THIS state, extending from Tennessee to Florida and the ocean, and lying between South Carolina and Alabama, has the same variety of surface, soil, and climate, as most of the other southern states, but differs from the Carolinas in having much less seacoast. The area of the state is 62,083 miles; and from the mouth of St. Mary's river to the northwest corner (the longest straight line that can be drawn within its boundaries), is 394 miles.

The general surface of Georgia presents a great slope toward the south, of which the peninsula of Florida is a mere continuation. The rivers which descend it flow eastward into the Atlantic, or westward into the gulf of Mexico. On the coast, the slope descends to the very level of the salt water, forming the rich islands and shores which produce the celebrated sea-island cotton; while in the north it presents a general elevation of 1,200 feet, which is overlooked by the still higher mountain ranges. It is remarkable that the temperature is two degrees higher on the Atlantic coast than on the gulf, where the latitude and elevation are equal; and this is proved by the vegetation, as well as by scientific experiments. The great length of the state, with its variety of surface, gives Georgia a greater extent of vegetable production that any other state in the Union, producing wheat in the north, and sugarcane in the south, with the various plants, in different parts, between these two extremes.

The nature of the surface requires us to distinguish three zones in this state, like those of North and South Carolina. The sea-border has an almost tropical climate, and is so nearly on the water level, as to be in part overflown by the daily tides; and where the soil is rich and dry enough, sugarcane flourishes, as well as the orange, date, and other palms, with a variety of plants not found

further north. The islands and shores on which the long-staple cotton is cultivated, above alluded to, are bordered by narrow, and often intricate channels, navigable by vessels, which appear from a distance as if moving upon the land. This species of cotton is well-known, and most highly valued in all the ports and manufacturing cities of Europe, as well as of this country; and all attempts made, at home and abroad, to produce a rival have proved unsuccessful. The length and fineness of the staple or fibre fit it for some of the most costly fabrics; and the demand is always great, and the prices high. A considerable proportion of this first and lowest region of the state, however, has a poor and even barren soil.

The second district, which is both sandy and hilly, has considerable tracts of worthless land, though other parts yield corn and cotton; but the most valuable portion of the state is the higher region beyond, which presents a more varied surface, and a soil of superior fertility, well watered by numerous streams; while the sultry and unhealthy atmosphere of the lower country is replaced by cool, pure, and wholesome

air.

reaching down to the coast, and lining the shore with a range of rough granite rocks.

Westward, the same primitive range extends almost to Tennessee, being bounded beyond by a transition range, which intervenes between it and the secondary region of the Mississippi.

The Chatahoochee river is said to have derived its name from a rock of a peculiar appearance, which stands on its bank, a short distance above Columbus. It is marked with various bright colors, so intermingled as to make it appear as if overgrown with various plants, in full bloom. Hence the Indians bestowed upon the stream the name which it has retained, and which signifies the "flowerrock waters." Many parts of this fine stream are interesting, on some account or other, between its source, in the northeast quarter of Georgia, and Appalachicola bay, which is four hundred and thirty miles below Columbus. The scenery just above that city is remarkably wild and picturesque; rocks projecting from the banks, and many rising from its bed, impeding the current, and increasing the roughness of the stream, rendered hasty by the descent of the channel. Its course is, for several miles, The grand primitive formation of the a succession of falls and rapids, within United States commences at Milledge-four of which the declivity is more than ville, in this state, and extends, with the one hundred feet. highest ridge of the Allegany moun- Along its shores have been some of tains, through several northern ones, forming the boundary between the great western valley of the Mississippi, and the eastern slope to the coast of the Atlantic. This range is distinguished through a great part of its length, by a remarkable feature. It terminates abruptly at the border of the extensive alluvial region which forms the broad band between it and the ocean. This character accompanies it as it passes west of Washington and Philadelphia, to the Hudson river, and is attended with several circumstances and effects, of great practical importance, which have been referred to in our notices of the geography of North and South Carolina. Beyond the Hudson the same primitive range extends eastward, and spreads over the New England states,

the most rapid improvements made in the state. Columbus has already become a considerable town, although but a few years ago an Indian village. Below its site many villages are to be seen from the steamboats, in which the traveller makes his way through the heart of the state.

THE LOVER'S LEAP.-The place bearing this name is a romantic spot on the Chatahoochee, and is represented in the vignette at the head of this state. It is a high and ragged cliff, which is the termination of an ascending knoll of dark rocks, and projects boldly into the river. One of the most beautiful scenes of nature can be viewed from this rock. a straight line on the left, the river pursues its downward course to the city. The water foams and frets over the