Valley of the Mississippi 



The reason why this plant has hitherto appeared to succeed better 

 in the valley of the Mississippi is, that the inhabitants have paid 

 greater attention to its cultivation, in consequence of the exorbitant 

 price they were obliged to pay for it if obtained from the eastern or 

 southern markets. Now, however, it is clearly demonstrated that 

 under similar parallels of latitude on the coast, the climate is 

 equally favourable to its growth. 



2. The Catalpa.— This plant has already been noticed and no- 

 thing further need be added in this place. 



3. Sassafras*— This is found abundantly in all the northern 

 states, on the coast, and also in Canada.t Michaux observes, that 

 " from Boston to the banks of the Mississippi, and from the shores 

 of the ocean in Virginia to the remotest wilds of Upper Louisiana 

 beyond the Missouri, comprising an extent in each direction of 

 more than 1800 miles, the sassafras is sufficiently multiplied to be 

 ranked among the most common trees."! 



4. Papaw.§ — According to Pursh, this tree is found on the 

 overflowed banks of rivers, from Pennsylvania to Florida. It is 

 not uncommon in the bottoms which stretch along the rivers of the 

 middle states ; but it is most abundant in the rich valleys inter- 

 sected by the western waters, where at intervals it forms thickets 

 exclusively occupying several acres. In Kentucky and in the 

 western part of Tennessee, it is sometimes also seen in forests 

 where the soil is of luxuriant fertility, of which it presents an infal- 

 lible proof.]) 



5. Pecan.*!— This tree is found on the banks of the Ohio, Mis- 

 sissippi, ^and other western streams,** and is peculiar to them ; 

 having never been found east of the Alleghanies. According to 

 the younger Michaux, it is not seen east of Louisville on the Ohio. 

 The elder Michaux learned from the French inhabitants, who as- 

 cend the Mississippi in quest of furs, that it is found on that river 

 as far as the mouth of the Great Mackakity, which discharges it- 

 self in latitude 42° 51'. 



