatly add to their usefulness.

London: CRADOCK and Co., 48, Paternoster Row.

CAPTAINS, VOYAGERS, and EMI

GRANTS will find CORDING'S WATERPROOF GARMENTS the best they can purchase, and indispensable to persons about to push their way where exposure to the elements is the order of the day. A waterproof suit adds vastly to comfort, and is a great saving in the end. As imitations that will not stand hot and cold climates are being offered, observe (for security) the name and address, J. C. CORDING, 231, Strand, five doors west of Temple Bar, and 3, Royal Exchange, facing Cornhill.

sudo Commissioners, and the same dietary scale will be UNION BANK of AUSTRALIA, 38,

adopted. They officered and

competent persons, and carry duly qualified and experienced surgeons. Other equally fine ships, similarly fitted, &c., will succeed, and sail on the 1st and 15th of each month from London, and the 11th and 25th from Plymouth. Load at the Jetty, London Docks.

For further particulars apply to the undersigned, who are constantly despatching a succession of superior firstclass ships (regular traders) to each of the Australian colonies.

MARSHALL & EDRIDGE, 34, Fenchurch Street, London.

OUTFITS FOR ALL CLASSES.

THE ADVANTAGES of EMIGRA
HE ADVANTAGES of EMIGRA-

of a SUITABLE OUTFIT, E. J. MONNERY and
CO., 165, FENCHURCH STREET, CITY, having had many
years' experience in that line, feel confidence in calling
the attention of all classes to their Outfitting Warehouse,
where a large assortment of shirts, clothing, hosiery, &c.,
&c., is kept ready for immediate use, at unusually low
prices. Sea mattresses, bedding, cabin, and camp furni-
ture of every description.-Lists, with prices affixed, for-
warded by post.

"Intending Emigrants.-Those of our readers about departing to the Canadas, Australia, New Zealand, &c., would save much money, time, and trouble, by consulting Messrs. Monnery and Co., 165, Fenchurch Street; whose long experience, as Colonial Outfitters, enables them to furnish the most suitable equipments for all climates."-The Emigrant Newspaper.

DENT'S IMPROVED WATCHES

and CLOCKS.-E. J. DENT, Watch and Clock Maker by distinct appointment to the Queen, H. R. H. Prince Albert, and H.I. M. the Emperor of Russia, most respectfully solicits from the public an inspection of his extensive STOCK of WATCHES and CLOCKS, embracing all the late modern improvements, at the most economical charges. Ladies' Gold Watches, with Gold Dials, jewelled in four holes, Eight Guineas. Gentlemen's, with Enamelled Dials, Ten Guineas. Youths' Silver Watches, Four Guineas. Warranted substantial and accurate going Lever Watches, jewelled in four holes, Six Guineas.

E. J. DENT, 82, Strand, 33, Cockspur Street, and 34, Royal Exchange (Clock Tower Area).

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family with a good Stock of GUTTA PERCHA SOLES and SOLUTION. From the ease with which these soles can be applied to Boots and Shoes in countries where no shoemaker can be found for miles-their power of keeping the feet perfectly dry, when wading in either fresh or sea water, and thus preserving the body from coughs, colds, and consumption, in lands where medical advice cannot be easily had-added to their great durability and cheapness, render them most essential to the comfort and security of all who purpose sailing to distant countries. In CALIFORNIA they are invaluable.

Gutta Percha Trays, Bowls, Cups, Bottles, Inkstands, Dishes, Plates, Ear Trumpets, &c., are admirably suited for shipboard and emigrants, as they will not break by being even violently thrown down upon the floor.

Any person taking a stock across the seas will find it afford a profitable speculation.

Manufactured by the Gutta Percha Company, Patentees. Wharf Road, City Road, London; and sold by their wholesale dealers in Town and Country.

Bank GRANTS BILLS at
Thirty Days, and LETTERS of CREDIT on its branches
in the Australian Colonies and New Zealand, at a charge
of Two per Cent. on sums above 10. Approved bills are
negotiated on the Colonies, the terms for which may be
learned at the offices of the Bank.
London, July 20, 1848.

SAMUEL JACKSON, Sec.

EMIGRATION TO NEW SOUTH WALES.

USTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL
AUSTRAL. Incorporated by Royal Charter, A.D.

1824.

Office, 12, KING'S ARMS YARD, MOORGATE
STREET, LONDON.

J. S. BROWNRIGG, Esq., Governor, Ashford, Chertsey,
Surrey.

A. W. BLANE, Esq., Deputy-Governor, Salt-Hill, Bucks.
C. D. Bruce, Esq., (Fletcher, Alexander, and Co.,) 10,
King's Arms Yard.

Henry Buckle, Esq., Mark Lane.

