CHAPTER XIV. 



FROM the grounds which have been assumed, and the 

 manner in which the subject of alluvial formations, 

 and the deltas of rivers have been treated, and par- 

 ticularly those of the Po, the Indus, the Ganges, and 

 the Nile, it may reasonably be expected that some- 

 thing will be said, on the delta of the Mississippi, or 

 at least that part of the alluvial formation through 

 which it passes, for more than two degrees of latitude. 

 There are but few instances of the kind in the 

 world that possess more interest, nor but few 

 that afford a more extensive field for investigation, 

 than this mighty sovereign of rivers, and the districts 

 on its borders. At the same time, no instance occurs 

 in which the subject appears to be involved in more 

 profound obscurity, or is* attended with greater and 

 more numerous difficulties in acquiring a correct 

 knowledge of facts, than the one under consideration. 

 That a very considerable increase and extent of 

 soil and alluvial formations have been created at the 

 mouth of this river, cannot for a moment be doubted. 

 But where the original limits of the bay of Mexico 



