down the country

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.In a descending direction along; from a higher to a lower place upon or within; at a lower place in or on; as, down a hill; down a well. [1913 Webster]

2.Hence: Towards the mouth of a river; towards the sea; as, to sail or swim down a stream; to sail down the sound. [1913 Webster]

Down the country, toward the sea, or toward the part where rivers discharge their waters into the ocean.

Down the sound, in the direction of the ebbing tide; toward the sea. [1913 Webster]