The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-08-12

LOUISIANA STATE SEMINARY, !
Near ALEXANDRIA, AUGUST /, 1868 {

LOUISIANA STATE SEMINARY, :
Near ALEXANDRIA, AUGUST /, 1868 {
SIR:-
This Institution is anxious to obtain
as much information, as possible, con-
corning the physical features Of Losisi-
ana and with that view, it earnestly
asks the assistance of gentlemen of in
telligence and public spirit throughout
the State.
The object is to trace the physical his
tory of Louisiana in ages gone by, to
tell what she now is, and to point out
her elements of future greatness in her
agricultural and mineral resources, and
in her commercial and manufacturing
advantages.
Each one may have leisure to do but
little; yet, if from every locality in the
State, some reliable facts, however feac,
be furnished, the aggregate will put the
State Seminary in possession of vast
amount of useful knowledge, regarding
the entire State, which it is proposed to
publish for the information and use Of
every one.
Persons wishing to aid in this good
work, will please send, to the under
signed, information of any locality,
which they may thoroughly knoac, on all
or any of the following subjects:
l. ToPoGRAPHY.-An accurate map
Of the Section, Township OF Parish, CIV
ing, if possible, the highest and lowest
elevations above the sea, or above the
principal water-courses in the vicinity.
State whether the streams are naviga-
BILE. IF SO, for what class OF boats, and
for what len 9Th of time, noting partic-
ularly the Obstructions, and il bars, their
low and high water depth. Also give
the extent and depth Of overflow.
2. GEOLOGY. Specimens of rocks
and fossil remains Of animals, ETC., of the
various strata Of earth and different
soils, and of salt and fresh water shells.
3. Observation-Disclosures of min
erals; also state the facilities for min
ing.
A. BoToNY.-Specimens Of plants ZEN
tire, and of the leaves, wood and bark
Of trees and shrubs. (The plants and
leaves Of trees and shrubs should be
well pressed, say in o common letter
press.)
S. ZooIoGY.-Specimens of insects,
reptiles, wild animals, birds and fish,
(These should be preserved in alcohol
or skinned.)
6. CLIMATE.-The range of the ther-
momcter in midsummer and in mid
winter, the appearance and disappear
ance of frost, the periods of most rain
and drouth, the prevailing winds, dis
eases, etc.
2. AGRIcULrURE-The plants, grains
grasses, fruits and vegetables grown or
capable Of being cultivated. Which are
best adapted to the soil and climate p
Also mention the facilities for market,
and those mostly used.
8. MANUFACrUREs.-T The facilities for
manufacturing; also state what manu-
features, if any, are now carried on.
8. AIcHEoLoGY.-Indian relicts Of
any kind whatever, such as skeletons
(whole or in part,) specimens of pot
terry, implements Of warfare, tools, ETC.,
etc. Also mention any mounds, or 9TH
er vestiges of the aborigines; giving,
if known, the name of the tribe.
The locality, where found, and the
name of the contributor should be- well
marked on each specimen. Let not the
weight or bulk of any thing ralaa6l.
prevent its being sent. The expense
of transportation will be borne by the
Seminary. 4
Besides the information, above sought
any account of the early history and
settlement of particular localities O
the State, and any Indian traditions
will be most thankfully received.
In a word. our people are respectfully
requested to tell us all they may know
about Louisiana.
Communications may be made in thu
English, French or Spanish language
Believing that you will most cheerful
~ cooperate with the Seminary in it,
efforts to collect, for publication, infor
nation so valuable and necessary TO
the best interests of Louisiana,
I am, very respectfully,
| d. F. BOYD,
Superintendent
To Editor Louisiana Democrat.
I Bully for the Boys in Blue.