Page:A Topographical Description of the State of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana.djvu/100

92 back, in an eastern direction. The soil is rich; the cotton plantations are well cultivated, producing plentiful crops.

About fifteen miles further down, on the same side, is the river Iberville, which forms an outlet from the Mississippi when the water is high, but when the river is low, it is dry. The water of this stream runs into the lakes Maurepas and Ponchartrain, and through them to the sea, forming what is called the island of New Orleans. At a point a little below the Iberville, commences an uninterrupted series of plantations, which are continued, upwards of one hundred' miles, to the city of Orleans. These plantations are all cleared in front, and under improvement. Some of them are planted with sugar cane, but the greater part with cotton. They are narrow at the bank, and extend back to the swampy ground, which is incapable of cultivation; the land no where admitting of more than one plantation deep.

At the point below the Iberville, the Mississippi turns short to the westward, forming a large bend. At the extremity of this bend is an outlet, called the bayau Placquemine, on the western side, discharging its waters into the sea. By this bayau is the principal communication with the two populous and rich settlements of Atacapas and Opelousas. These settlements are the most wealthy in Louisiana, abounding in horses and neat cattle; containing a large quantity of good land, capable of being much better improved.