F^1i<' \ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ->,, (SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.) Chap. Shelf UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. \ 1 o rti"iv.-/i _x \^ ,A "R T) At!/ td T RDITTOX PRTXTET) FOTJ -T C ^UmVJ^O^ riT> nrArU4T?ATT0:N'. LOFTSTANA. AP-rjOAD. bj Baml, McNalljr t a> , Map PulillsJiiiil. Cblcuiju I ouisis . Bu LOUISIANA AND ITS RESOURCES; THE STATE OF THE FUTURE. An Official Guide for Capitalists, Manufacturers, Agriculturists, AND THE Emigrating Masses. By J. CHRONEGK MORRISON. State Immigration Agent for Louisiana ; abroad, Foreign Commissioner Louisiana State Immigration Society, &c. PRICE, ONE: DOIvIvAR. * ^, From Engraving kindly lent by Major H. H. Baker. To MAJOR E. A. BURKE. As a constant and tried friend to the best interests of Louisiana, and one of its fo7-emost and patriotic citizens in advancing the welfare of the Soiith, this ivork is dedicated, ivith every feeling of respect and esteem by his faithfil servant. The Author. P R K KAC E My object in writing this book is two-fold : 1. To supply information respecting the State of Louisiana which is authentic, (I have inserted the report of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, on South Western Louisiana intact), I do not represent specu- lation in any shape or form, this work being written in the mterest of, and for the State of Louisiana in my official capicity, which gives me access to every source of information. A large portion of the contents having a practical bearing, is the result of my personal observation. 2. To demonstrate that the South is destined in the very near future to supplant the North- West and all other fields of Immigration, and moreover to explain to the general reader why this unequalled section of the United States has been neglected, when millions of dollars have been spent in populating immense tracts of country, where the unfortunate Settler is com- pelled for about six months of the year to occupy his time in protecting his family and live-stock from the severity of the cHmate. I hereby contradict, and am fully prepared to refute certain false and malicious statements, which have been made by interested parties respecting the State of Louisiana. In the compilation of this work I have extenuated nothing, nor have I .set down aught in mahce. I make not the slightest pretention to Uterary excellence : this book is what it professes to be, viz: a plain statement of facts, and a guide to Capitalists, Manufacturers, Agriculturists, Mechanics, Laborers, &c. , putting before them in as few words as possible the enormous natural wealth of the State, and to cordially invite them from all parts of the Globe to satisfy themselves of the integrity of my statements, by the most rigorous persona examination. To some penny-a-liners I would suggest respectfully, that a perusal of these pages would at least prevent them from repeating the egregious descriptive blunders, which have occasionlly adorned (?) their columns, such reports (penned by persons without any practical knowledge of the South) are mischievous as being misleading. I have quoted from the works of Wm. H. Harris, Ex-Commissioner of Agriculture, and Daniel Dennett, Esq., and the official reports of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington. J. C. MORRISON. New Orleans, La., Sept. 1886. BUSINESS DIRECTORY. SEE ADVERTISEMENTS. John Chaffe & Sons. Land New Orleans. A. A. Woods. Insurance " Crescent Insurance Co. Insurance " Smith Bros. & Co. Wholesale Grocers ... " Stauffer, Eshleman & Co. Hardware " Stern Fertilizer Co " John Gauche's Sons. Lamps and Chinaware " E. Frederikson. Drugs, etc " Edwards & Haubtmann. Machinery " B. J. Montgomery & Co. Furniture " E. A. Tyler's Sons. Jewelry " Singer Sewing Machine Co " Hollander & Co. Wholesale Liquors, etc " A. B. Griswold & Co. Jewelers " L. N. O. & T. R. R. Lands in Misissippi Valley Memphis. Geo. K. Bradford. Land Att'y Rayne, La. Mrs. Grote Boarding House and Hotel New Orleans. Acadia Sentinel. Newspaper Rayne, La, Daily States. Newspaper New Orleans, Times Democrat. Newspaper " " Picayune. Newspaper " " Sugar Bowl. Newspaper " " Bee. French Newspaper " " Evening Chronicle. Newspaper " " The Item. Newspaper ... " " South lUust'd. Newspaper " " Cromwell Steam Ship Co New York, Old Dominion Steam Ship Co " " John Turl & Sons. Sugar Machinery " " James Hotchkiss. Boiler Cleaner " " Cameron. Steam Pump Works " " Guild & Harrison. Steam Pump Works Brooklyn, World Travel Co New York. J. A. Gould & Co " " PAGE. 19 12 14 13 13 10 15 14 18 T3 15 90 89 15 16 ID 91 87 20 81 92 83 86 84 85 82 11&17 1 1 II II II II 88 90&91 10 Louisiana and its Resources ; S. M. SORGIA, Pres. & Supl. JNO. S. RAINEY, Vice-Pres. F. W. RAINEY, Secy & Treas. STERNS FERTILIZEB wi CHEICiL MT'G CO.. MANTJFACTUEEES OF SUPER PHOSPHATES, PURE GROUND BONE, Animal Ctiarcoal and Ch.em.icals, No. 14 UNION STREET, p. o. BOX 3018. NEW ORLEANS. GEORGE K. BRADFORD, RAYNE, ST. LANDRY PARISH, LA. (Deputy State Agent of Immigration for tlie parishes of St. Landry, Lafayette and Vermilion ; for the official assistance and protection of Immigrants.) TOWN LOTS, FARMS, RABCBES AND TIMBER LANDS FOR SALE, IReal Estate Bought, Developed and Sold. CATTLE BOUGHT & SOLD ON COMMISSION, SURYEYS MADE. MAPS AND ABSTRACTS FURNISHED. All official business concerning- lands &c. attended to. Practices in Land cases witli Messrs Dkummond & Bradfoed, Attorneys at law, of Washington, D. C SEND FOR MAP AND CIRCULAR. Ihe State of the Future. 11 ''HOW TO KEEP BOILERS CLEAN," AND PBEVBNT Price, $75.00 removes SCALING, MUD, LIME OIL, FOAMINO, BURNING. MAGNESIA, !«■ Without the use of COMPOUNDS Hotchkiss Mechanical Boiler Cleaner Illustrated iu an eighty-eight page book which will be mailed FKEE to any address by JAMES HOTCHKISS, Beware of Infringers. 93 John St., N. Y. OLD DOMINION STEAMSHIP CO. Popular Line to and from the South and Soutliwest. Steamers leave New York : Monday, Tuesday, Wednes- day, Thursday and Saturday, for Norfolk, Va., and leave Norfolk same days for N. Y. W. H. SANFOED, G. P. A., Company's General Offices, 235 West St., cor. Beach St., N. Y. The CROMWELL STEAHSHIF CO. THE ONLY LINE OF First Class Passenger S BETWEEN NEW YORK & NEW ORL SUGAR MACHINERY. JOHN TURL & SONS, Established 1845, VACUUM PANS, PUMPS, ENGINES, CENTRIFUGALS, Defecators, Evaporators. Olarifiers SUGAR ^VAGONS, PORTABLE KAIL WAY CARS, Iron and Copper work in general. Works: Foot W. 28th St., N. Y. \ / GUILD k GARRISON, Brooklyn, N. Y. • — S5 — ■ STEAM PUMPS Vacuum Pans, Double and Triple effects, Circulating, Juice Syrup, Sweet-water Cold and Hot water. Boil- er feeding, &c. Represented in New Orleans by I W. W. TATLOK, 126 St. Joseph St- ^S STEAM PUMP. SEND FOR CATALOGUE. Particulars in Directory. The A. S. CAMERON FOOT EAST 28d ST., NEW YORK. 12 Louisiana and its Resources ; EST^^BLISHliJI) 1S03. A. A. WOODS' -Mc GENERAL ^ INSURANCE •:• AGENCY, 184 GEAVIER STREET, Opp. Cotton Exchange, NEW ORLEANS. ASSESTS. New York Underwriters Agency, - % 5,125,956.67 Germania of N. Y. - - - - 2,700,729.32 Queen of Liverpool and London, - 10,000,000.00 Commercial Union of London, - - 11,250,000.00 Koyal of Liverpool, - - - 27,463,551.01 Scottish Union & National of Edinburg, 33,636,835.54 Merchants Insm-ance Co. - - - 1,164,171.92 Union Insurance Co. - . - 1,519,561.49 Louisville Underwriters, - . - 7,551,183.69 Equitable Life Assurance Society of N.Y. 60,030,582.00 Dwellings and Furniture especially solicited. LOSSES I*^^II> I]V ]>JETV OK^LEiVTVS. The State of the Future. 13 J. M. STAUFFEE. B. F. ESHLEMAN. WILLIAM E. STAUFFEE. STAUFFER, ESHLEMAN & CO., Successors to STAUFFER, MACREADY Ssf CO. aPORTEES & DEALERS IN HAWAEE, CUTLERY, GUNS, PISTOLS, Iron, Halls, Tin anj Leaileil Plates, ffletals, Oils, Paints and Corlap. -I- AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, -^ 103 Chambers St., NEW TOEK. ^^ *« li^n'''T'c,^^Sw''?^Tl?4^^*'"' and 71 Canal St,, NEW OkLEANS. €HAS. SMITH. THOS. SMITH. J. B. SINNOTT. SMITH BROS. & CO., WHOLESALE GROCERS, A^ND — IMPORTERS, 102, 104 & 106 POYDRAS STREET, NEW ORLEANS, - LA. B* J. li©lfT'Ci©MlE¥ & CO,, DEALERS m ALL KINDS OF FURNITURE, FRENCH AND GERMAN PLATE MIRRORS, 83, 85, & 87 Camp St., New Orleans. Always on hand the largest and cheapest stock of Furniture and Mirrors to be found in the South, ranging from the finest to the cheapest. Stock for country and Plantation use very large. No charge for packing and drayage. SEND FOR PRICES. 14 Louisiana and its Resources; WMmW^ INSURANCK ^ CO. OF NEW ORLEANS. Incorporated as a Mutual Company in 1849. Reorganized as a Stock Company in 1880 C-A_SH CAPITAL, ^400,000 Has paifl over Ten anfl One-Half Millions for Losses since 1849. Annual and Term Policies on Desirable Fire Business. ^TT*c T^ T.TO-C- a i. W. E. LYMAN, President, CHAS. E. EIOE, Secretary, ' -d -^ 4. CHAS. H. DOLSEN, Vice-President. f . FMlDlMICKiOM, 439 CANAL ST., TOURO BUILDINGS, NE\V ORLEANS. 1^ O'O -J \^^ AND MANUFACTUKEE OF A LARGE ASSOETMENT OF Especially suitable for the use of families in the country. Also on hand a full stock of DRUGS, MEDICINES, PATENT MEDICINES, SPONGES, SOAPS, TOILET ARTICLES, Etc., etc. ORDERS BY MAIL WILL BE PROiVlPTLY ATTENDED TO. The State of the Future. 15 Camp St. & Lafayette Sq., Moresque Building, New Orleans. 65 CANDLE PO^VEK. Patented 1884 and 1S85 in the United Statts, and in nearly all the Countries of the Old World and Islands of the Sea. There is none liko unto it ! Extinguislied without blowing down or removing the Chimney. The ROCHESTER LAMP is perfectly non-explosive, and produces a light never before equalled with Kerosene. Equal in brilliancy to 65 sperm candle power. It is beautiful in structure, elegant in finish, of large capacity, and is a novelty in its mode of work. Its combustion is perfect, flame clear and strong, and its light the nearest approach to electricity yet attained by any Kerosene Lamp. Some of its Advantages. — It is mechanical perfect, with a wick movement new to the world. It does not get danger- ously hot, like all other lamps with button burners. It does not require any gas vent. The Rochester Lamp is made in the following varieties : Table, Hall, Library, Factory, and Gas Font Lamps, of strong brass, and nickel plated, and warranted not to leak. It can be put in pull-down lamps, on gas jets, etc., and can be taken from harp or bracket, and used as a table lamp. The best lamp made for lighting Hotels, Offices, Stores^ Factories, Saloons, Halls, Barber Shops, Skating Rinks and Churches. Caution. — Sever leave the wick above the tube tohen not lighted. ICg^ The name " ROCHESTER " is copyrighted for all ap- plications to the Rochester Lamp, and its appurtenances. Any use!" of this name by manufacturers other than those de- signated by the owners of the Rochester Patents is an infringe- ment of rights involved. The wicks and chimneys advocated are such as the Rochester Lamp needs, and any attempt to use wicks and chimneys not advocated has usually resulted in de- triment to a lamp in whose mechanical construction all possible care is taken. Rochester chimneys are in wrapper marked "Rochester." Rochester wicks are SO labled. E. A. TYLfER'S ^OM DIAMONDS, American Watches, Fine Je First Class Goods, Small Expenses, Low Prices. 3 GAMP ST. 3 New Orleans, 119 CANAL ST., NEV/ ORLEANS, LA. Solid Silver Stem Winders. "Sterling" 7 jewels $12.50 " Wm. EUery " 11 " 16.00 " P. S. Bartlett " 15 " 21.50 10 Karat Solid Gold StemWinders "Sterling" 7 jewels $30.00 " Wm. EUery " 11 " 33.00 "P. S. Bartlett " 15 " 37.00 i4 Karat Solid Gold Stem Winders " Sterling " 7 jewels $48.00 " Wm. EUery " 11 " 52.00 " P. S. Bartlett " 15 " 56.00 "Appleton, Tracy & Co." ad- justed and pat. regulator.. 67. 00 18 Karat Solid Gold StemWinder "Sterling" 7 jewels $57. oo- "Wm. EUery" 11 " 60.00 " P. S. Bartlett " 15 " 65.00 "Appleton, Tracy & Co." ad- justed and pat. regulator. .75.00 16 Loidsiaiia and its Resources; HOMES. . HOMES. HOMES K. T. WILSON, Pres. New York. JAMES EDWARDS, Vice President and Gen- eral Manager. Memphis, Tenn. Extending from MEMPHIS on the North to NEW ORLEANS on the South. Passing through the center of the great Zazoo, MISSISSIPPI DELTA, and the SUGAR LANDS OF LOUISIANA, has for sale 750,000 acres of land in the DELTA at low prices and long time for payment. The Zazoo Mississippi Delta has long been known as one of the richest agricultural portions of the United States, the lands are especially adapted to the raising of small grain, cotton, fruits and vegetables. The markets of Memphis, Vicksburg, Baton Rague and New Orleans offer special inducements for the establishment of daii'y and truck farms. The mildness of the weather gives 12 months of farm work, and of most vegetables two crops can be raised each year. The grasses and cane give green herbage for stock during the year. No such opportunity has ever been offered for the location of families. The industrious settler can make an independence in a few years. The improved lands adjacent to these lands offered for sale, rents for $8 per acre. We are offering our lands, unimproved, at from |4 to $10 per acre, according to location : they are all fertile and rich, but the land nearest the railway line is the most valuable. One-fourth cash and the balance in four annual payments with a low rate of interest. This opportunity should not be neglected, and all those who want Homes in this GARDEN SPOT should be prompt in securing them. For maps and printed imformation address or apply to J.\V. McGINNIS, Land Commissioner, MEMPHIS, TENN. 77^1? State of the Future. . 17 ^ THE CROMWELL i^ Steamship Line. Probably the easiest and most economical wa}' of getting from New York to Louisiana is by the very fine and first-class steamships of the CROMWELL LINE, old established and reliable, running between the two cities of New York and New Orleans. These steamers connect with foreign steam- ships, so that through tickets by this route can be obtained abroad, or at the offices in New York, Boston, Philadelphia or Baltimore, at the lowest rates. These are tlie oilf Steamsiiips miii Setweei New York aiii Louisiana which carry passengers, so that care should always be taken to see that the name of the line is specified on the tickets. These fine vessels connect at New Orleans with the various railroad and steamboat lines to principal points in LOUISIANA AND TEXAS. The " Louisiana," named in honor of the state, is the fastest and most famous American steamship ever built. These steamers carry first cabin and steerage passengers so that persons can travel according to the style they wish to pay for. Beside the " Louisiana '' the steam- ships "Hudson," "Knickerbocker" and "New Orleans" are all gi-eat favorites with travellers and shippers. This line leaves New York from pier No. 9, North Kiver. Apply to SAM'L H. SEAMAN, Gen'l Agent, PIER 9, NOETH EIVER, N. Y. AGENTS: ALEEED MOULTON & CO., 41 Oarondelet St., New Orleans. J. N. MAGNA, 211 Washington St., Boston. F. B. PRICE, 6 North 4th St., Philadelphia. E. W. NOURATH, 50 West Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. JAMES D. EDWARDS LEON F. HAUBTMAN. TRIPLE EFFECT. Edwards & Haubtman's Patent, for boiling Cane Juice into Syrup, with Low Steam Heating Surface of Copper. Capacity, from 20,000 to 100,000 poimds per day. Connected to on^^ Duplex Knowle's Vacuum Pump, com- plete. Price, Proprietors of the Crescent City Cornice Works. Also, Copper, Brass and Sheet Iron Work of every de- scription. Vacuum Pan's, Hepworlh's Centrifugals, Misers, Steam and Doctor Engines, Steam Pumps, Steam Trains, Cylinder and Flue Boilers, &c. The State of the Future. 19 GREAT BARGAINS. FIFTY IMPROVED FARMS FOR SALE with from 40 to 2000 acres each, of most productive land, near raikoad and river navigation.. With dwellings, stables, outhouses, fences, etc. Adjacent to Market in the states of Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. Good schools and churches of all denominations. These lands produce SUGAR CANE, COTTON, CORN, OATS, BARLEY, WHEAT, vegetables of all kinds, Fruits, such as Apples, Pears, Figs, Plums, Peaches, Grapes, etc., etc. Price from $3.00 to $8.00 per acre, owing to quality of the soil, locality and improvements. Terms one quarter cash, balance in two or three annual payments. For homeseekers with growing families there is no equal opportunity offered in the United States. Climate the most salubrious on the American Continent. Reason for selling, advanced age. Titles perfect and guaranteed. Also large tracts of unimproved land, suitable for cattle raising, etc. New Orleans, Sept. 25, 1886. Apply to JOHN CHAFFE & SONS, 54 UNION STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA., U. S. A. 20 Louisiana ajid its Resources; THE DAILY iTATl '/^« The leading Evening Journal of the South and South West. An eio"ht page, 48 column paper, publishing two or more editions every evening except Sunday. Contains all the latest Telegraph, Local, Marine and Commercial News. Is the official Journal of the City of New Orleans. Is the official Journal for the publication of State Taxes. Is the official Journal for the publication of City Taxes. Democratic in politics. It bears the impress of ability in it& management and sways an influence unequalled by any other Journal published in Lousiana. THE iUN D. In this issue is conveyed to its readers a collection of original and selected matter, that makes it the best of the Sunday papers. The " Sunday States " is furnished separately from the Daily, when desired. THE WEEKLY iTATEi, A mammoth paper. In it is published the news of the week, so con- densed, as to enable the reader to see the important events of the time. In proportion to the amount of subscription paid, is awarded, by lot^ to subscribers 200 presents each year. Terms of Subscription, Daily, Evening and Sunday Morning : 1 year, - $6.50. 6 months, - $8.25. 3 months, - $1.65. Sunday Slates, 1 year, $1.50. Weekly States, 1 year, $1.25. LOUISIANA AND ITS RESOURCES; The State of the Future. THE State of Louisiana was sold by the first Napoleon to the United States of America for the sum of 50,000,000 francs, a little less than $10,000,000. It is situated in the Southwestern part of the United States, between the parallels of 28° 50' and 33° N. latitude, and between the meridians 88° 40' and 94° 10' W. from Greenwich. It is bounded on the North by the States of Arkansas and Mississippi, on parallels 33° 31'; East by the State of Mississippi, South by the 'Gulf of Mexico, and West by the State of Texas, the Mississippi and Pearl Rivers forming a boundary line on the East and the Sabine River on the West. The Mississippi winds through the State for a distance of 800 miles, and is navigable for 2,000 miles to St. Anthony Falls. It empties into the Gulf of Mexico 105 miles from New Orleans, the principal commercial city of the South and the largest cotton market in the world, shipping about one-third of the cotton crop of the United States. It contains about 26,000,000 acres of land and 1,250,000 acres of inland water surface, comprising many navigable streams, rendering the internal water communication a means of the cheapest transportation. The land is nearly equally divided between hilly and level. There are 5,250,000 acres of good uplands, 5,500,000 acres of pine hills, 1,500,000 acres of bluff lands, prairie 2,500,000 acres, arable alluvial 3,500,000 acres, pine flats 1,500,000 acres, wooded alluvial 750,000 acres, coast marsh 3,500,000 acres; the alluvial lands border on the Mississippi and other streams and bayous. A false idea concerning the flat nature of the country has gone abroad, starting probably from the impressions of travellers on Mississippi steam- boats ; we quote the official report of WiUiam H. Harris, ex-Commissioner of Agriculture : 22 Louisiana and its Resources ; " The descriptive scenery of Louisiana, as seen in the aver- age geography or illustrated periodical, is a stereotyped burlesque. Her cypress swamps are not the deadly morasses they are repre- sented to be, while the valuable timber land in which they abound is a growing source of wealth to the State and the whole countr}'-. With half of the money spent in draining the low lands of the Older Eastern States, a large portion of her marsh lands would afford healthy and pleasant homes, while their productiveness would be largely increased. In truth, no part of the United States is replete with more varied and beautiful scenery than Louisiana.^ The population of the State is about 1,000,000 inhabitants, the capital being Baton Rouge, and the present able and respected Governor, Samuel D. McEnery. This climate, iji presenting no extremes, is admirably suited to outdoor labor twelve months in the year. Sunstroke is almost unknown, ice seldom seen, and the thermometer, notwithstanding the geographical situations, never exceeds 92°, the deliciously cool nights making a pleasing change for Northern and European settlers. For instance, at St. Tammany, only 22 miles from New Orleans, the mercury falters at 85° in the summer, stopping at 40° in the winter. All climatic conditions combine to make the seasons deHghtful and the country unequalled as a sanitarium ; in fact, I can per- sonally testify to the marvellous cures I have seen in the cases of consump- tives and others, caused alone by the salubrity of the climate. With its wealth of sulphur springs and other mineral waters, I do not hesitate to say that at no distant time this place will be par excellence the world's head- quarters for health seekers. It is a fact that in 1878, when yellow fever was at its height in New Orleans, this adjacent section of country was entirely free from the dreaded scourge. I wish to impress very deeply upon all that since the Government has established a strict quarantine upon vessels coming from the West Indies and Mexico between the months of May and October inclusive, and enforced stringent sanitary YCit.^.%^xxQ.^, yellow fever in New Orleans has been unknown. I would that this fact were universally understood, and rejoice that some of our blessed good-natured friends (as Dr. Johnson calls them) cannot harp any more upon that string. Malaria in a mild form exists in lands lying in the vicinity of streams, etc., but can be prevented by ordinary and simple precautions. I have seen far more virulent cases in the^ State of New Jersey. The longevity of the inhabitants is far above the average and truly wonderful. I have witnessed extraordinary cases of extreme age. It must be understood that in proportion to the distance from the cool- ing breezes of the Gulf the ratio of heat increases. / The State of the Future. 