CHAP. XXXII.] MAGNOLIA STEAMEE. 207 



beds excellent; but the powerful vibration caused by 

 the machinery far from agreeable. Our state room 

 contained a chest of drawers, and cupboards for 

 hanging up ladies dresses. Ample time was al 

 lowed for dinner, and we thought the fare only too 

 sumptuous. The repast began with turtle soup, and 

 two kinds of fish; then followed a variety of made 

 dishes, admirably cooked, and then a course of cocoa- 

 nut pies, jellies, preserved bananas, oranges, grapes, 

 and ice-creams, concluding with coffee. The claret 

 was excellent, and it may seem strange, at first, that 

 they who indulge in such luxuries, can drink freely 

 of the opaque, unfiltered water of the Mississippi. 

 But this fluid has, at least, the merit of being cool 

 on a hot day, and is believed to be very wholesome. 

 We found it pleasant to the taste, however untempt- 

 ing to the sight. Few of the praises bestowed by 

 Denham on the Thames can be lavished on the 

 Mississippi ; for, though deep, it is not clear, nor is it 

 &quot; without o erflowing, full.&quot; Yet, in spite of the oc 

 casional undermining of forests on its banks, it may 

 be truly characterised as &quot; strong, without rage ;&quot; 

 absorbing, as it does, in its course, one great tri 

 butary after another, several of them scarcely inferior 

 in width to itself, without widening its channel, and 

 in this manner carrying down noiselessly to the sea 

 its vast column of water and solid matter, while 

 the greater part of its alluvial plain is left undis 

 turbed. 



A settler at Natchez told us he had lived on the 

 great river long enough to admire it, for the ease 

 with which it performs its mighty work ; and to fear 



