inhabitants of the United States, alive as well to their own private interests as to those of the republic of which they form a constituent portion, are exerting every nerve for the internal improvement of the Union, and employing all means in their power to render themselves, as far as they practically can, independent of other nations, the people of Upper Canada, with a country much more favoured by nature, totally disregard every measure which might have a tendency to render it an equally desirable asylum as well for the unfortunate as for the enterprizing.

During the late war between Great Britain and the United States, salt sold in Canada for no less a sum than fifty dollars per barrel, or fifteen shillings per stone; and should another war take place, the Canadians in all probability would be compelled to purchase it at a more extravagant price: For the population of the two provinces is now nearly double what it then was; and the quantity of salt at this day manufactured, is little more than it was in 1811.

From the line of conduct pursued by the House of Assembly of Upper Canada, in some instances, it would appear, that they are not only resolved to promote no measure for the good of the colony, but also to counteract any exertions which may be made by private individuals for the advancement of its interests. Mr. Merrit of the Twelve-MileCreek near Niagara, some years ago discovered a salt-spring on his estate, and although possessed

only of a small capital, he established works upon a corresponding scale. In a short time he found himself able to make about fifty stones of salt per diem; but, being confident that his springs would afford a sufficient supply of water to make a much greater quantity, he applied to the Legislature for assistance. At that time, American-manufactured salt paid a duty of five shillings per bushel; but in a short time afterwards, for the special encouragement of Mr. Merrit and all other enterprising men, the Legislature in its wisdom reduced the duty on imported salt to three shillings and nine pence!

In the last Session of the Provincial Parliament, a bill was introduced by one of the members, (Mr. Wilson of Wentworth,) the object of which was to encourage the manufacture of salt in Upper Canada. Previous to the introduction of this Bill, the sense of the House was taken respecting the expediency of encouraging this manufacture; and, if I mistake not, it was unanimously resolved, that such encouragement ought to be extended. Yet,-strange inconsistency!-the very same gentlemen who, a few hours before, had so readily agreed to the necessity of doing this, refused, when the formal proposition came before them, to vote the sum of £1000 for the promotion of an object so desirable! It was proposed by the mover of the Bill, that, in the event of their voting the sum already specified, a clause should be inserted in it to provide for the money being loaned, without interest, in sums not exceeding £150, to

such persons as, on making application, could produce satisfactory evidence, that they were in the possession of a salt-spring sufficiently extensive to supply a Manufactory. Adequate security would also be required for the repayment of the loan within five years. It was further argued, that

even this small sum would enable an active and industrious man to commence a manufactory of this nature, with reasonable prospects of success ; since every necessary article, excepting boilers, could be procured without cash, and the sum of £150 would furnish a sufficient number of these utensils for a moderate concern. I was at the bar of the House, at the time when this question was debated; and was much surprised to hear almost every one of the Government-members oppose the Bill, with all the eloquence which they severally possessed. It has been computed, that the people of Canada annually pay to the Republican Americans upwards of 100,000 dollars in specie for salt alone, -every shilling of which might be kept in the Province; where it is more needful, I believe, than in any other part of the World.

Salt is at present manufactured, on a small scale, at the twelve, fifteen, and thirty Mile Creeks near Niagara at Salt Fleet, and Barton; at the Head of Lake Ontario, and at the Bay of Quinte in the Midland District. But the quantity made at all those places is so trifling, that, were the Americans to lay an embargo upon this article, it would rise 500 per cent. in value, within a single

month. The usual method of obtaining a sufficient supply of water impregnated with saline matter, is, by boring for it in the immediate vicinity of a salt-spring. Some people are compelled to bore down two or three hundred feet, before they can obtain an adequate supply but though they are generally obliged to perforate a solid rock, the expence of boring is not so great as may be imagined. With a drill or auger of about six inches in diameter, three men will bore, through a lime-stone rock, a depth of upwards of five feet in 'a day.

A

GYPSUM, or Sulphate of Lime, is found in seve ral parts of the Upper Province, particularly in the Grand River Ouse. Although it does not add much to the improvement of those soils upon which it is spread as manure, being of a very evanescent nature, yet it gives additional luxuriance and weight to a single crop of grain, sown after it has been applied. The only soils, however, to which it is found to be in the least serviceable, are those of a light and sandy description. A very small quantity is deemed sufficient for an acre, when properly distributed. If intended as manure for a maize-crop, about a wine-glass full of it, finely ground, is thrown in with the seed; and if used on land that is to be appropriated to a wheat-crop, it is sown with the grain in broad cast, four or five bushels being considered quite sufficient for an acre, Beds of MARL, Pipe-clay, and Spanish White, have also been discovered.

BLACK-LEAD and YELLOW-OCHRE are found on the shores of the Gananoqui Lake, and in some other parts of the Upper Province.

IRON ORE is exceedingly plentiful in various Districts: It is of the kind called "Shot-ore." In Upper Canada, however, there are only two Iron or Metal Foundries,—one in the neighbourhood of Long Point, on the shores of Lake Erie, -and the other in the township of Marmora, Midland District. The former, which is now in extensive operation, has been established by a small company of Americans from the State of New York; the latter belongs to Mr. Charles Hayes, of the house of W. and R. Hayes, in Bridge-street, Dublin. How far these enterprising gentlemen may succeed in money-making, remains yet to be proved! If the difficulty of procuring labour were not so great, and the price of it not so high, I should entertain no doubt of their ultimate success. in a country, where the commonest labourer will not work at a manufactory of this nature for less than £40 per annum, beside his board and lodging, the prospect of emolument to the adventurer is very dubious. One thing, however, is certain ; if kind of manufactory succeeds in Canada, it must be this. Potash-kettles, stoves, sugarboilers, and, in fact, every article of wrought or cast iron, are in great request. The only question that remains to be answered, is, "Cannot the mer"chants who import these articles from Europe,

any

But