290 AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [1612, 613, 614, 615, 616 



but generally leaning over to one side with a regular curve, and without strag- 

 gling branches on the trunk below the top. 



There are probably few trees, which, like the Black Jack, can 

 flourish on such extreme opposites of soil (*r347 2 ) ; and it would be 

 highly interesting to ascertain, by comparative analyses, what if; 

 the peculiarity of the soil by which the tree is guided in its selection. 



612. As for the Spanish (" Red") Oak, it does not frequent soils 

 of any extreme character, either physical (as to lightness or heavi- 

 ness) or chemical. 



Soils where this tree prevails, are generally easily tilled, yet not liable to 

 suffer from drouth. But as to their quality, a great deal depends upon the size 

 and form of the tree. If it be rather stout ; if the main branches grow out at 

 a large angle (more or less square) so as to form a rounded top, closed on all sides. 

 the soil is sure to be a strong one. But if the trunk is lank, slender, and of a 

 whitish hue ; forking into straight slender branches tending upwards, somewhat 

 in the shape of a broom, and presenting a tattered top which is open below : 

 little can be expected of the soil. 



613. Very nearly the same applies to the true Red, and Black 

 Oak proper, which are not distinguished in Mississippi, but are 

 both usually comprehended under the title of Black Oak. The 

 White Oak proper, when of a sturdy growth, with a rounded top. 

 belongs to the best of "hommock" soils; but it is not a safe mark 

 to judge by, when it is a lank and tall growth, with a very long top. 



614. I have thus briefly characterised these, the principal forest trees of the 

 Yellow Loam Begion, for convenient reference in the special description of its agri- 

 cultural features. It is necessary, of course, to exercise judgment in the applica- 

 tion of the rules given above, which are the result of personal study, as well as. 

 in a great measure, the expression of experience afloat among the people, which, 

 when reduced to a system (as no doubt can be done by careful investigation) 

 will be of the last importance in the selections of lands, and might render analy- 

 sis almost unnecessary (1T372). 



615. It is not only the mode of growth, but also, and very essentially, the size 

 of the trees which requires to be taken into consideration, in order to come to 

 a correct conclusion concerning the fertility and peculiarity of the soil. It is 

 with these several types of one and the same kind of tree, as it is with many- 

 separate species — as for instance, with the Bines. By common consent, we gen- 

 erally consider the presence of Bine among the Oak growth, as a sign of a soil 

 inferior to that which bears the Oak alone ; and yet, there is no surer sign 

 of a good soil in many of the bottoms of S. Mississippi, than the presence of 

 huge Bines even among the Sweet Gum, Poplar, Mulberry, and bottom Oaks. 



Nor is it to be expected, that in any region all the trees of one species should 

 exhibit the same type of growth. The soil of the hillsides will differ somewhat 

 from that of the hilltops ; and moreover, where the growth is crowded, the 

 peculiarities of form may be lost or ill defined. It is the type of ivell developed 

 trees which must be noticed, rather than of the majority of a crowded growth. 



616. Table lands of N. Marshall and N. W. Tippah. — The 

 lands known as the Marshall Table-lands are among the most fertile 

 uplands of the State, and are found to be particularly suited to the 

 culture of cotton. I have not as yet made a detailed examination, 

 of this region, and can only give generalities concerning it. — The 

 face of the country (on lower Wolf River and the northern heads 

 of Cold Water) is gently undulating, generally so as to be in little 

 danger of having the soil washed away, provided the proces 



