1

This town ersity of moderate low and marshy tracts, which are manufactu and gentle declivities; generally appropriated to mowing, cotton some sections it is consider- and afford good crops of grass. inter rough and broken. Its geolo-The forests are not extensive, but

are sufficient to supply the inhabitants with fuel and timber, and for the consumption occasioned by the lime manufactories, which afford a considerable market for this article.

gical structure comprises numerous calcareous strata. In these strata, four quarries have been opened, and large quantities of limestone raised, which has been manufactured into lime. It has been estimated that from 40 to The agricultural productions 50,000 casks have been made an-consist of the various articles comnually, the principal part of which mon to the climate; Indian corn, is exported to the southern States | rye, some wheat, barley, oats, pofor a market. One of these quar- tatoes, some flax, beef, pork, butries affords limestone of a peculiar ter, cheese, apples, cider and hay. character; the lime made of which But few of these productions is of the very best quality, and form articles of exportation. Concommands an extra price. This siderable quantities, however, of stone also makes a good cement. potatoes, cider, apples and hay are The manufacture of lime is an im-sent to the southern markets. The portant and extensive business, and agricultural interests of the town affords employment to a great num-are not very flourishing, considerber of persons. There is also a ing the natural resources of the quarry of white stone at what is soil; the industry of the inhabitcalled Woonsoquett hill, that sus-ants being in some measure diverttains heat remarkably well, which ed from agriculture, by the extenrenders it very valuable for furnacesive cotton manufactories, and the hearths; for which purpose it has attention that is paid to the lime been transported by land from 50 business, which constitutes an imto 60 miles. About two miles dis-portant interest.

tant from this, there is a quarry, The waters of the town consist containing excellent whetstones, of the Pawtucket, which washes for edge tools. Large quantities its northeastern border, and a are annually wrought into a suita-branch of this river, nearly of ble shape for that use, are trans-equal size, which intersects the ported into various parts of the town, discharging its waters into Union, and are in high estimation. the former, in the northern The soil is a gravelly and sandy section of the town. After loam, with some sections of a cal- the union of these streams, the careous loam. It is generally rich Pawtucket is from one to two and fertile, although in some pla- hundred feet in width. At some ces it has been reduced by an ex- seasons of the year, it usually overhausting system of cultivation. flows its banks, and has been The lands are generally warm, and known to rise from 15 to 20 feet favourable for most kinds of vege-above its usual height. There are tation. There are, however, some

five bridges upon' the Pawtucket,

and several upon the branchs of recent date, having grown up stream. Besides these, there are with the manufacturing business, numerous small streams, some of which may be considered as the which afford valuable sites for mills parent of it. It is impossible to and manufacturing establishments, contemplate such a village as this, which are mostly occupied. In without the most pleasing sensathe south part of the town, within tions and reflections. What a seat about four miles of Providence, of wealth, a focus of activity, and there is a considerable body of wa-a nursery of industry! What a dister, called Scots Pond. It is play of mechanical ingenuity, and nearly a mile in length, about what a developement of the imhalf a mile in width, and of great portance and influence of the usedepth. What is remarkable in ful arts! What a combination and this pond, is the steep descent of variety of operations, what diverits shores, particularly that adjoin-sity of employment, and what a ing the old post road from Provi-number of distinct and curious pro. dence to Worcester. Cases have cesses are comprised in the manuoccurred, of persons being drown-facture of those fabrics requisite ed in attempting to water their horses at this pond.

to supply the wants which the refinements of society occasion! Who can look upon such manufacturing villages as this, without regarding them as the germs of the future Manchesters of America?

There are three turnpike roads that pass through this town, all leading from Providence; one is called Loisquissett, which meets the post road from Worcester, In addition to the cotton facto-about 9 miles from Providence;|| tories, which have been noticed, one is called the Douglass turn-there is one other extensive estapike, leading directly from Provi-blishment, called the Mammoth dence to Douglass; and the other is called the Powder-mill turnpike, leading to Connecticut.

Factory, containing from 6 to 8000 spindles, which is supposed to be within the bounds of this town; but The cotton manufactories of this this admits of doubt; as the line town are important and extensive. between this State and MassachuThere are nine Factories, all of setts, at this place, has not been which contain about 11,000 spin-definitely settled. This establishdles. About one half of these be-ment is owned by Butler, Whealong to one factory, owned by Al-ton & Co. of Providence. my, Brown and Slater. This es- In addition to the cotton manutablishment is situated upon the factures, there are one Paper Mill, aforesaid branch of the Pawtucket two Distilleries, two Scythe Manuriver, about one mile and a half factories, where large quantities of from its junction, being an excel-scythes are annually made for exlent site for hydraulic works. At portation, one Gun Factory, elevthis place, there is a large anden Grain Mills, the greater part of flourishing village, called Slaters-which are on streams affording a ville, comprising from six to eight sufficient supply of water, and one hundred inhabitants. This village [Fulling Mill and Clothiers' works.

The mercantile business of the town is respectable, there being 11 Stores. There are two Banks in this town, and a charter has been obtained for one more.

tions, all of which are smooth and circular, and some of them very large, being sufficient to contain several hogsheads.

The taxable property of the town, by the United States assessment of 1815, was $830,960. Smithfield belonged originally to the town of Providence, and was

The population of Smithfield, in 1810, was 3828; and there are about 500 Electors, more than 500 Dwelling houses, 5 companies of Militia, and 2 chartered compa-settled about the same time, but nies. was not incorporated as a town, until 1730.

