264 Department of Conservation of Louisiana 



A typical marsh fire seen at a distance. 



The firing of the marshes is no new thing. Witness the 

 testimony of M. LePage du Pratz, who, writing of condi- 

 tions in 1719 in Louisiana, said: 



"We set out in the month of September, which is 

 the best season of the year for beginning a journey 

 in this country ; in the first place, because, during the 

 summer, the grass is too high for traveling; whereas, 

 in the month of September, the meadows, the grass of 

 which is then dry, are set on fire, and the ground be- 

 comes smooth, and easy to walk on ; and hence it is 

 that at this time clouds of smoke are seen for several 

 days together to extend over a long tract of country; 

 sometimes to the extent of between twenty and thirty 

 leagues in breadth, more or less, according as the wind 

 sets, and is higher or lower. In the second pla/?e, this 

 season is the most commodious for traveling over those 

 countries; because, by means of the rain, which ordi- 

 narily falls after the grass is burnt, the game spread 

 themselves all over the meadows, and delight to feed 

 on the new grass, which is the reason why travelers 

 more easily find provisions at this time than at any 

 other." 



