twenty-five or thirty feet, on which horses of a small breed,
called "Bank Ponies," are reared in great numbers, and in a half
wild state. These banks extend along the entire shore a distance
of three hundred miles. Through them there are a number of
inlets from the sea to the sounds, but they are usually too
shallow except for vessels of light burden. Along its northern
coast the commerce of the State has, in consequence, been
restricted; it has, however, an extensive commerce through
Beaufort Harbor and the Cape Fear River.

8. The sounds, and the rivers in their lower courses, abound with
fish and waterfowl. Hunting the canvas-back duck and other fowls
for the Northern cities is a regular and profitable branch of
industry; while herring, shad and rock-fishing is pursued,
especially along Albemarle Sound, with spirit, skill and energy,
and a large outlay of capital.


QUESTIONS.

1. What is the subject of this chapter? How may the mountains of
North Carolina be classed? Describe each chain. Point out these
mountains on the map.

2. Describe the Smoky Mountains. The Blue Ridge. The Brushy.
The Oconeechee.

3. Describe the river systems of the State. Give the dividing
lines between the systems. Describe the flow of the rivers of
Western North Carolina. Trace the courses of these rivers on the