1873, 874] GULF AND SHIP ISLAND RAIL ROAD. 387 



all the islands of this group. Cat Island is probably the best in 

 point of fertility, as there is a plantation on it — respecting which 



I could not, however, learn any particulars. The " Spit ", a 



white sand-hill on Cat Island, sixty feet in hight, is a land mark, 

 and the only one, on this coast. 



The shape and extent of the sandbars connected with these 

 islands, is, of course, somewhat variable, since storm-tides will 

 sometimes sweep away some and enlarge others ; yet the channels 

 for navigation are on the whole subject to but little change. 



It is asserted by pilots that the narrow neck of land which connects the East 

 End of Ship Island with the West End, has within their recollection been 

 broken through by the sea, so as to allow small craft to pass through the break ; 

 but has subsequently been closed up again. 



873. In consequence of the irregular configuration of the sea- 

 bottom (as exhibited in the soundings of the Coast Survey charts) 

 and the diversions caused by the islands, the tides of Mississippi 

 Sound are very perplexing to the novice. The increase of depth 

 from the shore seaward, is so gradual, that wharves of great 

 length are necessary to accomodate the shipping. 



Thus the wharf at Dr. Tegardens Hotel, Mississippi City, is about two-thirds 

 of a mile in length, and that of Barnes' Hotel nearly three-quarters ; which 

 allows of sufficient depth of water for the New Orleans Steamers, even at low 

 tide. Hundreds of smaller wharves have been built, all along the coast, in 

 front of private residences. 



The extensive oyster banks of Mississippi Sound are well and 

 widely known and appreciated ; the bivalve is of superior quality. 

 The great number and variety of excellent fish found in the same 

 waters, will scarcely fail to satisfy the most fastidious taste. 



874. I have been somewhat minute in the description of the 

 general character of the Coast region, because it is less known to 

 the majority of the people of Mississippi, than any other portion 

 of the State ; in consequence, no doubt, of the difficulty of inter- 

 communication at present existing. Although abstractly aware of 

 the fact that Mississippi possesses a share in the shores and waters 

 of the Gulf, it has not, until recently, entered to any great extent 

 into the calculations of the people at large. Yet the most casual 

 observer, so soon as personal inspection shall have made him 

 conscious of the reality, cannot fail to be impressed with the 

 immense importance of opening a highway through which Missis- 

 sippi may communicate, over her own soil, with a portion of her 

 territory which possesses both a harbor commensurate with the 

 magnitude of her commercial interests, and a climate not only 

 healthful and pleasant, but capable, moreover, of producing many 



