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I saw a number of large flat-bottomed boats in this river, some of which had come upwards of 300 miles, and could carry 1000 bushels of wheat. The largest of them are more than 70 feet in length, but calculated for one voyage only, and for floating down the rivers with the stream, over shallows and falls; for when they arrive at the place of their destination, they're taken in pieces and the timber is used for other purposes. Exclusive of these boats, which are called arks, and have frequently a kind of cottage upon them, in which several persons are accommodated during the voyage; there are also many large floats of timber which are so fixed together, that they appear like one large compact body, on which a small dwelling-house is built for the accommodation of a family. These floats sometimes contain several thousand feet of timber, which are conveyed in this way se- venty hundred miles, at a very trifling expense. After crossing this beautiful river in the ferry boat, we came to Columbia, a small new built town rising fast into importance. Here we again entered into the stage, and passing through a fine well-cultivated country, on a good turnpike-road, we came to Lancaster; which is considered the best inland town in North America, and is about 12 miles distant from Columbia. 8th Month, 25th. This was the first day of the week: and there being no meeting of friends in