for its conversion into manufactures. In fact, the whole region of country, within the last four years, has been stimulated to an extraordinary degree, by the lines of railroad running from, and nearly parallel with the northern line of the State. New York has planted upwards of thirty-five millions of dollars in railroad improvements, to develop the stupendous natural resources of this region of country, a large portion of which is our own soil! What has Pensylvania expended? Scarcely a dollar-we blush to say it: scarcely a dollar!

It is only within a few years past, we have already observed, that these northern counties-(such as Clearfield, Potter, Forest, McKean, Tioga, Lycoming, Warren, Elk, Jefferson, Clinton, Erie, etc.-comprising more than one-fourth of the entire state,) have excited the attention of settlers in any considerable degree. While emigrants have flocked in countless thousands to the inhospitable plains of the West, it was curious to observe that, in the very midst of civilization -in the very bosom of the oldest State in the Union, there was a region of country, of such vast extent, entirely and completely neglected. New York capital has at length brought this region to the light of day, and now every one is astonished that it should have remained isolated and obscure for so long a time. Emigrants by thousands are now seizing upon it-colony after colony are organizing and establishing themselves and the whole region is about to blaze forth in the light of an industrious, thrifty, moral, and enterprising population. Probably one of the most interesting events that has lately transpired in the history of this curious region, is the settlement of the Norwegians, in Potter county, under the direction and auspices of their liberalminded countryman, Ole Bull. This gentleman, as is well known, has attained an undying celebrity all over the world, in connection with his violin. He has hitherto been known only as a musician of extraordinary-of unequalled ability. He deserves to be better knownas a warm-hearted, intelligent, and accomplished gentleman-as a man of bold enterprise, vigorous mind, and practical views, he probably has few equals here or elsewhere. It was a noble acquisition to our State, when he permanently planted himself, with his numerous countrymen, within our borders. The site of his settlement is in the wild, rich, and heavily timbered lands in the southern part of Potter county, at the head waters of the west branch of the Susquehanna. The ceremony attending the arrival and settlement of the lands, which embraces upwards of 200,000 acres, occurred on the 8th of September last.

It is his intention to have this tract of country surveyed and laid out in small farms, which will be disposed of to his countrymen at prices which shall cover cost, making the terms of payment so easy that each one can become an independent landholder in his own right. That each town shall have its church, where they can worship according to the dictates of their consciences, and each district its schoolhouse, where the children can be taught the English language, and receive a suitable education, to enable them to become intelligent and useful citizens. Before leaving New York, Mr. Bull arranged with a number of his countrymen, among whom were carpenters, joiners, masons and other artisans, to follow him, and to meet him at a place called Augusta, this being the point at which he first proposed to commence his colony. Augusta is situated very nearly in the centre of a tract containing some twenty thousand acres of gently rolling table lands, heavily timbered with hard wood.

The emigrants had arrived before him, and supposing that to be the end of their journey, had prepared to pitch their tents, and raised their flag, which they had made before leaving New York. It was a beautiful device; the cross of Norway in the centre, surrounded by the stars and stripes of the United States. As soon as Ole Bull appeared in sight, the emigrants commenced the most enthusiastic cheering, which were answered by those accompanying him by their standing up in the wagon, waving their handkerchiefs, and swinging their hats. Ole Bull, however, could not wait the slow motion of the horses; but leaping from the wagon, ran to embrace them. Such manifestations of enthusiasm and love are seldom witnessed. After the first greetings were over, Mr. Bull addressed them, saying that after having spent many months in examining many parts of the United States, he had at length found a place where his loved Norwegians could have a home, where the climate was as healthful as their own Norway, the soil capable of supplying all their wants, and where they could enjoy perfect liberty, protected by wise and wholesome laws, which would guarantee to them every right and privilege so long as they remained good citizens. With tears in their eyes they answered him with shouts and embracings.

After the transports of joy had, in a measure, subsided, we partook of a hasty repast of cold meat and bread, and harnessing the horses again to the wagons, started for the place selected by Ole Bull for the commencement of operations, which we reached about seven o'clock

that evening. Early on the morning of the eighth, the carpenters commenced working on the new hotel; lots were selected on which to build a blacksmith's shop, barn, storehouse, &., &c., and Ole Bull was busy with his engineer, taking a cursory survey of the country for several miles around the settlement. About ten o'clock, wagons loaded with stores, provisions, &c., arrived from Coudersport, which Mr. Bull had engaged to follow the emigrants; also a yoke of working oxen, and a fine fat ox for beef, which was soon slaughtered and taken care of. After dinner, Ole Bull selected a site for a house for himself, and also sites for some twenty-five other houses, which are to be put up immediately, to accommodate his Norwegian emigrants as fast as they arrive. Following the creek down about a mile we found an island containing about twenty-five acres of excellent land. This Mr. Bull instantly selected for his garden; where nurseries for every kind of fruit trees, suitable to the climate, will be commenced, and the cultivation of garden vegetables, and the raising of seeds, will be carried on in a skilful and scientific manner.

