87

From this same point is now supplied a variety of granite

(Syenite) one of the most permanent of all building materi-
als, whether for exposure in the air or water. Iron ore also

abounds in some parts of the county, with a good quality of
Kaolin (porcelain clay) from which earthen-ware of good
quality is made, and i'rom the coarser varieties a good quali-
ty of fire brick.

Soils of the upper portion of Cecil County.—These consist

of red and white isinglass soils, day, loam and shaley soils,
and are of various degrees of fertility and excellence; the
clay soils are exceedingly productiye in wheat, the grasses
and corn. The same may be said of the alluvial soils on the
tanks of the streams, particularly in reference to corn. The
intrinsic character of the soils in all parts of the county ex-
cept in a narrow belt in the chrome region, is good; they
respond well to proper cultivation and manures, produce fine
fruits and vegatables, and in addition to the general mark-
ets of Philadelphia and Baltimore, have a good home mark-
et at the numerous manufactories existing in every part of
the county.

Much of the land is well adapted to grass, and large
quantities of stock-cattle are annually fattened, principally
for the Philadelphia market; the location and soil being
particularly favorable to this branch of husbandry. The face
of the country is undulating, in some sections hilly with fine
buildiug sites. It is very healthy and offers desirable resi-
dences to men of capital and taste. All the luxuries of the

Chesapeake Bay, quiet and retirement, with full and free in-
tercourse with a chain of great metropolitan cities can be

-commanded from this county.

The county town is Elktonj at the head of navigation on
Elk River, and immediately on the P. W. & B. Railroad.

This portion of the county is well provided with transpor-
tion, having the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore
Railroad on its whole southern border, and the Susquehanah
river and Port Deposit Railroad on its western border. The
Philadelphia & Baltimore Central Railroad is also in process
of construction in the north-western portion of the county,
and will furnish excellent transportation to a section now en-
Joying this benefit to a sufficient extent.

Its central portion is only distant a few hours (two or three)
from the great cities of Philadelphia and Baltimore, and has
the choice of Railroad or tide-water steam navigation.

The population of this county are industrious, thriving
and very intelligent in their callings; many immigrants
have lately come in here from the North, and in addition to
the material advantages which have accrued to them, have
also enjoyed the hearty kind welcome characteristic of our
State.