W. S. Davidson, Esq., (Herries, Farquhar, and Co.,) 16,
St. James's Street.

John Hodgson, Esq., St. Helen's Place.
John Loch, Esq., (Director of the Hon. East India Com-
pany,) 13, Cavendish Square.

Stewart Marjoribanks, Esq., Bushy Grove, Watford,
Herts.

Hon. J. T. Leslie Melville, (Williams, Deacon, and Co.,)
Birchin Lane.

Henry Porcher, Esq., Park Corner, Hartford Bridge.
J. H. Ravenshaw, Esq., (British Iron Company,) South
Sea House.

G. R. Smith, Esq., (Smith, Payne, and Co.,) Lombard
Street.

Thomas Tooke, Esq., (Chairman of Royal Exchange,
and St. Katherine Docks.)

G. S. Thornton, Esq., (Director of Sun Fire Office,)
Amwell Bury, Ware, Herts.

The Australian Agricultural Company, after having for
the last 20 years confined its operations to cultivating and
grazing estates (comprising 1,000,000 acres), which were
selected with great care in New South Wales, has deter-
mined on offering for sale or lease all that portion con-
taining 500,000 acres situated near the excellent harbour
of Port Stephen (100 miles from Sydney, and its 50,000
inhabitants). This estate is bounded by the river Man-
ning, intersected by other streams, and provided with
roads and bridges, which have been constructed by the
Company at a cost of many thousand pounds. Also
churches and schools. A resident clergyman, school-
master, and surgeon are paid by the Company, for the
benefit of their servants.

Farms and vineyards, which have been long in cultivation, with excellent homesteads attached, will be offered for sale at twenty years' purchase on the estimated annual value. The uncultivated land will be sold in lots of 50 acres and upwards, at £1 per acre; each £50 paid in England entitling the purchaser to a choice, and a free passage, in one of the Company's ships, to Port Stephen. Each Lot will include a right of pasturage for stock on adjoining land at a low poll-tax. The Company are willing to lease land for 10 years, with a right of purchase at £1 per acre during that term. They are also able to offer Cattle, Horses, and fine woolled Sheep, of the purest breeds, on advantageous terms. Cuttings, Plants, and Seeds may be obtained from the Company's Gardens, Orchards, and Vineyards. Purchasers, immediately on landing at Port Stephen, will be received by the Agents of the Company-forwarded to the agricultu ral district, about 20 miles-and allowed to occupy buildings belonging to the Company at a trifling rent for a reasonable period.

Further information may be obtained on application to the Secretary, GEORGE ENGSTROM, Esq., 12, King's Arms Yard, London.

in

and Manners-Notices of the Aborigines-Glimpses of Scenery, and some Hints to Emigrants.

By JOSEPH PHIPPS TOWNSEND. London: CHAPMAN and HALL, 186, Strand.

BOOKS FOR EMIGRANTS. Published under the superintendence of the SOCIETY for the DIFFUSION of USEFUL KNOWLEDGE.

THE FARMER'S SERIES of the

LIBRARY OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE consists of six volumes, which comprise a Treasury of Information for every husbandman. The Treatises consist of

I. THE HORSE; its History, Breeds, and Management. By WILLIAM YOUATT. To

which is appended, a TREATISE on DRAUGHT, by I. K. BRUNEL, Esq. The whole illustrated with numerous cuts. In 8vo, bound in cloth, 6s. 6d.

II. CATTLE; their Breeds, Management, and Diseases. By WILLIAM YOUATT. With beautiful Cuts of the Various Breeds, Anatomical Illustrations, &c. In 8vo, price, in cloth, 88.

III. SHEEP; their Breeds, Management, and Diseases. By WILLIAM YOUATT. Illustrated like the volume on Cattle, together with Microscopical Examinations of the various Wools; to which is appended, the "Mountain Shepherd's Manual." In 8vo, price, in cloth, 8s.

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TOWN

(late Weakley's Hotel, Devonport.) T. R. TOWNSHEND respectfully begs to direct the attention of parties embarking at this Port, for the Colonies, to the superior accommodation which his well-known Hotel affords. The charges are very moderate, and intelligent parties are in waiting to render every assistance in the conveyance of Luggage, &c., intended for shipment. The above Hotel is in the same street with the Government Dock Yard, and contiguous to the New Steam Arsenal, Mount Edgecumbe, and the River Tamar.

***No extra charge for Sitting Rooms. Omnibuses, in connexion with the above Hotel, await the arrival of every Train.

IMPORTANT TO EMIGRANTS!!

Extract from the report of Dr. KNOX's Lecture on Emigration and Colonization, delivered at the Mechanic's Institution, on the 5th of January, 1849; from the Morning Advertiser.

