160 AUDUBON, THE NATURALIST 1 



The plantations here are of great value, both on account 

 of their proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, and the excellence of 

 the soil, which, as in other parts of Louisiana, is composed of a 

 fat, black mould. The Indian corn was at least six feet high, 

 and looked most beautiful. As we approached the mansion of 

 Major Gordy, I observed that it has a pleasant aspect, and was 

 furnished with a fine garden, and a yard well stocked with cattle, 

 together with a good number of horses and mules, just let loose 

 from labour. A mill for grinding corn and making sugar par- 

 ticularly drew our notice to it, as the Crusader happened just 

 then to be destitute of both articles ; and as I saw some women 

 milking the cows, my heart fairly leaped with joy, and the 

 hope that ere long we might procure a full bowl of the delightful 

 and salubrious beverage. The short twilight of our southern 

 latitudes had now almost involved every object in that dim 

 obscurity so congenial to most living creatures after the toils 

 of the day, as allowing them to enjoy that placid quiet which 

 is required to restore their faded energies. 



Near the entrance of the mansion stood an elderly man, of 

 tall stature and firm aspect, leaning on what I would call a 

 desperate long gun. As I approached this Cote Blanche 

 planter, I thought that something not so very friendly as I 

 could have wished was expressed in his countenance. As he 

 rested his heavy frame on his monstrous rifle, he neither moved 

 his head, nor held out his hand to me, until I presented mine to 

 him, saying, "My good sir, how do you do?" His answer was a 

 rather suspicious look at me and my companions ; but not- 

 withstanding, and probably because he was on his own ground, 

 he asked us what was our wish, and then desired us to 

 walk in. 



Cote Blanche Bay, you must be informed, has for a number 

 of years been infested by a set of rascally piratical vagabonds, 

 who have committed extensive depredations, in consequence 

 of which, a few years ago, a United States' revenue cutter 

 was sent to protect the coast. I have no doubt that the major 

 took us, to a man, for members of the gang who had more 

 than once visited, not his house, but his plantation, on 



