Le MeschaceÌbeÌ. [volume] ([Lucy] La.) 1853-1942, 1876-08-26

These prairies have elected and
merited the praise of every traveller
who has ever traversed them. The
swelling and furrowing of the
wave-like knolls, the blueish green
aud sheen of the rich verdure, the
flashing ripples Of the long grass,
with its rustling sound as the wind
sjrs it, and the everfresh and almost
everlasting breeze which fans the
travellers cheek, cannot fail to remind
him Of the ocean if he has ever been
to sen. All tourists concur IN con-
Tossing to the exquisite beauty of the
Louisiana prairies. Travellers who
have extended their journeys to The
prairies of Texas and those of Iowa,
Minnesota and Illinois; to the great
plains Of the Saskatchewan and of
the Northwest, as well as to the PAM
pas of South America and the step
pes of Tartary, all declare that no
prairie region of the earth can at all
compare in fine landscapes and de-
lightful climate To the prairies of
Opelousas and Attakapas.
Darby, the first geographer who
described this region, who wrote in
1871, says that the prairie is divided
into seven grand divisions. First.
Grand Chcyreuil, narrow strip
averaging. less than two miles wide
lying to the east of the Teche be-
tween that strcain and the swamps of
the Atchafalaya. Second, the Alta
kapas, lying between the Teche and
the Vermillion rivers in q triangular
shape. Third, the Opelousas, be-
tween the Ve,million and the Mer-
menteau, "vast expanse of natural
meadow seventy five miles long by
twenty-five broad, containing about
l,20O,O00 acres of close prairie.
Fourth, the. Grande Prairie, begin
ming Ave nNes north of Opelousas, it
winds between the woods and the
waters of the Teche and Curtableau
for. ten miles westwardly, then
towards the south, between the
Bayons Carmes and Millet, and in
cludes the celebrated Fanquetyke
Prairie--in all about 80 miles long.
Fifth, the Pnirie Mamon, between
the Bayous Carmes aud .Nezpique,
about forty miles long by FIVE broad.
Sixth, the Calcasieu and Mermenteau
rivers. Seventh, the Sabine Prairie,
embracing the broad tract between
the Calcasieu and the Sabine.
This region includes all or parts of
ten of the most popular parishes, and
the inhabitants of the prairie people
do not number less than sixty thou
sand, four fifths of whom are French
Creoles. The climate is the most
delightful one on the continent. The
immense forests which enclose this
tract on the northeast and west, pro-
tect it from the fierce northers which
sweep over Texas, beyond the Trim
ity, while its broad and unobstructed
opening on the Gulf draws up as into
funnel, the soft breezes from the
sea, winter and summer.
Longevity is greater on these prai-
ries than in any other section Of the
United States. and old age seems to
be burlenesl here with fewer infim-
ities than elsewhere.
More than one half of these lands
belong to the United States, and are
subject to entry or to occupation I'M
der the Homestead Law.
1t is not saying too much to assert
that no part Of this country can sur
pass this portion in beautiful and con-
venient building sites. While the
prairies are well crossed and che
qaered with streams and drains, call
ed coulees they are dimpled all over
with ponds and small lakes, which
afford abundant water for the thou.
sands Of cattle which feed on the
grass. -.5...
These small lakes ars one of the
most beautiful IRs vel y useful feat
ures of theseV-perernial pastures
They swarm with every variety o1
water fowl in winter and spring, and
their shores and surface throng with
the domestic fowls of the thrifty
matron.-Oar Home Journal.