The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1874-03-11
FROM OLD RED To. THE SABINE.
EXPERIENCE OF A WESTERN T RIA WELLER.
OK THETRAvEL, !
"a March 8, 1S74.l

50
great mem or world-renowned spots, are
not generally sought after by journal
lists with that peculiar avidity Of detail
which does ever characterize the pro-
fession in those points Of information
which cater to and are dished up and
favored to suit popular taste. Often
times under the simple and seemingly
meaningless caption Of Impressions"
and ssObseryationsp are contained many
useful and interesting suggestions
We assert this, not for the purpose Of
| Intending that such hints may be OBJ
tanned from these our impressions, but
only to enlist and engage attention
from our readers. This will serve as a
prelude to what your correspondent de-
sires to convey through your columns.
LEAVING NEW ORLEANS,
with its din, hustle and confusion, with
it's smoke and gaseous vapors, bidding
farewell to its odoriferous % scents,
we assembled the turbid waters Of the
Mississippi OH board that elegant, fleet
craft, the La Belle. Soon we found
ourselves in the waters of cold Red"
making quick Roadway for Alexandria.
Here we arrived early in the morning.
Whom and what we saw-what our I'M
pressions were Oh that murky, misty
morn on first catching a glimpse of
your town, dear Editor, we shall not
here describe, but reserve for some fn-
ture letter. Our main purpose is to
give our impressions of whom and what
! we saw, or rather take glance at mat
tiers and things et.-
FROM THE RED RIVER TO THE SABINE.
Leaving Alexandria early in the
morning, riding a fine bay mare, we
set out on our tour of observation. As
rending the bayou, as it is termed in
your country, we rode along leisurely,
noticing to our right and left the large
and extensive plantations which ouce,
in ante bellum days, betokened wealth
and prosperity, but now prove only too
conciusivcly that labor is wanting; not
that of the diatory, sable-skinned
Ethiopian, but perseyering, methodical
labor. The strong and sinewy arm, the
bone and muscle of the hardy emigrant
is required to bring these plantations
from their present uDcultiva1ed and de-
serted state to their primitive flourish
ing condition. Every now and then,
hid amid grove or cluster of magno-
las, we spied comfortable and spacious
mansions which, by reason of their
neat exterior and princely seclusion,
bespoke the fact that these We're once
tie abode OF those who rested III the lap
Of luxury.
| M'NrTT's HILL. 500,
We soon reached the pinewoods at
what is called McNutt's Hill, and here
from that somewhat elevated position
we surveyed the surrounding country.
Having delayed on our ride during the
day, evening now fast approaching,
found us here. The scene, as we stood
on the projecting height, was one wor-
thy of a painter. The sun was just set
ting. Sinking in his golden couch, he
tinged with mellow-tinted and golden
colors the over-hanging clouds. Away
to the distant East the sky was Of "a
.purplish mist. The fantastical and gro
tesque imagery of the heavens, the lofty
range. of picturesque objects hanging
o'erhead, reminded lis of that passage
in the 'sbard of Avon'-
"Sometimes we see cloud that's dra-
II goonish,
A vapor sometime like bear or lion
a lowered citadel, a pendant rock
A forked mountain, or blue promontory
j With trees upon't that nod unto the
! world
And mock our eyes with air.
Thou hast seen these signs ;a
They are black vesper's pageants!''
Darkness setting in, we betook our
selves to neighboring house, where
we were entertained Hospitality for the
night. On the following morn we set
out on our way, and here we observed
closely the character of the country
Occasionally it is high, at times undu-
lating; again, hilly. Elevated sandy
: ridges extend over the surface. AS Il
general rule the soil seems well adapt
ed, with proper care, for cultivation.
We soon found ourselves in what we
} were told was Vernon Parish. We
were informed that farming interests
progressed favorably in this PARISH
The people we found to be very hospi-
, table and kind. They are principally of
| that honest, hard working class, pos
sessing all those qualities which tend to
make 4 people and country desirable
and sought after. We would recon-
> mend all those wishing to locate in a