23 CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. There are churches of different denominations in every parish (equi- valent to county) in the State ; also a good system of public schools, main- tained by a special tax levied for that purpose, the negroes have equal educational advantages with the whites, but in separate schools. In 1653 schools, 1,071 white and 582 colored, there are 99,941 pupils ; for a new settlement (showing fifteen children fit for school with no school house accessible) the State will erect a free school house. There are 58 parishes in the State, all of which have railway or water communications with commercial centres : Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calca- sieu, Caldwell, Cameron, East Carrol, West Carrol, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feli- ciana, West Feliciana, Franklin, Grant, Iberia Iberville, Jackson, Jeffer- son, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John Baptist, St. Landry. St. Martin, St. Mary's, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terre Bonne, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Washing- ton, Webster, Winn. Of these parishes I would perhaps select as being more adapted to settlers from the Northern States and Europe : St. Landry, Lafayette, Vermillion, St. Martin, Iberia, St. Mary's, in the Southwest ; in the Northwest : Claiborne, Bossier, Webster, Bienville, De Soto ; in the East : Tangipahoa, St. Tammany and East Feliciana. LAND LAWS, ETC. Every citizen over twenty-one years of age and j^erson who has declared his intention to become such, is entitled, under the United States Home- stead Act, to 160 acres of land, by payment of a fee of eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents, of which fourteen dollars must be paid in cash, and the balance in five years ; at the expiration of which time the settler becomes the actual owner of the land. The ordinary Surveyor's fees will be about sixteen dollars. State low lands of excellent quality can be homesteaded and pre- empted, the latter at from 12^ to 50 cents per acre. TIMBER CULTURE ACT.— Under its provisions citizens and others, as mentioned above, may enter 160 acres of land by payment of a fee of eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents,, fourteen dollars in cash and the balance at the end of eight years. The Government naturally requires annual additions to be made to the planting of trees. Settlers having some knowledge of forestry will find this method of acquiring land to be of great 24 Louisiana and its Resources ; advantage. Actual ownership, upon the expiration of eight years, and com- pliance with the conditions imposed. Lands can be pre-empted for the purposes of actual settlement and cultivation to the extent of i6o acres on payment of one dollar and a quarter to two and a half dollars per acre. This land may be selected in the Prairie and other regions of the State. Most productive farms and plantations formerly cultivated can be bought at low prices, fenced and generally with houses erected on them. In many cases merchants own these lands, having bought them for the pur- pose of saving themselves from losses by former owners, a state of things brought about by emancipation, and the consequently changed condition of affairs, and payment of taxes long standing. T think that many of these fine estates could Jiotu, with the great dearth of labor (the colored portion of the community considering loafing to be one of the benefits arising from their hberation), be bought for from five to twenty-five dollars per acre, and with easy terms of payment. I wish to call special attention to these great chances, as the land will fast rise in value, and before long it will be impos- sible to buy an acre in open market. To intelligent agriculturists with some means, this State offers advan- tages unequalled by any other, or, indeed, any country. The incomer, in many cases, can rent lands by payment of one-half of the crop raised, the owner furnishing all implements, stock, seeds, etc., even household furni ture, when necessary, giving farmers without pecuniary resources the oppor- tunity of starting in. Provisions can even be drawn in advance for the whole family, payable after harvest. In cases where the tenant furnishes everything himself, for the use of the land, and buildings, he will only have to pay one-quarter of the crop raised, and will frequently have the option of purchase upon instalments. The owner of the land reserves the right of naming the rotation of props. PRODUCTS, INDUSTRIES, ETC. COTTON. — Although the land is capable of being cultivated to better advantage, yet cotton still leads the exports of this State, and its superiority over all rivals is undoubted. The unperishable character of this product renders it in many cases a desirable one to raisew Experience has proved that even in this field, white labor is superior (notwithstanding the ancient belief to the contrary) to the work of the colored man. SUGAR. — There is at present about 60, 000 acres of cane planted in the State, of which the yield averages about 1,500 lbs. per acre, and about 100 gallons of molasses. In ordinary seasons about 60 gallons molasses may be counted to one hogshead of sugar. The State of the Future. 25 A large number of sugar mills exist propelled by steam and water power. Raising sugar is one of the most profitable industries in the State, although it requires comparatively more capital than any other production, machinery, plant, utensils, etc., being costly, although of late the farmer with small capital is enabled to raise sugar, as the " central mill" system is "becoming very general, and proving profitable to all parties concerned. The mill is erected in a central locality, the small farmers selling cane to the owner at from two and a half dollars to five dollars per ton. One acre will yield from fifteen to twenty tons of cane. Sugar is chiefly raised on alluvial lands. New comers being more fiable to malaria and fevers in the lowlands, principally through ignorance and neglect of proper precautions, had better settle for a time on the higher lands in order to become acclimated, although I have known many cases Avhere late arrivals have enjoyed the best possible health in the lowlands. In the grinding season, from October to the middle of January, white laborers are paid from one dollar to one dollar and a half per day, with board and lodging. This labor is very popular among our Northern men, who flock down in great numbers, the country, climate and pay alike making this occupation attractive. CORN is planted in February and March, and harvested in July and August, when a second crop of cow peas and other cereals can be planted. OATS can be grown to great advantage, planting and harvesting about the same season as corn. WHEAT is grown on a small scale in the north-western portion of the State. This is comparatively an unprofitable crop for the farmer. Flour can be imported from neighboring States at lower rates than the cost of pro- duction. BARLEY. — The same remarks will apply to raising this grain. RYE. — But little attention is paid to this crop, almost any other pro- duce will pay the cultivator better. EGYPTIAN CORN has been raised experimentally with notable RICE is very extensively cultivated, and will yield from 30 to 75 bushels per acre, worth from 45 to 115 dollars. In the lowlands this is sown broad- cast and irrigated ; in the highlands it is drilled in rows two or three feet apart, and cultivated with a plough or cultivator. It may be cut with machinery and threshed like wheat. This harvest takes place in August. TOBACCO. — Perique tobacco is principally grown in the parish of St. James, this special kind enjoying the reputation of possessing the best 26 Louisiana and its Resources ; flavor of any in the world. It is largely used in the manufacture of snufF. In almost every portion of the State this far-famed weed can be produced^ of a far better quality than the stuff raised in Connecticut. Perique sells readily for one dollar per pound, three cuttings can be made in one year, giving an enormous yield. It would be advisable for incoming settlers tO' experiment. While Louisiana grows all the crops of the northern and western States and Europe, her staples, Cotton, Sugar, Rice and Tobacco will always command gold in any market of the ^vorld. To those familiar with raising indigo, I strongly recommend a thorough trial, and believe that the insufficient attention bestowed upon this valuable product is only caused by the great lack of intelligent labor. JUTE. — The cultivation of jute has been successfully commenced, the yield being about 4,000 lbs. of fibre per acre, and pronounced by experts to be superior in quaUty to that imported. There are vacant lands enough in the State to supply the world. Crops are generally laid by in June. RAMIE. — This magnificent fibre, doubtless known to a great many of our readers, will thrive perfectly in this latitude, the climate of Louisiana being better adapted to its successful cultivation than any other portion of the globe, not excepting the East Indies, where its culture has met with such satisfactory results. I feel.it my duty to emphasize the fact that this fibre is destined to supersede all other products in this State, the pecuniary results being so large as to more than justify great efforts being put forth in its cultivation. The ramie more nearly approaches silk than any other substance yet known. Seed in small quantites can be obtained from the Department of Agri- culture, Washington. Planting is done from March to the end of October, two crops being easily gathered in the year. Mr. Fremery gives as an average yield to one acre 2,950 pounds of marketable fibrous ribbons — $88.50, or in two crops, a yearly gross benefit of $177 per acre. The industry of this textile in Europe has made gigantic progress, and as the authority above quoted very properly remarks, " Indiffereiice to this industry is a blot upon American enterprise." In closing this subject I cannot forbear quoting the words of Mr. S. Waterhouse, Professor of Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. : " No vigor of language can too earnestly express my conviction that a great, great industry, productive of vast opulence, now awaits the hands of Southern enterprise." The State of the Future. 27 GRASSES of all descriptions are plentifully grown. Jefferson, Ber- muda, Winter, Meadow Oat, Maculata, Yellow Clover, Red Top Grass, Lucerne and various clovers. All these grow in happy ignorance of blizzards, drought, grasshoppers, etc. The grazing value of these grasses is very large, sufficient advantage is not taken of the opportunity of making hay. Why, in the name of common sense, should hay be imported ? surely New Orleans offers a desirable enough market. VEGETABLES. — Every known variety even of the most delicate character can be bountifully produced all the year round, the early descrip- tion bringing high prices in northern markets. FRUITS. — It is almost superfluous to enumerate the various kinds that are easily grown in this favored clime. Suffice it to say that in the diff"erent districts oranges of, delicious flavor, plums, pears, figs, quinces, cherries, grapes, strawberries, nuts and other minor fruits are raised with ease. Wild grapes of great size and other fruits are to be commonly found in the woods. Among countries producing fruits this is destined to take a leading position. STOCK RAISING. HORNED CATTLE can be successfully raised all over the State, but comparatively little attention so far has been paid to this. The prairie regions are specially adapted, we would refer particularly to the parishes of St. Tammany, St. Landry, Calcasieu and La Fayette ; water is plentiful, the climate even, and with such a wealth of natural grass this description of farming cannot fail to be vastly more productive than in the inclement regions of the Northwest. It goes without saying that the most delicately constituted animals very rarely require shelter in this region. Capitalists would find cattle raising in this State on a large scale to be an inexhaustible gold mine, prairie lands exactly suitable can be obtained for very low figures either for cash or payment of one-fourth and balance at 8 per cent, interest, HORSE AND MULE BREEDING.— I beheve that if first-rate breeds were brought here, their progeny would rival, nay surpass, the famous blue grass herds of Kentucky. SHEEP AND GOATS.— The parishes of St. Tammany, St. Landry and Calcasieu are in my opinion most suited to the increase of these valuable animals. Sheep farmers in St. Tammany parish cannot fail to be successful. HOGS. — This ever-increasing quadruped may be raised to the greatest possible profit in woodlands, where oak and hickory abound ; the hog will subsist almost the entire year on acorns and hickory nuts, a little corn in ■28 Louisiana ajid its Resoii^'ces; the summer being given, as much for the purpose of attaching him to his run as for any real necessity in the shape of nourishing food. Pork has to be imported from Chicago and St.- Louis in large quantities. "Why should this be so ? Every requisite . for successful pork packing is on the ground, staves for barrels, and salt in unHmited quantities. The natural increase is simply enormous, let any farmer or practical man start with, say twenty animals, and given a sufficiently large run, I venture to say that even he will be astonished at the end of two years ; figure it out. Bear in tnind that this branch of stock raising can be started with small capital, and with common attention cannot fail to be a magnificent success, suitable lands being easily attainable. POULTRY is no trouble to raise on very small expenditure, soil, cHmate, and other conditions being favorable. Our readers will appreciate the importance of raising poultry when they learn that the United States official report gives, for the year 1885, as the number of eggs imported to the United States 16,098,450 dozen, represent- ing the value of $2,476,672, making in all 193,181,400 eggs. Large as these figures appear, it represents a small consumption per head with a population of 56,000,000. The majority of these are imported from Canada, others being brought from Denmark, Germany, Belgium, China; also France sent us last year no less than two dozen eggs. GAME, FISH, Etc. — The much abused phrase " sportman's para- dise " can be truthfully applied to a large portion of this State. Small game of all kinds are amazingly plentiful, the writer can testify from experience to the actual presence of any quantity of wild fowl, etc. Fish of excellent quality and various kinds swarm in the brooks and rivers. To all lovers of gun and rod, I say without hesitation, " Come ; " they will be amply compensated, and thank me into the bargain for having stated these facts. SILK RAISING should prove to be a very profitable speculation, as the mulberry tree flourishes luxuriantly; in former years this proved a success, but it has been allowed to fall into disuse. BEE FARMING has been carried out on a small scale, and good profits reahzed ; proximity to sugar lands gives the raiser an excellent chance of producing first-rate honey and wax. TAR, TURPENTINE, Etc.— The pine flats, says Mr. Harris, cover nearly one-half of the parishes of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingstone and Calcasieu parishes, the forest growth is magnificent, long-leafed pine and the yellow pitch pine of commerce. These flats afford illimitable fields to the lumbermen and charcoal burners to do a flourishing trade with New Orleans, and receive 25 to 50 cents per barrel therefor. The State of the Future. 29 The manufacture of tar, pitch and turpentine is only carried on to a hmited extent ; all of these industries offer large and speedy returns to the investment of capital. OAK BARK AND TANNERIES.— Mr. Dennett very justly asks: In a country abounding as St. Landry does in oak bark, sumac, and hides, what is there in the way of successful tanning ? Pits may be kept open the entire winter. CANNING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.— The enormous quan- tity of wild fruit now entirely wasted can be utilized to great advantage by canning. The delicious flavor distinguishing the fruits of this latitude will quickly create markets far and near. I hope that capitalists will on perusal follow Captain Cuttle's laudable example, and make a note of this. Both quality and quantity are at their command. The same remarks apply to all kinds of vegetables, which may be grown in incredible, quantities. CANNING OYSTERS AND SHRIMPS is fast increasing, and at length attracting no little notice. Extensive oyster beds along the Southern coast and bayous invite enterprise. The size and flavor of these bivalves, are unsurpassed. PAPER MAKING. The clear water of many streams in St. Tammany parish, only 2 2 miles from New Orleans, are pronounced by experts to be unequalled for the requirements of this industry, besides, jute, which springs up all over the State as a weed. Fibre plants, scores of difierent kinds, abound everywhere,, and rice straw is largely wasted in its profusion. SPANISH MOSS. The extensive woods yield an annual growth of moss called " Spanish,"' the gathering of which affords profitable employment to men, women and children. Although thousands of bales are annually shipped North and West for use in mattress and furniture manufactories, the demand is larger than the supply. This industry promises a gratifying return to the investor, and employment to tens of thousands from our crowded cities North. COTTON SEED OIL AND OIL CAKE. ' The production of this oil has been steadily increasing, and large exportations of this and the oil cake are anually made from New Orleans to England, France, and other European countries. 30 Louisiana and its Resources; In Europe the cotton seed cake is regarded with great favor on account of its highly nutritive value ; cotton seed meal has long been regarded as a valuable fertilizer. FORESTS, TIMBER, ETC. Louisiana has in her forests value which her citizens but poorly appreciate. Northern and Western States have nearly exhausted their lumber resources, the oaks and hemlocks, which were their chief reliance for tanning materials. Louisiana has immense forests of the finest timber on this con- tinent, including the following varieties of oaks : Live oak, white oak, red oak, black oak, brown oak, scarlet oak, willow, overcup, Spanish oak, dentata, chiucapin, swamp, bear, turkey, myrtle, black jack, and post oak. Cypress, red and white. Pine, long leaf, short leaf and loblolly. Ash, red, white, water and green. Elm, water, red and shppery. Gum, black, sweet and tupelo. Hickory, shell back, black, pig nut and water. Maple, sugar, silver and swamp. Locust, honey, black and acacia. Mulberry, white and red. Sassafras, white and red. Magnolia, grandiflora and glauca. Pecan, six varieties. China, three varieties. Willow, red, white, black and weeping. Also black walnut, cotton wood, yellow poplar, beech, osage, orange or bois d'arc, sycamore, hackberry, Catalpa and bass wood. Smaller trees and shrubs as follows : Wild peach, balm of Gilead, prickly ash (two varieties), sumac ash (two varieties), wild cherry, wild plum, dog wood (two kinds), holly, box elder, box wood, red, may, apple, black and bird haw, red bay, sweet bay, crab apple (two varieties), persimon (two varieties), iron wood, yellow wood, wax myrtle, horn beam, buck-eye, yaupon, sorrel tree, wild sloe, hasberry, holly, red bud, water birch, buckthorn, papaw, alder (two kinds). With the limited space at my disposal it would be impossible to specify the many uses and incredible values attachable to this glorious list of woods. MINERALS. No thorough geological survey has ever been made of this State which only shows formations of the cretaceous, tertiary and post tertiary. The State of the Future. 31 SULPHUR, Etc. — A wonderful deposit occurs in Calcasieu; this is of great thickness and remarkable purity. Gypsum is also found here of superior quahty \ this deposit is capable of easily supplying the entire country. SALT.— Avery's Island, near New Iberia, covers a quarry of rock salt, pure white, containing more than 99 per cent, of chloride of sodium, this enormous proportion giving practically pure salt ; it is being successfully mined at present; the extent of the deposit is not known, but supposed to be inexhaustible. In Bienville and Bossier parishes there are immense quantities of saline waters and saliferous deposits, the latter being found in the beds of ancient lakes. PETROLEUM has been found in Calcasieu parish, about 60 miles from the coast, and contains large masses of asphaltum ; carburetted hydro- gen gas passes out of the springs continually, and, when conducted in tubes, can be used for lighting and heating purposes. It is supposed that petroleum underlies the whole of this section of country, and that under the direction of experienced engineers large quan- tities of this invaluable fluid will be obtained. At Lake Charles, indeed, it has lately been discovered in fair quan- tities, and this will no doubt lead to larger finds in the same portion of the country. COAL, Etc. — Deposits of different degrees of purity and quality are found in the greater portion of the upland country, from the Sabine to the Ouachita rivers. This makes an excellent fuel, as tested in Shreveport (the city ranking next in importance to New Orleans). Peat is found in quantity in many places near the coast, and will in time furnish an almost inexhaustible supply for heating purposes. IRON. — Ores of excellent quality is carried in immense quantities over a large portion of the surface of Louisiana. South of Red River this is found from Ouachita to Badian River, and from the Arkansas line it extends nearly to Red River ; south of this it appears in De Soto, Natchitoches, Rapides and Sabine. Bienville is singularly rich in this respect. Of late extensive discoveries have been made in Webster parish. When will a " Birmingham " be started in Louisiana ? Capitalists, •come and investigate. BLACK AND WHITE MARBLE has been found of first-rate quality in St Landry and Calcasieu parishes. POTTERY CLAY of a superior kind is plentiful in St. Tammany parish, where its proximity to New Orleans should tempt enterprising people in that hne. To sum up the advantages of Louisiana as a farming country : The land is as rich as any in the world. 32 Louisiana and its Resources; The agricultural products are more numerous than is possible in a higher latitude. The health average is excellent. Water generally plentiful and good. Timber magnificent. Climate unsurpassed. Grass abundant for stock all the year round. Railroad and water transportation from all parts of the State to New- Orleans within easy reach. The greatest cotton and sugar market in America, the railroads com- peting with cheap river transportation. The people are refined, sociable and hospitable, and welcome settlers from all civilized countries. Failure of crops is unknown with ordinarily careful farming. HEALTH. — This State will compare favorably with any section of the Union. THE ADVANTAGES OF FARMING IN LOUISIANA, AS COMPARED WITH THE WESTERN PRAIRIE REGION. The farmer can here work every day in the year ; in the West, only about six months. In Louisiana it is not so hot in summer, or cold in winter, as in the West. The season is so long that meadows may be cut four times a year. The chmate is so mild that it does not require one-half the expenditure for clothing and housing as in the West. In Louisiana timber for building houses is abundant. Stock requires no shelter, and will thrive on the wild range of natural and luxuriant grasses, giving a much greater and more regular increase than in colder climates. Vegetables are in season every month in the year. The Prairie is not subject to Northers in the winter, drought in sum- mer, nor the devastations of grasshoppers, potato bugs, etc. Yield of crops per acre are not equalled in the much-advertised North- west. Mr. Commissioner Harris says : " Can a white man work under a summer sun in the South- ern States ? " This is a question frequently asked by Europeans. I answer that white men do labor with remarkable success in mid- summer in the Northern States, where the heat is greater and the The State of the Future. 