Describe the economy in the Northern colonies during the 1600's and the first half of the 1700's.

The best way to describe the economy of the Northern
colonies during the time period you mention is to say that it was a mixed economy.  This
is in contrast to the Southern colonies where the economy was centered very much on the
production of staple crops like tobacco.

In the Northern
colonies, there were a large variety of economic activities.  For example, on the
coasts, there was a great deal of fishing and there was a strong emphasis on trade. 
Along with the trade came all sorts of industries that were centered on shipping --
there were shipmakers and sailmakers and coopers and all sorts of other industries that
shipping needed.  Farther inland, there were various types of agricultural activity that
was needed to feed the coastal cities.  These industries, along with many others, meant
that the economy of these colonies was very mixed.