[Illustration: THE PATTERSON VIADUCT.]
The Middle States are so called from their relative situation. The
distinguishing characteristic of this section of country is the
extensive system of internal improvement by means of canals and
railroads, by which the prosperity of those States is much promoted.
Railroads are laid down on the most level routes between the places to
be connected. They are formed by rails of iron laid on a foundation of
stone or wood. The wheels of the carriages are made to run upon these
rails, which being smooth offer little resistance, and make it easy
for a small force to move an immense weight. All the hills which occur
in the route of these roads are levelled and the valleys filled up.
Railroads pass over rivers by means of bridges, or, as they are more
generally called in these States, _viaducts_. The Baltimore and Ohio
railroad passes over a river, about seven miles from the city, by means
of one of these, called the Patterson viaduct, a view of which is given
in the cut.
The climate of the Middle States embraces almost all the varieties that
are found on the face of the earth; and, with the exception of the
northern part of the State of New York, the soil is more fertile than
that of New England. Wheat is produced in great abundance, and forms
the chief object of agriculture.