33 day longer. And what is to prevent them from laboring in the South, where the heat is less and the days shorter, the nights being deliciously cool ? " " Out of the whole numbers of laborers now employed South in the cultivation of cotton, it has been estimated that fully one- half are white men." SUMMER HEAT NORTH AND SOUTH. From scientific reports on observations made since 1819 by the Smith- sonian Institute, Washington, and published from time to time, we gather that : Although there is actually more heat in the latitude of New Orleans during the year than at Madison, Wis., yet there is more heat received at the latter place, during the three months of summer, than in the same period at the former place. Again : Ignorance on the subject of climate is much greater in the United States than would at first appear. Wealthy Southerners imagine that if they can only grow sufficient cotton or sugar to take them North during the summer months, where, during June, July and August, they can manage to keep cool, they will be healthy during the remainder of the year, and while sweltering in Northern watering places, and roasting in Northern cities, they console themselves in enduring the great heat by the mistaken belief that it is an unusually heated term for that climate, and that it must be much warmer at their Southern homes. On the other hand. Northerners who have spent a winter in the South in search of health or profit hasten away at the first warm breath of sum- mer, impelled by the same delusion. Mr. Commissioner Harris says : . " There are doubtless excellent lands in the great West, but for the information of our readers and newcomers, we will state that all such lands have been long since occupied, and the tide of imviigration has rolled up to the extreme Western limit, to the dry line and the alkahne deserts, and is now flowing back, and tend- ing towards the Southwest, a section which, even to Americans, is a "terra incognita" where immigration has not been desired or invited till recently;" and I fully agree with him. The farmer even without means need not hesitate to cast his lot in with us ; there is always a demand for agricultural laborers all over the State ; of course this demand is increased, and the rate of wages higher during the harvest season of sugar, rice and cotton, which last from August I St to February ist. 34 Louisiana and its Resources; The class of people most wanted in Louisiana are agriculturists, prac- tical men not afraid of work, mechanics of nearly every description, men of capital who will engage in stock raising; build mills and manufactories, and continue to cultivate the still vast area of lands formerly so productive, now, alas, remaining idle. No ornamental laborers are wanted, the State being amply suppHed at present with professional men, clerks, etc. Mr.|Commissioner Harris rightly says : " Our country is too accessible and has too many natural advantages, for us to pay the passage of any, or invite the masses of unproductive people ; we only want those who, with their capital or labor, will not only be self-supporting, but add to their own and the wealth of the country, and become good and law- abiding citizens amongst us." No words of mine could better explain how much requires to be done and might be done to bring the State up to her capacity for wealth and prosperity than the eloquent and burning remarks of Mr. Dennett : " Avery's salt mine, not more than a hundred miles from New Orleans with easy transportation to that city, has only just commenced sending salt to that market. " The most wonderful deposit of sulphur in the world exists in Calcasieu parish, has been know^n for several years, yet brimstone is imported into Louisiana for the use of the sugar mills. " "With an everlasting carpet of sweet grass on the prairies, which would make excellent hay if mowed and cured early enough in the season, hundreds of thousands of bales of long forage are annually brought to Louisiana from other States. " "With the richest soil in the world, not a boat comes dow^n the Mississippi from the Northwest, but is laden to her guards w^ith corn, flour, potatoes, cab- bages and other provisions. ""With good w^ater power everywhere in the hills, and water enough in the low^ lands to run all the / engines on earth, there are no factories worth men- / tioning. ""With so many thousands of square miles of pine timber, not a barrel of tar, pitch or turpentine is made for commercial purposes. ""With forests of timber adapted to every kind of w^ooden fabric, from the most delicate kind of house- r The State of the Future. 35 hold furniture to the line of battle ship, everything made of -wood, even to axe helves, is imported from St. Louis, Cincinnati and New England. " There is more scope for energy and enterprise in Louisiana than in any other State in the Union." I give here intact the Official Report on the soils and products of Southwestern Louisiana, published by the Department of Agriculture, Washington ; including the parishes of St. Landry, La Fayette, VermiUon, St. Mary's, Iberia, and St. Martin's. Hon. George B. Loring, Commissioner of Agriculture : Sir: In accordance with your instructions dated March 5, 1884. I proceeded without delay to New Orleans, remained there four days, and learned that a large portion of" the section of country that I was to report on was owned by residents of that city, who gave me information in refer- ence to crops, manner of cultivating ; also what direction to take, mode of conveyance, etc.; for it is no easy matter for a stranger to find his way from one town to another, owing to the fact that there is but little fencing in •some places, and public roads are not very distinctly marked. From New Orleans I went to New Iberia, from there in carriage to Orange Island. I will here state that the floods that have been doing so much damage to the pincipal river emptying into the Mississippi have not reached here yet (March 12). I have made arrangements to have all the grass seed sent on for experimental purposes put in with care, and so protected that I shall get a full and accurate report of the results next season. A portion of it was sown on Orange Island, on a piece of land nicely prepared for it. I find great prejudice against the Johnston grass. A reply to my question regard- ing it was as follows : • " That it is a curse to any agricultural country, and it has been found impossible to eradicate it. A section of the country where it has been introduced has been rendered valueless for agricultural purposes. No means of cultivation or rotation of crops can kill it ; and, finally, fields where it has once taken root have to be abandoned or given over to the grazing of live stock. At best it is very coarse grass, and we have many better substitutes." Louisiana has a coast line of 1,256 miles, bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, and extending from latitude 28° 59' to 33° north, and longitude 88° 41' to 94° 10' west. The area in square miles is 41,346. It is divided into parishes, fifty-seven in number (generally called counties in other States). Six will be considered in this report, viz.. Saint Landry, Saint Mary's, Saint Martin's, Iberia, Vermilion, and La Fayette. The general surface of the State is low, having a very slight elevation 36 Louisia?ia and its Resources ; above the sea-level. There are many swamps of great size, which occupy- most of the delta of the Mississippi. In the southern part of the State and west of the Mississippi are vast prairies, with but slight elevation. On the coast are found many large salt marshes. This State was first explored by La Salle in 1682, who took possession of it with the usual form, and gave it the name of Louisiana. It was settled by the French in December 1699, by Iberville, who founded a colony at Biioxi, which is now in Mississippi. The first permanent settlement, which, still remains within this State, was New Orleans, in 17 18. The French remained the owners of it until they ceded it to Spain, in 1762. It was in turn retroceded to France, and sold to the United States in 1803 for $15,000,000. It then included all the territory west of the Mississippi river- not under the Spanish Government. The most accurate information in reference to the location and dis- tances of the towns, rivers, lakes, bayous, and railroads is found in Dennett's general description of Southwestern Louisiana. Seventy-three miles west of the city of New Orleans, the Morgan,. Louisiana and Texas Railroad crosses the Bayou Boeuf, the eastern boundary of the parish of St. Mary's, and several miles further west is Brashear City, on Berwick's Bay. About no miles west of Berwick's Bay is the mouth of the River Mermentau, which receives the waters of the Nez, Pique, through the Upper Mermentau, Lake Arthur, and Lake Mermentau.. The rivers and lakes form the western boundary of the parishes of Saint Landry and Vermilion. From the northern boundry of Saint Landry to the Gulf coast the distance is about t 00 miles, and from Belle River, the eastern line of the parish of Iberia, to Lake Arthur, the western limit of the parish of Vermihon, the distance is about 80 miles. The southern boundary of these parishes is in latitude 29!-° — almost half a degree south of the latitude of New Orleans. The northern limit of Saint Landry reaches latitude thirty- one, near the true cotton belt of the Southern States. The five parishes, Saint Mary's, Iberia, Vermilion, Saint Martin's, and La Fayette, were originally called Attakapas, and are now called Attakapas parishes. The name was taken from one of the Indian tribes that inhabit this country. All trees here grow to an enormous size. I measured a live-oak stump which was 9 feet in diameter. Cypress furnishes the lumber for the country- Being light and durable, when pressed and polished, it makes very rich trimmings, and, in fact, nearly all the finer classes of houses are finished with it. The trees are all draped with moss, which grows in great abundance, and forms one of the industries of this country, and really makes the labor- ing man independent ; for a man with ordinary industry can easily earn from $1.50 to $2.50 per day, gathering and preparing it for sale. The market appears to be as certain as our wheat market. There are dealers. The State of the Future. 37 along the railroad always ready to take it at quotation price, and ship it to the manufacturers. It is principally used in making mattresses, which are ;sometimes sold, or, at least, bought, for hair mattresses. I was very forcibly ;struck with the idea that this moss business could be worked on a much larger scale. The quantity is almost inexhaustible. The cypress swamps are so heavily covered with it that in many cases the heavy limbs of the trees are broken off by its immense weight, and there it Ues in absolute waste. There is a constant demand at a remunerative price, and the material is free to any one who wishes to gather it. You can reach by boat all those cypress swamps, gather and take off the material with much less expense and trouble than you could cart it over dry land. I think it only a question of time when a httle more attention will be paid to this branch ..of industry. Soil. — The prairie and all the level lands I visited in this locality are •of alluvial origin, with a surface soil of from 3t04 feet of almost inexhaust- ible fertility, formed and kept up by the annual decay of vegetable matter and overflows from higher altitudes. Some of this land will produce foui- •crops of hay a year. I allude to Bermuda grass, which makes the best hay that is made in this section. A slight variation is found in the subsoil. Mr. Jefferson informed me that he dug through clay at a depth of two feet from the surface in sinking his wells on the prairies to be worked by wind- mills. In this vast prairie, containing three or four million acres, there is a I'series of islands that are not surrounded by large and distinct rivers, but by bayous, which are simply little streams that drain them and part of the adjacent prairie. On these islands the soil is good, and easy to cultivate, hut of course not so rich or so deep as that of the prairies. As a general rule the soil runs as follows : first, rich vegetable mold from 4 to 6 inches •deep, next loam, then sand, and lastly clay. So far as the soil is concerned 1 know of nothing that could not be raised here, except timothy and some ;small fruits that fail in midsummer if the season be dry. Although the prairies are wet during the winter and spring months, you never find them sour or boggy, and the sweet, nutritious grass never ceases to grow, and I have noticed the cattle foraging when the surface was covered with water. In going from place to place the residents drive right through the ponds and lakes after heavy rains in March in preference to going around them. No matter how deep they look to be, there is but little deviation from the level. The wheels hardly ever sink beyond the depth of 2 or 3 inches, even when wagons are loaded. The manner in which these prairie lands are drained is by open ditches, cut to natural ponds, as they are termed by the natives, or to the bayous. It would be impossible to drain these soils by blind ditches. There is almost an endless variety of vegetables grown here, and the house gardens can be so planted to yield fresh vegetables of some kind the year round. They all seem to grow to 38 Louisiana and its Resources; perfection, and yield abundantly. I will give more in detail of the list of vegetables, the yield and manner of cultivation, in my report of the different parishes. The people live largely upon sweet potatoes and yams, together with fish and game. It seemed to be the market gardens only that were stocked with any great variety of vegetables. It was a very agreeable sight to see how thoroughly these gardeners attended to their crops after noticing with what carelessness the farmers attended to their kitchen gardens. Not much wheat is grown. The yield of straw is very heavy ; the yield of grain generally light. They sow nothing but spring wheat. Farmers turn their cattle on the grain fields, chiefly oats, about the middle of February and let them graze two or three weeks. This furnishes good pasture, and does not seem to interfere with the yield. I failed to obtain the average yield, but in reply to my questions a farmer told me he expected to make at least forty bushels to the acre. The Texas or other rust-proof varieties are generally sown, because they are best adapted to the climate and less susceptible to rust and insects. Rye is seldom grown for the grain, but is sometimes sown in the fall for winter and spring past- urage. When grain is sown in the fall the land is thrown up in dead furrows ; that is, throwing it up in beds about eighteen or twenty feet wide^ with an open or dead furrow between, which holds the water during a wet season. Corn is planted in rows or ridges, five and a half feet apart. They call them ridges because they are thrown up very high. These drain the top very thoroughly, and the crop is kept moist by the water remaining in the furrows until the season is pretty well advanced. All the fields I noticed seem to be only one way ; I mean they are not cross-plowed, as I have generally seen corn worked. The corn when gathered is housed in the shuck. Cattle Raising. — One of the principle ^industries of this locality is raising cattle for the butcher, and very little attention is paid to growing fine stock for dairy purposes. I stopped for some time at the house of a gentleman who owns about three thousand cows, and the butter for his table came weekly by express from Philadelphia. Cattle grazing yields an enormous profit. Cows can be bought very cheap from the fact that there is so little demand for their meat ; even the poorest class do not care to eat it. They can be bought from $12 to $18 per head, and calves will com- mand from $7.50 to $9 in the pasture fields. The only way to account for this high price for calves is that veal seems to be the favorite meat. Fresh pork is seldom cooked. In fact I never saw any during my stay in that locality. Cattle raising could be made more profitable than it is by dividing the prairies into small pasture fields and by cutting and curing thousands of tons of hay that go to waste, to be fed from the rack when the pasturage The State of the Future. 39 grows short. During at last nine months in the year the grass is so strong and luxuriant that the cattle tramp down and destroy more than they con- sume. It has only recently been discovered that the sea marsh in this part of Louisiana affords as good pasturage as there is in the world, strong, nutritious grass grows in great abundance, resembling very much in taste and appearance what is known in the Middle States as red top, only a little taller and as thick as it can stand. From as near an estimate as I could make, if cut and cured, which could be easily done in the proper season, it would yield 5 tons of good hay per acre. There are thousands of acres of the sea-marsh that could be most profitably used by those owning the prai- rie or higher land adjoining it. I am writing from personal observation, having ridden over it on horseback in perfect safety. The only obstructions to guard against are muskrat holes, but for a pasture for at least six months in the year, without expenditure, it cannot be excelled. I see no reason to prevent them from using it longer, if they will build sheds to protect their cattle in midsummer. Some of the natives say that the mosquitoes would kill them in the spring season, but this I doubt, for there is always a strong Gulf breeze. Deer are to be found here in great numbers, also wild cattle and hogs. There is no danger from floods from the higher countries, for by inquiry from the oldest inhabitants, and these I could rely on for the most accurate information, there has been no overflow for twenty-three years, and then the water reached the depth of about 10 inches, by backing up from the Gulf of Mexico and meeting the floods from the higher lands, remaining but a short time and then flowing off rapidly. Even in cases of an over- flow, there are spots elevated above the common level on which they can go for safety. During the winter season the marsh is covered with a heavy growth of the season previous, which makes very good hay, being perfectly clean, free from rust or mold, and we noticed our horses ate it whenever we gave them the opportunity. But the cattle seem to prefer the green spring growth which is just making its way through the root. It has a sweet with a very shght salty taste. I saw a lot of cattle that were turned on the marsh in December when they were there and in bad condition. They are now looking fine and healthy, and nine-tenths of them seal fat. This sea-marsh land is very cheap, and yet it is better pasture, in winter especially, than the prairie lands that command ten times the price. The cattle-dealers who own sea-marsh and the adjoining highlands and prairie have a great advantage over those in Middle and Western States, for there is- no need of fertilizer of any kind, no outlay for shelter, and very little need of fencing. If they fence at all, it is by sticking green willow poles. It seems to make little difference whether they be the main stock or branches. They immediately take root. On these they stretch the wire, with stakes driven down along the line to strengthen it. As the fencing is cheaply done, the older it gets the stronger it is. Those who use the sea-marsh as 40 Louisiana and its Resources ; a cattle range drive them oflf in the latter part of August. At this season the heavy spring and summer growth has fully matured and begins to dry, when it is burned, to be out of the way of the coming crop. This grows rapidly, and furnishes good pasture about the time the prairie shows the effect of midsummer, especially if the hot season be long and dry. In the native cattle there can still be seen traces of the old Spanish breed, with enormously long and wide-spreading horns, narrow chests, high flanks, and deeply-sunken backbones. All the characteristics requisite for good breeding animals are absent. The stock-raisers say that these cattle are so thoroughly acclimated that it is a rare thing to see disease or sickness of any kind among them, and requiring so little attention, they look upon them as the most profitable. Past experience teaches them it is a mistake to import old cattle in order to improve the breed, for they invariably die off. The few that live after the first year have made these efforts to improve stock expensive and unprofitable. Some are now adopting a new method, and, I think, the right one, from what I saw. It is importing calves as soon as they are old enough to leave the cow. Some attention must be paid to them for the first season. They will then thrive and do as well as the native cattle. I had the pleasure of seeing the finest lot of registered Holstein calves that I have ever seen. The owner says they are doing well and looking better than the herd from which he bought them in New York. They are about ten months old, and are as large as any of the Alderney cows on the plantation. This herd is on Mr. J. Jefferson's plantation. He also has a herd of about forty registered Short-horns, and some fine speci- mens of the Aberdeen Angus breed. He is very favorably impressed with the Holstein, and thinks they are f/ie cattle for the country. His efforts will be of great value to the people in that locality. The following list of fruits and vegetables is given by Dennett : Plums, figs, quince, pears, cherries, grapes, papaws, persimmons, pecans, hickory- nuts, walnuts, blackberries, dewberries, may-apples, mulberries, crab-apples, black and red haws, chincapins, strawberries, and some other fruits ; nuts and other fruits of little importance thrive and mature well in these parishes. In Saint Mary's and along the coast to the Mermentau, oranges are raised yearly in great abundance, and the Mespilus or Japan plums, lemons, limes, bananas and pineapples may be produced in the open air as high up as Franklin by giving them a little extra attention m the winter. Turnips, cabbage, melons and all the other garden vegetables grow as well in these parishes as they do north of the Ohio River. The best winter gardens contain large white-head cabbage, rutabagas and flat turnips, onions, eschalots, garlic, mustard, roquette radishes, cauli- flower, beets, cress, lettuce, parsley, leeks, English peas, celery, endive, etc. These thrive well in the garden all winter, except in very cold winters, where those farthest inland suffer a Uttle from the frost. But this occurs so The State of the Future. 