New England includes the six States lying east from Hudson river
and Lake Champlain. This general name was given to this part of the
country by the first settlers, or, as they are generally called, ‘the
pilgrim fathers,’ who left England, their native country, and landed at
Plymouth, in December, 1620, in order that they might enjoy religious
freedom. This section of the United States is distinguished for the
industry of its inhabitants, and for being the most populous part of
the Union. Great attention is paid to agriculture and commerce.
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The features of New England are mountainous; and the soil is various,
producing in abundance, grass, grain, and a variety of fruits. Its
climate is salubrious.
There is probably no place in the world where education is so widely
spread through all classes of the people; there being schools in each
town, supported at public expense.