Ranks first in the United States for commerce, wealth, and population,
and is one of the most extensive in point of territory. The land is
uneven, and in some parts mountainous. The soil is moderately fertile,
and well adapted to agriculture and grazing.
A prominent feature of this State is the great number of lakes in
its interior, which, being connected together by rivers, facilitate
the transportation of produce from place to place. These natural
advantages, together with large rivers and grand canals, have raised
New York to the elevated rank she now holds, and made the city of New
York the first emporium of commerce in the Union.
The Falls of Niagara, between Lakes Erie and Ontario, are partly in
this State. This is the largest cataract in the world, and is a place
of great interest to the thousands of its visiters. The fall here is
one hundred and fifty feet.
Long Island is a part of this State. It is one hundred and sixty miles
long, and from two to fifteen broad, and is well cultivated. The
principal town on this island is Brooklyn, where there is one of the
United States naval stations.
ALBANY is the capital of New York. It is a flourishing city on the
Hudson river, situated at the point where it is joined by the Western
and Champlain canals, which circumstances contribute to make it a place
of considerable trade. Its inhabitants are principally descendants from
the Dutch, who first settled the state.
The city NEW YORK is situated on Manhattan island, at the mouth of the
Hudson river; and from its commodious bay and other natural advantages
for commerce, seems destined to rival all the commercial cities in the
world. This city contains many elegant buildings, and beautiful parks.
Its population embraces some of almost every nation on the earth, who
congregate here in pursuit of wealth. New York city extends over three
miles along its harbor, thus affording ample accommodation to almost
innumerable vessels.
Ballston and Saratoga springs, are the most celebrated mineral springs
in the United States, and are much visited, during the summer months,
on account of the medicinal qualities of the waters.