Albany is the capital of New York. It is a flourishing city on the Hudson river, situated at the point where it is joined by the Western and Champlain canals, which circumstances contribute to make it a place of considerable trade. Its inhabitants are principally descendants from the Dutch, who first settled the state.
The city New York is situated on Manhattan island, at the mouth of the Hudson river; and from its commodious bay and other natural advantages for commerce, seems destined to rival all the commercial cities in the world. This city contains many elegant buildings, and beautiful parks. Its population embraces some of almost every nation on the earth, who congregate here in pursuit of wealth. New York city extends over three miles along its harbor, thus affording ample accommodation to almost innumerable vessels.
Ballston and Saratoga springs, are the most celebrated mineral springs in the United States, and are much visited, during the summer months, on account of the medicinal qualities of the waters.
NEW JERSEY.
The soil of New Jersey is not generally so fertile as that of the states which have been named, being sandy along the sea-coast, and hilly in the interior. Although this state has an extensive sea-coast yet, as there are few very commodious harbors, to vie with that of New York on the one side and of Philadelphia on the other, it has but little commerce:—These cities import almost all the foreign articles and dispose of most of the manufactures and produce of this state.
The farmers raise many cattle, and much fruit, particularly apples, from which immense quantities of cider are annually made:—for this article this state is particularly celebrated.
Iron ore is abundant—copper, lead, coal, and freestone are found in considerable quantities. Manufactures of iron, cotton, and leather, are carried on to a considerable amount.
Trenton is the capital of the state. It is situated on the Delaware river, and is on the great route of travel between New York and Philadelphia. It is celebrated as the scene of one of the most brilliant battles fought by the Americans during the revolution. Princeton is also noted for a battle.
Newark contains more inhabitants than any other town in the state, its population being about 11,000.