The Meridional. (Abbeville, La.) 1856-1906, 1885-07-04
TRIP TO THE sEAsHORE.

According to programme tie ezcur-
sion on the steamer Barmore, from
Abbeville to the South West Pass,
under The auspices of the Masonic
fraternity, took place on Wednes'
day of last week. The trip was a
very enjoyable one, and will long
be remembered by those who com
posed the merry party.
The morning was ushered in by a
a steady drilling rain. which some
what dampeued the enthusiasm OF
the excursionists, and for a while
delayed them from starting. But
umbrellas, oilcloths, gossamers, etc.,
were called into requisition, and
gradually a crowd gathered at the
wharf, determined on going "rain
or shine" On board of the steamer
everything was found in perfect
trim. A canvass awning was spread
in front of the cabin over the upper
deck, to serve as a shelter from both
sunshine and rain. Substantial rope
guards were stretched around the
deck so as to ensure against any.
one falling over board. And in short
every arrangement necessary for the
comfort and convenience of the pas
sengers, had been made by the eff
cient officers of the boat. When all
was in readiness, the whistle blew !;
the lines were unfastened ; the en-
CINE began its labored pufs /; the
wheel commenced to revolve, chur.
ming the water into foaming waves ;
the chimneys belched forth huge
volumes of black smoke that spread
itself over head like a dark canopy !
the brass band struck up a lively
air hats and handkerchlefs were
waved in adieu f, and the Barmore
with flags flying from jackstaf and
sternpost, steamed gaily down the
bayou. Altogether it was quite an
animating scene.
The first object Of interest that
attracted attention, was the wreck
of the steamer Exchange, a short
distance below town. This wreck
ought to have been blown up and
removed long ago /; it lies at a bend
in the bayou, and is a serious OBJ
struction and q constant menace te
navigation. The Barmore worked
her way cautiously around thu
wreck, and then proceeded swiftly
on her voyage. Landings were
made from time to time, to take OF
other parties that had gathered a
different places to augment the ex
cursion, until finally there wer'
about one hundred and fifty person
aboard. At every landing, tn
brass band, which had taken it
station on the hurricane deck il
front Of the pilot house, would pou
forth sweet strains of music, to th
Immense delight of the little countr,
urchins ; who unaccustomed to suc1
sounds, would congregate on til
banks in open mouth wonder, t
witness the performance.
:. The rain kept up a continuou
drizzle until about 10 o'clock whe
the clerk of the weather" seeing tina
the jolly excursionists we're deter
mined to have a good time, whethe
it rained or not, became more grs
h ciously inclined, and granted a
!, edict that the remainder Of the da
should be clear and fair. So tn
, clouds rolled away, and sunshin
. succeeded the shower.
The Bayou Vermilion is one
the prettiest water courses in tn
State {; unlike other streams i
southern Louisiana, its banks al
,. generally high, and its waters al
nearly always clear. 1t is an e:
e ceedingly crooked stream. 1t benz
and turns about in utter disrega,
e of the points of the compass, as