higher than Santa Fe. A small creek, that comes from the eastern mountains, provides the town with water, and runs about twenty-five miles south-west from it into the Rio del Norte. There is no timber on the plains, but the mountains are covered with pine and cedar. The soil around Santa Fe is poor and sandy; without irrigation, scarcely anything can be raised. There is no good pasturage on the plains; stock is generally seut to the mountains, and only asses, mules, and goats-the stock of poorer classes-are kept near the settlements.

"The climate of Santa Fe is rather pleasant; not excessively warm in the summer, and moderately cold in the winter, though snow is a common occurrence. Nearly all the year the sky is clear, and the atmosphere dry. All the houses in Santa Fe are built of adobes, but one story high, with flat roofs; each house in a square form, with a court or open area in the centre. The streets are irregular, narrow, and dusty. The best looking place is the plaza,' a spacious square, one side of which the so-called palacio, the residence of the governor, occupies. The palace is a better building than the rest; it has a sort of portico, and exhibits two great curiosities, to wit., windows of glass, and festoons of Indian ears. Glass is a great luxury in Santa Fe; common houses have shutters instead of windows, or quite small windows of selenite, (crystallized gypsum.) The festoons of Indian ears were made up of several strings of dried ears of Indians, killed by the hired parties that are occasionally sent out against hostile Indians, and who are paid a certain sum for each head. In Chihuahua, they make a great exhibition with the whole scalps of Indians which they happen to kill by proxy; the refined New-Mexicans show but the ears. Among the distinguished buildings in Santa Fe, I have to mention yet two churches with steeples, but of very common construction.

"The inhabitants of Santa Fe are a mixed race of Spanish and Indian blood, though the latter prevails. The number of inhabitants was, in former times, reported as high as 4,000; at present it contains at most 3,000; and with the surrounding settlements belonging to the jurisdiction of Santa Fe, about 6,000. The manners and customs of the inhabitants of Santa Fe are those of the whole of Northern Mexico; they are indolent, frugal, sociable, very fond of gambling and fandangos, and the lower classes, at least, exceedingly filthy. As in most Mexican towns, I was at a loss to find out by what branch of industry the mass of the people support themselves; and I came at last to the conclusion, that if from natural indolence they work as little as possible, their extreme frugality, too, enables them to subsist upon almost nothing."

SOUTHERN CITIES.

1.-HEALTH OF CHARLESTON-COMPARATIVE HEALTH OF NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN CITIES-NEW-ORLEANS, MOBILE, ETC.-VITAL STATISTICS AND GENERAL HEALTH RECORD, ETC.

THE Charleston Mercury has published some very interesting statistics, which go to prove what we have all along asserted in regard to the health of Southern cities, so little understood at the north. We have often been amused with the ignorance displayed in that quarter. Their insurance companies exact a higher premium if the party, being a southerner, remain at home during summer; but this will yet permit him to spend his winter in New-England, where, perhaps, his chances of life would be diminished one half! For New-Orleans many of the companies refuse to insure altogether! Sapient statisticians these.

Proportion deaths to population, excluding foreigners, 1 to 62.89

66

including

1 to 54.74

By the paper published in our present number it will be seen that Savannahı averaged in the last eight years, 1 in 33; but this includes only the white population. Dr. Emerson fixes the average of the last ten years, for white and black, as 1 in 37.03, (See Silliman's Journal,) in Philadelphia.

The Mercury does not include New-Orleans in its calculation-we know not why. Taking the year 1845, when no yellow fever prevailed, or very little, the total of deaths was 2.783, as given by the Medical Journal, which, estimating the average population at this very low mark, 130,000, was only 1 in 47. We have not the statistics before us, but do not question it can be shown, that excluding all cases of deaths from diseases originating abroad-consumptions, army diseases, &c., the proportion for whites and blacks, for the last ten years, will not materially vary from the point assumed for 1815. It is to be hoped our Board of Health will collect and present the statistics.

Since 1837 we have had but four epidemics, the other summers being in general healthy. The years 1822, '26, '31, '32, '36, '38, '40, '44, 45, 46, were almost entirely exempt from fever.

