Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 3).djvu/338

 the vallies the soil is extremely rich. The whole region abounds with coal, which lies almost on the surface.

garnished our bouquet to day with the beautiful white flowers of the Blood root, (Sanguinaria Canadensis) called by the Indians "Puccoon:" they somewhat resemble those of the Narcissus. This plant grows in mellow high land. The root yields a bright red tincture, with which the Indians used to paint themselves, and to colour some of their manufactures, particularly their cane baskets.—The root possesses emetic qualities.—Transplanted into our gardens, this would be admired as an ornamental flower, while the roots would furnish artists with a brilliant paint or dye, and perhaps be adopted into the Materia Medica as a valuable drug.

Elizabethtown, about eighteen miles from Pittsburg, we crossed the Monongahela.[12] Having collected particular information {30} respecting this river and the Alleghany, and an account of the settlements upon their banks, I insert it in this place.[13]

takes its rise at the foot of Laurel Hill in Virginia, about Lat. 38° 30['] N. Thence meandering in a north by east direction it passes into Pennsylvania, and at last, uniting its waters with those of the Alleghany at Pittsburg, forms the noble Ohio.

settlements on both sides of this river are fine and extensive, and the land is good and well cultivated. Numerous trading and family boats pass continually. In the spring and fall the river seems covered with them. The former, laden with flour, whiskey, peach-brandy, cider, bacon, iron, potters' ware, cabinet work, &c. all