46

For the most part, the Railroad through the tide-water
section of Maryland runs through the most unproductive and"
uninteresting part of it.

Familiar as I am with the whole State, I know of no dis--
trict in it of the same extent as that traversed by the Phila-
delphia and Wilmington and the Baltimore and Washington
Road, on which so much of poor, unpromising and barren
soil could be found, none on which a far greater quantity of
rich and fertile soil would not be apparent.

It is a most mistaken idea to judge of tide-water Maryland
by the country through which the Railroad passes. It is
vastly inferior to the average of any other part of the same
extent and only represents itself. It is no index of the ad-
jacent soils. Yet even on this by far the worst part, im-
provement, by proper means, is easily made—the texture of
the soil can be rapidly changed to a very good condition. This
is the most difficult part of soil improvement—and the judi-
cious application of the directly nourishing substances will-
always insure most remunerative production.

This particular part has the very great advantage of easy,
constant and quick access to the cities of Annapolis, Wash-
ington and Baltimore; persons can enjoy all the healthful,
cheap pleasures of a country life whilst attending to their
daily pursuits in these cities. The cars pass at nearly every
hour of the day, and the lawyer, banker, mechanic or merchant
can exercise all his professional functions in the city, and
enjoy at the same time the quiet and retirement of "a country
life, can improve their health by life-giving exercise in rural
pursuits, and at the same time give all necessary attention to
business in these cities, whether in public employment or en-
gaged in the private pursuits of life. These are conveniences
that make up for many of "the natural deficiencies of soil in
this particular section, and must necessarily tend to enhance
the value of property here. Already much of it has been
purchased by persons engaged in cities for the purpose of
permanent residence, and this action will be greatly on the
increase in the future. Healthful, pure country air, quiet,
abundance of room, grassy lawns, fresh fruit, flowers and
vegetables daily raised in our own air, on our own ground,
are blessings which vindicate their own excellence, and are
appreciated by none more than those who have to incur the
wear and tear of mechanical, mercantile and professional
pursuits. Capital will seek these places as soon as their merits
are known.