MIDDLE STATES.
THE PATTERSON VIADUCT.
The Middle States are so called from their relative situation. The distinguishing characteristic of this section of country is the extensive system of internal improvement by means of canals and railroads, by which the prosperity of those States is much promoted. Railroads are laid down on the most level routes between the places to be connected. They are formed by rails of iron laid on a foundation of stone or wood. The wheels of the carriages are made to run upon these rails, which being smooth offer little resistance, and make it easy for a small force to move an immense weight. All the hills which occur in the route of these roads are levelled and the valleys filled up. Railroads pass over rivers by means of bridges, or, as they are more generally called in these States, viaducts. The Baltimore and Ohio railroad passes over a river, about seven miles from the city, by means of one of these, called the Patterson viaduct, a view of which is given in the cut.
The climate of the Middle States embraces almost all the varieties that are found on the face of the earth; and, with the exception of the northern part of the State of New York, the soil is more fertile than that of New England. Wheat is produced in great abundance, and forms the chief object of agriculture.
NEW YORK.
Ranks first in the United States for commerce, wealth, and population, and is one of the most extensive in point of territory. The land is uneven, and in some parts mountainous. The soil is moderately fertile, and well adapted to agriculture and grazing.
A prominent feature of this State is the great number of lakes in its interior, which, being connected together by rivers, facilitate the transportation of produce from place to place. These natural advantages, together with large rivers and grand canals, have raised New York to the elevated rank she now holds, and made the city of New York the first emporium of commerce in the Union.
The Falls of Niagara, between Lakes Erie and Ontario, are partly in this State. This is the largest cataract in the world, and is a place of great interest to the thousands of its visiters. The fall here is one hundred and fifty feet.
Long Island is a part of this State. It is one hundred and sixty miles long, and from two to fifteen broad, and is well cultivated. The principal town on this island is Brooklyn, where there is one of the United States naval stations.