V r / AN OUTLINE OF THE A imr- J SHOWING ITS AS ALSO ITS IMMEXSE KESOUECES EOR THE RAISIXd OF CATTLE. HORSES. HOGS AND SHEEP. OPELOUSAS : PRINTED AT THE OPELOUSAS JOURNAL OFFIC'i: 1S69. OF THK u. s . Department of Agricu Iture. Class .. - a:n^ outline OF THE RESOURCES OF ST. LANDRY PARISH. GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PAR[SH. The Parish, or County of St. Landry, is situated in the south- western portion of the State of Louisiana ; it is bounded on the east by the Atchafalaya river ; on the south by the ParisheH of St. Martin, Lafayette, and VermilHon ; on the west by the Parish of Calcasieu, and on the north by the Parishes of Rapides and Avoyelles. ITS AREA AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. The area of this parish is one million three hundred and fifty thousand acres, about equally divided between wood-land and prairie. The general surface is even and undulating, and pleasantly diversified with rolling prairies, streams ©f water, upon whose margins are found belts of good timber, between which spread out fine natural meadows, covered with luxuriant and nutritious grass. The parish may be di- vided into three districts: between the eastern boundary and the linii shaded with pink, on the map, is what may be termed the overflowed district. Within this limit however, there is much valuable land un- touched by water during the great freshets brought down the Missis- sippi river. The soil of this section is the rich alluvial, producing in great abundance the staples of the South. Much of this land had been denuded of the heavy and valuable timber MMth which it abounded, and valuable farms opened prior to the war. The Levees where then in good condition, enabling the farmer to cultivate in security the soil; but owing to the impoverished condition of the country, and the un- settled state of affairs since the advent of peace, many of the.^e plac(^si are liable to inundation at this time. Tlie second, district cml ■.•i.-.'s that portioii of the parish which lies between the, soiifh'Ti'- Township No. 4 RaugeB East and' West, and th*^ r ''■ In the upper part of this, district, i}early. all lh^"p': the face of the country is sdmewliAt 'hilly, andc forest of pine, oak', aph,_ waliitit,' liick iyi ' ;Uid '" ' trees. Here al'sb are found so'tjie li ; ^•' ' resorted to by invalids', ad tvb; Here are considerable depusils 6i' X....^ „...i.., L„„. „ L:^../... . /;.';; . consumption, is made very eicdleat' Llnie';' andf a 'fiHe bed' t^C marble, which is susceptible of a beautiful polish, and is valuable for the making of mantle-pieces, monuments, &e. Whilst much arable land is found in this section, its great wealth consists in the timber. And its adaptedness to the rearing of sheep. This latter branch of industry could be carried on with great success, and upon a large scale. The third district comprises that portion south of the above, to the line separating St. Landry from Vermillion and Lafayette. In its main features it is unlike the other two dir^tricts, The laud is^^ently undulating, with an inclination towards the Gulf of Mexico; diversified with stream and prairie; dotted with small farms, and sustaining immense herds of cattle. This is the main agricultural portion of the parish, and the centre of all its commercial operations. The chief shipping point, Washing-ton, is within its limits, also the town of Opelousas, the seat of Justice. The lands of the two latter districts are 35 feet above overflow. RIVERS AND STREAMS. The Atchafalaya river on the east connects this parish by steam- boat navigation with New Orleans. The Bayou Courtableau, formed by the juuction of the Crocodile and Boeuf, aflFords good navigation to Washington the entire year, with slight and occasional interruption during the summer. The route is, down the Courtableau to the Atcha- falaya, thence up the latter to the Mississippi river, and thence to the city. The Bayou Boeuf is the channel of transportation for the planter, by means of barges, to Washington ; and the Crocodile affords means of transportation to the lumbermen. The Plaquemiue Brulee, the Mallet, the Cane and Nezpique are fine streams, but not navigable. The Mermeuteau, formed by the Nezpique, Cane, and Plaquemiue Brulee, is a fine navigable stream ; vessels ascend it some 70 miles for lumber, which is taken to Texas, Havana and the Mexican ports. Upon these streams are found large bodies of timber, suitable for all the purposes of building and fencing, and they afford and unfailing supply of water for stock. In addition to these essential advantages, they also have a good influence upon the climate, and the health of the country. On the one Land they temper the atmosphere, aud on the other serve as drains ; carrying off the excess of water. CLIMATE AND HEALTH. This portion of the State is