While Mr. Bull was engaged in this way, some of us were busy preparing for naming and inaugurating the new place. As a flag staff was needed, a beautiful straight evergreen was cut down, which the Norwegians trimmed, leaving the topmost branches as an ornament to the flag staff. This they raised from the top of the hotel; as soon as it was elevated and fastened, a large flock of birds came and perched upon it, and commenced singing in the gayest and most delightful manner. It appeared as though they were inspired by the scene, and were giving welcome to the great Norwegian and his followers. Regarding it as a good omen, we all united in giving the birds a hearty round of applause.

It had been arranged that the name by which the town was to be known, should be pronounced as soon as the flag had reached its proper elevation. The cords for raising the flag were now adjusted, and all waited to hear the chosen name. The flag ascended slowly and gracefully to its place, a gentle breeze floated it proudly in mid air, and the name of OLEANA was given to the new home of the Norwegians. Thirty-one cheers (one for each state) were given, and three for Ole Bull.

Mr. Bull then started with his engineer, to select sites for mills. They found an excellent water power; and a saw mill, grist mill, cabinet maker's shop, &c., will be erected in season to meet the wants

of the settlers; a suitable place was also reserved for a tannery; proper places for a church and school house were also selected. Everything passed under the eye of Ole Bull; his intuitive quickness of perception, untiring energy, soundness of judgment, promptness of decision, and capacity of physical endurance, are absolutely beyond conception.

In the evening there was a grand celebration in honor of the founding of the town. Bonfires were lighted in every direction; Ole Bull made a speech to his countrymen, in which, after alluding in eloquent terms to the original discovery of this country by Norwegians, he counselled them not to disappoint the confidence of the Americans, "but by lives of industry and honesty, to show to their new brothers that they have not misplaced their friendship." The emotion with which this speech was received (of which the above is but a faint outline) cannot be described; the Norwegians, with bare heads, and hands raised to heaven, swore they would obey the laws of the country, and do their utmost to be worthy of their protection. After silence was restored, Ole Bull took his violin, and commenced an anthem suitable to the occasion. No language can describe this music-the audience, the attendant circumstances, and the occasion, appeared to have given a new and unearthly inspiration to the great artist; he touched every cord of every heart in his audience. At times the Norwegians wept like children, as the strains reminded them of kindred and friends far beyond the ocean, and then the strains of liberty would pour forth from the enchanted instrument. In a moment, understanding the language of the music, they would shout loud huzzas, and chant in unison the war songs and hymns of liberty of old Norway.

"And the sounding aisles of the dim wood rang,

To the ANTHEM OF THE FREE."

At last the music ceased, and when the emotion had subsided, a gentleman of Pennsylvania went forward, and welcomed Ole Bull and the Norwegians to the ancient commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to the United States of America, and in a few and well-timed remarks, promised to them the protection of our republican government, and the peaceful enjoyment of our free institutions.

The west branch of the Susquehanna rises upon the lofty summits

of the Alleghany mountains, in the western part of Cambria county. Entering Clearfield in the west, it pursues its tortuous course very nearly through the centre of that county, in a direction north-east. Arrived at the western end of Clinton county, it receives the waters of the Sinnemahoning and Kettle creek. The head waters of Sinnemahoning rise in the same county as those of the Alleghany, viz. McKean, and their principal sources are, in fact, but a few miles apart. The Sunbury and Erie Railroad, following the valley of the West Branch of the Susquehanna to its confluence with the Sinnemahoning, crosses the former, and then follows the latter stream very nearly to its sources in Rich Valley. Here it bends due west, and enters the county of Elk. This county is a dense region of lumber-the sun scarcely penetrates the deep foliage of its towering forests, which stand forth in all the wild majesty of primitive nature. Adjoining Elk on the west, is the newly established county of Forest. Both counties are appropriately named-but what is to become of the forest, when the steam-horse rattles and snorts within its borders, as it soon will and must? Moreover, what will be done with the Elk?—that is the question! The Railroad route enters the county of Warren on the south, and passes on in a northern course, to the borough of Warren, the county seat. Here the noble Alleghany sweeps along, in its south-western course, and receives the waters of the Connewango-(how we like those Indian names;-sweet Connewango! It is a New York stream, but it rises in the Indian county of Chantauque, which, by the way, adjoins the other Indian county of Cattaraugus—rawgus ; -"beautiful!" "dem foine !") Warren is beautifully situated, but enjoys little trade or business beyond that of lumber. The lumber trade of the Alleghany, we have before remarked, is very extensive and important. The lumber districts are almost inexhaustible, and their annual supplies will only diminish when people take the places now occupied by the trees. The shores of the river, in the vicinity of Warren, are sometimes strewn with rafts and arks for three or four miles, lying from two to ten a-breast. Large as the supplies are, however, from this quarter, they are greatly increased by the contributions of Armstrong, Alleghany, Butler, Mercer, Clarion, and Venango, through all of which the Alleghany winds its snake-like course, until at Pittsburg, it flows on into the broad Ohio, and earns the complimentary name given it by the French, La Belle Rivier!

A Railroad to connect the city of Pittsburg with the New York