a splendid undertaking by Government, 32 miles long.  Here you can see the mist that is caused, or spray rising from the chasm of the Falls, at this distance.  On the left is the Erie Canal, which conveys all traffic to and from New York; and a little farther we arrive in the busy, bustling harbour of Buffalo, whence ships and steamers sail for all parts of the far West and Southern states.  We drove to the United States Hotel, and to bed.

Population of Buffalo, 25,000.

Tuesday, the 15th.—­This is the queen of the lake cities, admirably situated at the outlet of Lake Erie, and the head of the Niagara River.  All produce and traffic of every description for the Western country must go here, to be reshipped from the canal boats.  The Erie Canal is eighty feet wide, and thirteen deep.  The streets are broad, and intersect at right angles.  The buildings are in general decent—­some are splendid:  the stores recently erected are four and five stories high; and, strange to say, not a single dry-goods importer in the town.  We drove round the neighbourhood, and examined a poor-house of paupers and lunatics.  I left at four, East for Rochester—­population, 23,000:  75 miles; and Auburn, 78 farther—­population, 7000.  Visited the New York State Prison, the largest in the world:  they make here, as at Kingston, every description of article:  about 800 convicts at work daily.  Lett, who blew up Brock’s monument, is here:  I saw him daily.  I was really more pleased here than at any previous sight.  The discipline, cleanliness, and behaviour were astonishing.  At twelve they marched to dinner in Indian files, with a simultaneous lock-step, eyes to their overseer, head erect.  The muffled bell strikes at four, and labour is suspended.  I bought some very good cutlery manufactured by the convicts.  Auburn is two miles from Lake Cuyaga.  Left here at two for Syracuse—­26 miles:  population, 8000.  Thence to Utica—­53 miles:  population, 14,000.  Broke down on the road, and, detained three hours, was obliged to stop till four in the morning.  Thence for Schenectady—­78 miles:  population, 5000; and to Albany—­16 miles (326 miles).  The most tedious journey I ever had in my life.  I had a long talk on the way with a very intelligent farmer, who told me the best breed of sheep they get from England are called esquirol or merino; mugs do not answer; and that best parts of mutton were sold at 3 cents per lb.  Cattle, the short-horned, they imported, and the meat sold at 2-1/2 cents; pork, 4 cents; cheese, 6-1/2 cents; and butter, 11 cents.  They are far behind us in horses.  In Long Island and Rhode Island they are improving the breed.  Arrived at Albany at eleven, A.M.  Found there were no lace-importers here—­all buy in New York.  Saw the State-house—­a noble building, where the representatives and state senators deliberate.  Also was shown over the Government buildings for the management of the state; and took my departure on board the Knickerbocker, a new steamer, most magnificently fitted up, 325 feet long, and painted in the most superb style.  We had about 700 passengers, and plenty of berths for all.  Arrived at the Globe Hotel at seven.