in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which has a marked influence upon the temperature. The warm air from the Gulf stream renders the winter soft and balmy, and subdues the heat of summer. Out-door labor to the white man is not un- pleasant, and can be sustained without detriment to health. The average temperature of the winter is about 40 degiees, and that of the summer 85 degrees during the day. During the heated period, v^e liave none of the sultriness of the more northern States at night. This Las struck every one as a remarkable feature of our climate ; after the iieat of the day, there comes a delicious feeling of pleasure, produced by tbc cool sea-breeze and the refreshing dew, which combine to cool the hot earth, tone and invigorate the system, and prepare it for the in-coming day. In puint of health, the reports of able Physicians, resident among us, together with thj Census Report of the United States for 1860, show this to be as healthy a spot as any in the United States. We especially refer the reader to the subjoined extracts from the medical reports herewith published. Without the fear of contradiction, it may be asserted, that the Western States are no less free from disease than this portion of Louisiana. Beyond the towns, in immediate contact with New Orleans, Yellow Fever is not known. Upon our prairies during the past J ear, when this fever was epidemic, it did not make its appearance The oidinary Fevers of the country are mild iu their charactt-r, and yield readily to the simplest treatment. One of the sure indications of salubrity of climate is found in the average of human life. Thi>' parish stands second to no county in the Union, in the number of its old people, and this has been remarked by every stranger coming here. Without entering into a professional disquisition upon the subject of diseases, it may be .said in a general way, that sickness and death are known wherever the children of men are found, and therefore, when publications are put forth, descriptive of the health and advantages of any particular section, asserting exemption from un- healthfulness, they should be taken with many grains of allowance. With proper care, as regards perfect cleanliness and unnecessary ex- posure, and a wholesome regard to diet — both as to quantity and quality — the bles.?ings of health can be as fully realized here as either in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, or^anyof the western States. The foregoing .statements are fully supported by the observation of those persons who, having removed here from more northern climes, and who, upon their arrival, were laboring under very erroneous impres- sions ; and such will be the result in the case of all others who may select this as their home. THE LABOR aUESTIO.'V. The topic of climate and health having been in a general way dis- cussed; the natural order of things suggests this, as the proper place, for the consideration of the above item in this outli'ne. At a distance^ and among those unacquainted with this portion of our county, the idea is current and hrmly believed, that the vjhite man can not per- form manual labor. The reasons given are, that his ph\-sical organiza- tion is not adapted thereto — that the enervating effects of the climatu destroy his vital powers — when these powers are put forth in thc^ labors incident to agriculture ; and finally, that sloth takes the place of industry, and indifference the place of energy. To such as entertain these notions, it is very evident that profound ignorance of the great law of compensation is the rule ; they entirely overlook the fact, that Providence, in its wise arrangera'^nt, both of the hitman and animal economy, has adapted each to the varied circumstances in which it may be called to act ; that reason, experiment and result alike prove the G contrary, and vindicate tlio laws of nature. Tbe facts in the case are Ihese : 1st. White men have tilled the soil from the early settlement of this State, and arc now tilling it without esperiencing any of the above evils. 2nd. 0«(' white man may easily cultivate forty acres of land here with machinery, and twenty witliout, under the old system, and much more by the use of the labor-saving machinery lately introduced, and from his individual exertion reap a larger return, than in the western or middle States. He will not only supply the wants of his iamily, but have a surplus to devote to improvements and necessary comforts ; and enjny as good health, and live to as advanced a period of life, as in any State or Territory on the continent. 3d. More than one-hulf of the white population of this parish are engaged strictly in agricnltnral pursuits, and are as robust and healthy as any similar number of farmers. 