1GO FOSSILS ON PEARL RTVER. [CHAP. XXXII. 



coming into leaf, in which Avere some green hollies. The red- 

 bud, in. blossom, was conspicuous in some of the woods. In the 

 wet grounds were cane-brakes, willows, and magnolias. I observed, 

 in a large clearing, three plows 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 arid viaduct, built on piles, 

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

 town of Jackson. I was wholly without letters of introduction, 

 having suddenly determined on this excursion, arid 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. I inquired, as I had often 

 done in France on similar occasions, for the nearest pharmacien, 

 or chemist, and, being shown a shop, asked if they knew any one 

 who was interested in geology. The chemist informed 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 neighborhood ; and, 

 within ten minutes of my &quot; landing&quot; from the cars, \ve were on 

 our way together to explore the dried-up channel of a small 

 tributary of the Pearl River, where I found a rich harvest of 

 fossil marine shells and zoophytes. When we parted, my excellent 

 guide agreed to accompany me, early the next morning, many 

 miles in another direction. 



On entering my hotel, after dark, I was informed that supper 

 was ready, and was conducted to a large ordinary, crowded chiefly 

 by lawyers, who were attending the courts here. The landlord, 



General A , formerly of the Tennessee militia, played the 



part of master of the ceremonies, much to my amusement. He 

 first obtained silence by exclaiming, with the loud voice of a herald, 

 &quot; Gentlemen, we are a great people,&quot; and then called out the 

 names of all the viands on his long table and sideboard, beginning 

 with &quot; Beef-steak, with or without onions, roast turkey, pork, 

 hominy, fish, eggs, &c., and ending with a list of various drink 

 ables, the last of which was &quot; tea, foreign and domestic.&quot; 



