THE MISSISSIPPI. 61 



flight of this bird is distinct from that of the 

 white-headed eagle ; it encircles a greater space, 

 whilst sailing keeps nearer to the land, and when 

 about to dive for fish, descends in a spiral line, 

 as if with the intention of checking every attempt 

 at retreat by its prey. 



Audubon's commercial expedition, rich in 

 attractions for his scientific observation, were 

 attended -also with the varied pleasures which 

 delight a passenger on the waters of the glorious 

 Mississippi. Interesting in its magnificence, 

 even beneath a cold winter sky, with keen blasts 

 whistling around, infinitely more so is it in the 

 freshness of the spring season, the radiance of 

 summer, or above all the brilliance of autmiin. 

 The vegetation adorning its shores is then en- 

 chanting. There the tall cotton tree mingles its 

 branches with those of the arrow-shaped ash, the 

 peccan or walnut. Huge oaks overspread the 

 densely tangled canes, from amongst which vines 

 of various kinds spring up, intertwining the 

 trunks and stems with their tendrils, till stretch- 

 ing from branch to branch the whole expanse is 

 covered, as with a canopy of vegetation, illu- 

 mined with rich hues of crimson, brown, and 

 gold. Adorning the distant prospect of hills 

 arise noble pines, magnoHas or hollies, waving 

 their lofty heads in the breeze. 



Fresh scenes of interest are continually dis- 

 6 



