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ferent varieties of the soil. All of it can be improved to an
extent of production in crop value equalling the best of the
western and northwestern lands, at a cost less than the clear-
ing and potting in cultivation of these lands; the climate and
geographical position being incomparable—superior to the
western land. The county has been always proverbial for
the kindness and hospitality of its inhabitants. No taverns,
save one at the county town, exist in this county. Near the
mouth of the Patuxent river, is one of the largest, if not the
very largest and best harbors in the world. The depth of
water and safety of anchorage, with other advantages, being
without a parallel in this or any other country, as I have as-
certained from most competent authority.

No site in the Union is so favorable for a great naval depot
or navy yard.

The Great Eastern could come up and lie so near the land
in quiet, still, calm water, that its Captain could catch a bo-
quet thrown to him from a bower on the shore, ere he de-
parted for, a cruise around the world! ! !

CHARLES COUNTY.

This county lies immediately south of Prince George's,
which is its northern boundary; on the east it is bounded by
the lower district of Prince George, and the Patuxent river
which separates it from Calvert, and the upper part of St.
Mary's county; on the south and west by the Potomac.
Its average breadth and width, however, is about twenty miles.
It contains about 260,000 acres of land.

The soil is composed of the different varieties found in the
counties already described. Near Benedict, on the Patuxent,
the South and West River (Green Sand) variety of soil is
found and on Port Tobacco Creek considerable quantity of the
game variety, possessing all the characteristics of this fa-
mous soil exists. In the middle portions of the county is found
principally the variety of soil known as the Table land soil al
ready described as existing in Prince George's county. In the
lower portion of the county the very best varieties of " white
oak" soil exists, whilst on the Potomac the soil generally is a
ferruginous, sandy loam, easily worked, easily improved, and
producing abundantly every variety of fruits and vegetables,
corn and tobacco. The grape grows well in this county, and
as in other parts of this peninsula, might be made a profita-
ble source of cultivation.

There are in several parts of the county good shell and
green sand marls for improving the soils, with abundance of
lime easily obtained from the shell-fish in its waters. The
refuse of fisheries, which abound in this county, affords a
large supply of the cheapest and best manure.