41 •seldom that they have less fear than we have of the drought injuring our •crops in the Middle States. PARISH OF SAINT MARTIN'S. The extreme length of the parish of Saint Martin's is 24 miles, and its width averages about 1 8. It contains about 400 square miles of rich prairie, swamps, lands heavily timbered, and tillable lands, covered with the finest body of timber in the State, suitable for sugar-wood, building purposes, cabinet, wagons, plows, and all kinds of wooden-ware. The parish is bounded on the north by Saint Landry, by La Fayette on the west, Iberia on the south, and Iberville on the east. The Teche Lands. — The Bayou Teche enters Saint Martin's at its junction with Bayou FusiUer at Amandville, formerly called Leonville, and, meandering through the parish, enters the parish of Iberia, 6 miles below the town of Saint Martinville, near Lake Tasse, 35 miles from Amand- ville. The tillable land from Saint Martinville, east of the Teche, is 8 miles in width, including all the land between this bayou and Catahoula Lake. At Amandville the tillable land on the east side of the bayou is 3 miles in width. The average width of the tillable land on the east side of this bayou in its entire course through the parish is over 5 miles, and its average width on the west side of the Teche is 3 miles. In places in the great bends of the bayou will be found some of the largest sugar plantations in the State. In our estimation it is difficult to overrate either the beauty or the merits of this portion of Attakapas. Rich Soil. — The richness of the soil is proverbial, for it possesses all the qualities that are essential and desirable in any soil — drainage, ease of cultivation, its lasting fertility in the production of sugar, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco, indigo, or any other crops now grown or ever grown in the same latitude. Fruits, melons, potatoes, cabbages, turnips, and the whole hst of field, garden and orchard products can be realized. No portion of Loui- siana can excel that of the valley of the Teche in the parish of Saint Martin's. Forests. — From the open prairie which runs parallel with and near the Teche to the Atchafalaya, the eastern limits of Saint Martin's, it is almost an unbroken forest of the finest timber in Louisiana. In the swamps of the Atchafalaya there are millions of cypress trees, tall, straight, and many of them from 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Between these swamps and the Teche prairie, on the tillable lands, there is an immense unbroken forest of oak, gum, hickory, black walnut, magnolia, live-oak, white, red, and other oaks, lime, pecan, sycamore, and other wild growths of less importance. On the west side of the Teche, in the rear of V 42 Louisiana and its Resources; the open prairie, extending from Bayou Fusilier and the Upper Vermilion, down Bayou Tortue to I^ake Tasse, there is a forest of swamps, cypress, and also of oak and gum, and other trees which grow on dry and tillable lands. Both banks of the Teche are skirted with fine forests. The Vale of the Teche. — The lines of swelling forests in the rear take the place of hills in helping to form the valley of the Teche. This bayou, in its course through Saint Martin's, is extremely beautiful, in many respects more beautiful than the Lower Teche, as it meanders through Saint Mary's. Its first banks on both sides at Saint Martinville are nearly 20 feet high. The banks of the bayou have a slope of less than thirty degrees to the water's edge. Everywhere there are beautiful building sites along the bayou. The banks give the bayou everywhere the appearance of a high canal. The water is not more than 2\ or 3 feet deep in summer and autumn, and the surface is but 50 or 60 feet wide, but for about six months- in the year it is navigable for small steamers. One lock at Saint Martinville would render the bayou navigable to the junction the year round. The Forest of the Teche. — The scenery all along on both banks of the Teche from Saint Martinville to the junction, a distance of 30 miles, is the most charming and magnificent we have ever seen in any part of the United States. The forest trees on both banks, the magnolia, ash, live-oak, red, white,, and other oaks, black walnut, hme, gum, pecan, hickory, sycamore, and other trees ; all tall, graceful and of generous growth. On thousands of acres the grass grows on a smooth surface under the noble branches of the magnificent trees. These lands are far more beautiful than the famous woodland pastures of Kentucky ; the trees have a more luxuriant growth, the foliage is richer and hangs out in the broad branches in a more gen- erous abundance. And the soil is rich beyond anything we saw in the great West. It is the cleanest looking country I have ever seen. The beautiful, smooth prairies look as though they had just been washed. The fat herds grazing upon these green expanses help in giving the finishing touch to this magnificent landscape scenery. Fruits. — Just here I will take occasion to say that peaches seem to- thrive particularly well in this parish ; yield certain, prolific, and of the finest flavor, and grow very large and perfect in shape. They are finer, and do not rot so soon after being picked as those grown farther north. They command a high price in the New Orleans market. Poultry. — Large flocks of poultry are found on the prairie, for in this warm climate very little shelter is needed for them, and they find plenty of insects and grass-seed to keep them in good condition. They produce a bountiful supply of eggs, which are consequently very cheap. They some- times sell as low as 5 cents per dozen, and never more than 10. Grown The State of the Futiire. 43 chickens sell from 20 to 25 cents a piece at the highest. They only eat them for a change of diet, for the very poorest class of people live on what we of the Middle Northern States term luxuries. All the bayous and lakes are full of the finest fish, such as trout, black bass, gar, sachylia, sunfish, gaspergo, and numerous others which I do not call to mind just at this moment, and on these same waters abound in great numbers canvas-back, redhead, mallard, bald-pate, blue and green wing teal, and summer ducks. Wild geese are on the lakes and sea-marsh the entire winter. All this is perfectly free. There are no ducking clubs or fishing monopolies here. Every one is at perfect hberty to fish and shoot. The best jack-snipe grounds in the world are found in the Teche country. To give an idea of the quantity of snipe, I was one of a party of three that killed fifty-three birds on a piece of ground, measured as accurately as we could by stepping, that was a little less than an acre. Then we did not kill half that flew up. Snipe feed here by the thousand. They also have plover, rail, prairie chickens and quail in great abundance. I have seen gunners a Httle farther north tramping miles and miles to get a shot at birds found here feeding and jumping around seemingly in perfect security, for they are not molested here by the sportsmen. I allude to such birds as robbins, doves, flickers, reed-birds, field-larks particularly, as they are very shy in the North. They do not fly away, but walk, and will let a person get within ten feet of them. There are also a great many deer in this county, which generally frequent the sea-marsh. Opossum, coon, rabbit and red squirrel are very numerous, but are seldom or never hunted. There is game always in season. When it is out for one kind, the other is coming, so that a sportsman is always in his glory. I think what I have said in reference to the boundless supply within the reach of every individual living in this section of the country speaks volumes in praise of the working-class ; for, notwithstanding fish and game can be had for nothing, and that meat is raised at a very trifling cost, good labor can be had for $ i per day. Though just beyond the limits of Saint Martin's, it may not be amiss to notice Amandville and its surroundings. Amandville is settled on a blufif at the junction of Teche and Fusilier, about 35 feet above low-water mark. The banks on each bayou are here very steep, and the scenery is wild and interesting Here are plenty of fish and game. Forest trees hang over the banks of the bayous, and in places lock hmbs and branches. The road leading north through Opelousas passes for miles through one of the most enchanting forests in the South. Queenly magnolias, with their wealth of green, glossy leaves and large white flowers, noble oaks, pecans, ash, gum, hickory, black walnut, and numerous other trees of rare beauty, spread their friendly branches above you as you ride over a good road through this region of indescribable beauty. The trees of this forest grow to an exceptionally large size, a live oak measuring 5^ feet in diameter at the chopping place. 44 Louisiana and its Resources; Twenty feet from the roots it was 4 feet in diameter. Forty-eight feet at the first hmb it was 3 feet in diameter, to the second limb 58 feet. A log could have been made of it 60 feet long, nearly 3 feet in diameter at the small end and 5-| feet at the larger end. Lake Martin. — About 120 miles from New Orleans is a beautiful lake over a mile in length and little less than a mile wide, called Lake Martin. The soil around is firm, and one may ride to its banks on all sides. Tall cypress and ash trees grow on the edge of the lake, but gum, oak, elm, and the small growth of the banks of the Teche make a magnificent shade in hot weather all around it. The soil is rich and well set in grass under the trees. Parties who seek pleasure come here on little excursion trips and spent a most enjoyable time through the summer and autumn months. And here is the finest place in the South for picnics, fishermen and duck hunters. The lake is full of the best varieties of fish. Grande Pointe. — Grande Pointe is situated above Breaux Bridge, on the east bank of the bayou, and has a front on the bayou of about 15 miles in extent. It extends several miles back from the bayou. This settlement includes a great number of old creole families. They live in islands of timber and coves of prairie, and cultivate cotton, tobacco, corn and sugar- cane. The country is beautiful, and the land is rich. The people Hve in small, cheap houses. As a general thing they are industrious, civil and apparently as content and happy as it is possible to be. For general information, T will here state that the term ' ' creole " does not refer to any particular class of people, as is generally understood, but is a term very Uberally used. It is used in describing live stock, fowls, and even productions of the soil. The hotels have on their bill of fare ' ' creole eggs," which simply means the eggs which were gathered in the State. The impression that the Creoles have African or Indian blood in them is errone- ous, for most of them are descendants of the French and Canadians. They keep up neighborhood balls every Saturday night. Balls are generally made up of the sons and daughters of the creole famihes, who work all day and dance all night. There are a great many musicians who are very glad to play for the enjoyment they have at the entertainment. The inhabitants of these towns and villages are very friendly with each other, and are but httle troubled with the jealousies and quarrels which sometimes afflict neighbor- hoods. They are extremely sociable, and obtain a large amount of social enjoyment at a small expense. The timber in Grande Pointe, about a distance of 4 miles from the Teche, is gum, pecan, oak, ash, elm and hackberry. The land here looks dry and very fertile. Coulees and ravines run into the timber-land farther back. The whole sheet of country drains well, and some of these ridges several miles back were out of the overflow in 1867. The State of the Future. 45 The Natural Ditches. — The sheet of prairie on either side of the Teche is everywhere grooved with ravines, which extend many miles to the bayous and lakes. They are the natural ditches of this section, and take off all the surplus water. But now that those prairies are mostly under cultiva- tion, forming some of the finest rice and sugar plantations of the South, the planters have expended immense sums of money in cutting artificial drains, that the waters may run off more rapidly. Many of those ditches, espe- cially those on the dividing lines between plantations, are dug sufficiently deep to do away with the necessity of having a fence. Wherever ditches, are seen, people may be seen catching fish. In fact, all the little streams that lead to the lakes abound in fish of some description. They even catch them out of the ditches along the railroad. There is every inducement in this section to invite settlers or men of enterprise. The country is healthful. The climate is everything that could be wished ; even in midsummer you enjoy the cool breeze from the Gulf blowing constantly over the prairies, interrupted only by the salt sea-marsh,, which is so slight that you enjoy it almost as much far inland as you would", on the beach. The soil is very rich, and produces bountiful crops of anything you plant in it, for I know of no vegetable but what will grow there. New Orleans, New Iberia, Morgan City, and other thriving towns around furnish good markets where remunerative prices and ready sale can be had for all garden and farm products. It is good for mechanics and skilled workmen, especially wook-workers, for the very finest timber, both soft and hard wood, grows in great abundance in this country. The white- oak, hickory and ash in this section are well adapted for building wagons and all sorts of agricultural implements, being straight, close-grained, very tough and durable. Really, there is no reason why all the agricultural machinery which is used here should not be manufactured in this immediate neighborhood. The strongest dredging machines which are built are made at Morgan City. Crops. — One of the Louisiana papers, speaking of this section in par- ticular, says : " More attention is paid to the cultivation of corn than cotton, but both crops flourish well, and the yield is remunerative and satisfactory. The soil everywhere is rich and easy of cultivation. It would be hard to over- estimate the advantages the planters here have over those who grow sugar and cotton in the other States. They are great. They have no need of fertihzers, and the ground is so rich and mellow that it is very little labor to plow it and keep it clean." Corn is a crop suitable to this country. All sorts of potatoes yield well and are of a very fine quality. The working classes are industrious. 46 Louisiana and its Resources; and well disposed. Pecans form an article of merchandise for this section and are publicly more neglected than any other native product. They grow wild arid are found much the same as we find the common hickory nut or black walnut through the Middle States. The largest and the finest flavored grow in this section. They command prices varying from $8 to $20 per barrel, and the yield from some of the trees here sounds almost incredible. There were two trees pointed out to me that the owner realized $62 from in the season of 1882. They are generally gathered in the month of October after the first frost. They are easily gathered and the outer shell taken off and barreled for market. It would be profitable if this branch of industry had a little more energy bestowed on it. It could easily be increased 500 per cent. PARISH OF LA FAYETTE. La Fayette is the smallest of the Attakapas parishes. Its extreme length is about 19 miles, and its width about the same. Its northeast boundary made by the bayous Carancro and Tortue is irregular, the other three Hnes are nearly straight. This parish has an area of about 300 square miles, nearly all of which is prairie land and generally cultivated in corn, cotton, cane and rice by the larger planters ; while other portions are cultivated in various crops, such as potatoes, cabbage, peas, and all sorts of garden truck. Soil. — The soil of La Fayette parish is a light loam, and more sand is found mixed in it than any other. The average depth of the soil is about 1 2 inches. It rests on a clay subsoil and is like the soil in all the parishes in fertility. They are all rich in plant food, and the fertile properties of the subsoil are developed by exposure to the sun and mixing with the surface soils. There are fields in La Fayette which have been in cultivation for eighty years, principally in corn and cotton, and are producing abundant crops to-day. The only help they have ever had by way of fertifizing or manuring has been occasionally ploughing under a crop of cow-peas. They use two-horse plows in breaking up their land and cultivate their crops with one. The land is so easily cultivated that they work their crops with great ease and rapidity. The prices of good farming lands to-day range from $8 to $30 an acre. Beau Basin. — The road leading from Vermilion to Grand Coteau runs through a beautiful agricultural region called Beau Basin. It is 12 miles from Vermilion to Carancro Crossing and about 4 from the road to the east- ern boundary of Beau Basin, which is the boundary of the parish. The lands near Vermilionville are nearly level, but extremely produc- tive. A few miles north, between the road and the bayous, the surface becomes beautifully rolHng. The gentle slopes and long, tortuous ravines The State of the Future. 47 may be ranked with the most deUghtful landscape scenery in Attakapas. Here we find some of the most pleasant building sites in this enchanting country. The swells are like the heaving bosom of the ocean after a storm. Descending into the ravine, one feels as though he were in a trough of the sea, so to rise up again on the mountain wave and look out on the green ocean. The cottages of the farmers are neat and comfortable. The green pastures, fat cattle, and fine fields of cotton and corn in their proper season indicate a rich soil and a prosperous population. Shade trees and clumps of timber add greatly to the beauty of the scenery. The fields are generally enclosed with nice fencing and the lands are pretty well ditched. The country is airy, pleasant, and healthy. Between Vermilionville and New Iberia are situated Cote Gelee and Royville. The soil is rich, the country undulating, with deeper ravines and higher swells than we find in Beau Basin. The farmers are thrifty, but not so independent as they are in the north of Ver- milionville. Plain dwelling-houses and groves of China trees may be seen in all directions. The scenery in places is quite picturesque. This is an open and air country, with pleasant locations for residences, admirably drained, the soil rich, mixed with enough sand and vegetable loam to make it easy of cultivation. No portion of the South can be more healthful than this. The houses are very low and badly ventilated, the inhabitants paying but little attention t'o health, sometimes not even having windows. Still, all the people appear to be perfectly healthy and have very little use for the doctor. A great deal of the land in the parish of La Fayette is now and has been changing hands. New enterprises and industries are gradually in- creasing. Vermilion River. — In mentioning this, I cannot do better than copy from Darby in his geographical observations : " The two vast prairies known by the names of the Opelousas and the Attakapas extend themselves on each side of the Vermilion, through its whole traverse, from its entrance into Attakapas to its egress into the Gulf of Mexico, the distance of loo miles. ' ' Wood is much more abundant on the Vermilion than along the west bank of the Teche, and though the soil may be inferior in fertility, it is nevertheless excellent, and the quantity greater on an equal extent of river. " There are certainly 80 miles of the banks of the Vermilion which have an extension backwards 2 miles, affording 320 superficial miles, or 204,800 acres. " Some of the most beautiful settlements yet made in Attakapas are upon this river. From the diversity in soil and elevation, there is no risk in giving the preference in beauty of appearance to the banks of the Ver- milion over any other river in Louisiana south of Bayou Boeuf. If situations favorable to health, united with the most agreeable prospects, bounded but 48 Louisiana and its Resources ; by the horizon, should be sought after ; were taste to select sites for build- ings, its research would here be requited and be gratified by the breezes which come direct from the Gulf of Mexico. Fancy itself could not form a more delightful range than the Carancro and Cote Gelee settlements, leaving the dead level of the Teche or the almost flat extension of the Opelousas prairie, the eye is perfectly enchanted. If a bold extent of view can give vigor to the imagination, if the increase of the power of intellect bear any proportion to the sweep of the eye, upon one of the eminences ought a seat of learning be established. There the youthful valetudinarian of the North would, in the warm, soft and vivifying air of the South, find his health restored and his soul enlarged. Astonishing as it may sound to many, I do not hesitate to pronounce this, together with the range of hills from Opelousas, as the most healthy and agreeable, near the alluvial land of Louisiana." There are numerous churches of all denominations, with school-houses at convenient distances, and well attended. Crops and Fruits. — Cotton, corn, sugar, rice, and all of the field and garden crops of the other Attakapas parishes, do well here. Common Irish and sweet potatoes, melons, peaches, pumpkins and field peas find a remark- ably congenial soil. All the fruits of the other Attakapas parishes, except oranges and the more dehcate kinds, thrive finely in La Fayette. Formerly indigo was profitably cultivated here. Poultry. — This is one of the best parishes in the State for all kinds of domestic fowls. Some families make a business of it. General Facts. — The bayou of river Vermilion is navigable 15 miles above the bridge on the New Iberia road, and 75 miles below the bridge to Vermihon Bay. Large crops of sugar and cotton are raised in this parish. The horses, hogs, cattle, and live stock generally are healthy in this section. The only inconvenience or drawback of this section is the scarcity of firewood. The principal source is the trimmings of the catalpa and china trees. The average yield of corn, where properly cultivated, is from 50 to 60 bushels an acre. Sweet potatoes, from two to three hundred bushels per acre. There are a great many Western mules and horses used in this section, but there is no reason why they should find it profitable to buy them, for the native mules and horses are very good workers. They can endure great hardships and are raised at very fittle expense, good pasturage being abundant the entire year. The State of the Future. 