The Lecturer also advised them TO SELECT FOR BARTER the manufactures of Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham, and London, and to be mindful to take out some GOOD SINGLE and DOUBLE BARRELLED GUNS, articles highly appreciated, and for one of which, by Manton, he had himself given as high a price as 701, GUNPOWDER was an essential to those Weapons of great value to trade in, and SADDLERY was of high value as an article for barter.

FREDERIC BARNES,

3, UNION ROW, TOWER HILL, in reprinting the above Extract, for the information of Emigrants, desires to call their attention to his

GUN AND PISTOL MANUFACTORY, and Warehouse for

IRONMONGERY, CUTLERY, TOOLS, SADDLERY, AND BIRMINGHAM AND SHEFFIELD GOODS OF ALL KINDS, Where they may select large or small assortments for barter, or for their own use, at very reduced Prices for Cash. F. B. having Establishments at Birmingham and Sheffield, and manufacturing a great variety of the various articles in large quantities for exportation, can, with confidence, assure Emigrants, and Captains of Ships, that he is in a position to supply them with every article in the above fine, at prices very much below other houses.

He solicits the favour of a call from parties before purchasing, to whom he will be happy to afford every information and furnish lists, priced, of such articles as may be likely to be required.

Good Single GUNS, with proved Barrels,
From 208. each upwards; and
RIFLES, with Patent Breeches, from 25s. each.
GUNPOWDER, SHOT, PERCUSSION CAPS,
and all other Articles in proportion.

F. B. desires to call particular attention to his
EMIGRANT'S IMPROVED PORTABLE COOKING

STOVE,

Which requires no setting, and is the most complete article of the kind ever offered. It may be inspected, and every information given on application.

FREDERIC BARNES,

GUN AND PISTOL MANUFACTORY, and Warehouse for IRONMONGERY, CUTLERY, TOOLS, SADDLERY, &c., 3, UNION Row, TOWER HILL, LONDON, at the bottom of the Minories, and facing the Tower; also at 182, Livery Street, Birmingham, and 25, Carver Street, Sheffield.

Printed by HENRY DICK WOODFALL, of No. 14, Great Dean's Yard, in the City and Liberties of Westminster, in the County of Middlesex, Printer, at No. 11, Angel Court, Skinner Street, in the Parish of Saint Sepulchre, in the City of London, in the said County. Published by WILLIAM SOMERVILLE ORR, 2, Amen Corner, Thursday, 26th April, 1849.

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EMIGRANT'S

CONDUCTED BY SAMUEL AND JOHN SIDNEY, AUTHORS OF "A VOICE FROM AUSTRALIA," "AUSTRALIAN HAND-BOOK,"

"RAILWAYS AND AGRICULTURE," &c., &c.

VOL. I.-No. 31.]

THURSDAY, 3RD MAY, 1849.

-PRICE 2D.

STAMPED 3D.

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AFTER a lengthened tour through the counties of Northampton, Hunts, Cambridge, Leicester, Derby, Notts, and Lincoln, in which we have not only publicly lectured to five different audiences, but had an opportunity of conversing privately with a great number of persons of all classes on the subject of emigration, we have returned to our editorial duties more than ever convinced of their responsibility and importance.

In the manufacturing districts, trade has decidedly revived, and there is no longer that crowding of penniless unemployed workmen toward any opening that promised to transplant them out of sight of an English workhouse, which so much afflicted every man of heart and feeling during many months previous to last winter. In the interval between our first and last tour in the Manufacturing Districts, we see a decided change in the condition of the operative masses. Hundreds, who some time since were ready to enlist under any emigrating banner, are now fully occupied, and sufficiently content.

The town-bred parties now most eager to obtain information about Emigration Fields are chiefly those of some capital, and with large families, and this is an increasing class. The large numbers who have emigrated during the last few years have opened up a communication with their friends in this country. The newspapers have given circulation to numerous letters from successful Emigrants in Canada, the United States, and Australia. Guide-books, Hand-books, and Reminiscences have swarmed from the press; and the most distant Colonies have ceased to be regarded with mysterious dread. Young men, too, of respectable parentage and education, and restless disposition, are now frequently sent to one of the Colonies instead of to sea, where, if sober, they often succeed admirably. The Robinson Crusoes of the 19th century tempt the Bush instead of the Ocean.

Under the influence of this new spirit, those who desire a larger scope for their energies than is afforded by this very high rented and very much taxed country, "survey mankind from China to Peru," and undertake a voyage to the Antipodes with as little care and preparation as men formerly used in journeying from Edinburgh to London.

