369 



involved in doubt and obscurity, without these advan- 

 tages, must appear obvious to every intelligent mind. 

 But, when the motives and the object are kept in view, 

 it is hoped that a suitable indulgence will not be with- 

 held. 



Notwithstanding the disadvantages which have 

 been stated, there are two facts on which, from their 

 actual existence, and unequivocal character, I shall 

 risk the final decision. 



The first is, that lands which are higher than the 

 overflowing or inundation of the river, or the tides of 

 the sea, could not, as before, have been formed by ei- 

 ther. Of such, the district in question abounds. This 

 conclusion, however, is drawn from the remarks of Mr. 

 Darby, who observes, The following line includes 

 all the territorial surface upon which the sugar cane 

 has as yet been attempted, in the state of Louisiana. 

 Beginning at the Rigolets, and running through Lakes 

 Pouchartrain and Maurepas, and up the Amite and 

 Iberville rivers to the Mississippi ; thence up the lat- 

 ter stream, including the settlements at Point Coupee, 

 and Fausse Riviere ; thence west to Opelousas ; and 

 thence including the Teche and Jltchafalaya to their 

 mouths ; thence along the coast of the gulf of Mexico, 

 to the place of beginning." 



Now if the lands included within the above limits, 

 (the superficies of which amount to more than two- 

 thirds of the district under consideration,) are suscepti- 

 ble of the cultivation of the sugar cane, and particu- 

 larly that portion which li^s *< along the coast ot the 



48 



