e borders of hanging woodlands, which clothed the steep
acclivities; and on the boldest summits wide regions were laid bare,
where the adventurous axe had broken the dark line of frowning forests,
and prepared the way for future culture. Here and there a thriving
village burst upon the view, its clustering houses interspersed with
gardens and orchards of young fruit trees.

The infant capital, from its central and commanding situation, rose
pre-eminent above the sister settlements. It had prospered beyond the
hopes of the most sanguine, and was already a mart for the superfluous
products of the colony. That regard to order and decorum, displayed by
the magistrates in their earliest regulations, and a uniformity in the
distribution of land for streets and dwelling lots, had prevented much
confusion, as the population increased. Its limits were then
comparatively narrow; man had not yet encroached on the dominions of the
sea to extend the boundaries of the peninsula. Where the first wharves
were erected, broad and busy streets now traverse almost the centre of
the city; and fuel was gathered, and wild animals hunted, from the woods
that grew in abundance on the neck, which is now a protracted and
populous avenue to the adjoining country. Extensive marshes skirted the
borders of the river Charles, and the three hills which formed its
prominent natural features were steep and rugged cliffs. One, indeed,
was surmounted by a wind-mill, which for many years labored unceasingly
for the public good, and ably supplied a deficiency of water-mills; and
another, which overlooked the harbor, was defended by a few pieces of
artillery; thus early betraying that jealous vigilance which has ever
distinguished the people of New-England. The last, and most lofty, was
still a barren waste, descending into the humid fens which are now
converted into a beautiful common, the only ornamental promenade which
our metropolis can boast.

Improvement was for a time necessarily gradual. Religion, the only
motive which could have induced such sacrifices as were made in its
cause, was first established; and civil order, and the means of
education, were deemed next important by the wise and virtuous founders
of our republic. The necessaries and comforts of life were secured
before they had leisure to think of its embellishments. Necessity
produced a frugal and industrious spirit, and the wealthiest encouraged
by their example the economy and self-denia