Page:A Topographical Description of the State of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana.djvu/88

80 gar, mullet, and carp. It may, however, be doubted whether the carp be of the same species of those caught in Europe. It has been said that herring have been taken in these waters. Alligators have not been observed higher up than the Arkansas river. A peculiar kind of fresh water turtle abounds in these rivers. The feet are webbed, and the upper shell remarkably soft. They are from ten to fifteen pounds weight, and considered very delicious.

Fowl, the greater part of the year, are to be seen here in great abundance; such as swan, crane, heron, geese, ducks, and brant. The pelican are sometimes seen, but far down the river, are very numerous. The size and shape of this singular bird resembles the swan, excepting in its monstrous pouch which is placed under its neck and bill. It seems to be an appendage which nature has provided for carrying and preserving its food for its own support and that of its young. The pouch of a pelican killed by Captain Lewis, when ascending the Missouri, was found to hold five gallons of water. They are frequently prepared and used for bags and other purposes.

The forest trees, in Upper Louisiana, are generally similar to those in the State of Ohio and Indiana Territory. Black and white mulberry is found here in much greater plenty, especially on the Missouri. The cotton wood tree grows in great abundance, on the borders of these rivers. It has been supposed to be the same as the