There is an idea prevalent in many parts of the country that
the State of Maryland is generally unhealthy; and indeed for this
hypothesis we have the authority of some eminent geographers,
but as far as it concerns Baltimore, (at least,) the opinion is cer-
tainly very erroneous. We admit that the low, level district
which constitutes the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and several
other counties which border on the Potomac and Chesapeake,
partake of those inconveniences to which all regions, similarly
situated, are more or less liable; and we are not prepared to deny
that the situation of Baltimore did originally share, in some
degree, in the same inconveniences. But even before the hand
of art had removed some of the former defects of the location,
the site of Baltimore, presenting an undulated surface, was emi-
nently superior in salubrity to the level tracts we have just men-
tioned. Still, however, in those early periods of our history,
there was much room for improvement, and the present race of
our citizens will find it difficult to believe in the extent of the
alterations which have been made. Those parts of the original
town of Baltimore which were immediately adjacent to the water
were chiefly of a very marshy nature; and some places indeed
were occasionally overflowed by the tide; which could not fail
to produce effects very prejudicial to the health of the inhabitants.
The ground on which the Centre or Marsh Market now stands,
was a mere bog, which extended along the present site of Frede-
rick street as far as Gay street. It is unnecessary to inform the
residents of our city that the said bog has entirely disappeared,
and that the portion of the City which it formerly occupied is
now closely covered with substantial buildings, for which the in
genuity of man has provided a secure foundation. At a much
later period than that to which we have just referred, a conside-
rable alteration, (which must materially improve the health of
the city,) has taken place in the vicinity of what is called the
City Block. A large portion of low marshy ground has been
filled up and effectually secured from inundation, so as to present
the miasma which must arise from stagnant water and vegetable