49 PARISH OF VERMILION. General Description. — The parish of VermiHon contains about 1, 600 square miles of land and water within its limits. About 600 square miles of this is tillable woodland, prairie and cypress swamps. About 500 square miles would include the prairie and 100 square miles the timber land, the smaller part of which is cypress swamps. Lakes, bays and sea- marsh cover about 1,000 square miles on the surface of the parish. About a quarter of the tillable land is on the east side of the Ver- milion River or Bayou, and three quarters on the west side extending to Lake Arthur and the Mermentau River. The timber land is principally on the Vermilion River, extending on both sides from the La Fayette side nearly to VermiHon Bay. The timber is narrow above Abbeville, but it becomes broad below this village, extending out a mile and a half on each side in places. As it approaches the bay it becomes narrower. Below Abbeville there is a creek on the west side of the river lined with a heavy body of timber, and there is another on the east side. A line of forest trees extends across the New Iberia and Abbeville road beyond the head of the creek. There is a line of Cypress timber, on land a little higher than the prairie, at the edge of the sea-march north of Marsh Lake twelve miles long and three-quarters of a mile wide, and there are islands of timber on the edge of the sea-marsh east of Vermilion River. There is also timber on the south side of Bayou Queue Tortue and on Pecan Island and Grand Cheniere River. Soil and Scenery. — The soil of this parish is a dark vegetable mold, with a large proportion of sand, from 8 to 1 2 inches deep. This rests on a subsoil of grayish clay. The soil along the Vermilion River has a larger proportion of sand than that further back ; this gives the soil a lighter color. On account of the larger proportion of sand here than in the Teche lands these fields are more easily cultivated, and the roads need but little working — in most instances none at all — to keep them good the year round. The bottom of the ponds and ditches are not boggy. One may pass over any of them on horseback without any inconvenience to the horse or rider. There are natural ponds in all these prairies, where the stock cattle are supplied with water. These ponds are from twenty to fifty yards in diameter. Being forcibly struck with the convenience of those natural ponds, as they are called by the residents, I made inquiry as to whether they had been made for reservoirs for the purpose of holding a supply for the stock during the dry season. The only answer I received was, " they had no recollection of any of them being made by the hand of man." Prairie Gregg, which lies next to the sea-march southeast of Abbeville, is a beautiful sheet of land,, level and rich, the soil darker than that east of Abbeville. The Gulf breezes sweep over it uninterrupted by forest trees. There are but few of 50 Louisiana and its Resources; the old inhabitants here who cultivate their lands to any extent, relying principally on fruits, poultry, and stock raising, which yield them a revenue with which they seem to be perfectly satisfied. The Prairie West of the Vermilion River. — Viewed from an elevated position of the Queue Tortue, half way between the Vermilion and Lake Arthur, the scenery is the most perfect of its kind that fancy can de- scribe. Facing the south, one may here turn to the right or to the left, and as far as the eye can reach there is one vast extent of natural meadow. Here and there may be seen a herd of cattle or horses, almost hidden in some places by the tall natural grass. The prairie east, west, and south is dotted with little groves of trees, which shade the cottages of the resident population, who Hve principally by hunting, fishing, and stock raising. Forest Trees. — The dry-land timber is oak, ash, magnolia, .gum, hickory, elm, beech, and hackberry. The usual dry-land timber, with the exception of chestnut, is present. The swamp growth is principally cypress. Crops. — The soil is good for sugar-cane, cotton, rice, potatoes, and all the products of the Attakapas parishes. The yield of cotton is not as large per acre as in higher latitudes. The parish is peculiarly adapted to the cultivation of rice. It may become the leading rice parish in the State. Large yields of sugar have been grown in the parish ; as large as 3,000 pounds have been produced ; from 80a to 1,000 pounds of rice. The capacity of the soil is strong, but has been neglected on account of the great attention paid to stock raising. Oxen are generally used in breaking up new ground, and creole or native horses in cultivating it. Oxen are not put to work until the grass rises in March, since but few of them are fed on hay or corn. It is surprising to see so Uttle attention paid to making hay, when it could be gathered in great abundance. MiUiohs of tons are trampled under foot and go to waste, for the number of cattle that are raised in this section cannot consume the great quantity of grass in the growing season. Agricul- ture has received less attention here than in the other parishes. Good well-water can be had in this section at a depth varying from 20 to 30 feet. A large quantity of poultry and eggs are shipped to the New Orleans market from this section. This parish abounds in wild game, such as duck, geese, brent, quail, wild hogs, prairie hen, and deer. Vermilion Bay abounds in fish and oysters. The fresh water lakes, ponds, and bayous have an abundance of fish. Abbeville. — The Vermilion River is navigable the entire length of this The State of the Future . 51 parish, and vessels ply between Abbeville and New Orleans, carrying the products of the surrounding parishes to the metropolis of the South. Abbeville is beautifully situated, about thirty-five miles from the mouth of the river. The population is slowly but steadily increasing. Marsh Lake. — Marsh Lake, in Vermilion parish, is usually called White Lake. So seldom do the inhabitants penetrate this part of the marsh, that many people raised in the parish think there is no lake to be found. It is an unexplored region to the inhabitants. Islands. — Grand Cheniere, in the southwestern portion of the parish, is about 1 2 miles in length, and contains a population of thrifty farmers. The soil is rich, and tropical fruits, sugar, and sea-island cotton, tobacco, and all other products of Attakapas thrive well. Pecan Island, situated in the sea marsh, 6 miles from the sea coast, in the Southern part of the parish, is i6 miles in length. It is covered with live oak and pecan trees, and contains numerous hogs and cattle. It is pretty well populated, and obtains a handsome income from the live stock. This island, supposed to have been the resort of " Blue Beard " and his men, and other more modern pirates, has often been visited by parties in search of hidden treasures. Trees have been chopped into in search of copper nails, to get the bearings of pots of money, and pits have been dug when the bearings have been agreed upon. There are many hundred bones buried here, supposed to be the bones of prisoners brought here by the Attakapas Indians, who were cannibals, to be stewed into chowder with clams. They are said to have been very fond of this dish. Cheniere au Tigre is in the southeast part of the parish, in the sea marsh, near the southwest pass of Vermilion Bay. This is a famous stock- ranch. Here beeves, as in all other parishes near the coast, keep fat all the year round, and are ready for market in January and February. Not less than 6, ooo head of cattle live in the marsh along the coast. Stock owners live in small groves of timber, and on slight elevation of land, near the •coast. Though the parish of Vermilion has been passed by or overlooked to a great extent by the traveling public, it has great merits, and these merits will before many years be understood. Its situation, away from all the great thoroughfares, through the Attakapas, has been the principal cause of its not having been more generally visited and better known. Strangers who come to Attakapas will do well to visit Vermilion parish and decide upon its merits themselves. It would be impossible for me to give a better description of Saint Mary's than that of Daniel Dennett, whose report I obtained through the kindness of my esteemed friend, Mr. Dudley Avery, of Salt Island. All that I find essential to add from my own observation is, that some of the 52 Louisiana and its Resources; large tracts have beea divided into smaller farms, and the profits from the various pursuits are probably doubled since 1870. PARISH OF SAINT MARY'S. The parish of Saint Mary's has a front on four great bays, connected! with the Gulf of Mexico, 40 miles in extent. It has an average width of a. little more than 12 miles. It is about 50 miles by the main road through the parish from its western line, near Jeannerette, to its eastern line, at the Boeuf crossing of the Morgan Railroad, Before the year 1868, the western line of Saint Mary's extended to a point only i mile east of New Iberia, and Petite Anse Island was included in the limits of the parish. Its largest crops then were 50,000 hogsheads of sugar and 70,000 barrels of molasses. Saint Mary's then contained 170 sugar plantations, lining the Teche on both, sides. Bayou Cypremort, Bayou Sale, Atchafalaya, Berwick's Bay, the Boeuf, Bayou Shaffer, spread out on the Au Large prairie west and the Cypremont prairie south of Jeannerette, and on the three beautiful islands,. Petite Anse, Grand Cote, and Cote Blanche. Belle Isle in former days was. cultivated as a sugar plantation by its proprietor, Dr. Walter Brashear; Saint Mary's appears to splendid advantage from the pilot-house of a steam- boat as she plows through those navigable bayous, lakes and bay, and to poor advantage on the best map that can be drawn. General Elevation. — The highest land in Saint Mary's, excepting the islands Cote Blanche and Belle Isle, is not over 15 feet above the level of the Gulf of Mexico. There is a daily tide of from i to 2 feet in all of her bayous and lakes. The highest land about Berwick's Bay has an elevatioa of about 10 feet, and from the bay to Pattersonville, and three or four miles up the mouth of the Teche the elevation is but little above that around the bay and on the Boeuf At Franklin, the west bank of the Bayou Teche is about 13 feet above tide water, and the east bank is a little lower. Below Jeannerette, the elevation is 15 feet. The two islands, Belle Isle and Cote Blanche, at their highest points rise more than 160 feet above the level of the Gulf. The sea marsh is most of it under water during storms from the Gulf, sweeping toward the land at this point. Soil. — There is not an acre of poor land in the parish. Fields that, have been cultivated in corn and sugar can for nearly a century without manure still produce good crops. The lands are easily and cheaply restored after long continued and severe cropping. The parish has land restoratives within its limits better than Peruvian guano, as we will show in an article under its proper heading. Agricultural Products. — Cotton is cultivated in St. Mary's, but it is not considered a profitable crop. Sugar cane is the true crop of the The State of the Future. 53 parish. Much of the land is adapted to rice. The sea marsh, by local levees and draining machines, make rich rice lands. The soil consists prin- cipally of a vegetable deposit of great depth. Swamp lands or any of the Teclaimable wet lands are fine for rice • corn, sweet, and Irish potatoes, pumpkins, peas, beans, indigo, ramie, arrowroot, ginger, castor-oil bean, tobacco, hay, cabbage, and turnips do well in this climate, though a part of this list has only been cultivated to a limited extent. Sea-island cotton does well on the island along the coast. Gardens. — Garden vegetables grow in this parish the year round. JSTearly all kinds of vegetables grow the same here as in the North and West. The winter gardens contain onions, mustard, eschalots, leeks, garlic, beets, cabbage, carrots, turnips, cress, roquette, lettuce, radish, cauliflower, celery, etc. Good gardens have an abundance of vegetables, fresh the year round. White head cabbage and fine rutabaga and red-top turnips may be taken fresh from the garden in January and February, and also in the sum- mer and fall. Crops, Trade, Etc. — Thirteen thousand slaves were formerly owned in this parish, valued at about $6,000,000. Before the war about fifteen steamers were engaged on these bayous, lakes, and bays in the busy season of the year, and as many as 125 vessels have cleared at the port of Frankhn for northern and southern ports, freighted with molasses, sugar and live-oak, in one season. The yield per acre in an ordinary season is a hogshead of ■sugar and 50 or 60 gallons of molasses. In a good crop year double that amount is secured. The sugar crop is cultivated nearly the same as corn. In boihng the crops it usually takes about three solid cords of wood to the hogshead. The crop is laid by before July, and sugar making com- mences the latter part of October or early in November. Rice Crop. — A Louisiana rice planter gave the following statement: Rice lands well cultivated, not flooded, produce 6 barrels, of 250 pounds each to the acre, or 15,000 pounds. Flooded lands produce 10 bairels. The flooded rice weighs more heavily than rice not flooded. One hand, with proper implements and teams, can make 10 acres of unflooded rice, and more if flooded. In less than four months from the time the ground is ploughed to receive the seed, the rice crop may be harvested. Rice is cleaned at the rice mills, at a cent a pound. There are twelve or fifteen mills now in operation in the State, and they all do a good business. Most of them are situated in the parish of Plaquemines. Orange Crops. — The yield of oranges per acre is enormous. It is im- possible to make any estimate that is reliable, as we have not the acres or yield of any one orchard, but below New Orleans single orchards sometimes yield from $10,000 to $30,000 yearly, at a dollar a hundred, the price they •often command, being considered the finest flavored oranges in the world. 54 Louisiana and its Resources; The largest orchards produce over 3,000,000 of oranges yearly. Some trees commence bearing when they are five or six years old, and earlier bearing can be produced by grafting and budding. A full grown, healthy, orange- tree, fifteen or twenty years old, in a good season will produce 5,000 oranges. It takes from 300 to 400 oranges to fill a barrel, equal to three bushels, so the largest orange trees produce from 40 to 50 bushels of fruit in a favorable season. Oranges usually sell on the tree at $10 a thousand. Tobacco. — The profits of tobacco culture in this country are satisfac- tory, but it takes too much skill and care to make and save a good article. Sugar and rice are less troublesome and more profitable. Perique tobacco is generally produced in Saint James Parish, but it may be made in Saint Mary's. It is the best smoking tobacco in the world. Perique snuff is not excelled by any other. Fruits. — Fruits of various kinds ripen in Saint Mary's from April to November. The mespilus, or Japan plum tree, a beautiful evergreen as large as the orange, blossoms in the fall. The fruits grow during the winter and ripen in March, except when the winters are uncommonly cold ; then the fruit falls. The fruit is yellow, pear-like, and very good. Dewberries, large and abundant, grow wild all over the parish; the^ ripen in April. Blackberries are abundant ; they ripen in May. Mulberries- ripen in May. Strawberries are prolific when properly cultivated, and con- tinue in bearing six or eight weeks ; they ripen in April and May. Eight or ten kinds of plums ripen in June and July. Eight or ten kinds, of figs ripen in July and August. Peaches ripen in August. Apples ripen in July, August, and September. The muscadine grape, or black scuppernong, grows wild on the banks of all our bayous and in the. forests ; it ripens in August. The white scuppernong grape thrives finely, especially on the islands of the coast. Pears of superior quality grow on the banks of the Teche and thrive well. They ripen in August. Olives do well in this parish, but no attention has been given to their cultivation. They would do well on Belle Isle, Cote Blanche, and the other islands. Almonds do well in St. Mary's ; they ripen in the fall. Pecans ripen in September. Oranges ripen in October, and frequently hang on the trees till Decem- ber, improving in sweetness all the while. This is the queen of fruit trees. Its robes of deep green in mid- winter are beautiful, and its myriads of beauti- ful white fragrant flowers in early Spring are only eclipsed by its golden fruit irt autumn. Oranges are so plentiful in the lower part of the parish, that they are frequently given away by the barrel and seldom sell for more than a dollar a hundred. They are much finer than Cuba oranges. The State of the Future. 55 Bananas, lemons, limes, and shaddocks ripen in October. They are more delicate than the orange tree, and seldom do well without a little extra protection, except in favorable locations in the lower part of the parish. Pineapples may be raised in the parish with slight protection. Doubt- less other tropical fruits will be introduced into this country, and be ranked in time with the staple fruits of this parish. Apples, currents, damsons, gooseberries, English cherries, and perhaps a few other northern fruits, do not thrive well in this climate. It will be understood that we do not state that all the fruits in our list are found in abundance in Saint Mary's. We merely wish to state that experience has proved they may be produced in abundance, excepting apples and a few other fruits, if the people will cultivate them. Oranges, plums, and figs are the only cultivated fruits that are abund- ant, and they require little care or culture. This portion of Louisiana is better adapted to fruit culture than any other portion of the United States. The fruit here is less troubled by worms, bugs, insects, and diseases than any Northern State. Fruit culture in Saint Mary's is yet in its infancy. When as much skill and attention are bestowed upon fruits as there has been brought to bear upon the Middle States and New England, our parish will be a paradise. Swamps and Timber. — In the rear of nearly all the plantations in the parish there are cypress swamps, containing a heavy growth of trees for building and fencing purposes, for making sugar hogsheads and molasses barrels, and all other purposes for which cypress lumber may be used. Climate. — This parish is favored with a comfortable cHmate. Strangers from mountainous and hilly regions cannot understand how this can be, but we submit a few facts on the subject. This parish borders on the Gulf coast ; we have healthful and cooling sea breezes during the summer and fall. Persons sleeping in rooms that are well ventilated never complain of hot or uncomfortable nights, even in July and August. In travelii:ig on these waters in July and August by night, seated in front, the air is some- times too cool to be comfortable. In the summer of 1867, when the ther- mometer in New York and Philadelphia was up to 103° in the shade, in Franklin it did not go above 92°. The large surface of water, lake, bay, and bayous around and within Saint Mary's tempers the summer heat and winter cold. The bland south breezes from the Gulf bring comfort, health, and healing on their wings. The first and lightest frosts seldom appear till November. We have not the statistics of the weather in this locality, but those of a parish a little farther south than this show that in the last seventeen years the first frosts appeared three years in the latter part of October, eleven years in Novem- 56 Louisiana and its Resources; ber, three )'ears in December. The winters are merely the climate of Northern autumns. Health. — This climate is decidedly healthful. Chills and fevers and diarrhea are the principal diseases, and these are generally brought on by imprudence or carelessness. They usually yield readily to remedies if applied promptly. Most all the disorders of higher climates are rare in Saint Mary's. The yellow fever has never been an epidemic in Franklin, Centre- ville, or any village above FrankUn but twice since the country was settled. Population. — Before the war the white population of the parish num- bered about 4, GOO. The people have always been noted for their hospital- ity and for their love for law and order. The majority of them were decidedly opposed to secession, and ^vere in favor of Bell or Douglas. For this reason they were not included in the original emancipation proclama- tion of President Lincoln. But during the war nearly all the citizens of the parish sided strongly with the South, and as soon as the war was over they ardently desired peace, and intended to act in good faith toward the old Government and flag. Northern gentlemen and famiHes who have settled among them since the war will testify that they have been treated kindly, and that they can live as securely here as anywhere in the North or West. The stranger and the freedman will be as fairly dealt with by a Saint Mary's jury as the original citizens of the parish. Plantations and Farms. — There are about 150 farms in Saint Mary's, within its new limits, its western line extending from the upper line of the Grevemberg plantation, near Jeannerette, striking between Cypremort and Grand Cote Week's Island. There are 20 plantations on Bayou Salle, nearly all of them in cultiva- tion. Twenty-five years ago there were 25 sugar mills on that bayou, all run by horse power. Bayou Salle is about 20 miles in length. The tillable land on it is a mile wide ; plenty of cypress in the rear of most of the plan- tations. These are the best sugar lands in the parish. Bayou Cypremort has T 5 plantations ; the tillable land is wider than that of Bayou Salle. It has an abundance of timber, ash, gum, magnolia, oak, and a considerable amount of cypress. From Frankhn to the mouth of the Teche the distance is 15 miles. On this part of the bayou there are 36 plantations. The width of the tillable land on both sides of the bayou, on which these planta- tions front, is over 2 miles, in some places 3. The distance on the Atcha- falaya from the mouth of the Teche to Berwick's Bay is about 12 miles, and on this part of the Atchafalaya, there are about 24 plantations, some of them small. The tillable land is about the same width as that of the Teche. On Berwick's Bay and the Bceuf there are not half a dozen plantations in running order. There are 23 plantations and small farms on the bay and bayous and lakes near it. From Franklin to the upper line of the parish of The State of the Future. 57 Saint Mary's there are, on the Bayou Teche, 40 plantations and farms. The width of the land above Franklin, on the Teche, is greater than that below, and the land is higher. In places on each side of the bayou the tillable land is more than 2 miles wide. South of Jeannerette, on the head •of Bayou Cypremort, the land is from 4 to 5 miles in width. There are more small farms in this parish than formerly. Nearly all the plantations of the parish are now under cultivation. Profits of Small Sugar Farms. — M. E. Meynard, a native of Louis- iana, and raised in Saint Mary's, in 1868 rented a small farm at Charenton, 9 miles from this place, planted and cultivated 40 arpents of land (about 37^ acres). He planted in cane 22 arpents; corn, 15 arpents; rice, Irish and sweet potatoes, etc , 8 arpents. He hired a white man to assist him in his crop six months and paid him $90. He hired negroes occasionally for a few days. This cost him in all $55. His whole labor account for the season was but $145. His Crop. — He made sugar cane enough to yield 45 hogsheads of ^sugar and 60 barrels of molasses. He made rice enough to last his family two years. He made Irish potatoes enough for his own use and sold the surplus for $135. He raised sufficient corn and fodder to supply his place for one year. Not having a sugar mill of his own, he contracted to have his cane hauled and worked up 4 miles distant, and gave a third of the crop as toll. Gross cash proceeds for Afr. Meynard. 30 hogsheads of sugar, at $120 per hogshead $3,000 00 40 barrels of molasses, at $20 per barrel 800 00 Irish potatoes sold for $135 135 00 Rice, sweet potatoes, and other products , 50 00 $3,985 00 Whole cost of labor 145 00 Proceeds of Mr. Meynard's labor $3,840 00 Mr. Brownson, who made up Mr. Meynard's crop, sold his toll — 15 hogshead of sugar, 20 barrels of molasses — for over $2,500. Gross sale of sugar, molasses, rice, and potatoes from the entire crop, $7,085. The above results are as true as they are extraordinary. The seed -cane was good, the season good, and the industry and management could not be excelled by any one. Mr. Meynard, at the close of the war, came home from the confederate army without a dollar. He now owns the place ■on which he made the above crop. Hedges. — The pyracanth makes the best hedge in this country. It is propagated from cuttings, is an evergreen, beautiful, compact, full of short thorns, grows thick and close to the ground, can be trained to any desired 58 Louisiana and its Resources ; shape, and makes a good hedge in a few years. The Cherokee rose is- useless. The Chickasaw rose makes a good hedge, but it makes a mountain: of vines and foliage. The bois d'arc makes a good hedge, but it requires too much labor and is too much inclined to grow tall and form trees. The China, Catalpa, and Black Locust.