At the same time that we can do justice to the modern spirit of enterprise, we should be glad to see some better means taken for securing ample and correct information for intending emigrants. In London, books and papers are easily to be obtained at an inconsiderable cost; in the country, there are often great difficulties in the way of even learning what books are in existence describing any particular country. For remedying this deficiency we have two suggestions to make. First, that in all Benefit Societies and Charitable Associations, either formed by the joint contributions of persons of the same class, or under the wing of wealthy philanthropists, there should be a distinct department for collecting current information on the subject of emigration.

There are so many instances in which sums of money, which can only afford temporary relief to a large family, would, if devoted to transplanting it to a suitable emigration field, afford the means of permanent independence. But, to effect this, information of a precise nature is required, which, if not at hand, it may take valuable weeks to obtain. If a committee made it its business to know the best openings for emigrants, the cost of passage and outfit, time and money would be saved, and great benefits bestowed on many who, after consuming all that prudence in more fortunate days has hoarded up, or charity has collected, sink into pauperism.

In the same way, all Poor Law Unions ought to have an Emigration Committee, whose duty it should be not only to collect information on the openings for emigrants, but also on the progress of emigration within their respective districts. At present, we are quite in the dark as to the progress of emigration, until we

have brought up all standing by notification that all the government money is gone, or that the Emigration Commissioners are overwhelmed with applications. But in what numbers, from what counties, and from what classes the colonizing armies have been recruited, we only learn by accident.

Secondly, in every town, and almost every village, there is something in the shape of a mechanics' institution, with a library, a reading-room, and classes for teaching various languages and accomplishments. If, in these institutions, to the geographical a colonization class were attached, a very attractive and useful feature would be added to the routine humdrum. The members, by reading aloud from new and expensive books of travels, like "Mitchel's Exploring Expedition," "Mackay's Western World," &c., by collecting information and letters from emigrants to parties resident in their immediate neighbourhood, might render a great deal of practical service to themselves and their fellowtownsmen.

These institutions, after the novelty of commencement, generally labour under the curse of dulness, from which questions like Colonization, which are at once practical, romantic, and political, would be likely to work a cure.

There is no kind of emigration likely to be so successful as that which is formed of bodies of men from the same district, and that would be best brought about by local associations. While the number of artizan emigrants has diminished, and, probably, the number of agricultural labourers, and while, among town shopkeepers, many have had their hopes revived by improved trade, the Colonizing movement among farmers has only just commenced. Farmers are the last people in the world to think of transplanting, although they have, on many accounts, the best chances of success. But, if a considerable number of farmers were to emigrate from any one country to a British Colony, and succeed, the stream would never stop.

For some weeks, in every agricultural metropolis of England, there has been a meeting on the subject of Agricultural Distress. Landlords and farmers agree that, at the present prices of corn and meal, tenant farmers cannot make a living, and must make a loss. At these meetings there is a little truth spoken, and a great deal of humbug. The remedies proposed are various, but all equally impracticable-all equally useless to those whose circumstances make them really and keenly feel the present low prices.

For our own parts, not without some knowledge of the subject, we believe that nine out of ten of the tenant farmers holding under 200 acres of land, and dependent on that land alone for support, are, with present rents, present rates and taxes, and present prices, in a sure way to insolvency. A farmer, with some thousand pounds sunk in farming, with a large family of sons, cannot look forward to his sons keeping up the position their father has maintained.

Now, the remedies proposed on the hustings are sometimes a return to protective duties; sometimes the repeal of the malt tax; and lately a transfer of local rates to the Imperial Treasury, all pretty stories for a speech, a burst of cheering and a long report in the local agricultural paper, and that is all. It would take five years to carry any one of these measures at the least, and long before that time the pinched ones would be past praying for. But no sane man who has ever travelled 100 miles from his native village believes that any special measure will be granted to the agricultural interest, or that, if it were, it would do the tenant farmer any good.

At agricultural dinners, landlords' agents generally wind up their speeches by recommending, as safe panaceas for low prices, three recipes:-liberal wages to labourers; a study of agricultural chemistry, and one-horse carts; sometimes they add liquid manure. Such suggestions are not very comforting to a farmer of fifty in cords and gaiters, with a large family, and no balance at his bankers.

It is very natural for landowners to cry out: and as, for the most part, they are profoundly ignorant of the practical part of the art by which they get their rents, it is not extraordinary that they should talk nonsense when they venture into the mysteries of guano, Liebig, and one-horse carts; but, as regards tenant farmers, all this outcry is silly; the competition they are suffering from is home competition.

"I lose by my farm this year," said a small farmer to us in the Lincoln train; and, if I were to give it up, there would be forty

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ready to take it." Whether it be wheat or stock that bears a good price one year, the next there is a glut of home production. In spite of the cries of agricultural distress-a distress which really exists, whatever Manchester men may say to the contrary-there are two facts worth noting: the rich farmers, under safe landlords, are building and draining, and improving as usual; and the small farmers, in every instance, acknowledge that, if their rack-rented farms (all small farms are high rented) had been their freehold, they would go on farming in spite of foreign competition and local taxes.

