country pass the most valuable portion of their lives, is here by the bounty of indulgent nature spared him. Heaving a sigh, at the thoughts of the different nature of that sterile spot, to which perhaps necessity compels him to return, he continues his route drawing comparisons between the ultra and cismontane countries, by no means unfavorable to the latter.

The lower part of the Southern and Western portion of this extensive region, which principally claims our attention at present, may be divided into the high and low country, which vary considerably in their aspect and elevation, the first being higher by two or three hundred fect than the second and presenting no ponds, marshes, or modern alluvial formations, which so strongly mark the other.

The site of Louisville, which is in the second diyision, is part of a triangular alluvial plain, whose greatest inclination is not more than 1o south, extending in that direction 20 miles to the mouth of Salt river; its greatest breadth opposite the town being six miles, which gradually diminishes to one, as it approaches its Southern boundary.

Ponds, marshes, and planispherical accumulations of sand, the two former of which disfigure its surface and taint the wholesome gale with nauseous vapours, are now gradually disappearing, before the active energy, and opening eyes of the awakened citizens who seem to be convinced that "their fate is in a great measure put into their own hands," and that if they will not remove these prolific sources of disease, they must and ought to suffer the penalties thereto annexed.

There are no data, from which we can with any degree of certainty compute the elevation of this plain above the waters of the Ocean, but taking it for granted that Brownsville lies eight hundred and fifty feet above the level of the Atlantic, and allowing (according to the mode pursued by Dr. Drake in estimating the height of Cincinnati) a fall in the bed of the river from that place to this one of nine inches per mile, we shall find that Louisville stands four hundred and seventy four, and the surrounding highest country one thousand and seventy five feet above the Ocean.

Every part of the section of Kentucky of which we are speaking, is finely irrigated by a

number of navigable rivers and their branches, which latter interlock in so extensive a manner as to intersect the country in every direction.Among the principal of these is the

OHIQ,

By far the noblest river in the universe, no matter in what point of view it be considered. It is formed, by the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela in lat. 40°, 26', 16" north, when passing through Pennsylvania, it washes the shores and constitutes the line of division between the states of Virginia and Kentucky on the one hand, and Ohio, Indiana and the Illinois territory on the other, receiving in its progress through one of the most pleasant and fruitful countries upon earth a number of sister streams, all anxious to mingle in the train of their Queen and mistress, who, thundering o'er the Falls, hushes her tumultuous waves, and winds her way in silent majesty to the Lat of 37,° 00' 21" north where joining the Mississippi, they together seek the Ocean.

The average heighth to which the waters of the Ohio are frequently and suddenly raised, may be estimated at fifty five feet, although for several years past, during the spring and fall freshets, they have attained one of-60-. The same causes operating upon the minor streams, produce nearly similar effects. The Kentucky having been known to rise 50 or 60 feet in 48 hours. The velocity of the current, during these periods is equal to five miles per hour, except while passing over the falls where it is considerably encreased. Below this the navigation is seldom interrupted for more than a day or two by ice, which is partly owing to the mildness of the climate and partly to the impetus of the

current.

The length of this truly "Belle Riviere" including that of the Allegheny (which is but a continuation of it) is nearly thirteen hundred miles, which (as observed by Dr. Drake) is three times the length "of the Susquehanna including the "Chesapeake Bay, and four times that of the "Potomac, Delaware, Hudson, or Connecticut "Rivers." It's average breadth may be estimated at 600 yards, opposite Louisville however,

it is one mile and twenty-five poles wide, presenting the most expansive and beautiful prospect, any where to be met with in the United States

KENTUCKY.

The Kentucky is one of the finest rivers of the Western Country, originating in three principal branches, called the Southern, Middle, and Northern Forks, the latter of which, by much the largest, heads in the Cumberland mountain. From the junction of these forks, which interlock with the head waters of Licking river, and from below the mouth of Red river one of its tributary branches, it runs in a north westerly direction to the Ohio, through a country remarkable for the fertility of its soil, and the sublimity of the scenery exhibited on the banks of its water courses, some of which are from four to five hundred feet in heighth, crowned with groves of red Cedar, which furnish ample supplies of that valuable timber to the Louisville