304 
LETTERS FROM ALABAMA 
of tlie Hudson, to wliicli these of the Alabama 
bear much resemblance. There is something very 
romantic in sailing, or rather shooting, along be- 
tween lofty precipices of rock, crowned with woods 
SHIPPING COTTON ON THE ALABAMA. RIVER. 
at the summit. One such strait we passed through 
just at sunrise; the glassy water, our vessel, and 
everything near, still involved in deepest shadow ; 
the grey, discoloured limestone towering up on 
each side ; while the trees, and just a streak on the 
topmost edge of one cliff, were bathed in golden 
light from the newly risen sun. 