But to return to the Mercury's statistics.

"From data in our possession we learn that the deaths in St. Louis, during the last year, were 2,825; and, placing the population at the very liberal estimate of 56,000, it would amount to 1 in 20. In Natchez, (Miss.) the deaths were 1 to 45. In Providence, R. I., 1 to 36. Cambridge, Mass., 1 to 47. Newark, 1 to 54.

"In Europe, we find the proportion in London, 1 to 40; Glasgow, 1 to 44; Manchester, 1 to 44: Geneva, (Switzerland) 1 to 43; St. Petersburg, (Russia) 1 to 37; Berlin, (Prussia) 1 to 34; Brussels, 1 to 26; Paris, 1 to 32; Lyons, 1 to 32; Madrid, 1 to 29; Nice, 1 to 30; Legborn, 1 to 35; Naples, 1 to 28; Palermo, (Sicily) 1 to 31; Rouen, 1 to 25."

Dr. Nott, of Mobile, in our Review, stated that, from 1829 to 1837, 8 years, there was no fever; but that since that time there have been four epidemics, attributed by him to the great neglect in the last period of police regulations, &c.

We cannot conclude this paper without adverting to the negligent manner in which vital statistics are preserved in our country, and most especially at the south. Nothing can be more reprehensible than this. The National Medical Convention at Philadelphia, last year, called the attention of the whole country to the subject; and the Medical Convention of South Carolina have since taken it up in earnest, as we learn from the report of Dr. Simons to that body. The most stringent laws are proposed to be enacted, and we trust that the example will be followed in every other state. We extract from the Philadelphia Report:

"First. Upon the circumstances connected with the three important eras of existence, birth, marriage, and death, are dependent, to a very great extent, the physical, moral and civil condition of the buman family.

"Second. A knowledge of these circumstances is necessary for a full comprehension of impor tant means for the certain advancement of the population of states, in prosperity and civilization.

"Among the first communities to establish a system of registration of births, marriages aud deaths, was Geneva, where it was begun as early as 1594, and has since been continued with great care. The registers are there viewed as pre-appointed evidences of civil rights, and it appears

shat human life has wo derully improved since they were kept. The mean duration of life crea-ed more than five times from 1550 to 1833; with the increase of popula ion, and more prolonged duration of hie, heppiness also increased; though with advance prosperity marriages Decame fewer and later, and taus tie number of births was reduced, a greater number of infants bora were preserved, and the number of adults--with whom lies the true greatness of the statebecame larger. Towards the close of the 17th century, the probable duration of life was not 20 years-it the close of the 18th century it att ined to 32 years—and now it has arrived to 45 years, while the real productive power of the population has increased in a much greater proportion than the increase in its actual number, and Gen va kas arrived at a high state of civilization.

In Prussi, these measures are attended to in a mode deserving tie lughest commendation. Every tact relating to the health, lives, and condition of the population, is there collected with great care by a central officer at Berlin, and published for the beneft of the people. The most beneficent results have accrued from the admirably arranged statistical returns made for several years past in England. Of more than one large town but of Liverpool especialy, it was ascertained that the mortality was great, and the average age at death of the population low, whereas before, the inhabitants liad boasted of their salub ity and longevity. The registration has, to then, truly proved the means of merease of healt'i aud years, after removing from their eyes the scales which blinded them to their own destructi- n.

"If the things are so, and of their trath there cannot remain the shadow of a doubt, it is plain that with this measure are entwined the highest earthly interests of humanity, and it belongs to the leg slators of the New World, the guardians and custodians of the interests and glory of the Americ in Republic, to consider well ere they longer postpour the adopt on of a measure so essential thereto. A comparison of the duration of successive generations in England. France. Prussia, Austria, Russia, America, and other states, would throw much light on the physical condition of their respective populations, and suggest to scientific and benevolent individuals in every country, and to the governments many ways of d mini hug the sufferings, and mejorating the health and condition of the people; for the longer life of a nation deno es more than it does in an individual,—a happier life—a life more exempt from sick ess and infirmity-a lile of greater chergy and industry-of greater experienc› and wisdom. By these comparisons, a noble national emulation might be excited, and rivd nations would read of sickness diminished, deformity banished, lite saved-of victories over death and the grave, with as much enthus as as of victo ries over each other's armies in the field; and the triumph of one would not be the humiliation of the other, for in this contention none would lose territory, or honor, or blood, but all would gain strengta."

