St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1884-09-20

This portion of our parish pre-
sents a formation somewhat differ
ent from the other parts, inasmuch
as we are in the hill country. These
elevations are the southwestern ter
mination of the same hills which ex-
tend through northern and middle
Mississippi, and are offshoots from
the Appalachian range of mountains
which form the eastern boundary OF
the great basin of the Mississippi
river. Within this region we have
an extensive deposite of beautiful
black marble and pebbles, as the
main geological features and beach,
pine, magnolia, oak and hickory,
the forest growth !; with clear run
ming brooks and pelucid lakes,
Astounding in trout and other fish.
Along that portion Of the bayou
Crocodile, within the limits of our
parish, is found narrow strip OF
bottom land, subject to inundation
during heavy rains. This, whilst
rendering the land unsafe for Guilt
walton, affords the lumber-men the
means Of floating timber for the use
Of saw-mills, and furnishes fine win
ter pasturage for cattle and hogs.
The pine forests open an inviting
field for mill-men. and also to those
acquainted with the manufacture of
naval stores. In this forest region
are also found bodies of land grow
ing black-wa1nut, chinquapin and
the wild cherry.
The body Of timber encircled by
the water courses above named, al
though great in extent and valuable
in kind, does not cover the entire
area under consideration-the great
Mammou prairie lying mostly within
the same limits. Here roam some
of our largest herds here is beheld
one of those great natural meadows,
over which the eye wanders with
delight, affording abundant susie
nance to thousands of dumb beasts.
A few years ago we saw six thou
sand fine beeves within the compass
Of six miles north and south, and
-four miles east and west, awaiting
the pleasure of the New Orleans
butchers.
Tide water ascends the Nez Pique
and Cane some distance above their
junction with the Merlnenteau river
the outlet to the Gulf of Mexico)
and the soft aud cooling breeze Of
the sea brings to the settler health
and refreshment. AS we approach
the junction of the last named
streams the timber changes, and we
find, in addition to the other quail
ties, red cypress, sweet and black
gum, dogwood, redbud, and elm
The streams are wider and deeper
having a depth of twenty feet the
entire year; and on or near then
banks are found several mineral
springs of considerable medicinal
virtue.
The soil within this belt Of coun-
try is not extremely fertile in its
natural condition. Its character
may be thus stated: the surface is
a vegetable mould Of from six tc
fourteen inches, reposing upon a bee
Of beautiful clay it is not subject t.
wash, and whenever manure is EN-,
! ployed its virtues are entirely Sc.
cured. In its normal condition i
produces fair corn, the finest Of pc
tatoes, excellent vegetables, and il
admirably adapted for fruit; but it,
great advantage consists in the rails
ing Of cattle, horses, and hogs. Fol
these purposes, neither Indiana no
4 Illinois can compete with it. It'
wealth Of grass for cattle, its mas
for swine, its fine water and timber
give it value for the small farme.
and stock-raiser beyond computa
ton.
THE WESTERN SECTION.
We shall now take up that por
ton Of our parish, embraced within
the natural boundaries fixed by til,
bayous Cane and Mallet.
This belt of country embraces al
area of nearly 100000 acres, rattle
!. more than oneshalf Of which is prai
RE of 9 better quality than the prai
RE ofthSA section just described.