the produce or manufacture of the country, are destined for Kentucky, and New Orleans, or the towns on the Spanish side of the Missisippi. The latter convey the families of emigrants, with their furniture, farming utensils, &c. to the new settlements they have in view. These boats are generally called "Arks;" and are said to have been invented by Mr. {31} Krudger, on the Juniata, about ten years ago. They are square, and flat-bottomed; about forty feet by fifteen, with sides six feet deep; covered with a roof of thin boards, and accommodated with a fire-place. They will hold from 200 to 500 barrels of flour. They require but four hands to navigate them; carry no sail, and are wafted down by the current.
The banks of the river opposite to Pittsburg, and on each side for some distance, or rather the high hills whose feet it laves, appear to be one entire body of coal. This is of great advantage to that flourishing town; for it supplies all their fires, and enables them to reserve their timber and wood for ship building and the use of mechanicks.
Morgantown, which is one hundred and seven miles from Pittsburg, may be considered as the head of navigation on the Monongahela.[14]
This is a flourishing town, pleasantly situated on the east side of the river. It contains about sixty dwelling-houses, a Court-house, and stone Gaol. It is the shire town for the counties of Harrison, {32} Monongalia, Ohio, and Randolph, in Virginia.
Eight miles below this town the Cheat River enters; three or four miles within the Pennsylvania line. "It is 200 yards wide at its mouth, and 100 yards at the Dunkard's settlement fifty miles higher; and is navigable for
