Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-07-28
NEW YORK CANALS.

CAT the present time, there are proba-
bly, upwards Of twelve hundred craft of
all kinds on the canals. This is hasty
estimate, and may be either below or
above the true number. The number
will be doubled, if not trebled, in year
or two.
On the Erie canal there are several
lines OF packet boats, which contain ex-
ceilent accommodations for lodgings and
spread tables covered with allthe vari-
cites and delicacies of the season. Their
arrangements are similar to those of the
North River steam boats, and they each
contain small bat select library, and
we'll arranged bar, whose contents exhib-
II a striking contrast TO these OF most of
the country taverns. This is the most e.
con omical mode oftrayelling now known,
and is even cheaper than going on foot.
There are several pleasure boats which
ply regularly between Albany and West
Troy,twice or ofleuer every day, at the
low charge Of twenty FIVE cents each
passenger. There is also a line Of
packet boats between Albany and Sche-
nectady,a distance of twenty eight miles.
This is beautiful ride, and comprises
all the variety of canal!ing in its route.
You iayc several fne views of the
ISor;h and Mohawk rivers ;Fhe city of
Troy, Gibbnnsriile, West Troy, Ian
slngburgh, Waterford and the Cohoes
falls. You pass through some extreme
~ deep cutting 10 The slate rock, and
cross and recross the Mohawk. The
ooais'are roomy and well bGilt the ac-
Communications excellent; the attendance
prompt and obliging, and the comman-
ders intelligent and respectable men. 1t
IS nearly a days passage, but the time
moves off rapidly, as new and interest
Ing objects are continually presenting
themselves, and the attention is kept
alive by the most picturesque and beau
'ltul scenery. The charge is moderate,
not being more than one dollar and fillv
cents, for which you receive two aud
sometimes three meals This will most
undoubtedly he favoritc route to the
Ballston and Saratoga Springs and will
he adopted by all who are anxious to
view one of the most interesting sec.
lions of the Erie canal.
The canal boat is a more agreeable
mode of travelling than the stage; and
in my opinion will in short time have
Il general preference. You encounter
none Of the risks or dangers of the car
riage, and move night and day, without
being bundled half asleep into the stage
at day break. You are not buried at
your meals by the horn of the driver,
and you avoid the dust Of the road and
The heat Of the weather. You read.
write, converse, or lounge at your lei
cure; or if suffering the 'pains and
penalties of idleness,' you may take
our afternoon siesta. Your eve is re-
sailed with the most beautiful scenery.
at one time you pass through an old
settlement, and again you witness nature
gust submitting to the strong hand of
cultivation. You observe the progress
OF art from the log hat of the squatter,
the Illegal settler; The comfortable farm
house; the village just bursting into ex-
lStence. and the Aourishing town with its
guided spires, busting streets, and active
Industry. You view lakes far above
you, ard pass over rivers and creeks.
You occasionally witness the Indian run
ming along the hanks, or you encounter
boat containing lively and laughing
party of both sexes, who have devoted
the day 10 festitity and amusement.
You notice use the term riding on
he canals, and were you 10 talk of sail
eng on them, youwould risk a laugh at
ycnr expense, and with much reason
too. Once when was detained at Sy-
racuse, waiting for the packet, was
asked whether | would take ride to
Salina. J. assentea, land when informed
+hat all was ready, was much surprised
when instead of waggop,I was led to
boat, with horse attached TO it by a
long tow rope. do you call this
riding" naturally asked. CertainIy!'
was the reply. Sand why SO p re-
sumed. Because you are drawn by a
horse replied my companion. The
? answer was conclusive, and | felt no
disposition TO continue my interrogato-
ries.
Enterprise and industry will, in every
shape, convert the canals into sources
Of wealth and profit. A museum now
floats on their waters,and moving store
vends goods along their banks. There
is also handsome boat which is drawn
by one horse and very appropriately
called the Encyclopedia. 1t is used as a
book store and lottery office, and con-
tains abont two thousand we'll selected
volumes, and quantity of stationary. II
is accompanied by two Wagons, for the
purpose Of extending their trade TO those
villages which are at a short distance