BOUNDARIES, SURFACE, &C.--BOOK II. 171 
places bounded only by the horizon, in others by skirts of wood, 
dimly appearing as in some distant isle of the sea; while a thou¬ 
sand brilliant and odoriferous flowers shed their perfume upon 
the air. The plantations scattered along the water courses on 
the outside of the fringe of wood, the vast herds of cattle roam¬ 
ing at random over the plains, complete the pleasing picture. 
The settlements are entirely on the water courses, which 
chequer this plain; settlers turn their attention principally to 
grazing, cotton is however cultivated to advantage. The num¬ 
ber of cattle composing the herds which some of the wealthier 
possess, would in other parts of the United States, be consider¬ 
ed incredible; there are several who mark from one to two thou¬ 
sand calves every year. The cattle driven to New Orleans for 
salt, bring from fifteen to twenty dollars a head. 
The Mentou is as large as the Teche, and falls into the gulph 
considerably to the S. W. of it, as also does the Carcasou; on 
both these rivers there are said to be considerable bodies of ha¬ 
bitable land. The Sabine, which constitutes the boundary in that 
quarter, is a very considerable river, but is not at present sus¬ 
ceptible of navigation, on account of obstructions in its course. 
The lands immediately in its neighborhood are good. 
The route to the Opelousas and to the Attakapas, is either by 
Plaquemine, as before mentioned, or by the ferry of la Fourche. 
This is also the route in time of high water, to Rapide, or Natch¬ 
itoches, for persons going by land, I rode along the lower ba¬ 
you la Fourche about twenty-five miles, then crossed over to the 
out-let of a small bayou, 15 or 20 feet wide, called the Canal, 
from its having been somewhat improved by labor, and form¬ 
ing a convenient communication with the lakes, and the Teche: 
following this bayou or canal about fifteen miles, I came to the 
ferry kept by a German, who has the exclusive right from the 
state, on condition of keeping suitable accommodations. Here 
I embarked, in the evening, on a platform erected on two large 
canoes, with a railing in the middle for the purpose of confining 
our horses, and after passing through lake Platte, and several 
other lakes and bayoux, landed about three o’clock next morn¬ 
ing, two miles up the Teche. The distance twenty-three miles. 
Tfie night being pleasant, and no wind stirring, I had a pleasant 
