Cotton is the staple commodity, and is raised 

 in great perfection ; it is planted the last of Feb- 

 ruary, or beginning of March. Those who have 

 large plantations derive great profits, and are 

 able, in a short time, to accumulate handsome 

 fortunes. This is the utmost northern limits of 

 the growth of the sugar cane. Some sugar has 

 been made, but this kind of culture does not suc- 

 ceed. Excellent Indian corn is produced with 

 little labour, and may be planted from the first of 

 March to July. Good rye has grown in some 

 ground, but wheat does not succeed. Indigo, 

 hernp^ flax, and rice, are cultivated to advantage. 

 Apples and cherries appear not to be adapted to 

 the climate, but plumbs, peaches, figs, and olives, 

 yield their fruit in plenty. Sweet and sour oranges 

 will grow here, but thrive much better further 

 down the river. 



About fifty miles below Natchez are Loftus* 

 Heights. Fort Adams is on the side of these 

 heights, about one third of the way up, and on 

 the summit is a strong block house, which over- 

 looks the fort and surrounding country. A Cap- 

 tain's command is stationed at the fort ; and four 

 miles east, at Washington Springs, is a handsome 

 cantonment, with quarters for three hundred men. 

 On the land in this vicinity are considerable set- 

 tlements. 



Four miles below Fort Adams, is the line of 

 demarkation, agreed upon between the United- 

 States and the Spanish government. Prior to the 