To what conclusion do these things bring us? Why, that farmers who feel they cannot hold on at present prices had better sell up at once, and emigrate to countries where the fee-simple may be bought for half a year's rent. It is madness for such to content themselves with grumbling at market and bellowing on the hustings. It is better to land with 50%. and four children than to go scrambling on in perpetual fear of the tax-gatherer and the landlord.

Whether in America or Australia, the farmer will only have to do what he has been accustomed to do all his life. The scene may be new, the occupation will be the same, the pipe will be there for a comfort, if not the pot of beer. He will have few neighbours, but no poors'-rates. No market ordinary, but no rent-day. Not so snug a house at first, but it will be his own; if his daughters give up a piano, they will have a better chance of husbands, and, though his sons will wear no top-boots, they may look forward to settling on their own farms.

Rich farmers may afford to wait for "the good time coming;" but to the man with less than 107. an acre capital, or the man with more than a pigeon pair of children, we say, Sell off, realise and resettle where you will work for yourself, and not for the landlord. Wheat in Sydney is fetching as good a price as in Mark Lane. A tenant farmers' Emigration Society would soon find out, that the true system of protection to British agriculture consisted, like the true system of growing good turnip crops, in keeping the plants wide apart.

Port Philip district, is there not?-Very many in the Port Philip district.— And you have known among them people who have been successful?—Yes. I have known many men who have arrived there with literally no means, and who are now the proprietors of several hundred head of cattle, who have large dairies, and, perhaps, three or four thousand sheep, and several horses besides, though horses as yet are not so abundant at Port Philip as in the older colony of New South Wales.-The Committee have before them an account of the total amount of land sold in the colony, from the year 1837 to the year 1846, leading to the following results :

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Totals 1,002,440 1

7163,985 23,683 1 811,611 2 121 7,942 3 34 | 81,343 1,291,006 0 21 919,669 11 2

EVIDENCE OF JUDGE THERRY ON THE PRICE OF CROWN LANDS IN AUSTRALIA.

BEFORE A SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS, June, 1848. You have filled official situations in the colony of Australia?-In the colony of New South Wales I have filled several official situations.-What official situations have you filled?-I have filled the office of commissioner of the court of request for the colony for nearly thirteen years. I have filled the office of attorney-general of the colony for nearly three years; and I have been judge of the supreme court about three, in one year of which I filled the office of resident judge for the district of Port Philip.-What was the entire length of your residence in the colony?-Nineteen years. Just before I left the colony there was an importation of semi-savages from the New Hebrides and adjacent islands in the south seas, which was certainly deemed a most objectionable description of persons to import; and the importation raised a great complaint and outcry from many in the colony against the gentleman who imported them. They were quite savages, or nearly so; and, coming in competition in the labour market with free men, they were opposed, and in some instances driven off the sheep stations by the English servants in the same employment. At the same time it is but justice to say that there was some excuse to be suggested for the gentleman who imported them, and who, I believe, embarked and lost a large sum of money in the importation of them, on account of the great dearth of labour. He engaged in it, not from choice, but from the necessity of his position, and the prospect of otherwise having his cattle unherded and his sheep unshepherded.-You seem to imply that the speculation did not answer.-It did not. The Government and the authorities discouraged it, and the free men would not work with them. They were regarded and dealt with as savages, and could not be effectively controlled under our laws, and they thus became a complete incumbrance upon the hands of the gentleman who imported them, and who derived very little or no benefit from their labour.-During the length of time you have been there, have you had an opportunity of considering special cases among the emigrants, and observing how far they have possessed the means as well as the disposition of advancing in a social state and improving their condition? I have seen many of them advance very prosperously from very small beginnings, by prudent and industrious means. Have they become acquirers of property in stock?-Many of them.-Do you think that those opportunities exist in the colony so as to afford a fair inducement to other emigrants to venture into the colony, in the expectation of similar results?—I am sure that the same results would be yielded to those who pursued similar courses; and I would venture to suggest to the Committee the cause of the misadventure of many who have gone to the colony. The misadventure of those who have gone to the colony with small capital has arisen frequently from their embarking too suddenly in the purchase of stock and the purchase of land, with out first becoming acquainted with the constitution of the sheep, the mode of managing them, the nature of the climate, and the mode of dealing with the stock generally. If they embark capital suddenly, they no doubt may embark it rashly; but, if they would wait a while, and exercise a little prudent caution, and train themselves with a little knowledge, I apprehend that a man with a very small capital would become, as many have become, in a moderate time, very independent. Many of those who have become affluent have pursued courses of the kind I have ventured to suggest as advisable to adopt.-And the instances you have known of such cases have not been unfrequent? Certainly not; there are very many.-Are those cases confined to any one particular class of emigrants, or have you known such cases amongst the English, the Scotch, and the Irish population? I think they are pretty fairly diffused. Have you known cases of success amongst the Irish settlers? Certainly, very many; it depends in a great degree upon the character of the man himself and his provident habits. There are certainly many Irish settlers who have become so, and many equally from Scotland and from England. I say equally, because I think quite as many instances of one country could be pointed out as of another.-There is a considerable number of Irish in the