— The China is a fine shade- tree ; bugs and worms will not live on or around it. It is propagated readily from seeds, makes good firewood even when green, makes good cabinet wood, grows rapidly, not easy to decay, and makes good fence posts. The limbs, cut from trees planted near houses in the prairies, supply many families with wood. Its growth is rapid and it bears close trimming. Nearly the same facts hold good in regard to the Catalpa and the black locust. Ffrtilizers. — The deposits in the bottom of the bayous of the Saint Mary's are rich beds of muck, into which a pole may be run to the depth of lo feet or more. This is an excellent manure for gardens. The supply is inexhaustible. The sea-marsh deposit is a fine fertilizer, but the cheapest and best of all is the cow pea. All sugar planters will agree to this fact. Planted among the corn, and the vines ploughed in, the land becomes productive at once. So the planter may get a full crop of corn, and enrich. his land with a crop of cow-pea vines the same year at a trifling cost per acre. Overflows. — The west bank of the Teche, from a point 5 or 6 miles- below Centreville to its source in Saint Landry has not been overflowed since the memory of man, and it has no levees to protect it. This bank protects Bayou Salle, Cypremort, and all of the country west of this bayou. The lands in the lower part of the parish and on the east side of the Teche- here overflowed in 1778, 1828, and 1867. When Grand Levee on the Mississippi stands firm, no part of Saint Mary's can suffer from overflow. General Items. — The fishes of the waters in and around Saint Mary's. are red fish, black drum, trout, sheephead, flounder, mullet, croaker, cat, buffalo, perch, soft-shell turtle, gar, and choupique. White men stand field labor in Saint Mary's as well as colored men, and have less sickness and mortality. Milch cows, when perfectly attended- to, do well in this parish. No richer milk or finer butter is produced any-- where than that formerly produced on Bayou Teche. Hogs, chickens, and all kinds of poultry do well in this parish, excepting turkeys, which, from, some unknown cause, do not thrive well. Steamers may land at nearly all of the plantations in this parish. The- parish is situated on the tide-water, and never suffers by freshets from heavy or long-continued rains. The crops of Saint Mary's are laid by and field work stops, or may stop, by the ist of July. The Teche is considered the most beautiful bayou in the State. The State of the Future. , 59 Bayou Cypremort. — We can give no adequate idea of the beauty of the forests of this bayou. Both banks are lined with tall, majestic magno- lias, many of them 50 and 60 feet high and clothed with a foliage which, in beauty of hues, and gracefulness of their garments, beggars description. Its millions of dark green leaves, the upper surface polished and glistening in the sun, the underside a beautiful brown color, the graceful form and noble bearing of the tree, and in its season myriads of large, white fragrant flowers ornamenting all parts of its rich foliage from summit to base, secure to it rightfully the title of queen of the forest. Mingled with the magnolia on the bayou, we everywhere find the elm, sweet gum, ash, oak, black walnut, pecan, hickory, and a rank growth of grapevines clinging to the tall trees and burying saplings and the small undergrowth beneath them, forming vegetable mounds as large as a dwelling-house of medium size. The road leading through these enchanted forests along the banks of the bayous is firm, smooth, and sandy. The bayou itself is by no means beautiful, since it is usually filled with rank weeds, rushes, willows, and numerous other trees and bushes peculiar to the shallow and narrow bayous. It can in no place be navigated with a skiff. Cote Blanche. — This island is 10 miles from Frankhn by water and 20 by buggy road, via Cypremort and across the march. Cote Blanche rises up an island mountain out of the marsh by the Gulf of Mexico. Its highest elevation is 180 feet above the level of the Gulf It has hills and dales, valleys and plains, lakes and springs, a rich soil, and a climate in which it is hard to get sick or die. The pure sea breezes from the Gulf fan and cool its surface during the summer and autumn months and temper the winds of winter. On the south side, next to the Gulf, is a bold precipice a hundred feet high, whose base is washed by the salt waves. Here is fine bathing when the tide flows in ; the beach is fine and smooth, and the bottom gradually deepens so that bathers may wade out a hundred yards. On the bluff behind the precipice, overlooking the Gulf, the surface is rolling. A fine site for a village of pleasure seekers, and such sleeping and bathing as may here go almost hand and hand, few have ever enjoyed. This island, at some future day, may be made one of the most beautiful spots on the face of the earth. Here sugar cane, sea island cotton, tobacco, rice, corn, sweet and Irish potatoes grow in the greatest luxuriance, and grass abounds where the plough or shade trees do not oppose it ; and when we come to the fruits, what may we not say of it? This island of 2,000 acres may one day become almost an unbroken vineyard, and the best wines and brandies, in large quantities, may be exported from it. Here olives, oranges, lemons, bananas, citrones, limes, and many other tropical fruits may be made to bring large revenues to the island. The mespilus, peaches, figs, plums, dewberries, blackberries, strawberries, all do well in this favorite spot, and here melons and garden vegetables grow and thrive as they seldom 60 Louisiana and its Resources ; thrive elsewhere. In addition to all its other merits, it affords the finest pasture for cattle and horses, a fine range for hogs and domestic fowls. In the waters in front and the bayous around the island the supply of fine fish is inexhaustible, and oyster reefs in abundance ; deer, geese, duck, and brent are at the service of epicures and hunters. The broad sheet of the marsh around this island furnishes the best winter range for cattle. Thou- sands could find ample support, as they do in the marsh in other portions of the Gulf coast. After the first frosts of winter appear, the immense sheet of stubble is burned oft' and an abundant growth of young grass continues to spring up during the winter and spring. The most of the surface of this marsh is firm enough to bear up horned cattle as they rove over it for food when the grass on the prairie is dead. So much for Cote Blanche Island, now the property of WiUiam Fel- lowes, Esq. , of New York. Sugar crop of Sai7it Mary's, 1869. Hogsheads. Bayou Teche, New Iberia to Franklin I4)i55 Franklin to mouth of Teche 9)46i New Iberia to mouth of Teche, 60 miles 23,616 Atchafalaya, mouth of Teche, to Berwick's Bay, 12 miles S>394 Berwick's Bay 1,818 Bayou Boeuf 3)3I7 Bayou Salle, 20 miles 3)957 Bayou Cypremort, 20 miles 2,443 "Weeks's or Cote Blanche Island 711 Petite Anse, or Salt Island 662 Cypremort, Au Large, and Petite Anse prairies, Grand Lake, etc 2,716 Sugar crop of Saint Mary's, 1859 44,634 Molasses, same year, about 70,000 barrels of forty gallons each, 2,800,- 000 gallons. PARISH OF SAINT LANDRY. Area" AND Physical Character. — The parish of Saint Landry con- tains about 1,350,000 acres, nearly equally divided between woodland and prairie. About three-quarters of the land is suitable for planting and graz- ing purposes. It is well watered by numerous bayous, running streams, and branches, nearly all clothed with a generous growth of timber, in many places a mile wide. Between the timbered streams fine natural meadows spread out, clothed over nine months of the year with grass that contains large herds of cattle and horses. The Soil and Face of the Country. — In the upper part of the parish nearly all the streams fed by springs take their rise. Here the coun- try is somewhat hilly and is covered by a dense forest of pine, oak, ash, walnut, hickory, and other valuable forest trees. Here also are found The State of the Future. 61 valuable mineral springs, which are much resorted to by invalids and which possess great curative properties. Considerable deposits of limestone are here found, from which, for home consumption, is made a very excel- lent lime, and a very fine quarry of marble, which is susceptible of a beautiful polish and is valuable for being made into mantel-pieces, monu- ments, etc. The soil in the middle and lower portion is excellent, resting on a subsoil of a fine brown or grayish clay, which, when plowed up, ex- posed to the weather, and mixed with surface soil, is as rich as the upper stratum. That subject to overflow, being rich alluvial, is inexhaustible and adapted to all the products of this latitude. The soil of the prairie is gen- erally mellow and easy of cultivation. Grass covers all portions of the parish except the cultivated fields or surface covered by forest or water. More than half a milUon acres of grass in Saint Landry is not under fence. The greater portion of the wealth of Saint Landry has been obtained from horses and cattle on the prairies, raised without hay or shelter. On these prairies a hundred thousand tons of hay might be made yearly for the New Orleans and other markets. The following geographical description is found in a report made by Darbey in 1817, when the Sabine was the western boundary of the parish of Saint Landry, including a description of the Opelousas prairie : Prairies and Herds. — This vast expanse of natural meadow extends; 75 miles southwest and northeast and is 25 miles wide, containing more- than 1,200,000 acres, inclusive of the numerous points of woods that form its margin on all sides. This prairie begins 13 miles northwest of Opelousas and, gradually opening to the southward, sends out various branches- between the bayous. Of the herds as there seen on the prairie the same author remarks : " Here you behold those vast herds of cattle which aff"ord subsistence to the natives and the inhabitants of New Orleans. It is certainly one of the. most agreeable views in nature to behold from a point of elevation thou- sands of cattle and horses of all sizes scattered over the intermediate mead, in wild confusion. The mind feels a glow of corresponding innocent enjoy- ment with those useful and inoffensive animals grazing in a sea of plenty. If the active horsemen that guard us would keep their distance, fancy would, transport them backward into the pastoral- ages. Allowing an animal to be produced for every five acres more than two hundred and twenty thousand, can be yearly reared and transported from this prairie alone, which, at an . average often dollars a head, would amount to $2,200,000." At the time the above article was written, the year 181 7, Mr. Darbey estimated the herds of the three greatest stock owners of the country, Mr. Wikofif, Mr. Fontenot, Mr. Andrus, at 20,000 head. Overflows. — Portions of Saint Landry on the Atchafalaya and some of the bayous are subject to overflow when Grand Levee gives way, but_ 62 Louisiana and its Resources; most of the lands have never been under water since the parish has been inhabited by white men, and never can be ; and even the overflowed lands may be converted into rice plantations to some extent, or reclaimed when the levees of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya are made secure. Most of the lands subject to the overflow are the richest in the world and contain a heavy growth of cypress. Crops, Fruits, and Gardens. — T/ie crops, fruits^ and gardens of Saint Landry and of the other five parishes described in this circular, excepting cotton and oats, are less troubled by i?isects and vermin and less liable to dis- ease than they are in higher latitudes itt other parts of the United States. The surface cultivated in Saint Landry yearly ajnounts to about 100,000 acres. About one-third of this is planted in cotto?i. Not a tenth part of the tillable land is tmder cultivation. With a worki?zg populatioji like that of the West- ern States, and the same kind of cultivation, that parish might send to market yearly 100,000 bales of cotton, 50,000 hogsheads of sugar, 75,000 barrels of molasses, and rice, tobacco, broom corn, basket willow, beeves, hay, horses, milch cows, sheep, hogs, hides, poultry, eggs, rosi?i, turpentine, and other valu- able products to the amount of from $10,000,000 to $15,000,000. Such varied and valuable resources in a climate so salubrious can hardly be found anywhere else on the face of the earth. Timbered Bottoms. — The timbered bottoms are rich and are excel- lent for sugar, rice, cotton, corn, sweet and Irish potatoes, peas, tobacco, melons, pumpkins, hay, garden fruits, etc. No richer land can be found anywhere. They are heavily timbered with the best of sugar wood, and the swamps contain an inexhaustible supply of the best of timber for build- ing purposes and for hogsheads and barrels for the sugar planters. Bayous, Rivers and Streams. — The Atchafalaya on the east connects this parish by steamboat navigation with New Orleans. The Bayou Courtableau, formed by the junction of the Crocodile and the Boeuf, affords good navigation to Washington the entire year, with slight and occasional interruption during the summer. The route is down the Courtableau to the Atchafalaya, thence up the latter to the Mississippi River, and thence to the city of New Orleans. The Bayou Boeuf is the channel of transportation for the planters by means of barges to Washing, ton, and the Crocodile affords means of transportation to the lumbermen. The Plaquemine Brulee, the Mallet, the Cane, and the Nez Pique are fine streams, but not navigable. The Mermentau, formed by the Nez Pique and Plaquemine Brulee, is a fine, navigable stream. Vessels ascend it some 70 miles for lumber, which is taken to Texas, Havana, and the Mexican ports. Upon these streams are found large bodies of timber, suitable for all the purposes of building and fencing, and they aff'ord an unfailing supply of water for stock. The parish has 230 miles of navigable water. The State of the Future. 63 The Sugar Crops. — Small crops of sugar cane on small farms are well adapted to white labor. The cane may be planted in the fall, winter, or spring, and laid before the ist of July, and no labor is then needed in the crop till the ist of November, when the ripe cane is ready for the mill. Sugar cane is not subject to disease and the ravages of bugs and insects like most other crops. Small sugar farms, where from 20 to 100 hogsheads of sugar are made by white labor, are very profitable. They are a com- plete success. Profits of Sugar Cane and Cotton Culture in Saint Landry, — The following is the most accurate statement in reference to costs and profits that I could procure : Messrs. Lewis and Mullet : Gentlemen : I employed the past year twenty-two hands, to wit : Fifteen men, two boys, and five women. Had in cane 90 acres, in corn 170, and in cotton 100 acres, besides several acres in potatoes and garden. Result of the Year's Work. Ground 50 acres of cane in 18 days, making 108 hogsheads of 1,250 pounds each, which sold at 10 cents $13,000 I made 200 barrels of molasses, equal to 8,000 gallons, at 70 cents 5, 600 Also 7,700 barrels of corn 2,100 Also 86 bales of cotton, equal to 38,000 pounds, at 22 cents 8)5I4 Gross receipts $29,214 Expenses. My total expense for provisions, repairs, hire of labor, sugar-maker, hogsheads, and barrels were $10,000, which, deducted from the gross income, leaves $19,214 as my year's income. Yours, ALBERT GANTT. H. M. Payne reports as follows : On the Borbreck and Saint Peter's plantation sugar produced 460 hogsheads of 1,250 pounds each, which, at $100 per hogshead, yielded $46,000 27,600 gallons of molasses, at 50 cent per gallon 13,800 Gross profits $59,800 Expenses 19,000 $40,800 Besides the above, we produced 15,000 bushels of corn, which is at least 3,000 or 4,000 bushels more than we require for the use of the plantation. Yield of Cotton, Sugar, and Other Crops. — In Saint Landry 13,000 pounds of seed cotton to the acre, or about 400 pounds of lint, is a fair yield. In the true cotton zone, which is above the latitude of this parish, about 32° north, 8,000 pounds of seed cotton may be produced, or 600 pounds of lint. Whilst it is admitted that the cotton plant is liable to injury from insect, still, in the main, as many full crops are made as any 64 Louisiana and its Resources ; other product of the soil, and the chances of success are by many thought to be as favorable in this branch of industry as in any which engages the farmer. One hogshead of sugar and 60 gallons of molasses may be con- sidered an ordinary yield per acre in this parish, but I was assured by a gentleman that 25 hogsheads of sugar have been produced from 6 acres in Saint Landry. That is the best yield that has ever been known in a sugar parish in the State. Sixty gallons of molasses usually diain from a hogshead of sugar. Commercial manures will doubtless largely increase the average yield of sugar in all these parishes, and the same facts hold good in regard to cotton and other crops. The yield of corn in Saint Landry is about 35 bushels to the acre; potatoes, sweet and Irish, well cultivated, from 250 to 300 bushels to the acre. Pumpkins, peas, beans, pindars, broom corn, etc., give heavy returns. Masts and Hogs. — Saint Landry abounds in oak forests and masts of various kinds. The hog range is excellent, and while clover grows luxur- iantly, equal to the native grasses, in no other portion of the United States are hogs more healthy or profitable than in Saint Landry. Oak Bark and Tanneries. — A country abounding as this does in oak bark, sumac, and hides, and where tan pits may be kept open during the entire winter, offers great inducements to tanners. Feeding Stock. — Stock raisers feed from the 15th of January to the 15th of March. In mild winters very little food is necessary. Wild stock are never fed on hay and have no shelter. They yield 25 per cent, income on the investment. Gentle stock may be made to yield over 40 per cent. Wells. — More wells, as a general thing, are found in Saint Landry than in the other parish. Good water is found at about 25 feet. Owing to the scarcity of stone, and it being more convenient to use wood, they are curbed with cypress. Crops Adapted to Saint Landry. — Cotton, corn, sugar, cane, broom corn, ramie, flax, hemp, sweet and Irish potatoes, cow peas, indigo, rye, sorghum, pindars, cotton oil, beans, oats, barley, pumpkins, cabbage, turnips, and garden vegetables of all kinds. Fruits. — Peaches, apples, pears, plums, figs, grapes, quince, black- berries, dewberries, strawberries. May apples, persimmons. May haw, and papaws. Oranges may be cultivated successfully in the southern part of the parish. But little attention is paid to fruit culture. PARISH OF IBERIA. General Description. — Iberia parish extends from Belle River, east of Grand Lake, to a line running from the west end of Lake Peigneur to the mouth of Petite Anse Bayou. It is bounded on the north by Saint The State of the Future. 65 Martin's and on the south by Saint Mary's ; east by Assumption, and west by Vermilion and La Fayette. Its length is about 45 miles. Its widest part is about 20 miles. Much of the eastern portion is water and cypress swamp. . The tillable land along the west side of the Morgan Railroad and the Teche, from the parish line below Jeannerette to New Iberia, called the Au Large prairie, has a width of about 6 miles, and it is a little wider above, between the railroad and Lake Peigneur ; the land from the Hne where the railroad enters the parish below Jeannerette to the line where it leaves it, west of Lake Tasse, is about 20 miles in extent. All the land is tillable between Lake Peigneur and Lake Tasse and in the great bend of the Teche northeast of New Iberia. There is a sheet of tillable and fine grazing land south of Lake Peigneur. The Teche is lined with plantations nearly the entire distance from the entrance into the parish of Iberia, east of Lake Tasse, to the line where it leaves the parish, below Jeannerette. The portion of the parish that borders on Grand Lake is a dense cypress swamp, and bordering on this swamp there is a growth of gum, ash, oak, and other timber. The tillable land opposite and above Jeannerette is 2 or 3 miles in width. Around the great bend of the bayou above, called Fausse Pointe, the tillable land has a much greater width. The lands in all parts of this parish are rich. On the west side of the bayou there is a scarcity of wood-land, and on the east side there is an abundance of cypress and wood for sugar-making. The Teche and its Scenery. — From the point where the Teche enters the parish of Iberia, about 5 miles below Saint Martinville, by the windings of the bayou, to New Iberia, the distance is about 25 miles. This portion of the bayou is extremely beautiful. Its banks are generally 18 feet above tide water, and they descend gently to the edge of the water at an angle of less than 30 degrees. The bayou around this bend in the low-water season is 90 feet wide, and has a depth on its most shallow bars of 3^ feet. Forest trees and water willows line both banks most of the distance, the branches in many places hanging over the water and brushing both wheel- houses of steamers as they pass up and down between New Iberia and Saint Martinville. The houses of the planters are generally situated near the edge of the bayou. Most of the houses are plain, but comfortable, and the proprietors are quite independent. There are many live-oaks, pecans, and other noble forest trees growing on both banks of the bayou, that add greatly to the beauty of the section of the parish. Below New Iberia the Teche is broader and deeper than above. The plantations are larger, the houses and improvements finer, and there are fewer trees growing on its banks. Here we find palatial residences, grand sugar-houses with chimneys towering skyward, plantation villages called the " quarters," orange groves, groves of the mespilus, flower gardens, and beautiful shrubbery, floating bridges, and the general paraphernalia of wealth and lordly possessions. 