86

Water-Power.—This requires a special passing notice, as it
conduces to the material prosperity of an agricultural com-
munity in a very great degree, by inviting the employment
of capital and the presence of a large class in manufactures
to be supported by the agriculturist. As we are at present
situated most of what we use for almost every purpose will be
of home manufacture, and the natural advantages for this,
will, therefore, bear a value far greater than when foreign
fabrics were consumed.

The large cities and towns in, or immediately on the bor-
der of this division have for this purpose the easiest access to
the best coal in the United States for manufacturing purpos-
es, whilst the country portion has in addition to this an un-
limited supply of water-power. Nothing save a disturbance
in our political affairs, can prevent this whole Division from
being the seat of great and varied manufactures, as it com-
bines a healthy climate with the essentials of cheap and easily
acquired power, abundant agricultural resources, and a con-
tiguity to the chief raw material, cotton, an advantage supe-
rior to all the country north of us.

It has the command of all the chief raw material required
in manufactures, and a monopoly of some, and the natural
means within its borders of converting them into mercantile
fabrics and afterwards the readiest and cheapest means for
their conveyance to the markets of the world.

CECIL.—Blue Ridge portion-

A description of the tide-water part of this county has al-
ready been given, it remsins now only to notice that part of
it lying west of the P., W. & B Railroad, and between the
Pennsylvania line and the Susquehanna River.

This portion of the county is distinguished for its great
and widely-spread water power, its large and flourishing
manufactories, the great value of its mineral wealth, partic-
ularly of chrome ore, from which is made the most beautiful
and permanent paints, and from which all the civilized world
is to a great extent supplied. In additien to vast and exten-
sive manufactories of iron, cotton, wool, paper, and, indeed,
of the chief substances that are required for domestic use or
exportation, long persistent efforts are now culminating in
success to make Port Deposit on the Susquehanna in this
county the source of supply for all the plank, scantling,
&c., that is used on the great Atlantic border.

This is to be effected by means of booms, contrivances to
catch all the floating logs, millions of which come down the
river every year, and then to convert them into such forms of
lumber as industrial wants may require.