Page:A Topographical Description of the State of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana.djvu/35

29 below appears to be on a perfect level. Besides a grist and saw mill, a furnace has been erected, which was expected to go into operation the last summer. Near the furnace is the appearance of a large quantity of iron-ore, supposed to be of a superiour quality. Coal abounds in this vicinity and can be procured nearly as cheap as at Marietta.

On the State road, west of the Muskingum, are rich and moderate swelling hills. On the northern side of the road they gradually flatten off almost to a level, and are clothed with excellent timber, consisting principally of oak, hickery, beach, black walnut, blue and black ash, mulberry, elm, buckeye, cherry, and gum. The soil is deep and rich. This description of land extends from the head waters of the Muskingum, to the waters of Scioto and Miami's, and northward to Lake Erie with little variation. Only a few large hills and ridges are distributed over a great extent of country.

On the State road, 39 miles from Zanesville, is the town of New Lancaster. This town was laid out by Col. Zane, in the year 1800, on a delightful spot, and has increased with great rapidity. It is built on the east side of the Great Hockhocking, where the stream is not more than six yards in width, but on rising ground, and where a beautiful prairie or natural meadow, stretches along the bank of the river for several miles, and about half a mile in width. This prairie renders 3*