95

The water-power is very large, and has been in many in-
stances improved by large flour-mills and various other man-
ufacturing establisments for the production of numerous do-
mestic articles; more of it remains still undeveloped and fit
for future profitable improvement.

It is well wooded, affords large supplies of granite, marble,
and limestone for building purposes, good brick clay, besides
good mines of copper and large quantities of the best of iron
ore of various kinds. There are large quarries of the best
variety of soapstone in this county in close proximity to the
B. & O. Railroad—near Marriottsville.

Nickel and cobalt has also been found in this county to
some extent, and may yet repay all trouble and expense in-
volved in future search for it.

I have lately examined for a private gentleman some of the
finest and best Hematitic iron ore found in the United States,
and also some excellent specimens of per oxide of manga-
nese.

It has also abundance of limestones for agricultural im-
provement very accessible to all parts of the county, which
already has been much used and has greatly aided the soil im-
provement of the county. The county has all the conceded
healthiness and excellence of the Alleghany range, is rapid-
ly increasing in population, wealth and enterprise, and is
careful yet energetic in adopting all the means for social and
material improvement.

Its advantages of transportation are first, the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad on its southern border and the Western Mary-
land Railroad, which from the Northern Central Railroad,
passes nearly through the central parts of the county, in its
whole extent. It has also several good turnpikes, which
afford its citizens convenient access to the Baltimore mark-
ets.

The price of the lands in Carroll county vary greatly, be-
ing influenced by their degree of improvement, locality, and
other collateral circumstances. The prices varies from ten or
fifteen dollars for the worse to one hundred and fifty dollars
for the best farming lands, and are good bargains at the rates
which they bring in the market. Their proximity to market,
convenience of transportation, climate and social advantages
make them very desirable either for residences or safe invest-
ment.

FREDERICK COUNTY.

This is one of the largest, most fertile and productive
counties of the State, abounding in mineral wealth, transpor-
tation facilities, a healthy invigorating atmosphere and beau-
tiful scenery. It extends through the whole breadth of the
State, having the Pennsylvania line for its northern border,