St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1880-08-28

braced and bounded by the bayous
Cane and Mallet on the west, Cour-
tableau Oh the north and east, and
Plaquemine Brulee OIL the south.
Taking Washington as the initial
point lit being the head of steamboat
navigation and a beautiful town OF
some twelve or fifteen hundred in
habitants), let lis turn our faces
southwest. Crossing the bayou Car
ron in the rear Of Washington, we
ascend the bluff, and are upon the
common table land which extends
to the bayous Cane, Mallet, Brulee,
etc. Passing amidst farms and a
gently undulating country, we, at
the distance of six miles, reach Ope-
lous, the seat Of justice, and one OF
the handsomest and most pleasant
towns in the State, containing some
two thousand or more Inhabitants.
1t is beautifully located, exceedingly
healthy, and is susceptible OF being
made one of the most important of
our rural cities. 1t has a large and
fertile country to supply, and from
which, with the Introduction Of CAPT
tai and energy, it must inevitably
reap a large benefit. Flourlshlng
schools are to be found here. Aid,
in a social point of view, we believe
that our community will compare
favorably with any place Of it's ex-
tent. Here will be found that in
nate politeness and delicate hospi-
tality which SO highly characterize
our French citizens, combined with
intelligence and refinement. The
American population embraces sew
eral families Of high culture, pol:
ished manners, and that general
knowledge of the world which lends
a charm to social intercourse. In
fine, with a location Of great beauty,
q back country Of great resources,
nearness to water communication
and railroad almost completed, in
the midst Of a genial climate and
healthful in all respects, with good
institutions of learning and an in.
telligent and polished society, we
feel warranted in asserting that NO
locality in the Southern States com
bines more, if as many, inducements
as we offer to people OF all classes tc
come here and make their homes
with us.
A BEAUTIFUL ROLLING PRAIRIE
DOTTED WITH FARMS.
Leaving the town of Opelousas
and turning our faces towards the
setting sun, we pass on over a beau
tiful rolling prairie country, dotted
with farms in a high state Of cult
walton. :,
At the distance .ef some seyeI
~ aHzl yse reach q llai,lt IL
the prairie region Where tic fiIn'yeil
Of the bayou Mallet on the north
and the Plaquemine Brulee on tho
south, juts out, enclosing that bell
of land known as the Plaquemint
ridge. Fhe width Of this ridge is
from one line of timber to the other
some six miles. The land from the
centre of the ridge ipclines gently
to either stream, affording every ia
cility for drainage, and favorable
ground for building. The farmers
within this prairie paradise lnsyt
added to it's charms by planting
groves of the oak and china trees
which resemble fairy islands in q
desert. In addition to these bright
spots, in the spring of the year, the
growing corn, the towering trees
and shrubs, and the earth with its
Iuxuriart enamel Of green, furnish
us with picture pleasing to the eye
and filing the heart with thanks
giving to the Creator for such "a
goodly habitation.7
PRAIRIE HAYES.
This beautiful prairie is every
thing that can be desired. Fine
lands, good water, timber, Atc. Cat
tie and horses are the chief objects
of care; and from the immense
range aud small per cent. loss,s this
branch of industry is very lucrative
Hay of a superior quality dan be cu1
on this prairie, the yield being TIVE
or more tons to the acre. Cotton
corn and sugar canedo finely. SHEEP
and hogs increase very rapidly
Meat keeps perfectly well here, ant
farmers say they seldom lose any
from the changes Of the weather.
Packing-houses might be profit
ably erected in this section, as safe
ly and at less cost than in Cincin
natl or Louisville. The great sail
mine of Judge Avery can be easily
reached from this point by water
The best Of oak and cypress is Al
hand for the making of barrels, ant
the hoop poles stand ready to be
fashioned into barrel hoops; an(
New Orleans and Galveston invite
to their marts. Every variety O
field produce thriyes here, and gar
den vegetables and fruits Of al
kiuds-tllag giving great variety tt
labor and furnishing all those neces
saries which tend to give pleasure
| to man. Tide water reaches this
point, and the sea breeze comes will
health and comfort in its breath.
Tho Louisiana Western Railroad
passes through this lovely section
THE EAaTERN SECTION.