Gen. Brisbane, at the depth of fifty-three feet, encountered and soon passed through this white sand and gravel underlying the peaty stratum, but unlike Dr. Moser, he met with little or no resistance; the powerful lever used by Gen. Bris bane to force down his wooden cylinders soon placed him below it; and could he have exhausted the water at intervals in his cylinder, he would have been able to test the difference in the waters of the upper, middle, and lower springs. His pipes being wooden cylinders, it is presumed were not sufficiently water tight to admit of this. Mr. Welton, who is now engaged upon a new bore, uses cast iron tubes, in sections of ten feet, connected by wrought iron bands put on whis ho, whose contraction in cooling, renders its joints nearly, if not quite, water tightt Upon reaching this lower bed of sand, he found it almost impossible to reduce the water in the tubes, and was fearful that the water from the middle springs (which is very offensive) had forced a passage on the outside of his tube down to the lower end, through which it entered. My experience in digging marl from this bed, about ten miles from the city, where it approaches within a few feet of the surface, assured me that this could not be the case; but on the contrary, that the water must come from below; and at my suggestion, the bucket was again manned, and Mr. Welton reduced the water to the joint of the third section of the tube. Lighted candles were then lowered, the joints found to be perfectly tight, and the water to be boiling up from the lower end of the tube. In a short time it was within six feet of the surface, and found to be fresh and very palatable. Buckets being filled, it soon became clear and settled, and was pronounced by the many who freely partook of it (among whom were some of our most respectable citizens) superior to the well water of the city.

By the ordinary tests, the salts, etc., which are found in the spring and well waters of this region, were detected; but the quantities of each have not yet been ascertained. For the purpose of washing, it is undoubtedly better than our common pump water, producing with soap a good lather.

Mr. Welton thinks the supply will be abundant, as the hard marl of the Eocene bed, which is impervious to water, underlies it. In a word, good whole some water can be obtained in abundance by boring and tubing to the depth of about sixty feet. Viewed in a geological light, it will be interesting to ascertain the source from whence these waters are obtained. The hard marl, which is the impervious stratum underlying the sands, is exposed on the banks of Ashley river, about ten miles from the city, a little below Ashly ferry, and many springs of fine water are found flowing over it. Farr's spring in St. Andrew's Parish, about one mile from the ferry, has never been known to fail; it issues from this stratum of sand and gravel overlying the marl. In wet seasons, when the swamps are overflowed, smaller springs burst out around it from the sides of the hill, the water having apparently insufficient vent from the main spring.

At intervals during the last five or seven years the country has suffered from excessive droughts, but this spring, at all times, could supply water sufficient to flow in a few days the small rice field of some & or 10 acres which spreads out at its base.

At the plantation of Geo. Henry Smith, Esq., on Goose Creek, and about the same distance from Charleston, (10 miles) there is a spring of fresh water jetting out from the bottom of the creek, and through the salt water. This has been examined by Mr. Welton, who has little doubt of the practicability of tubing so as to exclude the salt water, and raise the fresh water sufficiently high to be available in flowing the extensive fields of rush-land which surround it.

A short distance inland, the hard marl of the Eocene bed is scen underlying a bold stream of fine water, issuing from the sand above. This spring has been estimated to yield over a million of gallons per diem.

The two last mentioned springs must be about the north edge of the basin, and all of them being found in the same stratum as that under our city, must derive their supplies of water from the same source.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRANCIS S. HOLMES.

COMMERCIAL MISCELLANIES, ETC.

1.-SUGAR, COFFEE, PEPPER, INDIGO.

IMPORTATIONS to, and stocks on hand, at the places designated, the 30th April, 1847, and 1848, as follows:

2.-GROWTH OF TEXAS-COTTON-SUGAR.

The following statements, extracted from the Galveston News, furnish interesting information respecting the Cotton and Sugar production of Texas:

In 1829, the whole cotton crop of Texas was about 500 bales; from that time to 1835, it had increased to between 3 and 4000 bales. In 1840, it amounted to about 8000 bales; since which time there have been three seasons of nearly a total failure, one occasioned by heavy rains, and two by the worm or caterpillar. The crop of '46 amounted to about 8000 bales, which was probably not more than half an average crop. The crop of '47, all of which has not yet reached our market, will exceed 40,000 bales. This shows an increase of about 33 per ct. per annum for the last eight years. In these statements we omit altogether the crop of Eastern Texas, which has been shipped by way of Red River to New-Orleans, and the amount of which has been estimated variously, some even making it equal to the whole crop of all the rest of Texas. It is necessary here to remark that the aggregate of our cotton crop has been diminished, by the increased attention paid to sugar, to the amount of 2000 or 3000 bales; and the same cause is likely to operate more effectually in future as a check upon the increase of cotton. Sugar has been made in Texas to a very limited extent and for domestic uses for many years; but no mills for manufacturing it as an article for market or export, have been introduced till very recently. The first export of sugar was about 50 hhds. of the crop of 1846. Of the crop of last year (1847) the export has amounted now to 500 hhds. which will be increased to about 600. whole of that crop does not vary much from 2000 hhds. So that about 1,400 find a market at home. Full half of that crop was probably destroyed by the early frost last fall. This year the production, with a favorable season, will amount to at least 5000 hhds. and probably more; and the amount will increase probably full 50 per cent. per year for some years to come.