4th. The production of one white man's labor, who is industrious, may be thus stated: 400 bushels of corn ; 200 })uehels of sweet and as many of irish potatoes ; 10 barrels of rice ; 5 bales of cotton ; with a full snpply of vegetables, hay, &c. Tliis statement is the actual result of one nian'a exertions, and may be safely taken as a fair average. Now taking these facts into consideration, what becomes of the false theories, so tenaciously held, and so industriously scattered abroad ? Should they not be thrown aside, and the truth suffered to take their place ? We appeal to the experience of five hundred farmers in our mid^t fur the truthfulness of every fact given, and do not tear contra- diction in one single particular. Let all who may read this sketch refl(-ct upcn tlie above, and be assured that the erroneous impressions they have received are not sustained by the experience of honorable and trust-worthy witnesses. THE Soil. The soil of this parish is diversified ; thiit within the limits subject to overflow, being rich alluvial, inexhaustible, and adapted to all the productions of the South. The northern portion of the parish can only boast a 9'iil of small depth, easily exhausted, unless sustained by ma- nure and rotation in crops. Being more broken and hilly it is more liable to wash, and requires more care in its management. The soil of the middle and southern division of the parish, is fair; being vegetable moutd, with a small admixture of sand, snper-imposed upon a bed of fine greyish clay. This clay foundation, wliich underlies the ])arish. when broken up and exposed to the air and sun, becomes loamy and ash-like, and yields good returns for the labor bestowed. The same attention given to cultivation here, (hat is given at tlio north, would cause double the production ; and this would result from the high superiority of our soil over that of the north. Not a single State of the west can furnish to the immigrant a more kind or generous soil than is to be found in the Parish of St. Landry. THK TIMBER COMMON TO THE PARISH. The farmer and mechanic will find within the limits of this parist, all the qualities of timber essential to their several req[uirements ; such as pine, cypress, oak, (several species,) hickory, ash, walnut, mulberry, wild cherry, sweet gnm, black gum, maple, box elder, beech, hackberry, magnolia, sweet bay, sassafras, persimmon, red elm, slippery elm, crab apple, dog wood, red and black haw, &c. This list comprises all the varieties of timber essential to fencing, building, and mechanical purposes. THE CLASS OF PRODUCTS AND THEIR YIELD. This region produces sugar cane, cotton, potatoes, (both irish and sweet,) corn, tobacco, pumpkins, turnips, peas, beans, millet, rye, pea-nuts, sorghum, broom-corn, and barley, wheat and oats have been tried with good success. The average yield of these products may be thus stated ; taking^ the experience ot intelligent men as our guide ; sugar cane, 1500 lbs of sugar and 7.5 gallons of molasses per acre ; cotton, 1300 lbs in the seed per acre; corn, 35 bushels per acre; potatoes, (well cultivated) 27.5 bushels per acre; pumpkins, peas, beans and pea-nuts, give very heavy returns, but we are una- ble to give precise quantities, owing to the fact that no person has ever taken the trouble to ascertain the quantity per acre. A fine nutritious quality of hay can he made from the indigenous grass of our prairies, and in quantities to supply the local demand, and leave a good margin lor exportation to other markets. As there are several points of interest connected with the production of sugar and cotton, a concise statement of them will be made for the benefit of those at a distance. As to sugar : 1st. The cane, from which it is produced, is less liable to disease, to the inroads of insects, and to ordinary accidents than other plants. 2d. When judiciously planted, it exempts the farmei from exposure to the heated period, as it may be laid by in the early part in June, and thus remain until the season arrives for its oonversion into sugar, which takes place in October and later. 3th. White men can insure to themselves a fair revenue by the cultivation of sugar cane upon a small scale, the molasses paying the current expenses. 4th. It opens the way for co-operative associations. The man of means, by putting up the machinery, can thus secure to the small farmers near him, the means of securing their crop, and thus stimulate the enterprize of the people; his investment will return to him a good interest, and at the same time promote a healthful division of labor. The method here indicated has been tested in our section Vv-ith ex- cellent results, and invites to further efforts in the same direction. Cotton being one of the principal staples in this region, demands, perhaps, some more special notice, as to the product per acre, and its adaptability to tiie soil. We shall therefore group under separate heads the chief points of interest : a l?t. This section of country can not be considered as strictly williin tbf true geographical liinitri o' the cotton belt, Lut it is ncvertholess \s*»H adapted to tlie culture ot'tliis plant; for instance, in the true cotton region the yield is generally ISOO lbs per acre in the seed, whilst here tlie yield is on an average 1300 lbs per acre. 2(1. The labor of white men (and we are specially treating this sub- ject in reference to tliem) can bo profitably employed in this culture, with larger profit from the amount of labor bestowed, than from any otiier product of the farm. 3d The cultivation of cotton is very similar to tliat of corn, witli the difference that it requires morn work, and more careful handling 4th. One intelligent and industrious white man will produce and gather sued cotton sufBcient to make five bales of 400 lbs of clean staple ; this amount of cotton at the rate of 20 cents per pound, will give 84'iO, and still enable the farmer to secure an £|bundant supply of the necessaries of life. 5lh. Whilst it is admitted that the cotton plant is liable lo injury from insects, still in the main, as many full crops are made, as of any other product of the si.i], and the chanees of success are as favorable i:; thi.s brunch of industry as in any which engages the farmer. ^Yith these facts in view, it isbelievnl that ev^ry inteliiyent man will readily see that industry, guided by intelligence, will insure to the farmer in this parish a fail- remuneration, and with less hard labor, and as much comfort as elsewhere. •STOCK RAISING. '"If a boundless extent of luxuriant grass, and an abundant supply of water, fi<'e the- prime es^sentials for successful stock raising, then, our jiari.-h fully realizes the^ft re(|uireineiits; joined to these, is the fact, tliat out eiimntc is mild r'ii;(l' genial ; nd riide ftnd piercing winds, no killing t't'eeze iior deej) snow inedSjmodeS'our herds during the winter. To enable tho.-e at a distance to form some just idra of this branch of ruVal 'industry, an outline of the entire system as carried on here, will no^v"bc given, with the result in a monetary point of view. The st(>ck fancier purchases a ''Brand," which is simply a herd of cattle, marked witli an iron brand with some letter or numeral; these cattle lie [aits^in chaVgeuf a prrSon called a stock-keeper, whose duty it is to bnVnd t''e caives e;',ch sjitiug, as they run upon the range, g.'ither beeves for market when required by tlie owner, and render an .-itinrnvl statement df bis doings. He gets fifty cents for each calf 1 aiided and m.irked, is allowqd one or rwo beeves during the year for ii:s o'\V'n r.se.' and three to four f^tock horses to ride. There is no 7 rej>ar;ition of feed fjr wititer r.se, the cattle being expected to shift f:r liien:Pelv('S. loth smumer and winter; nor any attention paid to 'n conclnsions: 1st. The country abounds in oak forests, and the mast is very heavy as a general thing every year. 2d. Corn, peas, and potatoes can be raised in large quantities, and they.are considered the essentials to successful hog raising. 3d. The grasses are very nutritious and inexhaustible. 4th. The climate being mild and open, the per cent, of loss among 10 TOiing pigs is very small; and those diseases common to swine in colrler climates, are almost unknown here. 5th. The section of our parish best adapted to this purpose, is only .50 miles from tho richest and purest deposit of salt known to the world. 6th. Our season is very propitious for the curing of meat, as is proven by the fact that our smoke houses are full of good bacon. 7th. The timber for barrels and kegs and the hoop-poles, is found in' unlimited quantities, with good transportation and an unfailing market at the door. The impression which seems to obtain generally that our climate is too warm for sheep, is not borne out by facts, nor the experience of intelligent men here. Imported sheep were introduced before the ■war, and fully jn.stified the expectations indulged. For the purposes of mutton, they have never been surpassed, and the yield ot wool was fully the average of other places. It is certain that the northern part of our parish, with its hills, ghort feed, and large spread of shade, is finely adapted to the rearing of this epecier of stock. Here again, come in the advantages of climate, and the exemption from disease; the climate enables the sheepjfancier to supply his flocks the entire season with the Taiious kinds of feed suitable to them, and freedom from diseases entails but a small per cent, of loss. The average weight of fleece taken from blooded sheep, with us, is 8 pounds; this year some gave as much as 10 pounds. The New Orleans mar- ket offers great inducement for the rearing of these animals for mutton, and the prices are