66 Louisiana and its Resources ; The Au Large Prairie. — This is a stretch of land south and west of New Iberia, and a more beautiful prairie country is seldom or never seen, and is cultivated principally in sugar. Around New Iberia. — The more we circulate over this country, of which New Iberia is the trading center, the more we are impressed with its beauty and its value for farming purposes. It is a lovely and wonderful country. Its bayous, lakes, prairies, and wood-lands are all beautiful. The sea breezes roll over it and give health and long life to its inhabitants. Its climate is a medium between the tropical and the northern temperature, combining most of the advantages of both, and the evils of neither. Steamers from New Orleans and vessels from the ocean penetrate its very centre and the cars of the Southern Pacific Railroad, connecting New Orleans and the Pacific coast, pass through it daily. Orange Island. — Orange Island, now the property of the great artist, Mr. Joseph Jefferson, was formerly called Miller's Island. It bounds Lake Peigneur on the south and lies in a curve of the lake, which has the shape of a new moon. The highest point of the island is 75 feet above the level of the lake and 84 feet above the level of the Gulf of Mexico. It has hills, valleys, level and inclined planes, and from its bluff banks in places the branches of trees hang out over the waters of the lake. Orange Island is in a line with Petite Anse, Grande Cote, and Cote Blanche Islands. Each is separated from the neighboring island by a distance of nearly 6 miles. Orange Island rises above the level of the surrounding prairie and the , lake, as the other islands rise above and overlook the surrounding sea marsh. But a short distance off flows the Petite Anse Bayou, draining the neighboring country, and emptying into the Gulf, 10 miles below the island. The constant sea breeze renders the spot healthy and pleasant as a resi- dence. There is on this island what is claimed, and I have no right to doubt, the oldest orange grove in this country. Many of those trees are very large, some of them a foot in diameter. Mr. Jefferson now has eight orange groves, and raises an immense crop of oranges every year. There are over one thousand young and bearing pecan trees. Also cherry, fig, peach, quince, mespilus, mandarin, lemons, and blue plums. The finest magnolias and hve-oaks in the world grow on this island. The magnoUa grows to an enormous size. Mr. Jeff'erson has erected a palatial mansion on the eleva- tion overlooking the lake, which, with its surroundings, makes it one of the most beautiful houses in the United States. Passing from his residence to his boat-house on the lake, you go through an avenue of stately hve-oaks, a mao-noha and orange grove. Seen from the summit of the bluff the lake spreads out almost beneath the feet of the observer, while the gleam of its silvery surface closes the vista of the principal avenues leading from the house. Mr. Jefferson has 9, 000 acres ; the soil is very rich, and most of it The State of the Future. 67 easy of cultivation, producing in one instance four hogshead of sugar per acre. He now uses the entire property for cattle grazing, and has probably 5,000 head. He has a number of fine blooded horses and a good collection of registered cattle. He is very favorably impressed with the Holsteins ; has watched some for five years to note the effects of the cHmate, and is very well pleased, and will go more extensively into the breed hereafter. Crook's History and Description of Salt Island. — Until recently, I^ouisiana, or at least the southwestern portion, was supposed to be of alluvial origin, a river delta, in fact, without any mineral resources whatever, and the discovery some years since of a remarkably fine and rich bed or deposit of rock salt was a genuine surprise, followed a year or two later by the equally unexpected discovery of an extensive bed of almost pure sulphur. An attempt was made to reach and work this sulphur deposit, but as it failed at the time and is for the present abandoned, our attention will be given to the deposit of rock salt, which is now being worked by a mining company of New York capitalists. The locality of the mine is Petite Anse Island, one of a series of islands (so called) or small hills in Southwestern Louisiana, five in number, and 6 miles apart, running in a direction nearly northwest to southeast, and in so direct a line that a ruler laid on the map will cut the centers of all of them. Beginning at the west, they are named Jefferson's, Petite Anse, Grand Coteau, Cote Blanche, and Belle Isle ; no minerals have been found on any of them except Petite Anse. Although called islands, the only one really entitled to the name is Belle Isle ; all the others being merely hills rising out of the sea marsh that skirts the southern portion of Louisiana. Petite Anse is in extent about 2,500 acres; the soil is quite sandy but fertile, and the highest point is 180 feet above tidewater. The discovery of the mine or salt proper was made in the early part of the late civil war, and was brought about by the strictness of the federal blockade and consequent stoppage of the supply of salt from abroad. At least as early as the beginning of this century salt springs or licks were known to exist on the island, and during the war of 181 2 parties utilized the water of these springs in the manufacture of salt for local consumption. The return of peace brought salt into the country again, and as the rudely improvised plant of the Louisiana manufacturers could not compete with the better fur- nished mines, the work was abandoned, and soon became little more than a tradition. The late war again deprived this portion of the country of salt, and, driven by necessity, the old wells were hunted up and cleared out, and the manufacture of salt from the brine was again resumed with such appliances as could be found on the sugar plantations. The demand soon became too great for the supply furnished by the wells, and in cleaning one of them out and deepening it for the purpose of getting a better supply, the unexpected discovery was made of rock salt only 16 feet below the surface. 68 Louisiana and its Resources ; Extent of the Deposit. — Immediate examination was made and the fact was soon established that the rock salt was found in considerable quantity. A report was at once made to the Confederate Government at Richmond and a more extended survey was had under their auspices resulting in their taking charge of and working it for some time. After the close of the war a more thorough survey was made, with a view to the development of the mine and placing it correctly before investors This survey showed that the deposit underlies about 150 acres of surface area, and that wherever struck it was identical in quality and structure. The depth of the deposit is unknown, but is beheved to be considerable, as the workings show the stratification to be nearly perpendicular, which would indicate an upheaval, and that the present width of the mass was its original depth. The floor of the present workings is 140 feet from the- surface, the shaft penetrating 25 feet of surface soil and 115 feet of salt, of which 50 feet is left for roof and 65 feet excavated. As this level will yield, exclusive, etc., 15,000,000 tons of salt, it will be seen that there was no need of any deeper- exploration, and, as there is a possibility of striking water at a lower level, it has never been deemed advisible to bore further as a mere matter of curiosity. Quality of the Salt. — The following analysis of the salt, made at different times over a period of ten or twelve years, will give a better idea of the purity of this remarkable deposit than any description : Afialysis made by Goessmann. Per cent.. Chloride of sodium 98.88 Chloride of calcium Trace.. Chloride of magnesium Trace. Sulphate of lime 0.79 Water 0.33 Working of the Mine. — Shortly after the late war, a company was formed to work the mine. A shaft was sunk and some work done, but the- enterprise was abandoned in a short time and lay idle until 1878, when; another company was formed to carry on the work, but, finding that a much, larger capital was required to put it on a successful footing than they had an- ticipated, they in turn, after a very short trial, retired in favor of a company of New York capitahsts, who are now mining the salt and pushing the work vigorously. They have put in a large quantity of the most modern machinery, dug canals, built and chartered steamships and vessels, and lately have com- pleted a railroad to the mine, which places them in direct communication with the entire railroad system of the United States, and permits shipment from the mine to any point without breaking bulk. The salt from this- mine is marketed principally in Galveston, New Orleans, and Mobile, for the Southern States, but large quantities are also shipped to the western The State of the Future. 69 imeat packers in Kansas City, Saint Louis, Chicago, etc., and its sale is bein^ pushed wherever a market can be found. The Manner of Mining. — The manner of mining is by driving galleries, or rather tunnels, into the solid rock, and these galleries are crossed at right angles by others. The width of the workings averages about 35 feet, and the height 65 to 70 feet. The roof consists of 50 feet of solid salt left for that purpose, and is supported by pillars 35 to 40 feet square. The salt is blasted out with dynamite, and the bore or blast holes are made by hand power with a drilling machine, somewhat on the principle of a carpenter's auger ; two men working one machine can easily average 60 feet •of boring per day. The miners are almost all Germans from the salt mines of Stassfurt. They earn, on an average, $3 per day, and the laborers who load the cars and forward them to the foot of the shaft, about $1.75. The work is quite healthy, there being no noxious gases or water to interfere with the men ; the temperature is also pleasant and equable the year round. Manufacture of the Salt for Market. — -After the salt is mined, it is hoisted to a platform, some 60 feet above the ground, to the crushing machine, where it is reduced to a suitable size for the mills on a still lower level. The mills are the ordinary underrunning French burrstone mills, in common use throughout the country for grinding grain. They are 36 inches in diameter, and run at the rate of 300 to 350 revolutions ; will manufacture 90 sacks of 200 pounds per hour, of a grade corresponding to Liverpool 'Coarse salt. From the mills the salt is run into the sacks or barrels ready for market, and loaded directly on the railroad cars. The whole thing is more quickly done than described. It is perfectly possible that a piece of «alt may be lying in the sohd mass in the position it has occupied for ages, be blasted out, hoisted, crushed, sacked, and be loaded in cars en route for market in ten minutes. The salt is manufactured into any size or grade the market demands, from table salt as fine as flour, up to lumps of solid rock as large as can be ■conveniently handled for farmers' use. It will be seen that the manufacture is mechanical, no chemicals being used ; the only precaution necessary to produce a beautiful white article being care and cleanliness in handling. The works are now producing 200 to 210 tons per day, and machinery is being ■erected to double this capacity. General Remarks. — The great strength and purity of this salt, the absence of lime and sulphur, renders it particularly adapted to the preserva- tion of meats. It has had careful and extended tests by a number of the largest packers of the North and West, who are now the best customers of this company. The outlets for this salt to the markets of the country are by sea to the ports on the Gulf of Mexico, by inland, bay, and river routes 70 Louisiana and its Resources; via Atchafalaya River to the Mississippi, or by rail, via Morgan, Louisiana and Texas Railroad, to a connection with the entire railroad system of the United States, viz.: At Vermilionville, with the Huntington system for Texas and the Southwest ; at Alexandria, with the Gould system for Nor- thern Texas and the whole Northwest, including Chicago ; and at New Orleans, with the various railroads from that point. The cars are loaded either in bulk or in packages (sacks or barrels) direct from the mills, and the shipment thus reaches the consumer without rehandling or breaking bulk m transit. No thorough or systematic geological examination of Southwestern Louisiana has ever been made, and no very satisfactory explanation of the presence of this mass of salt, apparently adventitious, has been given. The most plausible theory seems to be that it was formed in a pond or basin by salt springs from a great depth, and that the stratification or bands pre- viously referred to, resembling the rings in the trunk of a tree, and averaging 3 or 4 inches in width, are to be accounted for by the periods of greater or less activity of the springs, or the greater or less evaporation, according to the season. The same appearances might favor an annual overflow of a similar basin by the sea. But the absence of the other salts, etc., found in sea water favors the first theory. At a comparatively recent (geological) date this salt must have been uncovered, as the surface of the rock is everywhere as smooth as a pave- ment, evidently polished by the action of water, and the direction of the stream is plainly indicated by the ridges and hollows on its surface. The present surface soil and sand seem due to an overwhelming inundation from the northeast. The direction of the Mississippi River, which is shown by the general direction of the valleys on the island, being from northeast to southwest, and from the additional fact that in dredging a canal about 4 miles south of the salt mine, through the sea marsh, a buried forest of cypress was struck at a depth of 8 or lo feet, of which there was not the slightest indication on the surface. The trees were in a fair state of pre- servation, and all lay with their tops to the southwest. The bones of the mastodon and other extinct animals are found in a layer of sand and gravel directly on the surface, and are almost unchanged in structure. In sinking an air shaft within the past few weeks the salt was struck at a depth of 19 to 20 feet. At about 10 feet below the surface a layer of rich black soil 5 feet thick was found, in which was embedded large quantities of fragments of earthenware, and below that, touching the salt, well preserved bones of a large animal, one section of the vertebra having an -opening for the spinal cord of at least 2 inches in diameter. Respectfully yours, E. E. RAP LEY, Special Agent. The State of the Futiire. 71 VV^AGES. Wages of the laboring man here can be favora.bly compared with any of the sister States, and rates far higher than the poorly paid worker in Europe. COST OF LIVING. Cost of living is much lower than in Europe, and with slight exertion vegetables can be grown all through the year; poultry, with small attention, can be raised for the table; the poorest shot can supply his larder with game. The agriculturist alone, with family, sinew, and not least, intelligence need not hesitate to come here, as he can rent a farm, the owner furnishing every necessary as before stated, these I would advise to come in the fall of the year, when ploughing commences. Such occupants can with industry surely lay the foundation for an independent home in old age. Although the average white farmer has too much common sense to expect a costly residence on these lands, yet he must not be disappointed if on arrival he finds a mere cabin, ample indeed for the requirements of keeping out the weather, etc., but hardly up to the standard of the ordinary " farm house " to which he has perhaps been accustomed, it rests with himself to make a house within a comparatively short time, materials costing next to nothing. I do not wish to be understood by these remarks as saying that all these domiciles are mere shanties, as many farm residences are fit for any one to dwell in, and I only wish at this moment that my lot were cast in one of them instead of this bleak inhospitable climate of the North. To English laborers, who at the present time are hungrily anticipating the millenium of "three acres and a cow," I say, come; before you have been here many weeks your wonder will increase at such a prospect having been open all the time you were toiling for naught in the " old country." I speak earnestly when I repeat, apart from all other considerations, for your own sake and that of your families in the future, " Corned These remarks will apply with equal force to the honest, horny-handed sons of toil in many of our own crowded States. In short, the New South is a Phoenix indeed, the old condition of things is effaced, and we now look upon the favored land, towards which all America and Europe is commen- cing to regard with the interest which years ago attached itself to the Wild West, how much more happily ; I predict with the utmost confidence that not the most sanguine dreamer can at all realize the influx of whites, and the enormous rise in all values of land and products of various kinds ; the busy hum of man and the noise of machinery will within twenty years be only equalled in volume by the incredible prosperity of this " promised land," exempt from the difficulties and perils of the frontiersman. Do not forget that the Old South gained in prosperity and wealth 72 Louisiana and its Resources; much more rapidly than the North ; densely populated Europe and the Northern States always need our peculiar products. Lands are cheap yet (but not for long), for the reason of the paucity of good men to cultivate them ; it is certain that values will greatly and quickly increase. The rainfall throughout the State averages about 56 inches. The white and black population is about equally divided, among the former about 60,000 are foreign born, out of a total population of about one million. I must not forget in common with everybody else to execrate the vile condition of the roads in the winter, cut up by heavy traffic and softened by rainfalls ; a larger population will evidence its presence by the improved roadbeds visible. There is no question about the reality of the many thunderstorms ad- jacent to the Gulf, but I think the needlessly scared wife and daughter will be amply compensated by the delicious coolness of the atmosphere, cleared of the depressing conditions which are always experienced prior to the almighty Jove's "gentle whisper." Mechanics most needed, and who can generally obtain employment without difficulty, are carpenters and joiners, coopers, blacksmiths, wheel- wrights, butchers, shoemakers, tailors, tinsmiths, potters, brickmakers, brick- layers, wood-workers of all kinds, and broom-makers, but it must be understood that the same economic law of not congregating in large num- bers in the cities applies with great force to our State. New Orleans cannot possibly provide labor for all who may halt there, attracted by the (in most cases doubtful) advantages of a city, our friends should spread themselves over the State, where they are most needed. WHAT IT V^ILL COST TO START A FARM OF 160 ACRES OF UNITED STATES HOMESTEAD LAND, PART PRAIRIE, PART TIMBERED. Total U. S. Land Office fee $18 75 Surveyor's fee (optional) ■ 16 25 I pair native horses, at $25 5° °o 1 pair oxen, at $20 40 00 2 milch cows vi'ith calves, at $25 5° 0° 20 sheep, at $1.50 30 00 1 ox cart 40 00 \ wagon 50 00 2 ploughs, at $5 10 00 I harrow 5 0° I set pair horse harness .. 7 5° Various tools, axes, shovels, hoes, spades, etc 15 00 Carried forward $331 50 The State of the Future. 7B Brought forward $331 50 1 sow 5 00 Poultry, chickens, turkeys, ducks 15 00 ■6 months provisions, flour, coffee, tea, sugar, pork, etc 50 00 Feed corn for team 20 00 Lumber for building house 40 00 "Seeds 10 00 Total $472 50 I have estimated the cost of living at $50, as the ease of growing vegetables, with poultry, sheep, etc., always on hand so largely augments the daily contribution to the table ; and the undiminishable quantity of small game and fish must be certainly taken into account. The settler's house is quickly built, and at very low cost, of the trunks of small straight pines or cypress cut close by. ' The body of the house is made of the logs, like a pen — the ends notched so as to fit, and the open- ings between the logs plastered with clay. The rafters are made of green poles, and the roof covered with clap board split from oak, cypress or pine. A temporary chimney may be made by plastering a skeleton wooden frame with clay mixed with moss. Lumber for floor, doors, and shutters may be spht from cypress or bought at the nearest sawmill, and bricks maybe bought or made. The foregoing figures are the result of my personal experience, gained in the successful location of hundreds of famihes. THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. The city of New Orleans is the largest, wealthiest and most beautiful of the cities of the South. Its streets are replete with elegance, and its culture at least equals any metropolis of either hemisphere ; as a seaport it far outdistances all its neighboring competitors. How the peerless Crescent City after the long period of business adversity presents her present appear- ance is almost wonderful, and fails not to impress every one with the mar- vellous elasticity which she unites with the resources which cannot be taken from her, as well as the inbred pluck of her children. I must add, however, in candor, that the drainage of this fine city is lamentably bad, most assuredly all the odors floating about are not such as may be ascribed to the magnoHa or wafted from Araby the blest, this will be, however, in a comparatively short time remedied, the few cannot bear the undue burthen, and the rapidly increasing population will soon grapple with the draining and paving questions. The educational advantages to be gained by a residence in New Orleans are very great. The Louisiana State University in Baronne Street is an admirable institution. 74 Louisiana and its Resources ; The Sugar, Cotton, and Produce Exchanges are structures of which Louisianians are justly proud. The inhabitants are celebrated for their courtly manners and refinement^ which, combined with culture, makes them so generally admired in all circles. Many visitors have expressed to me their delight at the recollection of the charming Southern homes, and the boundless hospitahty dispensed. The devotion of the fair daughters of New Orleans to humane and charitable objects are too well known to need a description ; of their fascinations it is needless to speak. When I first came to Louisiana some years ago, little or nothing had been done to induce immigration to centre in this State, except the appoint- ment of a Commissioner of Immigration by the Legislature, whose hands- were tied by the lack of necessary means to agitate this most important question. I satisfied myself thoroughly that no part of this Continent was sO' worthy of great effort being put forward in its behalf, or likely to yield such gratifying results (in the shape of bringing large parties of settlers of the right kind to develope resources unmatched in my own or any other person's experience) as the State which I have the honor and pleasure to represent abroad. The proprietor of the Times Denioc7'at, Major E. A. Burke and his- staff, afforded me great assistance, which I gratefully acknowledge. Through his instrumentahty I became acquainted with many of the leading citizens, amongst whom I may mention Mr. Adam Thomson and the Hon. Duncan F. Kenner, President of the Sugar Planters' Association. This last named gentleman requested me to address a meeting on the subject of immigration and its enormous prospective benefit to the State. I assented, the meeting being so successful that the Sugar Planters' Association passed a resolution empowering its secretary to aid me in calling to life a society for the purpose of inducing by legitimate means all honest and well disposed immigrants to^ settle in Louisiana There was no lack of discouragement for me to contend with, and it was well that my impUcit faith in the future and enthusiasm buoyed me up, in fact a very prominent official assured me that from his own experience the movement would result in failure and disaster. I thought, however, that the foremost men of New Orleans could not fail to see the vital neces- sity of inducing good people to till the soil and develope such resources, upon the advantages being plainly set before them. My judgment proved to be correct, as shown by the following list of a few of the subscribers to an agitation fund, and whose names are " household words " amongst our population. The movement from that moment was an assured success. R. S. Howard, Esq., President of Chamber of Commerce. Hon. Duncan F. Kenner, President of Sugar Planters' Association. The State of the Future. 