From which it appears, that in the

year 1837 the proceeds amounted to 121,9627.; in the year 1838, to 128,8657.; in the year 1839, to 166,7137.; whilst in the three last years they amounted to only, in 1844, 9,1747., in 1845, 18,0257., and in 1846, to 27,7001. To what would you attribute that considerable falling-off in the landsales in that period?-Principally, I should attribute it to the minimum price of land being 11. an acre, and to the great extent to which, in consequence of this price, the squatting system has extended, as well as to the great facility afforded for the occupation of land without purchase; that naturally prevents the sale of land. If a person can occupy and use land without buying it, and buying, too, at a price beyond its value, it is plain he will not purchase it.-One of the great recommendations upon which the 20s. upset price of land was founded, was that it had a tendency to secure the concentration of the population. Do you think that that has been its effect?-I am quite sure that it has not been its effect; and I should rather say its effect was the reverse, to prevent the sale of land at all, and to promote dispersion by a system which operates as a prohibition upon the sale of land.-Will you describe to the Committee the effect of that 17. minimum price of land upon the squatting system, and the licences for runs? By reason of the price of land being, as it is generally supposed to be, and as I think it is practically shown to be, beyond its value, no person buys; the consequence is, that the squatters have an occupation which they consider almost equivalent to the proprietorship of the soil. They have, for all practical purposes, as complete an ownership of the land, in consequence of the price prohibiting the sale, almost as if they had purchased it.

AUSTRALIAN BUSH SIGNS.-"There's his horse," said the Australian, pointing some distance across the flat. "He has been here some time, you see." "How?" inquired Katharine, as she looked in perplexity for some token of the lapse of time. "I don't understand." "Don't you see the animal's back under the saddle is dry; and he was cantering too fast not to have been wet enough when he got here?" "Well! it would have been a long time before I should have got to that conclusion from the same grounds. Is there anything in the bush that you do not see, Mr. Kable?" asked Katharine, recollecting the inquisition that so nearly concerned herself on the origin of the track up the hill. "Not much, I believe," replied the Australian, laughing in his turn. "The fact is, it is our study. A mark upon a tree, which you might never notice, tells us the tale of a circle of ground two or three miles in semidiameter. On the earth of the creek banks is written the bulletin of a flock of sheep. Half-a-dozen sounds, collected by the ear about nightfall, direct our last half-hour's course in search of a night's lodging."-The Emigrant Family.

LETTERS FROM TEXAS.

(Continued from page 236.)

The land in the neighbourhood of the bayou, although very wet, and little better than a wide swamp in the rainy season, yet pastures large numbers of cattle. One proprietor is said to own ten thousand head. The market for them is at New Orleans, whither they are driven overland. Of course they spread over a wide tract of country, and are branded with the owner's mark. They are mostly of a large size, long-horned, and of a dun colour, or red and white. The average price of a herd is not more than 34 dollars per head, or 14s. 7d. English, and would not probably command that price if brought to sale. Selected cattle can be had for 5 dollars per head. This low price seems extraordinary, when, by converting the fattest of the herd into tallow, a price of from 21. to 31. sterling might be realized at all times, and a ready sale effected in the northern ports. Of course beef is exceeding low in Texas; 14 cent per lb., or 3d. English, may be considered an average price, and nothing but a bad selection, and bad cookery, prevents it being equal to any in the world. If this be, indeed, the fertile country represented capable of growing corn as abundantly as Upper Missouri, where it sells for an English 6d. the bushel, and as healthy as some friends of Texas assert it to be-what a country lies open to the wretched peasantry of Ireland! However, I reserve my opinion until I have traversed the length and breadth of the land.

After sunset torches of pitch pine were lighted, which threw a wild fantastic glare upon the sluggish stream, and the melancholy trees. The negroes who composed the crew of the steamer amused themselves by shouting an extemporaneous song, to which a mournful and not unmusical chorus was added. These poor unfortunate victims of a dark skin and a bad brain appear to have all the gaiety of existence requisite for their position, and to leave care and anxiety as the lot of their masters.