The

Two years and a half since, we travelled the country from Seguine to NewBraunfels, San Antonio, and other interior towns. There was not then a single settler on the Cibolo, nor could one be found on the whole route from San Antonio to New-Braunfels, nor from the latter place to Austin. A gentleman just from New Braunfels, where he has resided ever since that town was built, informs us that all this country is now scattered over with small, but flourishing and prosper ous farms. The Cibolo and other streams in the vicinity of San Antonio are filled up with continuous settlements. New-Braunfels has more than doubled in size, and the Guadalupe below to Seguine is covered with many small and some pretty large plantations cultivated by negroes. The town of Fredericksburg on the Pierdenales has also greatly increased, and the surrounding country is said to be filled with an industrious population of German farmers. Settlements have been made still higher upon the Llano and San Saba, and all of them are prosperous and undisturbed by Indians. We are glad to learn that the German colonists there have this year planted an abundance of corn which, in many instances, is the first agricultural experiment ever made in that region. This crop is remarkably fine, and far exceeds the expectations of the emigrants. They have had fine seasons of rain, and the corn is now so nearly matured that it is out of all danger from drought. The same is also the case in Castro's Colony on the Medina. There are three or four settlements of the German Communists on the Llano numbering nearly one hundred, who are said to be very intelligent and enterprising; they are mostly young men. At present they have no women among them.

3. OUR TREATY with greNADA AND THe passage of THE ISTHMUS

OF PANAMA.

ARTICLE 35. The United States of America and the republic of New Granada de. siring to make as durable as possible the relations which are to be established between the two parties by virtue of this treaty, have declared solemnly, and do agree to the following points:

1st. For the better understanding of the preceding articles, it is and has been stipu lated between the high contracting parties, that the citizens, vessels, and merchandise of the United States shall enjoy in the ports of New Granada, including those of the part of the Granadian territory generally denominated isthmus of Panama, from its southernmost extremity until the boundary of Costa Rica, all the exemp tions, privileges, and immunities concering commerce and navigation, which are now or may hereafter be enjoyed by the Granadian citizens, their vessels, and merchandise, and that this equality of favors shall be made to extend to the passengers, correspondence, and merchandise of the United States, in their transit across the said territory from one sea to the other. The Government of New Granada guaranties to the Government of the United States that the right of way or transit across the isthmus of Panama upon any modes of communication that now exist, or that may be hereafter constructed, shall be open and free to the Government and citizens of the United States, and for the transportation of any articles of produce, manufactures, or merchandise, of lawful commerce, belonging to the citizens of the United States; that no other tolls or charges shall be levied or collected upon the citizens of the United States, or their said merchandise thus passing over any road or canal that may be made by the government of New Grenada, or by the authority of the same, than is. under like circumstances, levied upon and collected from the Granadian citizens; that any lawful produce, manufactures or merchandise belonging to the citizens of the United States thus passing from one sea to the other, in either direction, for the purpose of exportation to any other foreign country, shall not be liable to any import duties whatever; or, having paid such duties, they shall be entitled to drawback upon their exportation; nor shall the citizens of the United States be liable to any duties, tolls or charges of any kind to which native citizens are not subjected for thus passing the said isthmus. And, in order to secure to themselves the tranquil and constant enjoyment of these advantages, and as an especial compensation for the said advantages, and for the favors they have acquired by the 4th, 5th, and 6th articles of this treaty, the United States guaranty positively and efficaciously to New Grenada, by the present stipulation, the perfect neutrality of the beforementioned isthmus, with the view that the tree transit from the one to the other sea may not be interrupted or embarrassed in any future time while this treaty exists; and in consequence, the United States also guaranty, in the same manner, the rights of sovereignty and property which New Granada has and possesses over the said territory.

4. OUR TREATY WITH MEXICO AND THE SOUTH-WESTERN BOUNDARY OF THE UNITED STATES.

ARTICLE V.-The boundary line between the two Republics shall commence in the Gulf of Mexico, three leagues from land, opposite the mouth of the Rio Grande, oth erwise called Rio Bravo del Norte, or opposite the mouth of its deepest branch, if it should have more than one branch emptying directly into the sea; from thence up the middle of that river, following the deepest channel, where it has more than one, to the point where it strikes the southern boundary of New Mexico; thence, westwardly, along the whole southern boundary of New Mexico (which runs north of the town called Paso) to its western termination; thence, northward, along the western line of New Mexico until it intersects the first branch of the River Gila, (or if it should not inter sect any branch of that river, then to the point on the said line nearest to such branch, and thence in a direct line to the same;) thence down the middle of the said branch and of the said river, until it empties into the Rio Colorado; thence, across the Rio Colorado, following the division line between Upper and Lower California to the Pacific Ocean.

