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Beyond Penn's Treaty

Travels in Some Parts of North America

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and finished in an expensive manner, stands on
a rising ground just above the Falls of the Schuyl-
kill, commanding a fine prospect of Philadelphia


and the river Delaware, both above and below
that city, being only about four miles distant.
The prospect embraces many beautiful country
residences on every hand. B. J. had lately made
a purchase of the house and 35 acres of land
adjoining. In this purchase was also included a
good farm-house, with an orchard, garden, out-
houses, and a cottage or two. In one of these
cottages, close by the Falls, a family resides, who
are employed by B. J. in the book-binding busi-
ness. The situation is as pleasant as can well be
conceived.

At this part of the river, the Shad Fishery
is prosecuted with great spirit in the early
part of summer. Almost every farmer who hap-
pens to have a field on the banks of the river,
keeps a net for this purpose; and, with a little
industry, may, in the course of two or three weeks,
lay up a supply for the whole year. The fish are
salted, and are brought out, through the winter, as
a relish at breakfast and supper.

I have some times stood by in the evening watch-
ing the people taking these fish. The nets used are
about 50 or 60 yards in length, and about 6 feet in
width; the lower side being weighted with lead, and
upper side supported with pieces of cork. One