As we approached the city of Houston a few dull lights appeared visible on the top of a high bank, and two or three negroes holding torches. Running as far into the mud near the shore as our "engine" had power to force us, long planks were run out to a wooden wharf, and, with some difficulty, we succeeded in getting our horses safely ashore. Placing our baggage on their backs, we led them cautiously across what appeared to be a ploughed field, but which, upon investigation next day, proved to be the main street, the veritable "Strand" of the city of Houston. At the door of the "Old Capitol," as the best hotel is called, we consigned our horses to the care of three dusky grooms, and, carefully disposing of our scanty baggage, proceeded to inspect the place. The public room of the hotel had on one side a "bar," that is, a counter, across which compounds of bad brandy and corn whiskey are sold. These materials are contained in decanters, ranged upon an ascending tier of shelves, intermingled with coloured bottles, lemons, powdered sugar, and effervescing draughts, sold in champagne bottles. A large fire of logs blazed upon the brick hearth, and several persons in blanket coats were sitting near it, smoking, chewing, surrounded by small pools of expectorated fluid, and occasionally challenging each other to "drink." They conversed chiefly upon the sugar crop, cotton "niggers," and the defeat of their champion for the Presidency, General Cass. I inquired from them as to the health of the city of Houston, and received such various answers that I am not able to say more than it is comparatively healthy for a town situated in a sugar country. Yellow fever had been very fatal in Houston during the past summer, and several cases occurred so late as the middle of November. A medical gentleman from whom I had made inquiries previously, computed the number of deaths at about 200, which, out of a population of not more than 4000, indicates a severe visitation. My present informants appeared to think very lightly of it; they were generally of opinion that since the "doctors "had given up using calomel in that disease, the fatality was much diminished.

One of them, who had a farm on the Trinity River, informed me he had grown a fine crop of wheat the last season, and that several crops had been harvested in his neighbourhood which averaged thirty bushels per acre. I have frequently heard that the Upper Trinity produces excellent wheat, although the crops are probably overstated. The sugar and cotton crops throughout Texas are generally represented as excellent, although the early frosts have somewhat injured the canes on the Braror river.

These men answered all my questions with great civility, as I have invariably found the case with Americans, however rude in their aspect, and coarse in their manners. I was compelled to pay the usual price for such conversation by communicating my name, country, the place from whence I came, that to which I was travelling, the time I proposed to remain, and other information of a like nature. An old man who had passed his life on the frontier, "concluded Texas was about the tallest country in all creation, and whipped all Europe for raising corn."

The Virginians and myself were so fortunate as to obtain a room with only three beds in it, and possessing at least an average degree of cleanliness. Carefully barricading the door to prevent the possible companionship of any wandering tobacco-eater, we had a sound night's rest before commencing our journey. This morning, early, I took a walk through the town, first seeing the horses watered and fed, as became a prudent traveller. Houston is built chiefly in one long street, the stores of brick or wood, intermingling with several taverns and bar-rooms.

Entering a barber's shop I found several persons conversing upon the character of a sugar-planter in the neighbourhood, who allowed his slaves no provision but corn flour. This appeared such an unnecessary stinginess, where animal food is so plentiful, that the conduct of the "niggers," who retaliated upon their master by stealing his poultry and hogs, received the approval of these gentlemen. I received also a detailed account of the murder committed a few days previously by a Mr. Allen-one of those accidents so frequent in the south and west, where I have frequently met men who pride themselves upon these atrocities. The following brief account is from the Houston Journal:-"A dispute took place between Mr. Boyce and Mr. Allen, when the latter having drawn and cocked a pistol, Mr. Jones stepped in between them, in order to prevent violence. Mr. Allen ordered Jones out of the way, saying he would kill him also, and immediately discharged his pistol, the ball passing through Jones's heart. without uttering a word." The few respectable people in the place would willingly have a verdict of "murder in the first degree" returned against Allen, but the spirit of a licentious majority was expressed by the men before me, who "reckoned Allen didn't mean to kill him, but wanted to scare Boyce; Jones was a darn'd fool to come 'atween them when Allen had his dander up." An application has been made to the court, which is now sitting, to remove the trial. The application has been granted; if Mr. Allen is brought to trial at all, he will certainly be acquitted, and left at liberty to commit

Jones fell dead

similar offences, having been already guilty of many deeds of violence. Although such occurrences usually take place in bar-rooms and drinking shops, and do not affect the peaceable traveller, yet nothing can more strikingly indicate the low state of public opinion than the fact that such crimes habitually escape unpunished. The weakness of the law is everywhere a painful defect in this western country.-From a Correspondent.

VOLUNTARY INFORMATION OF THE people of new SOUTH WALES.

M

COLLECTED BY MRS. CHISHOLM.