The southern and western limits of New Mexico mentioned in this article, are those laid down in the map entitled" Map of the United Mexican States, as organized and defined by various Acts of the Congress of the said Republic, and constructed according to the best authorities. Revised Edition, Published at New-York, in 1847, by J. Disturnell," of which map a copy is added to this treaty, bearing the signa. tures and seals of the undersigned plenipotentiaries. And, in order to preclude all difficulty in tracing upon the ground the limit separating Upper from Lower Califor

nia, it is agreed that the said limit shall consist of a straight line drawn from the middle of the Rio Gila, where it unites with the Colorado, to a point on the coast of the Pacific Ocean distant one marine 1:ague due south of the southernmost point of the port of San Diego, according to the plan of the said port made in the year 1782, by Don Juan Pantoja, second sailing master of the Spanish fleet, and published at Madrid in the year 1802, in the atlas to the voyage of the schooners Sutil and Mexicana, of which plan a copy is hereunto added, signed and sealed by the respective plenipotentiaries.

In order to designate the boundary line with due precision, upon authoritative maps, and to establish upon the ground landmarks which shall show the limits of both republics, as described in the present article, the two Governments shall each appoint a Commissioner and a Surveyor, who, before the expiration of one year from the date of the exchange of ratifications of this Treaty, shall meet at the port of San Diego, and proceed to run and mark the boundary in its whole course to the mouth of the Rio Bravo del Norte. They shall keep journals, and make out plans of their operations; and the result agreed upon by them shall be deemed a part of this treaty, and shall have the same force as if it was inserted therein. The two governments will amicably agree regarding what may be necessary for these persons, and also as to their respective escorts, should such be necessary.

The boundary line established by this article shall be religiously respected by each of the two republics, and no change shall ever be made therein, except by the express and free consent of both nations, lawfully given by the General Government of each, in conformity with its own Constitution.

ART. VI. The vessels and citizens of the United States shall, in all time, have a free and uninterrupted passage by the Gulf of California, and by the river Colorado below its confluence with the Gila, to and from their possessions situated north of the boun dary line defined in the preceding article; it being understood that this passage is to be by navigating the Gulf of California and the river Colorado, and not by land, without the express consent of the Mexican Government.

If, by the examinations which may be made, it should be ascertained to be practicable and advantageous to construct a road, canal, or railway, which should in whole or in part run upon the River Gila, or upon its right or its left bank, within the space of one marine league from either margin of the river, the Governments of both republies will form an agreement regarding its construction, in order that it may serve equally for the use and advantage of both countries.

ART. VII-The river Gila, and the part of the Rio Bravo del Norte lying below the southern boundary of New Mexico, being, agreeably to the fifth article, divided in the middle between the two republics, the navigation of the Gila and of the Bravo below the said boundary shall be free and common to the vessels and citizens of both countries; and neither shall, without the consent of the other, construct any work that may impede or interrupt, in whole or in part, the exercise of this right, not even for the purpose of favoring new methods of navigation. Nor shall any tax, or contribu tion, under any denomination, or title, be levied upon vessels, or persons navigating the same, or upon merchandise or effects transported thereon, except in the case of landing upon their shores. If, for the purpose of making the said rivers navigable, or for maintaining them in such state, it should be necessary or advantageous to establish any tax or contribution, this shall not be done without the consent of both Gov

ernments.

The stipulations contained in the present article shall not impair the territorial rights of either republic within its established limits.

5.-LAW CASE.-DAYS OF grace.

A very important case has lately been decided in New Orleans, and the decision will, if confirmed by the Supreme Court of Louisiana, lead to a revolution in the system of drawing drafts upon Northern cities. It seems that a certain banking firm in New Orleans had drawn several bills, payable at sight, upon their correspondent banking establishment in New York, which bills were not paid on presentation, the drawers failing between the time of the drawing of the bills in New Orleans and their arrival in New York. The bills were protested on the first day of presentation and refusal to pay, and returned for recourse against the drawers. The latter, being sued, pleaded in defence that three days of grace were not allowed on the bills, and that the demand and protest should have been made on the third day following the first demand. The holders of the bills replied that, by custom of merchants in New York, no days of grace upon sight bills were given, and it was usual to protest on a first refusal and offered to prove this by the evidence of a number of exchange dealers. To the introduction of evidence to this effect the defendants (drawers of the bills) objected, because the elementary writers and the various judicial dicta held positively that days of grace must be given on sight drafts, and no evidence of custom could be admitted to control or vary positive law. The learned counsel and the plaintiffs, holders of the bills, were

nonsuited.