THE MISSISSIPPI. 6] 
flight of this bird is distinct from that of the 
white-headed eagle; it encircles a greater space, 
whilst sailing keeps nearer to the land, and when 
about to dive for fish, descends in a spiral line, 
_asif with the intention of checking every attempt 
at retreat. by its prey. 
Audubon’s commercial expedition, rich in 
attractions for his scientific observation, were 
attended also with the varied pleasures which 
delight a passenger on the waters of the glorious 
Mississippi. Interesting in its magnificence, 
even beneath a cold winter sky, with keen blasts 
whistling around, infinitely more so is it in the 
freshness of the spring season, the radiance of 
summer, or above all the brilliance of autumn. 
The vegetation adorning its shores is then en- 
chanting. There the tall cotton tree mingles its 
branches with those of the arrow-shaped ash, the 
peccan or walnut. Huge oaks overspread the 
densely tangled canes, from amongst which vines 
of various kinds spring up, intertwining the 
trunks and stems with their tendrils, till stretch- 
ing from branch to branch the whole expanse is 
covered, as with a canopy of vegetation, illu- 
mined with rich hues of crimson, brown, and 
gold. Adorning the distant+ prospect of hills 
arise noble pines, magnolias or hollies, waving 
their lofty heads in the breeze. 
Fresh scenes of interest are continually dis- 
6 