2.-SAVANNAH.

We published, in Vol. III. of our Review, a very complete and interesting paper upon the commerce of our sister city of Savannah, and have now an opportunity of adding some further statistics from a pamphlet compiled by Joseph Bancroft, and published by order of the Common Council. By this it appears that the total population in April, 1848, was 13.573, being an increase of 2,359, or 21 per cent., since 1840. In 1810 the total population was 5.195; in 1820, 7,523, 1830,7,773; 1840, 11,214. Increase in 38 years, 161 per cent.

In the 30 years ending 1840, Charleston inereased.

18 per cent.

or, including the ack or suburbs. 66
Philade plincreased.
Boston.

Baltimore
New-York.
New-Orleans.

137

64

151

Since 1840 the whites in Savannah have increased 23, the colored 18 per cent.; and in every 100, the former are now 54 the latter 46. There are 1,702 wooden dwellings, and 223 brick; 17 wood and 265 brick store-louses. Que-fifth of the houses are owned by the occupants; of the male aduits about two-fiths are of foreign birth.

COMMERCE.

Exports, 1825, cotton to foreign ports, 64,96 bags: 72,787, coastwise.

1

2.154 fierces: 5,081, 108,4-6 baz; 82, 004, ** 4,978 Lerces: 6478,

In 1839 the total export of cotton was 199.176; rice, 21,332; in 1840, cotton. 284,249; rice, 24,392; 1841, cotton, 117,280; 23,587 rice; 14,295,200 feet lumber.

Lumber to for. ports 5919.400 feet 5.532,750 3034164-3,334,646 13:365 968-4,826,425 5,544,56J 1,986,800 2,829,187 4,936,936 5,219,676 5,844,900

coastwie....2,471,000

In the year ending 1st April, 1848, Savannah exported to foreign ports 60,087 bushels coru; 412 bbls. turpentine; 30 000 yards osunburgs; and imported 224,645 bushels salt; 374.992 gals. molasses; and $62,569 in iron, pig and bar. The number of vessels arriving in the same time, were, from foreign ports, 41; and 6,925 tonnage; constw'se, 397; 99,409 tonnage. Foreign vessels from foreign ports, 51, of 28,766 toumage; four ships with tonnage ranging from 572 to 721, are owned in Savannah, either in whole or in part; one barque, six brigs, eighteen schooners, 9 sloops, 19 steamboats.

In the ten years ending 1820, the average of deaths was 1 to 14; of average white population, in the ten years ending 1830, 1 in 17; ending 1840, 1 in 24; ending 1848, 1 in 33; a most marked improvement. The records of the black population are, unfortunately, not given in the pamphlet, though they are preserv ed in the registers. This is an unfortunate omission, and we beg Mr. Bancroft to send then to us.

"The growing population-the great increase of the mechanical arts-the extended use of steam as applied to mills, presses, and other useful employments-are all evidences of a healthful state of the body politic. And this increase of steam power has been so noiseless, that it has attracted the notice of but few of our citizens, and most of them will be surprised to learn that of the eighteen establishments propelled by steam, fourteen of them have been erected within the last ten years."

3.-MOBILE AND THE PROGRESS OF ALABAMA.

We have been suspected of some little "hostility" towards our sister city. Mobile, the Lord only knows way, as we think we have shown.

The "Planter" has an interesting paper on the agricultural advance of Alabama. He says, that some thirty years after the settlement, scarcely any attention was paid to the culture of other than cotton, and corn for home consumption. The latter, however, not unfrequently neglected also. Everything was merged in cotton; the log-cabin was sufficient shelter; education was disregarded; nobody had time to beautify estates with gardens or fruit-trees. It is now the reverse. In Catawba, Corsa, Talladega, Jones' Vallies, etc., the cotton product decreases, while wheat, rye, oats, corn, and stock increase. Wheat and flour are now shipped to Mobile from some of the counties.

