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in the same manner in every part of the Union; it is however easy to perceive that the same principles have guided the formation of both of them throughout the Union. I am inclined to believe that these principles have been carried further in New England than elsewhere, and consequently that they offer greater facilities to the observations of a stranger.
The institutions of New England form a complete and regular whole: they have received the sanction of time, they have the support of the laws, and the still stronger support of the manners of the community, over which they exercise the most prodigious influence; they consequently deserve our attention on every account.
LIMITS OF THE TOWNSHIP.
The Township of New England is a division which stands between the commune and the canton of France, and which corresponds in general to the English tithing, or town. Its average population is from two to three thousand[1]: so that, on the one hand, the interests of its inhabitants are not likely to conflict, and, on the other, men capable of conducting its affairs are always to be found among its citizens.
- ↑ In 1830 there were 305 townships in the State of Massachusetts, and 610,014 inhabitants; which gives an average of about 2000 inhabitants to each township.