BIOGRAPHY. The Rev. Elisha Thornton, of this town, was an

longing to the Society of Friends, and was alike distinguished for his exemplary and useful life, and for his scientific acquirements. He was self-taught, having had but lit

The town is well supplied with schools, there being 20 regular schools, which are provided with suitable houses, and are maintain-eminent minister of the gospel, beed nearly through the year. Besides which, there are several schools kept in the winter season in private houses. There are also two Academies; and another has recently been incorporated. There are 4 reli-tle advantages as to education, in gions Societies; one of Friends or Quakers, which is the largest, one of Baptists, one of Methodists and one of Christians; and there are four churches, two of which belong to the society of Friends. There are four Social Libraries.

early life. But such was the native vigour of his mind, and his insatiable thirst for knowledge, that he became an eminent mathematician and practical astronomer, and for several years was Precep tor of a school, which sustained a high reputation.

There is a remarkable fall of water upon the Pawtucket river, Daniel Mowry Esq. of this town, called Woonsoquett falls, which is late a member of Congress, posconsidered as quite a curiosity.sessed superior talents, and was an The fall is about 20 feet, is not perpendicular, but over a precipice of rocks for some distance. The fall of the water upon these rocks through a succession of ages, has occasioned numerous excava

ornament to his profession. But he was not more distinguished for his talents than for his benevolent and friendly disposition, and for his eminently useful life.

COUNTY.

NEWPORT is a maritime com- ||ragansett bay. The whole terri

mercial county, situated in the torial limits of the county, exclusoutheastern section of the State, sive of the waters intervening beand is composed principally of de- tween its different divisions, comtached and insulated sections, be-prise about 136 square miles. ing separated by the waters of Nar

The following TOPOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL TABLE exhibits a view of the number of towns in the county; their situation, with relation to Newport; their population, according to the census of 1810; number of dwelling houses; religious societies, schools; banks, and post-offices.

Towns. P. O. Pop. D. H. R. S. Sch. Ban. Dist. from

The geological structure of the

nated transition; and the prevailing strata of rocks are schistus or slate; but there are some calcareous strata, and the surface exhibits various other rocks and stones.

In these calcareous strata, some specimens of very rich and elegant serpentine marble have been discovered; and that valuable min

sive section or division of this coun-island is of the character denomity is Rhode-Island, from which the State takes its name. This delightful and interesting island is situated in the Narragansett bay, near its southern extremity and connexion with the sea. The island is about 15 miles in length, from northeast to southwest, and has a mean breadth of about 2 and a half miles, comprising about 37||eral, fossil coal, is supposed to exsquare miles. The surface of the island presents a most interesting diversity, consisting of moderate eminences and gentle declivities, which afford the most charming and beautiful landscapes.

ist in great abundance. Two mines or pits have been opened, and considerable quantities of coal obtained. The quality of it is thought to be improving. It has been exported to New-York and elsewhere.

The soil is very rich and pro-nor the fishing business has been ductive, being an admixture of pursued to that extent, or acquirshistic gravelly loam, with a ve-ed that importance, which, from getable mould. It is well adapt-local advantages, might have been ed both to a grain and a grass cul-expected; yet, considering the viture, affording excellent crops of cissitudes which this county has Indian corn, barley and grass. The experienced, both of these intercultivation of barley, which has ests are very respectable. The mabeen recently introduced, is found ritime commercial interests conto be a great improvement upon sist principally of a trade to the the former mode of husbandry, island of Cuba, and a coasting and is beginning to receive gene- trade, mostly directed to the soural attention, being a very profita- thern States. There is, however, ble crop, and at the same time at- some trade to the Baltic and the tended with little exhaustion to north of Europe. The amount the soil. of shipping at this time is about 10,950 tons.

The next most important division of the county is the continental section, comprising the towns of Tiverton & Little-Compton. This is the most extensive section, and is separated from Rhode-Island by the Seconnet river or passage. A part of this section discloses similar geological features to Newport; but the northern section is a primitive granitic district,being rough and broken, unsuitable for cultivation, and principally appropriated to forests, which are extensive and valuable. Connanicut, Prudence and Block islands constitute the remainder of the county, which, with the exception of the latter, have a similar geological character to Rhode Island.

The fishing business, with the exception of that of Block-Island, which is very important, is chiefly directed to supply the home consumption. That of the latter is carried on to a great extent, and with great success. Large quantities of fish are taken,which form an important article of exportation. The fishing business in this county is capable of great extension, and might be made a capacious field for enterprise and industry, and a source of ample profit.

The agricultural interests of this county are respectable. The leading pursuits of husbandry heretofore have been directed to the dairy business, and the raising of From the local situation of this sheep; but for some time past county, being surrounded by navi-these interests have been rather gable waters, which intersect it in upon the decline, and the cultivavarious directions, forming numer- tion of grain has received more ous insulated divisions, it unites attention, particularly barley, the superior advantages for navigation, cultivation of which is found to commerce and the fishing business. be a very profitable and advanAnd hence, these have been lead-tageous crop. Barley, it is believing interests with the people of ed, is cultivated more extensively this county, from its earliest settle- here than in any other section of ment. Although neither commerce the Union. Indian corn also is rais