RYAN, from Tipperary.-I came to New South Wales in 1821; I had no money when I landed; I was for four years in the Government's service; after this I used to receive 25l. a year, from 1825 to 1832. I remained in service about seven years; commenced with very little money, but with 200 head of cattle. I have now (1845) about 4000 sheep and 1200 head of black cattle. I have no land on lease, but have a squatting license for a run for 1200 cattle; have bought 2500 acres of land; I cultivate 270 acres. I have worked very hard indeed, and my wife used to help me. I now employ eighteen men, shepherds, labourers, watchmen, and could give employment to four more. The average pay I give is 147. with rations, including the allowance of tea and sugar. It is difficult to say what my property may be worth; but, including a large brick-house and other improvements, at least I should value my property at 5000l. I am the son of a comfortable farmer; was sent to this country for keeping forcible possession of a farm which really belonged to my brothers and myself. I grow wheat and everything of the kind on my farm, and buy tea and sugar at the wholesale price of the day in Sydney. I have five children, and employ a schoolmaster. I can read and write; I take in a newspaper, and have a good number of books.

THE EMIGRANT'S HAND-BOOK TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, containing Advice and Directions to Emigrants, but especially to those desiring to settle in the Great Western Valley. Colton, New York; and Smith, Elder, and Co., London. WE notice this little volume principally for the sake of introducing it to such of our readers as wish to form a comparative judgment of the several parts of the United States' Territory, preparatory to deciding which to emigrate to. The volume contains 136 pages, of which, by way of specimen of information, we shall give the first five-remarking merely that the matter is equally solid and statistical throughout. It is, moreover, the production of a nativeborn American, and one who evidently surveys his country and its capabilities with a keen and comprehensive glance. A first-rate map of the United States and the British Provinces, coloured on the outlines of the several states, and about twenty-four by twenty-two inches, is appended. The map itself, in fact, completely crowded as it is with specifications down to third and fourth rate streams and townships, is fully worth the sum (2s. 6d.) charged for the whole volume. Many of our correspondents will probably find it more satisfactory to supply themselves with it than to depend upon eliciting from us the information by their own disjointed queries.

"A person about to emigrate to, or visit, a foreign country, naturally feels desirous of becoming acquainted with its geography and resources, and the condition and habits of the people among whom he is about to take up his residence. The want of this knowledge has long been lamented by thousands who have come to the shores of the United States, and it has been the regret of philanthropists, who have witnessed the evil consequences of a hasty and immature change of location, that no one has hitherto supplied the great desideratum so much needed by the emigrant-information. The Emigrant's Hand-book' is published with a view of giving, in as brief a manner as the nature of the subject will allow of, such information as is required by those emigrating from Europe; and no better method can be adapted to this end than by pointing out the present condition of the United States, and the real prospects those visiting our shores may indulge in.

"The United States occupy by far the most valuable and the most temperate portion of North America. Confined originally to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, this great confederacy of republics has extended its empire over the whole region, spreading westward to the Pacific, and surpasses in internal resources, and the means of developing its natural wealth, the capacities of any of the empires of the old world. To the miner, the artizan, the manufacturer, merchant or agriculturist, it offers the most unbounded inducements. In staples inexhaustible, in mechanical power efficient, in means of transportation unexceptionable, in matter and mind not surpassed, the prospects of the American Union are pre-eminently brilliant. The commerce, the internal trade, mechanical skill and agricultural industry of the United States, are second, indeed, to those of no other nation, except in the aggregate amount of commercial transactions, in which it is surpassed by Great Britain alone.

"The progressive increase of the dimensions of this country by conquest and cession has been rapid. At the termination of the revolution, in 1783, it was confined to the territories east of the Mississippi, and south of the Canadas. In 1803 it was augmented by the purchase from France of Louisiana, a country now occupied by the thriving states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and several territories extending over many hundreds of thousands of square miles. Florida was purchased in 1819, and at the same time the Spanish claim to the Oregon' was transferred to the republic. In 1845 Texas voluntarily annexed itself to the Union; and by the treaty of 2nd February, 1848, the whole territories of New Mexico and California were ceded by the republic of Mexico.

"The present limits of the United States are bounded north by the Canadas and the 49th parallel of north latitude; east by the Atlantic Ocean; south by the Gulf of Mexico, the Rio Grande, and the Rio Gila, which separates it from the Mexican States of Chihuahua, Sonora, &c., and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. This vast country measures in extreme length from east to west, 2800 miles, and from north to south, 1360 miles, with an estimated superficial area of about 3,200,000 square miles, an extent of surface little inferior to that of the whole of Europe, and a population counting from 21,000,000 to 22,000,000 of souls.

"The United States comprises three essentially different geographical regions:-the slope from the Alleghany Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, which comprises the oldest settlements; the valley of the Mississippi, or great central plain, now in the process of settlement; and the slope from the

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