The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1879-08-29
ISLAND DeSIARD.

ISLAND DesIARD.
This island is the northeast portion
of Ouachita parish. 1t is bounded by
the Ouachita river on the west, by the
Bayou Bartholomew on the north, and
east and south by the Bayou DeSiard
which passes from the Bartholomew
into the Ouachita. Bayou DeSiard
was named from Baron DeSiard, the
earliest settler of the Island, and who
was agent for Baron de Bastrop. 1t
connects with Bayou Bartholomew
about four miles (by public road) from
Ouachita City, at which point the
latter bayou empties into the Ouachita
river. Bayou DeSiard empties into
the same river about three miles above
Monroe. The length of Bayou DeSiard
is 25 miles, including its numerous
bends. The average width of the
Island is four miles. 1t contains about
Is, 900 acres of land. This land is all
level alluvial soil on some of it the
alluvion is forty feet deep. There is
probably not an acre on the whole
Island which, with proper drainage
and cultivation, would fail to make
from one to two bales of cotton year.
The Island contains less than twenty
plantations, but these have a produc-
tive capacity of over 5000 bales of cot
| ton, besides corn in abundance. At
this season Of the year, view of these
of tall, dark green, heavily-laden cot
ton emulate each other in richness, and
the bosom of the earth bursts with
fertility. A few of these plantations
are for sale.
No part of this Island overfloWs.
Two of the streams that bound 1t are
navigable for the largest boats. The
Des5iartl would also be navigable if
cleaned out. A public road from Mon
roe crosses the DeSiard and enters the
Island three miles from Monroe. The
road through the Island is most excel
lent in summer and though hitherto
bad in the winter, has lately received
such n thorough working, renewing
and repairing from Capt. TheOialds
that it will be a model road through
out the year. 1t is we'll to remember
that a man may display public spirit,
vast energy and genius even in work.
ing road.
Three small streams traverse the
Island latcraily-the Styx, the Chovan
and the L'eau NOir. The last men,
toned presents Il natural marvel in the
pitchy blackness of its water, caused
! by the roots and berries of the tupelo
gum that stand in its course. This
dark, still stream, on which no shadow
falls, fills the mind of the traveller with
thoughts of gloom and ghosts.
The population of the Island is 1000,
approximately. OF these, scarcely 100
are white. Among the latter are many
of the leading citizens of the parish,
men of more culture, experience and
character than can be found among the
farming classes anywhere except in the
South. The society is sparse but select.
OF the negroes on the Island, it may
be said that they are more orderly, in
dustrious, law-abiding and docile than
| their brethren in many other commu-
mites. They have the Exodus fever
worry mildly.
The health of the Island is far better
than ordinary in this healthy section
Wells and cisterns furnish good drink
ing water. Many of tho places are
exceptionally pleasant, convenient and
comfortable. The scenery is so pictu-
rescue and beautiful that the traveller
often pauses in silent applause and the
heartfelt wish unbidden comes, "Here
I would like to live" If art and
beautify this lovely spot, it would
soon surpass the hanging gardens that
blossomed on the walls of Babylon.
To this charming country we invite
the worthy emigrant from every land.
Let the honest farmer of small means
come. Let the strong-armed white
Iaborer come. Let the skilled me-
chanic come. Let the capitalist who
longs for a permanent, indestructible,
ever-paying investment come; for on
this incxhaustible soil the children of
men will flourish and fatten when
McCauley's famous New Zealander
shall sit on London bridge and sketch
the ruins Of that great metropolis.
| AGRICOLA,