Page:Charters of the Weehawken ferry company.djvu/15

Rh over this ferry, as well as many thousands of cattle destined to the city market. The westerly portions of New York City have of late increased with marked rapidity; they show great thrift and growth in opulence. The Hudson flows to its doors with the main exports of the rich regions through which it flows. From these wharves embark the major portion of our steamers. In this direction are the depots of the Southern, Western and Northern Railroads—here, also, are many of our hotels. On this side are the Greenwich, North River and Merchants' Exchange Banks, and the Ocean, Irving, Grocers', and Knickerbocker Banks, more recently established. Several streets in this section have been lately improved and widened, augmenting the value of real estate, while many old buildings have been superseded by stores not surpassed in elegance or capacity by any in the city. The docks and wharves must multiply with the continuing growth of the port, (A) bringing the other side of the river into greater use. Weehawken Ferry, while enhancing the value of the contiguous property, will relieve the pressure from the commercial centre, which pressure must continue to extend to the adjacent shores.

Ferry boats are of great service between the metropolis and its outskirts. They are convenient and safe. Experience proves that they are invaluable as mediums of communication; and confessedly the quickest and most pleasant method of going the same distance. No bridge or tunnel could equal them for convenience. As New York has progressed, ferries have multiplied and improved. Their number is already considerable, and an accumulating supply must continue to meet the exigencies of the increasing demand. (B)

The route of the plank road is through some of the richest country near New York, suitable for the cultivation of garden truck in an eminent degree, and affording very many beautiful seats for country residences. It will also be an outlet for the produce of a hitherto almost unknown region, rich in agricultural products and mineral wealth. With an easy grade, and the abundance of timber in the vicinity of the Ramapo, it can be constructed at a moderate expense; the whole of the cattle droves, which now land at the lower part of the island, and then are driven through the streets to the upper part of the city, can be landed directly at the highest point practicable, (say 40th street;) and gardeners and farmers can also the saved much expense and hard travel by taking the ferry at Weehawken, rather than those at Hoboken and Jersey City.

The City of New-York is assuming a most conspicuous position. In population and commercial importance, it is increasing with unparalleled speed. It has become the first city on the continent, and the third in the world. Possessing a safe harbor of