In the strictly cotton counties the "Planter" traces a great improvement: With scarcely an exception, every educated planter in the counties we have named above, resides in comfortable and commodious dwellings; indeed, many of them might lay claim to a considerable degree of elegance and taste. Not only thisthe grounds are laid off with taste, in which some of the more noble forest-trees have been left, interspersed with those of other regious; orchards planted out, embracing the apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry, fig, grape, &c., in fact, every comfort and appliance that denote permanency, have taken the place of the temporary improvements and careless tillage of former days. More care is bestowed upou the cotton culture, pickiag, ginning and packing; extensive corn-fields are plantel and carefully cultivated; what, oa's, rye, peis, &c., are raised in sufficient abumiance for plantation use; horses, males, cattle, and hogs are better cared for; fences are kept in good re air, and ditching and ploughing are con ducted in such a muner as to preserve lands from wash, and increase their fertility. And what is of equal or greater consequence, an unusual degree of interest * Since 1844 the size of the bales have increased, on an average, 75 lbs., or 20, per cent.

is manifested by all classes for the cause of general education. There are in South Alabama at least a dozen well established and well conducted male and female academies, besides primary schools scattered every where. Besides these, there is our state university, which has taken a high rank as a literary institution; and St. Joseph College, in our immediate vicinity, destined to be one of the leading colleges of the South."

A writer in the same paper adverts to the stationary value of real estate in Mobile for the last ten years, whilst in Boston and Charleston it has been advancing, and he attributes it to the railroad movements in progress in those cities. He then points to the great projected railroad from Mobile to the Valley of the Ohio, and predicts for it the most invigorative influences.

Another writer, over the signature of Sumpter, after exhibiting the coal and iron resources of Mississippi, which, in some of the counties, he thinks quite considerable, remarks: "So that, if in any way, proper and judicions attention be bestowed on these recently discovered mineral resources, new cause for confidence in the Mobile and Olio railroad project may be found in facts and circumstances not known when the enterprise was first started, and additional energy infused into those who take an interest in its successful completion, and additional arguments brought forward in its favor; while a new source of wealth, and a new field for enterprise and capital is opened to the people of Mississippi. She has the elements of manufactures in many materials and facilities; but until lately, mineral resources were entirely wanting, or very small, except, perhaps, in the extreme north-east corner; but it is now ascertained that to her facilities for producing cotton and wool, and manufacturing them, producing hides, making leather, and working it, her timber, and her facilities for making paper and other mannfactures, she has also the great articles of iron and coal to quite a large extent, if not in great profusion, and is from this cause doubly prepared to reap advantage from these improvements that are made to facilitate trade and commerce."

In regard to the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, after the lengthened paper published by us a year ago, we will only add, that according to all accounts the people of Mobile are in earnest upon the subject, and determined to press it to completion: the directory has busied itself in arranging all the preliminaries for active operations at an early day. Committees have been appointed to increase the subscrip tions at home, aud open books in the other states interested in the enterprise-to secure competent engineers, &c. Messrs. George S. Gaines and John S. McRea have just entered upon the duties assigned them by the directory, of arranging for the right of way, procuring douatious of land, &c. We learn, also, that there

is every prospect that a chief engineer of reputation will be employed within a few days, when the preliminary surveys, &c., will be commenced, and prosecuted with as much vigor as is possible.

4.-HOUSTON, TEXAS.

Not having visited the city of Houston for two years, I was particularly struck with its improved appearence when there Quite a number of fine looking brick buildings have been erected, and several others are in the course of completion. The worn and decayed frame buildings on the principal streets are giving place to more substantial substitutes, and it is gratifying to observe that the industry and enterprise of the people in the improvement of their city suffer little or no abatement from the dulness of the season. The stores in Houston are well filled with merchandise, and although business is necessarily somewhat depressed at the present time, yet all the merchants appear to look forward with confidence to a brisk and prosperous trade.-Galveston News.

5.-ST. LOUIS.

We have received the report for 1848. of the Mayor, Hon. John M. Krum, with accompanying documents. To show the extraordinary progress of the city, we will extract the following: