Virginia; 229 miles N.W. by W. from W. C., and 312 miles a little N. of W. from Philadelphia. N. lat. 40° 11', and long. 3° 19' W. from W. C. Though elevated 1406 feet above tide water, as stated in the previous article, the village is environed with hills which rise to a considerable elevation above any part of its streets. From the highest eminences about two miles eastward, and along the United States road, Chestnut Ridge, though distant 40 miles, is distinctly visible over the deep valley of Monongahela.

The streets of the town are laid out at right angles to each other, the main street pursuing a gentle acclivity for some distance, and thence sweeping over the head of a valley. This street is rather closely built, and contains the greater part of the population. The college edifice stands over a small valley to the east of the village. In 1830, by the census returns, this borough contained 1816 inhabitants. It was founded by the Hoge family in 1781. The United States road passes through Washington, entering it from the eastward, and winding out at the northwestern side. It is also connected with Pittsburgh by a turnpike road, which passes through Cannonsburg, seven miles from Washing ton, and eighteen from Pittsburgh.

Cannonsburg, the seat of Jefferson College, stands on a steep acclivity, rising from Chartier's creek, seven miles below Washington. The village is in great part comprised in a main street ascending the hill from the creek. The college, a large brick edifice, stands on the eastern side of the main street. The country around Cannonsburg is highly fertile, picturesque and pleasant. The two colleges of Washington and Jefferson, however, though located in delightful and healthful situations, are too near each other for their mutual benefit. In 1830, Cannonsburg contained 673 inhabitants.

WASHINGTON, one of the western counties of Maryland, bounded W. by Allegheny county of the same state; N.W. by Bedford county Pennsylvania; E. by South Mountain, as there called (Blue Ridge), separating it from Frederick county Mary land; and by Potomac river, separating it from Jefferson and Berkeley counties of Virginia S., and from Morgan county Virginia, S.W. The greatest length along the southern boundary of Pennsylvania 44 miles. The breadth varies greatly, as along the Blude Ridge the width exceeds 30, whilst at Hancock's town it falls short of three miles; the mean width is about and over 440 square miles, extending in Lat. from 59° 19' to 39° 42', and in Long. from 0° 26' to 1° 18' W. from W. C. Tra versed by three chains of mountains, the slope of this county is very nearly due S. and in that direction is drained by the Antietam, Conecocheague, and numerous smaller creeks flowing in that direction. The surface is very broken, particularly that of the western part, above the Kittatinny range of mountains, but the soil of the valleys excellent. The eastern part between the Kittatinny and Blue Ridge, comprises a part of the great limestone range which falls from, and flanks the latter chain on its north-western side. The valleys of Antictam

Hagerstown, the seat of justice, stands near the western bank of Antietam creek, 68 miles N.N.W from W. C., 25 N. W. from Frederick, and 72 miles N.W. by W. from Baltimore. N. lat. 39° 39', and long. 0° 42′ W. from W. C. By the census of 1830, this place contained 3371 inhabitants. It is a prosperous and well built town, and the third in size on the western shore of Maryland.

Hancockstown, on the left bank and at the extreme northern bend of Potomac, 24 miles a little N. of W. from Hagerstown, is a small, but neat village in a delightful situation on the main western road.

Williamsport, also on the Potomac and on the high point below the mouth of Antietam, is in point of population and wealth the second town in the county. The site and environs are peculiarly picturesque. The powerful mill stream of Antietam and a limestone soil contribute to the prosperity of this place.

Should either or both the Chesapeake and Ohio canal and Baltimore and Ohio rail-road, be extended up the Potomac the lines of extension will stretch along the Potomac margin of this county and pass both Williamsport and Hancockstown.

The lowest part of the cultivated surface of this county exceeds an elevation of 300 feet above tide water, and in the higher part near Hancockstown, upwards of 450 feet. It is probable that the mean height of the arable soil exceeds 500 feet, or more than an equivalent to a degree of latitude. The effect of difference of level at the extremes on both the temperature of the air and on vegetable life is very perceptible.

WASHINGTON, county of Virginia, bounded W. by Scott, by Clinch mountain separating it from Russellon N. W., and Tazewell on the N., by Wythe county E., by Blue Ridge separating it from Grayson on S.E., by Carter county in Tennessee S., and Sullivan of Tennessee S.W. Length between Wythe and Scott counties 50 miles, mean breadth 17, and area 850 square miles, extending in Lat. from 36° 35′ to 36° 55′ N., and in Long. from 4° 30' to 5o 19' W. from W. C. This county occupies part of the valley between Blue Ridge and Clinch mountains. These chains extend in this region from S. W. by W. to N. E. by E. with minor lateral ridges. The slope of this county is to the S.W. by W, and traversed by the S.E. middle and north branches of Holston. All those streams have their source in Wythe, and subdivide Washington into as many fine fertile valleys. It may, however, excite some reflection when told that in this large and well populated county, there were in 1831 but two post offices, Abingdon, the capital, and Seven Mile Ford. Population in 1820, 12,444, in 1830, 15,614.

By the post list of 1831, Abingdon, the seat of justice, is stated at 385 miles S. W. by W. from W. C., and 309 S. of W. from Richmond; it is situated at the S. E. side of a mountain ridge about middistance between the two main branches of Holston river, and about seven miles distant from each on the great valley road, N. Lat. 36° 41', Long. 5° 65' W. from W. C

WASHINGTON, county of North Carolina, bounded by Tyrrell E., Hyde S., Martin W., and Albemarle sound N. It lies in form of a parallellogram 20 miles by 18, area 360 square miles, extending in Lat. from 35° 40′ to 35° 56′ N., and in Long. from 0° 12′ to 0° 38′ E. from W. C. What very little declivity this county presents is from S. to W. towards Albemarle sound, but the surface is nearly a dead level, and in most parts swampy. Chief town, Plymouth. Population in 1820, 3986, in 1830, 4552. Plymouth is situated on the S. side of Roanoke river, near Albemarle sound, 18 miles S. of Edenton, Lat. 35° 51' and Long. 0° 16' E. from W. C. By the post list of 1831, this place is distant 128 miles almost due E. from Raleigh, and 290 miles E. of S. from W. C. Population in 1830,

662.

WASHINGTON, sea port, post village and seat of justice, Beaufort county North Carolina, situated on the left bank of Tar river, at or near the point where that stream assumes the name of Pamlico sound, by post road 122 miles a little S. of E. from Raleigh, and 202 miles almost directly S. from W. C. N. Lat. 35° 32', Long. 0° 63′ W. from W. C. Washington is at the head of such ship navigation as Pamlico sound will admit of, and having the fine valley of Tar river in the rear, is a place of considerable note.

WASHINGTON, county of Georgia, bounded N. W. by Baldwin, N. by Hancock, N. E. and E. by Jefferson, S E. by Emanuel, S. W. by Laurens, and W. by Oconee river, separating it from Wilkinson; extending in Lat. from 32° 42′ to 33° 13′, and in Long. from 5° 36′ to 6° 11' W. from W. C. Though bounded on the westward by Oconee, this county is a table land. It is bounded on the N. E. by the main stream, and gives source to several confluents of Great Ogechee, this section falling to the southward. The general declivity is nevertheless to the southward, discharging creeks into Oconee Much of the soil is good, some excellent, but in general thin. The greatest length is from the southern angle or Oconee to the northern or Great Ogechee, 38 miles, mean breadth 20, area 760 square miles. Population in 1820, 10,627, in 1830, 9820.

WASHINGTON, post village and seat of justice, Wilkes county Georgia, situated 51 miles W. N. W. from Augusta, and by post road 64 miles N.E. from Milledgeville. N. Lat. 33° 42', Long. 5° 45' W. from W. C. This place contains an academy

and about 800 inhabitants.

WASHINGTON, county of Florida, as laid down on Tanner's U. S., is bounded on the N.W. by Choctawhatchie bay and river, separating it from Walton county, on the N. by Jackson county, E. by Appalachicola river, separating it from VOL XVIII.-PART II.

Gladsden county, and S. E. and S.W. by the Gulf of Mexico. Length from the entrance of Choctawhatchie bay to the north of Appalachicola river 110 miles, mean breadth 22, and area 2420 square miles, extending in Lat from Cape St. George 29° 20' to 30° 40' N. and in Long. from 8° to 9° 36′ W. from W. C.

Williams, in his View of West Florida, speaking of this county, says: "It is a misshapen tract of worthless land in general; a few Lammocks on St. Andrew's bay, the south edges of Oak and Hickory hills, a part of Holmes valley, and the borders of the Econsina river are valuable exceptions." St. Andrew's bay opens into and occupies the central parts of this county, and is a fine sheet of water, which, according to William's Map, has 18 feet water on its shallowest bar. Chief town, Holmes valley.

WASHINGTON, county of Alabama, bounded by the Chickasaw Lay river separating it from Wayne county of the state of Mississippi, W., by the Chocktaw territory, Alabama, N., by Tombigbee river separating it from Clarke county, Alabama, E., and by Mobile county, S. The greatest length is along the eastern border 42 miles by the general course of Tombigbee river, the mean breadth is about 20 miles, area 840 square miles, extending in Lat. from 31° 23′ to 32° N. and in Long. from 11° 3' to 11° 37′ W. from W. C. The mere western border of this county is in the valley of Chickasaw Lay river, but the far greater part slopes to the eastward, towards Tombigbee river. Chief towns, Washington and St. Stephens. Population in 1830, 3474.

WASHINGTON, parish of Louisiana, bounded by Pike county Mississippi, N. W., Maria county Mississippi, N., Pearl river separating it from Hancock county Mississippi, E., St. Tammany parish Louisiana, S., and Tangipao river, separating it from St. Helena parish of Louisiana, W. Greatest length, a diagonal from the S. E. to N.W. angle, 66 miles, mean breadth 15, area within a small frac tion of 1000 square miles; extending in Lat. from 30° 34' to 31° N., and in Long. from 12° 36′ to 13° 34′ W. from W. C. The declivity of this county is to the S.SE. and in that direction it is bounded by the Pearl E., and Tangipao W. The Bogue Chito, rising in Laurence and Pike counties, Mississippi, traverses Washington parish, which, also giving source to Chifuncte river, discharges the former into Pearl river and the latter over St. Tammany into the north side of Lake Pontchartrain. The far greatest part of the surface of Washington parish is composed of open and sterile pine woods. Where the land admits cultivation the staple is cotChief town, Franklinton. Population in 1820, 2517, in 1830, 2286.

ton.

WASHINGTON, post village, Adams county Mississippi, situated on St. Catharine creek, six miles E. from Natchez. This place was many years the seat of government for the Mississippi territory, and afterwards for the state of Mississippi. Jefferson College was located here in 1802, but has not flourished as a literary institution beyond the ordinary routine of a common academy. The site of the town is high, dry and pleasant. 4 F

WASHINGTON, north western county of Arkansas, as laid down on Tanner's U. S., is bounded W. by the Osage territories, and N. by the state of Missouri. The extent on the map exceeds 3000 square miles, but the country is too imperfectly known to admit detailed description. By the list of 1831, there were three post offices, namely, Cane-hill, Fayetteville and Vineyard: neither of which are marked on the map. The extreme sources of White river are delineated as rising near the centre and flowing north-eastwardly out of this county into the state of Missouri, and from the latter curving back into Arkansas.

WASHINGTON, county of Tennessee, bounded by Greene W., Sullivan N., Carter E., and by Blue Ridge separating it from Buncombe county North Carolina, S. Length from S. to N. 30, mean width 20, and area 600 square miles. Extending in Lat. from 35° 57' to 36° 24', and in Long. from 5o 10' to 5° 35′ W. from W. C. A small section of this county slopes to the northward and is drained by small creeks flowing into Watauga river, but the southern, central and much most extensive sections, are commensurate with the higher valley of Nabachucky river, and slope south-westwardly. Chief town, Jonesborough. Population in 1820, 9557, in 1830, 10,995.

WASHINGTON, county of Kentucky, bounded W. by Hardin, N.W. by Chaplin's Fork of Salt river separating it from Nelson, N.E. and E. by Mercer, S.E. by Casey, and S. by the south fork of Salt river. Length 28, mean breadth 18 and area 500 square miles. Extending in Lat. from 37° 30' to 37° 52' N., and in Long. from 7° 58′ to 8° 32′ W. from W. C. Comprised within the two main branches and drained by numerous creeks of Salt river. Chief town, Springfield. Population in 1820, 15,947, in 1830, 19,130.

WASHINGTON, post village and seat of justice, Mason county, Kentucky, situated four miles from Ohio river at Maysville, and by post road 63 miles N.E. by E. from Frankfort, N. Lat. 38° 37', Long. 6° 43' W. from W. C. It contains, beside the county buildings, an academy and three or four places of public worship.

WASHINGTON, one of the south-eastern counties of Ohio, bounded by Athens S. W. and W., Morgan N.W., Monroe N. E., Ohio river separating it from Tyler county Virginia, on the E., and Ohio river, separating it from Wood county Virginia, S. Extending in Lat. from 39° 15' to 39° 40' N., and in Long. from 4° to 4° 54′ W. from W. C. Length on the northern border along Monroe and Morgan counties 50 miles. It lies in a rude resemblance to a triangle, mean breadth 15, and area 750 square miles. The slope is southward, towards the Ohio river. The Muskingham enters the northeastern angle, and winding thence eastward to near the centre of the county, inflects to the south, and falls into the Ohio river at Marietta. The surface of this county is generally very hilly, but soil productive. By the post list of 1831, besides at Marietta, the county seat, there were offices at Belpre, Bents, Brown's Mills, Carroll, Fearing, Little Hockhocking, Lower Salem, Newport, Point Harmar,

Reigne's Mills, Waterford, Watertown, and Wesley. Population in 1820, 10,425, in 1830, 11,731. WASHINGTON, county of Indiana, bounded S. by Harrison, S. W. by Crawford, W. by Orange, N. W. by Lamena, N. by the E. Fork of White river, separating it from Jackson, N. E. by Scott, E. by Clark, and S.E. by Floyd. Length from E. to W. 26, mean breath 20, area 520 square miles. Extending in Lat. from 38° 27' to 38° 47', and Long. from 8° 54' to 9° 20′ W. from W. C. This county extends southwardly from the bank of the east branch of White river, over the table land between that stream and Ohio river; Blue river, a small confluent of Ohio, rises in and drains the southern part, whilst from the western flow small creeks into the E. Fork of White river, surface broken, hilly, and fertile. Chief town, Salem. By the post-office list of 1831, besides at Salem, there were offices in this county at Claysville, Livonia, Martinsburg, and Pleasant Valley. Population in 1830, 9039. Salem, the county seat, is situated near the centre of the county, 91 miles S. from Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38° 36', Long. 9° 08′.

WASHINGTON, county of Illinois, bounded S. by Perry, S.W. by Randolph, W. by St. Clair, N. by Clinton, and E. by Jefferson. Length from E. to W. 36 miles, mean breadth 18, area 540 square miles. Extending in Lat. from 38° 13' to 38° 30', and in Long. from 12° 10′ to 12° 44′ W. from W. C. Kaskaskia river forms a part of the northwest boundary of this county, separating it from Clinton, and the slope of the contiguous part is northwestward towards that stream; the southern side declines to the southward, and gives source to the northwestern branches of Muddy creek. In 1831, by post list, there was no office at Nashville, the county seat, but there were at Beaucoup, Covington, and Elkhorn. Covington is a post village on Kaskaskia river, 47 miles a little S. of E. from St. Louis in Missouri, and by post road 40 miles S.S.W. from Vandalia. Population in 1830, 1675.

WASHINGTON, county of Missouri, bounded by Madison, S. E., St. Francis county E., Jefferson, N.E., Franklin N., and as laid down on Tanner's Map, by territory not laid out into counties on the S. and W. Length, from S. to N. 40, mean width 25, and area 1000 square miles. Extending in Lat. from 37° 35' to 38° 10', and in Long. from 13° 36' to 14° 08′ W. from W. C. This county, as delineated by Tanner, has a natural boundary on the S. by the Iron mountains, from the southern slopes of which and the border of the county, rise the extreme sources of St. Francis and Black rivers. The body of the county, however, declines almost due north, and is drained by the fountains of both main branches of Merrimac rivers. The tract of country embraced by Washington county is an important section of the state of Missouri. The intelligent Henry R. Schoolcraft, who visited the lead mines at and contiguous to Potosi, speaks thus of the country: "Washington county, although the seat of the principal lead mines, is at the same time not deficient in farming land. Big River, (the eastern branch of Merrimac), in its whole course,

which is long and devious, and most completely subtends the north, east, and south boundaries of Washington county, affords the finest of farming lands. The principal farming tracts of this county, which, although detached with ridges of poor land intervening, yet, taken in the aggregate, bear a respectable proportion to its whole number of square miles, and exalt its agricultural character above that of the mining counties (of Missouri), St. Genevieve excepted. Bellevue abounds in granite and iron ore. The iron of Bellevue, is a subject of universal notoriety. In the richness of the ore and extent of the beds or mines, it is no where paralleled. The most noted place is called the Iron mountains, where the ore is piled in such enormous masses as to constitute the entire southern extremity of a lofty ridge, which is elevated 500 or 600 feet above the plain.' Mr Schoolcraft denominates the species of iron ore to be called micaceous oxyde of iron, and very rich in quality. This author enumerates zinc, also, amongst the minerals of Washington county, but lead was the (1819) only ore worked to any great amount, if we except three salt-petre caves. In 1831, by the post-office list, beside at Potosi, the county seat, there were offices at Caledonia, Harmony, and Old Mines; Potosi, the seat of justice, is situated on a branch of Big River, about 60 miles S. W. from St. Louis, 40 W. from St. Genevieve, and by post road, 127 miles, S. E. by E. from Jefferson, the seat of government of the state. N. Lat. 37° 36', Long. 13° 48' W. from W. C. Population in 1830, 6784. WASHITAU, or, according to French orthography, Ouachitau, a river of Arkansas and LouiThe most remote sources of this river, its three main branches of Little Missouri, Washitau proper and Saline, are in the southeastern valleys of the Masserne mountains in the southwestern part of Arkansas.

siana.

Little Missouri, the southwestern branch of Washitau, rises in Clarke county, Arkansas, between the sources of Saline branch of Red river and those of Washitau proper. Flowing thence to southeastward between Clarke and Hempstead counties, joins the main or middle branch at N. Lat. 33° 45', and about 60 miles a little east of south from the Hot Springs.

Washitau proper rises between the sources of Little Missouri and those of the Saline branch, and by several confluent streams pursues a general course a little east of south 70 miles to its junction with Little Missouri. Below the union of the two branches, the main volume, now at high water a navigable river, inclines to S. E., and by a very tortuous channel, but comparative course of 55 miles, receives the Saline from the north.

In length of course the Saline at their junction about equals the Washitau, but falls short in magnitude of volume. The Saline has its remote sources about 30 miles westward from Little Rock or Arkansas, from which point pursuing a direction of a little east of south by comparative courses 120 miles, falls into Washitau at N. Lat. 33° 10′; and what is rather remarkable, the course of the

Saline is maintained by the united waters in all the residue of their course to Red river.

Below the influx of Saline, Washitau flows southward 35 miles to the entrance of Bayou Bartheberry from the northeast, and of the Saluter from the northwest. The Bartheberry is a stream of 140 miles comparative course, rising within two or three miles from the main channel of Arkansas, in Jefferson county, territory of Arkansas. Flowing thence by an elliptic curve to the eastward, but without receiving any tributary streams of consequence, traverses Chicot county, Arkansas, and entering Louisiana, falls into the Washitau river in the parish of Washitau. Saluter is a large pine woods creek rising in Lafayette county, Arkansas, and flowing S.E. enters Louisiana and falls into Washitau a short distance below, but on the opposite side from the influx of Bartheberry.

Out of the Bartheberry, about three miles from its junction with the Washitau, issues a creek, called in the country Bayou Siard, which winding about 15 miles, falls itself into the Ouachitau, forming an island of 10 or 12 miles in length, with a breadth of 100 to 405 miles. Nearly opposite to the lower end of the Siard island comes in from the northwestward the Terrebonne river. This latter is a most limpid and beautiful pine forest stream interlocking sources with those of the Saluter, and those of Dacheet branch of Red river, and by a comparative course of 75 miles to the southeast, falls into the Washitau.

Below Siard island the now fine volume of Washitau inclines to S.S.E. by very tortuous individual bends, but by comparative course of 50 miles to the entrance of Boeuf river from the north. The latter, similar to all the northeastern confluents of Washitau, rises within a few miles from the main channel of Arkansas, and pursuing a southern course between the Mississippi and Bartheberry 65 miles, enters Louisiana, in which, inclining to the S.S. W. 85 miles, joins Washitau at N. Lat. 31° 52'. The Boeuf, for the first and highest half of its course, is distant about from 15 to 20 miles from the Mississippi, and is annually swelled by the superior flood of the vast volume of the latter. This swell, as indeed that of all the lower confluents and main stream of Washitau, is occasioned, not by an influx of water from the Mississippi, but from a back water flood produced by the filling of the low lands, and preventing the outlet of the streams of Washitau and Boeuf.

With the influx of the Boeuf, the Washitau assumes a southern direction by comparative course 20 miles to its very remarkable reception of the Tensaw from the northeast, and of the Ocatahoola from the southwest. The meeting of these three streams at one point, and the peculiar features and phenomena of the Ocatahoola, gives great interest to the scene.

Tensaw river is formed by the drain of the immense flow, and annually inundated, though densely wooded plain between the Mississippi and Washitau rivers. The highest source, if that term in its common acceptation is here applicable of the Ten

saw, is about N. Lat. 35°, and the northern boundary of Louisiana, issuing from Grand Lake, a former bend of the Mississippi. Flowing thence about 100 miles comparative course of S.S. W., and receiving the Masson, a considerable branch from the low grounds between it and the Boeuf, joins the Washitau as already stated.

Within less than half a mile below the entrance of the Tensaw, the Ocatahoola enters from the opposite direction. This latter has its remote sources in the pine forests between the Washitau and Red river, interlocking fountains with those of the Terrebonne branch of Washitau and those of the Lower Saline branch of Red river. Flowing thence to S.S. E. by comparative courses 80 miles, reaches the verge of the great plains of the Delta. Here the Ocataboola discharges a small outlet which continues the general course to Red river; but the main volume bends abruptly to the northeast, and in seasons of high water spreads into a lake of 20 miles in length, and with a breadth of from one to five or six miles; and again contracts into a river of about 100 yards wide, continuing to the NE. to its union with the Washitau. At seasons of high water in Louisiana the Ocatahoola lake and river becomes nearly stagnant, but as the great flood of the Delta abates, the current into Washitau augments until the lake of Ocatahoola disappears, and a muddy stream wandering over an immense meadow succeeds. This meadow again, as the flood of the succeeding year commences, receives the reflux of Ocatahoula river from the Washitau, and gradually fills; and thus, alternately, the lake and meadow take place of each other, and the intermediate Ocatahoola flows towards or from the Washitau, according to the state of inundation or draining of the Delta.

