these, in July and August, are beautifully contrasted and relieved by an exuberance of white flowers. From the leaves, which are as fragrant as the fruit, is obtained by distillation a fluid which is known by the name of the oil of cloves. The berries are gathered by hand, and then dried in the sun. OF THE TRADE ON THE NORTH WEST COAST OF AMERICA. We cannot conclude our volume without briefly noticing some facts relating to the north west coast of America. When captain Cook and the other British navigators were sent out upon voyages of discovery, it certainly was not foreseen that any particular commercial advantages would arise from their several expeditions. But the extension of the fur trade to the north-west coast of America is already one beneficial consequence from Cook's discoveries. Of all materials for human clothing, none are more salutary to the inhabitants of the northern and middle latitudes, than the furs of the arctic quadrupeds. In the Chinese empire and in Europe the demand for these furs is immense. They are indeed to be procured from the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. But the progress of civilization renders those animals that are covered. with fur, very rare in the north of Europe. As civilization is extended, these animals will be still more exterminated. Our knowledge therefore, of a coast, of which we were before ignorant, where furs may be procured in abundance, was an important acquisition to the interests of commerce. From London, from India, and from the United States, 2 K 3 States, expeditions for the fur trade on the northwest American coast have now for many years been fitted out. The first attempts were exposed to some of those inconveniences, and losses, that ever attend any considerable new undertakings. The Russians and the Spaniards share it with the English. The disputes respecting Nootka Sound arose between Spain and England, in consequence of the benefits which were promised by this trade, but these were so adjusted as to leave the trade still open to Britain. These differences being terminated captain Vancouver was sent out upon further and more particular discoveries; from him we learn the existence of isles on the western coast of America, not less numerous nor less extensive than those on its eastern side. His observations, the effect of patience and perseverance, coincide with those of the British and American fur traders, which were, in some instances, prior to his; and in others came only to confirm them. In connection with the trade on this coast the Sandwich, the Friendly, the Society Isles, and the other similar groups in the Pacific Ocean have acquired new importance, as being well adapted for victualling and wintering places for the ships engaged in that traffic. And it is earnestly to be hoped that in proportion to the advantages obtained from them by Europeans they, in return, will adopt every measure in their power to benefit the natives, by introducing among them every species of food that will flourish in their soil and climate, and by treating them with that humanity and kindness, which as christians they are bound to exhibit towards every individual of the human species. TABLE TABLE I. DIVISIONS OF NORTH AMERICA. Names of States and Colonies. New-Hampshire, Rhode-Island, lat.cap. lon.from chief towns. belonging towns. Philadel. to 39,56 00,00 Philadelphia, Delaware, Maryland, 39,2 1,37 W. Annapolis, Virginia, 37,40 2,42 W. Richmond, North-Carolina, 36,04 1,52 W. Edenton, South-Carolina, 32,35 5,00 W. Charleston, Georgia. 33,39 7,00 W. Augusta. 1,44 E. Bennington, Western territory, 39,34 6,30 W. Adelphi, Kentucky, Louisiana, TABLE II. The following recapitulation will comprehend, in one view, the first discoveries and settlements of the several parts of North America. By Lord Baltimore with a colony of Roman catholics. By Mr. Fenwick, at Saybrook, near the mouth of Connecticut river. Delaware, 1627 By the Swedes and Fins. Massachusett’s Bay, 1628 By Capt. John Endicot and Maryland, Rhode-Island, 1635 New-Jersey, 1664 South-Carolina, 1669 1682 North-Carolina, about 1728 By Mr. Roger Williams and By William Penn, with a co- Erected into a separate go- By emigrants from Connecti- {By the Ohio and other companies. The above dates are from the periods when the first per manent settlements were made. |