FOREST RLGIONS OF THE COTTON BELT. 
67 
d. Of a similar character, but somewhat less heavy, is the tree growth 
upon the lands iu ceutral Alabama and easte rn .Mississippi, of the Cre- 
taceous plain, corresponding to our subdivision No. 5 a, or the blaek 
prairie region. This region is now almost denuded of its original for- 
est growth, as are also the lands of the preeeding division ; aud it is 
only iu the bottoms of the larger streams, more or less difficult of ac- 
cess, that the dense and heavy forests are still fouud uutouched by the 
woodman's ax. 
e. Prairies and grassy savannas, more or less wet, east of the Trin- 
ity River, and in the coast plains of southeast Texas aud southwest 
Louisiana and the glades of Florida. High and dry ridges of live-oak 
scrub, with mesquite bushes, in the prairie region of western Texas. 
This division corresponds with No. 2 above. 
/ (a). Region of the long-leaf pine (Pinus australis). 
In the coast plains of East and West Florida the long-leaf pine is as- 
sociated with the Cuban pine, and on the most infertile and arid ridges, 
with the turkey oak (Q. Catesbcei). Open forests, with no undergrowth 
on the rolling lands; with a dense smaller growth of evergreens in 
the marshy depressions and along the streams, particularly towards 
the coast. These evergreens are Ti-ti (Cliftonia liguxtrina), Magnolia 
(jlaura, M. grandijhn'ti ; various species of Ilex, lllicium Jloridanum, 
Vacciniums, Andromeda, sweet-leaf Bumclia, white cedar (Junipcrus 
thyoides), &c. This is our division No. .'3 a. 
/(b). Upper pine region or region of mixed growth. Ou the sili- 
ceous ridges of the Drift and Tertiary, the long-leaf pine prevails. In 
the more fertile marly and calcareous lands, the upland oaks with 
various other deciduous-leaved trees preponderate and, mixed with 
some short-leaf pine aud spruce pine (P. glabra), form dense and often 
heavily timbered woods. The undergrowth is mostly heavy. This is 
our division Xo. 3 b. 
g. Region of the short-leaf pine (P. mitis). The latter in eastern 
Texas often replaced by the loblolly pine (P. Uvda). Pines largely pre- 
vailing with oaks and mockernut and pignut hickories [C. tomcntosa and 
C. glabra). Undergrowth mostly dense. This is No. 4 a. 
h. The more or less stunted oak woods covering the gravelly and 
sandy ridges on the borders of the arid prairie region of western 
Texas. Mostly black oak, post oak, and blue-jack {Q, clnerca). This 
would correspond, in part at least, to the red loam region, No. 6 c. 
B.-DESCRIPTION OF THE AGRICULTURAL SUBDIVISIONS.* 
1. THE AXLUVIAL REGION. 
This region embraces some of the most fertile lands of the Cotton 
States, and the most serious trouble connected with their cultivation 
arises from their liability to be submerged at certain seasons of the year. 
*In the preparation of this description I hare made free use of tho material collected under the 
auspices of the Census Oflice for Dr. Uilgard's Report on Cotton Production; hut I am under special 
obligations to Dr. R. H. Loughhridge for notes on the agricultural characters of Texas, Arkansas, and 
the Indian Nation. 
