358 



the influence which they may have on the current of 

 the Mississippi river. 



It is, I believe, pretty well known, and generally 

 understood, that the tides in the gulf of Mexico rise 

 but very little, except during the prevalence of violent 

 north east or south east storms, or gales of wind. 

 The principal authority which we have for this, is that 

 of Mr. Stoddard, which has been already quoted, 

 page 88. On this subject he observes, " The differ- 

 ence between the highest and lowest stages of water in 

 the Balize, is about three feet." And moreover, 

 66 The tides have but little effect on the water at Xew 

 Orleans ; they sometimes cause it to swell, but never to 

 slacken its current.-'* 



Hence, when we take into view the amazing quan- 

 tity of water that flows in that river, and the force and 

 velocity of its current, which bears down almost ail 

 opposition, the conclusion is very obvious, that the 

 alluvion which may be, at any time, suspended in its 

 waters, must be carried and deposited at, or in the 

 neighbourhood of its confluence with the bay of 

 Mexico ; except when its banks are no longer capable 

 of retaining its waters, and they are free to overflow 

 and inundate the neighbouring country. From these 

 facts we might reasonably infer that this river would, 

 from the earliest periods of time, have been pushing 

 forward and depositing its alluvion farther and farther 

 into the sea, presenting to view, at the present time an 



* Sketches of Louisiana, page lo4. 