With the augmentation of Tensaw and Ocatahoola, Washitau looses its name in that of Black river, which, with a very crooked channel, but general southern course of 30 miles, merges in the larger volume of Red river, at N. Lat. 31° 17', and 14° 55′ W. Long. from W. C.

The valley of the Washitau extends from N. Lat. 31° 17' to 34° 45', or in round numbers, over three and a half degrees of latitude; the greatest length from the Red river to the sources of Saline is 250 miles along a course a very little west of north; mean breadth at least 83, and area 20,000 square miles. It is a region presenting great diversity of feature, soil, climate, and of vegetable and mineral production. The higher sources rise amidst mountains in part clothed with timber, and in part presenting naked rocks or grassy plains. On one of its higher branches, at N. Lat. 34° 34', and 16° W. from W. C. gush forth one of the most remarkable fountains of hot water known. The adjacent country, rich in scenery and richer still in a most salubrious atmosphere, and innumerable fountains of pure cool water, is now known as Hot Spring county, Arkansas. The springs and village which has risen near them are situated, according to Tanner's U. S. Map, 47 miles a little S. of W. from Little Rock, the seat of government for Arkansas,

and about 300 miles a little E. of N. from Natchitoches in Louisiana.

The writer of this article resided in Louisiana when the celebrity of those springs first rose, and has known several instances of unequivocal benefit to health derived from a visit to them, and their use while there. But conversing with intelligent physicians and others, some of whom founded their opinion on personal experience, one common principle seemed to be acknowledged: that is, if we suppose all other circumstances the same, any pure spring water heated to a like temperature and used in the same manner for the same time, would be equally efficacious. "Pure air from mountain scenery, exemption from their ordinary cares, and a more temperate regimen, in most cases are the true sources of cure," said one. All their attendant advantages cannot, however, be easily brought into combined action, if we suppose such a combination possible on the wide spread monotonous regions to the southward; therefore the Hot Springs, it is probable, will at all future ages afford a most salutary and delicious summer retreat, not alone to the sick and lame, but to every one who can afford the expense of a visit.

Muriate of soda (common salt), and, it is said, gypsum, abound in the Washitau valley. The soil, if taken generally, is far from productive, and a great proportion is indeed sterile. To these asperities some strong exceptions exist. Along the lower Washitau and its confluent streams, tracts of first rate land are found. The same observations may be made respecting partial sections over the whole valley; but they are partial exceptions.

Where the land is capable of culture, particularly in Louisiana, cotton, Indian corn, and the sweet potato are the common vegetables cultivated; the former as the staple for market. The peach and yellow fig abound. Wheat, ryc, oats, and meadow grasses have been attempted, but with only partial

success.

The main Washitau is completely navigable at high water for any requisite vessel, far above Louisiana. When thus swelled, it is rather a rapid, but otherwise safely navigable stream. With the head of Siard island high land ceases on the left bank, if we except a solitary elevated tract called Sicily island, about midway between the mouths of the Boeuf and Tensaw. On the right side, or western bank, hills of considerable elevation stretch to near the influx of Boeuf. Those hills, in some states of the atmosphere, are distinctly visible from the Bluffs in the vicinity of Natchez, though between 30 and 40 miles of inundated plain lies between.

WASHITAU, north-eastern parish of Louisiana, bounded by Tensaw river, separating it from Concordia, S.E., by Ocata hoola parish S, Natchitoches S. W., Clairborne W., and Lafayette, Union and Chicot counties of Arkansas N. Length from east to west, 90 miles, mean breadth 50, and area 5400 square miles. Extending in Lat. from 31° 48' to 33° N. and in Long. from 14° 15′ to 15° 46, W. from W. C. This comparatively extensive region,