CHAP. XXXII.] FOSSILS ON PEARL RIVEE. 209 



attains an elevation of about 250 feet above the sea, 

 and then gives place to older rocks. 



We passed through large forests of oaks and 

 beeches, just coming into leaf, in which were some 

 green hollies. The red-bud, in blossom, was conspi 

 cuous in some of the woods. In the wet grounds 

 were cane-brakes, Avillows, and magnolias. I ob 

 served, in a large clearing, three ploughs following 

 each other, one guided by a man, and the others 

 each by a negro woman. When we reached the Big 

 Black river, twelve miles from Vicksburg, we passed 

 over a long wooden bridge and viaduct, built on piles, 

 nearly a mile in length. In about four hours, we 

 arrived at the town of Jackson. I was wholly with 

 out letters of introduction, having suddenly deter 

 mined on this excursion, and knew not the name of a 

 single individual ; which I regretted the more, as I 

 had only a few hours of daylight at my disposal, and 

 was to return by the cars at noon the day following. 

 1 inquired, as I had often done in France on similar 

 occasions, for the nearest pJiarmacien^ or chemist, and, 

 being shown to a shop, asked if they knew any one 

 who was interested in geology. The chemist in 

 formed me that Dr. Gist, a physician, lodged in the 

 floor above, and might assist me. Fortunately, this 

 gentleman was at home, and, telling me he had read 

 my work on Geology, he presented me with some 

 fossil shells and corals collected by him in the neigh 

 bourhood; and, within ten minutes of my &quot;landing&quot; 

 from the cars, we were on our way together to ex 

 plore the dried-up channel of a small tributary of 

 the Pearl River, where I found a rich harvest of 