75 Adam Thomson, Esq., Sugar Merchant. Bradish Johnson, Esq., Sugar Factor. Charles Black, Esq., President of Cotton Exchange. Sam'l H. Kennedy, Esq., President of State National Bank. Payne & Kennedy, Cotton Factors. Hon. Edward J. Gay, M. C. G. H. Oglesby, Esq., President of Louisiana National Bank. Jules Cassard, Esq. , President of Germania National Bank. John Chaffe & Son, Cotton Factors. Bush and Levert, Cotton Factors. Col. E. Richardson, Cotton Factor. D. H. Holmes, Esq., Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods. Yale & Bowling, Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods. Schmidt & Ziegler, Wholesale Grocers. S. Hernsheim & Bros. , Wholesale Cigar and Tobacco Merchants. John J. Adams & Co., Wholesale Grocers. Southern Insurance Co. Crescent Insurance Co. A. Baldwin, Esq., President of N.^O. National Bank. J. N. Pidcock, Esq., M.C. Forestall, Clayton & Co., Shipping Merchants. A. K. Miller & Co., Shipping Merchants. J. Y. Gilmore, Esq., Proprietor of " Sugar Bowl." A. Lehman & Co., Wholesale Dry Goods. J. L. Lyons, Esq., Wholesale Druggists. Finlay & Co. , Wholesale Druggists. R. T. Wilson, Esq., President of Mississippi Valley Railroad. Shattock & Hoffman, Sugar and Cotton Factors. T. L. Airey & Co. , Cotton Factors. John Dymond, Esq., Sugar Factor. Leon Wolff, Esq., General Merchant. John Calder & Co., Sugar Factors. Oliver Beirne, Esq. , Sugar Planter and Factor. R. MiUiken, President of Sugar Exchange. John Phelps & Co., Cotton Factors. B. D. Wood & Bros. R. Viterbo. Theodore Wilkinson. Edward Fenner. A. & C. Denis. Henry Baldwin. Geo. Q Whitney, Banker, etc. Alfred Moulton & Co. Merchants' Mutual Insurance Co. 76 Louisiana and its Resources; Leon Godchaux. G. W. Dunbar's Sons. J. A. Mallaron, President of Hope Insurance Co. E. Miltonberger, President of Southern Insurance Co. Wm. H. Letchford. J. H. Stauffer. Red River and Coast Line Co. Brown & Jones. Drysdale & Son. H. J. Mullen. Marshall J. Smith. B. J. Montgomery & Co. Edwards & Hamilton. Clark & Meader. H. Drake, Esq. And many others. Owing to the fearful inundation of the same year and the necessity of subscribing liberally to the World's Centennial Cotton Exposition, the purses of these and other gentlemen were severely taxed, which naturally militated greatly against the immigration fund, which in spite of all obstacles, how- ever, assumed fair proportions. My success in this arduous undertaking and enhstment of the sympathy and aid of the city's foremost men created petty opposition amongst a few theorists, who entertained the very impracticable idea of building and establishing a " Castle Garden " before any stream of immigration had set in ; they thought the Castle Garden would attract immigration, I thought that the Castle Garden had better be based on the necessities of an assured periodical arrival of families of settlers from all parts of the world, brought by earnest work in many fields. My long experience tells me that my view of the matter is a right one, and will be proved by subsequent events- Whenever such a necessity presents itself, the State will authorize and sup- port (of itself, no small matter) such an institution. By the present arrangement strangers and newcomers are fully protected by the different railway companies, who provide officials to escort them to the train on which they leave. Those wishing to stop at New Orleans a short time can be comfortably housed at a cost of seventy-five cents per day. It is of course in the interest of the State that a direct channel of immigration may be opened to New Orleans. Unfortunately there is no reliable direct line of steamers running from European ports to our city, and until such a company is started it will be wise for all settlers to come via New York. To New York by ordinary steamer will take, say ten days, to which is to be added three days by rail, or six days by coast steamer to New Orleans, The State of the Future. 11 which will make a difference in the time consumed in traveling of about one-half I don't see how the choice of route can be questioned; the journey by rail from New York will afford a pleasant glimpse of our big- country to strangers, especially as several railway companies have very liberally granted special low rates for bona fide emigrants. A direct and reliable line of steamers from European ports to New Orleans, with regular departures, will certainly command my loyal co- operation and support. The fullest protection and supervision of my authorized agents (and frequently in person) will be accorded to all Europeans and others coming to New York — steerage passengers landing at Castle Garden, and first and second class passengers coming ashore at the steamer's dock. Arrivals at New Orleans wiU please report directly at my office, where the fullest measures are taken for their protection and guidance. Any large party will be personally conducted to, and located at their point of destina- tion. This applies equally to parties arriving in New York from various parts of United States going South. All communications to be addressed to me. State Bureau of Immigra- tion of Louisiana, 127 Broad Street, New York. GENERAL ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS. Upon leaving home do not form casual acquaintances, let no one know your business, or enter into any game of chance, or cards, with strangers. Do not accept any overtures from or invitations to drink with any, however promising, clerical or official the exterior of such personages may be, nine times out of ten they will prove to be " confidence operators," or as here designated " bunco steerers." Do not carry anymore cash with you than actually needed for the requirements of the journey, as drafts for any sum can be obtained easily at my offices in London or New York or at banking houses, payable in New Orleans, or principal points. I caution my European clients to adhere strictly to the letter of my advice, a long experience and the interests involved may safely be taken as indicative of my desire to see each individual who may be in my charge happily and safely brought to his or her destination. The success of every comer is my great desire, the report of one settler (substantiated) of the smallest misrepresentation on my part would do me infinitely more harm than all the efforts of years could efface. The pros- perity of the settler means the success of the State. Parties who contemplate making their homes in Louisiana and wish to reap the advantage of specially reduced prepaid passage rates, by favorite Hnes of steamers, will please address my authorized agents, Messrs. J. A. GOULD &- CO. General Passenger and Shipping Agents, 127 Broad 78 Louisiana and its Resources; Street, N. K, by land and water, and for whose liability I vouch ; prepaid passage tickets are issued at a lower rate than can be obtained from European agents, all representations to the contrary notwithstanding. Idlers and dudes I advise to stay where they are, only workers are wanted and welcomed. TO INTENDING SETTLERS AND OTHERS. In reply to many inquiries, I wish to say that there is nothing extraor- dinary in the fact that this State, where " such varied and valuable resources in a climate so salubrious can hardly be foimd anywhere else on the face of the earth " (see Official Report of United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C, and quoted elsewhere) should have been little known to the outside world. There are many reasons for this. The war of secession, unwillingness of owners of the soil netting large sums of money to make known its advantages to outsiders, and the thoroughly con- servative nature of the old planter population will amply account for its seclusion, added to the public attention being continually drawn by loud flourish of trumpets to the " Great West " and other fields for immigration. No railway companies own large tracts of land in Louisiana, hence the small amount of advertising done on behalf of the State to which I have pinned my faith (in spite of many tempting offers made me to represent other States and corporate bodies). I do not fear for the future of Louisiana. Already many of the best class of settlers have found it equal to their anticipations, and greatly superior to the uncolored representations. I have carefully repressed any personal inclination to paint with gaudy hues, now so much in vogue in the booming of certain semi-tropical States. All information and particulars of routes by rail or water will be cheer- fully given on applicatiom to me — address — The State Agent of Immigra- tion of Louisiana, 127 Broad Street, New York City. I would call attention to my recent appointment of George K. Bradford, Esq. , of Rayne, Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana, as Deputy State Agent of Immigration for the parishes of Saint Landry, La Fayette and Vermilion. The appointment could be in no better hands. A young man of enviable antecedents and good ability, Mr. Bradford has during a com- paratively short residence in the thriving town of Rayne made himself recognized as a man of mark, his acumen as a land attorney being as con- spicuous as his love of square dealing. In his late venture as proprietor and editor of the Acadia Sentinel, and in all of his transactions I wish him a large measure of prosperity. Mr. Bradford's advertisements appear in our columns elsewhere. -o^ j'/iQ State of the Future. 79 The extraordinary nature of the inducements offered to the pubhc by the Mississippi Valley Railway Company merits more than this passing notice. Over 700,000 acres of magnificent land in the Yazoo Delta are sold in farms and lots of all sizes, to actual settlers, on terms which will meet the (limited) means of large numbers from the Northwestern and Middle and Eastern States as well as Europe. Industrious farmers cannot fail to reahze at least a competency in a few years, amply sufficient for future old age to be looked at with complacency. I refer my readers to this Company's advertisement, for timber, cotton, sugar, rice, etc. these lands can hardly be equalled. Parties reaching the South by the favorite route of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, via Newport News, will pass over this road, and have an opportunity of seeing the richness of the splendid country. Low fares and stop over tickets will be hberally granted by this Company to all prospectors of land, etc. The South Illustrated is a new enterprise which every man wishing to keep himself informed of the wonderful advance of the South should read, and more important still, digest. Using its own words, " The leading object and purpose of the paper is to disseminate information pertaining to the natural wealth, climate, soil, and other advantages of great States now presenting splendid inducements to capitalists, and to home seekers in the Northern States, about which so little comparatively is known there." The subscription list of this admirable paper will soon grow to gigantic proportions, its price — one dollar per annum — typography, conspicuous editorial ability, and sprightly, wide-awake, and interesting contents making it a monthly necessity for the office and store as well as the farmhouse and ranche in the North and in the South. The worthy proprietors have my cordial wishes for South realizing a big success. May prosperous winds steadily waft their journalistic bark over the seas of popular favor. The lands advertised by Messrs. John Chafife & Sons are well worthy the attention of all classes of settlers and investors, the prices are reasonable, climate very good, and soil admirably adapted to the various crops men- tioned in the advertisement. I speak from personal knowledge of these lands. Enquiries should be made at once to the owners. It is now generally recognized that the use of the latest and most scientific machinery goes hand in hand with profitable sugar raising, in fact 80 Louisiana and its Resources; with the prices now ruling planters must as a matter of necessity keep up with the march of improvements. To such, I call attention to the advertise- ment of Messrs. Edwards & Haubtman, New Orleans. These gentlemen are known everywhere in the South. They take the very high position in the business community to which their skill and honorable dealing entitles them, and stand second to none as manufacturers of all kinds of sugar, brewing, and distilling machinery. It affords me much pleasure to take this opportunity of thanking the proprietor and editor of the Sugar Bowl, J. Y. Gilmore, Esq., 6 Camp Street, New Orleans, for many courtesies extended to me. He has ever been a true friend to our movement, always recognizing that bringing into Louisiana o-ood men, tillers of its soil and developers of its wonderful resources, is the real panacea for " bad times since the war." I trust that Mr. Gilmore's success may be measured by my good wishes. Intending emigrants from the Northwestern States and points centering at Chicago will be supplied with all information respecting routes, fares, etc., to Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, etc., by applying to — FRANK BOWES, Esq., General Passenger Agent, Illinois Central Railway Co.'s Offices, 121 Randolph Street, Chicago, III. I may remind my Northwestern readers and friends that the Illinois Central is the great trunk line, known throughout the Continent as the true Northwestern and Southern connection. It is hardly necessary for me to remark that the firms, etc., advertising in this work are of good standing and reliability. Persons desiring to insert advertisements in the next edition of this work will please apply to the author — J. C. MORRISON, 127 Broad Street, New York City, N, Y., OR 6 Camp Street, New Orleans, La. The State of the Future. 81 The Times -DemoBPat, 58 CAMP STREET, Is a Journal devoted to the interests and developement of the new and progressional South, Its columns are full of valuable information and statis- tics relative to the wonderful resources of this favored section and should be consulted by those who are interested in the New South. The paper will be mailed free to any address in the United States and Canada on receipt of the subscription price, which is . DAILY, PER ANNUM, - - $12.00. WEELKY, " - - 1.50. /■ As it is the most influential and widely circulated paper ever published in the South, it is a most valuable medium for advertising, rates for which will be furnished on application to the office, in New Orleans, La. 82 Louisiana and its Resources; SUBSCRIBE NOW! The South Illustrated, PUBLISHED MONTHLY AT 102 CANAL STREET, NEW ORLEANS. LA. Devoted to the Development of the South. SUPERBLY ILLUSTRATED. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, STTOO A YE AR^ Every issue replete with information pertaining to the ' Resources of the Southern States, Their unmatched advantages of CLIMATE jLJS/^ soil. Adaptation to a wide range of ApiW PrDflocts, LiTe M, Tropical Ms, k, Vast and widely distributed MINERAL AND WOODED WEALTH, And the late marked impetus on many lines of Industrial Progres=', especially in Iron Manufactures, Railroads, &c. The most effective Advertising Medium in the South. Rates for Advertisements and Subscription furnished on application to New York Office, 127 Broad St., New York The State of the Future. 83 CANE GROWING! TlieSiarBilaMFariJiiiiriiil! Organ of the Louisiana Sugar Planters' Association. Pub- lished weekly at No. 6 Camp Street, Corner Canal Street, New Orleans, La., at S3.00 PER Ai^i^UMI Devoted to SUGAR PLANTING and GENERAL AGRI- CULTURE. Every number contains practical articles on CANE AND RICE CULTURE (Both these crops can be profitably grown in half the States ;) Siar iinlactiire from Caie, Sorilim, M\ etc. Culture of Fibrous Plants, such as JUTE, RAMIE. FLAX, ETC. — ALSO ON — Sugar Macliinery, Agricultural Implements and Farm Topics generally. Sample Copies sent free. Address, J. Y. GILMOEE, Publisher, 6 CAMP STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA. 84 Louisiana and its Resources ; Q^THB Evening Chronicle PDBLISHED EVERY DAY IN THE YEA| CircolatiOD Large i CoistaDtly Increasini i A Lively Journal for the Home and Family. PROGRESS AND BUSIN SUBSCRIPTION: Daily, per Annum, - - - $6.00. Weekly, delivered by Carriers, - 15 Cts. Address, BUSINESS MANAGER, 43 NATCHEZ STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA. The State of the Future. 85 44 T r^'^ff"^ ^w — ^ M 9> 39 NATCHEZ STREET, The Great Evening Daily. LIVE, independent; progressive POPULAR. ijm^sfflmiss PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. (SUNDAYS INCLUDED.) IvAROEST CITPY CIRCULATION Subscription, - - - $6.00 1 Year. Subscription, - - - 60 Cents 1 Month. By Carriers or Mail. 86 Louisiana and its Resources; ^ THE ^ L'Abeille de la Kouvelle-Orleans. A Daily Newspaper, established on the 1st of September, 1827, and universally known throughout Louisia^na and the neighboring States, The ''Bee " is now published exclusively in French, and is the achnowledged organ of the Franco -American popu- lation. A very valuable family paper and specially recommended to those of our American readers, ladies and gentlemen, who wish to enhance their knowledie of the French language. Subscription Terms : By Mail— Payable in Advance, Postage Prepaid. Per annum, $12; 6 months, $6; 3 months $3; 1 month, $1: Weekly (8 double pages) published Saturday Mornmg. Per annum, $3; 6 months, $1.50; 3 months, 75 cents. The State of the Future. 87 THE Acadia Sentinel, GEORGE K. BRADFORD, Editor and Prop. LIBERAL AND PROGRESSIVE JOURNAL DEVOTED TO THE INTEEESTS OF SOUTH WESTERN LOUISIANA PuTDlished Weekly, at Hayne, La, Subscription, $2.00 per Annum, in Advance. ORDERS FOR Job Printing Neatly Executed, AT SHORT NOTICE AND LOW RATES. Louisiana and its Resources; QFlii Sf8ufI (^ompang. AMERICAN TRAVEL: Single Excursion and Round Tour tickets to all the leading WINTER and SUMMER RESORTS in the UNITED STATES, CANADA, MEXICO, the V/EST INDIES, BERMUDAS, NASSAU, N. P., the LESSER ANTILLES, &c. EUROPEAN TRAVEL: Passage and Best Accommodation secured by all TRANSATLANTIC STEAMSHIP LINES and on the MEDITERRANEAN STEAMERS to the ORIENT. Railroad Tickets to All Points of inter- est in GREAT BRITAIN and the EUROPEAN CONTINENT. Circular Drafts, Letters of Credit, Coupon Credits and Bank Notes, available in all parts of Europe, Asia. Africa y Australia, North and South America. Send ten cents in postage stamps for a copy of the " WORLD TEA VEL GAZETTE," containing full information, maps, &c. WORLD TRAYEL COMPINY, 207 BROADWAY, COR. FULTON ST., NEW YORK. The State oj^ the Future. 89 WINES, LIQUORS k BEER SOLE AGENTS FOE EVARI8TE DUPONT, BORDEAUX WINES & COGNAC. Jos. ScMilz Brewing Co. MILWAUKEE Keg and Bottle Beer. ARPAD HARAZTHY & CO.,^ SAN FRANCISCO Wines, ChampagDes & Brandies, ffl GEORGE GOULET,J RHEIMS CHAMPAGNE G. W. M. REEDS BITTER CO..Q NEW HAVEN. oo SOLE AGENTS FOR HAEDWI&KANTOEOTIZ POSEN, Litthauer Kuemmel AND Fancy Cordial. C.MoerleiiiBrewliiiCo. CINCINNATI Keg and Bottle Beer. 0!)ROSSKAM,GERSTLEY&CO. PHIL. RYE WHISKY. >E.H. TAYLOR Jr., & CO., BOURBON WHISKIES. oo 51, 53, 55 and 59 CUSTOMHOUSE ST., •90 Louisiana and its Resoiirccs; •*^ ^-^ "THE |^^>^ |_^ ,^_i^^i_^ c^—i TFe desire to record our well supported opinion, that few, if any, investment at the present time equal JMiciously Ijoilit Soitlerii Tiler Lanis Direct intercourse with owners and thorough knowledge of the country, enables us to put invest- ors on the best possible footing. J. A. GOULD & CO., 137 Broad St., NEW YORK. THE £. F., and V. S. One with Oscillating, and the other with Vibrating Shuttle. THE BEST ITV THE "V^OI^^LD- iNeedles for all Sewing Machines and parts for the Singer. Singer N. F. shuttles, 25 cents each, postage extra. Send for Catalogue and Pnce List. S. E. BUNDLE, Agt. The Singer MTg Co., 185 Canal St., New Orleans. The State of the Future. 91 fefitti liehti^^ * HOME+ FOR + IMMIGRANTS -i-AND TRAVELERS 83 South Front St., NEW ORLEANS. Mrs. F. GROTE, Proprietress. ^ COMFORTABLE HOME WITH BOUNTIFUL BOARD, AT LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES. J. A. GOULD & CO., DEALERS IN AND PLANTATION LANDS, The attention of Capitalists is called to these fine investment. GENEIjAL PASSAGE AND TICKET /GENTS. COMMISSIONS. No. 127 Broad Street, NEW YORK CITY. 92 Louisiana and its Resources ; '^iSi?^' ^ the: ^^ -^issj^- PICAYUNE The LEADING NEWSPAPER of the SOUTH. TTIhE New Orleans Picayune, established fifty years ago, has kept pace with the -*■" progress of journalism, and is now the most reliable and best paper pvibliHhed in the South. THE DAILY PICA¥Ulfl Is independent and fearless in its editorial conduct. It has the widest and most com- plete system of news gathering by telegraph, correspondence and reportorial corps, and the most accurate and complete market, commercial, and financial statements published in New Orleans. THl W IIKLY PICAYUNE . Which may be taken separately from the daily subscription service, is full and com- plete in all news departments, with the added features of household fashion and society talk, and a feast of choice original and literary matter for home reading. The- special writings of " Cathaeine Cole," Henky Haynie, [Paris correspondentj, Jennie June, [fashion writer], Mollie Mooee Davis, and many others, appear in in the Sunday issue. THE WllKLY PI€A¥Ulf] This mammoth sixteen page paper is the best and cheapest weekly paper published in the Sonth. In a condensed form it contains all the news of the week, the cream of all literary and the best special features of the Sunday issue, with an important Agbicultueal Depaetment, conducted by Daniel Dennett, and the latest maeket EEPOETs. The weekly is published Eveey Thtjesday Moening and reaches all sub- scribers for Sunday reading $1 O.OOO worth of useful and ornamental articles for ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, are offered to all who will get subscribers for the Weekly Picayune. Lists of these valu- able presents will be sent to any address. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. DAILY, 7 issues a week. 1 YEAE... $12.00 I 6 MONTHS.. .$6.00 | 3 MONTHS. ..$3.00 | 1 MONTH. ..$1.00 SUNDAY PICAYUNE BY MAIL. 1 YEAR $2.00 i (5 MONTHS $1.00 WEEKLY PICAYUNE. 1 YEAR $1.50 I 6 MONTHS 75c I 3 MONTHS 60c SPECIAL BATES TO CLUBS. For sample copies, club rates of Weekly,, list of presents for club raisers, etc., address: NICHOLSON & CO., Props., New Orleans, La. LOUISIANA AND ITS RESOURCES; THE STATE OF THE FUTURE. An Official Guide for Capitalists, Manufacturers, Agriculturists, AND THE Emigrating Masses. By J. CHRONEGK MORRISON State Immigration Agent for Louisiana ; abroad, Foreign Commissioner Louisiana State Immigration Society, &c. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 544 657