remunerative. THE KIND OP yRUIT SUITABLE TO OUR CLIMATE. The varieties which abound here are the peach, plum, pear, jfig, nectarine, orange, strawberry, and rasberry; the apple does well if the seedling be used ; grapes hare been tried with great success, and wherethc vines areunder the supervision of ex pert andpracticalmen, this valuable fruit can be made a' source of great profit. Wine has been produced in this parish of an excellent quality and flavor, and it is the opinion of Europeans that St. Landry may become a wine growing region ; the nearness to a good market offers great inducements for the cultivation of this delicious production, both in a green and dried form. TOWNS AND IiNSTIXnTIONS OF LEAK.MNG. Washington : This place is located upon the banks of the Bayou Courtableau ; it has a population of some 1200 persons ; is the chier point for shipping, being at the head of steamboat iiavigation; and has a Catholic and a Protestant Church, with the usual primary schools. Opolousas : The seat of Justice is beautifully located upon the edge of the prairie country, with belts of timber stretching off in several directions ; the land is gently undulating, affording good drainage and agreeable building sites; the population is 2200; it has two good I'rotestant churches ; a good Female Institute, under the charge of Rev. B. F. White and Lady, aided by accomplished female assistants ; 11 a good Boys' Academy under the supervision of the Rev. C. A. Frazee, and also several primary schools, among which, that under the care of !Mrs. Dewees is deserving of notice. There is a large Catholic Church, a large Convent of the sam.e persuasion, and boys school, all in a flourishing condition. The society of the place is cultivated and polished, and will compare favorably with Boston, Mass., or St. I'aul, Minnesota. Grand Coteau : Is ten miles south of Opelousas, beautifully located, and contains a large College and Convent under the charge of the Catholics ; both institutions are in a flourishing condition ; the popula- tion of the place is some 200 persons. Flat Town, Chicot, Big Cane, Prud'homme City, and Plaquemine Brulee are post-oflSce stations, •with stores and a church in each. FACILITIES POIl MANurACTURlNG. Tanneries could be profitably worked in this parish ; the bark is abundant, and hides also ; with the prime materials at hand, and a good supply of well tanned leather, the establishment of shoe, harness, and saddle factories also would follow ; cotton and woolen factories also would admirably succeed, for the staples are produced in great abundance, necessary to their succeesful operation. With, therefore, the essentials on hand, and abundant means for the transportation thereof when ready for market, these branches of enterprise invite serious attention. In this connection we call the attention of all who are engaged in the mechanical branches, to the advantages which ofler for their several departments. The wagon, cart, and wooden ware branches will here find all the materials required, as also, a never failing market ; the two former will find oak of the best quality, asb, hickory, red elm, and black locust ; these qualities of timber are pronounced by experienced northern . mechanics, as equal in all respects to any they ever worked, and sufiiciently abundant for all purposes. The tupelo gum for the manufactory of wooden ware is not sur- passed by any timber used in this line; it is beautifully white, easily worked, and not in the least liable to crack; the supply may be said to be almost inexhaustible. With all the elements which enter into the requirements of these mechanical branches; with a market £..t the door of the work-shop ; with all the supphes required for subsistence at hand in profusion and at moderate prices, there is no reason why the Intelligent and industrious mechanic should not embark in his special line of business. His social wants can be fully met. His intellectual culture generously provided for ; and a wide field opened to him for the exercise of all his intelligence and varied attainments. We need his skill and handy-work to meet the demands and wants of the busy human family, who are spread over our fertile and smiling prairies. MARKET FACILITIES. Every person seeking a new home desires, in addition to the evi- dence of success iu farming and mechanical operations,* some informa- 12 tion as regards a market for bis productions, the time occupied in their transportation, and the probable advantage which it offers. A i;ummary of these points ot interest, so far as this parish is concerned, will now be given. From the principal shipping point of this parish, (Washington) produce reaches New Orleans in 36 hours, and when rail-way trans- portation is provided, (which will he soon) the time will occupy 10 hours. In this city, all the great commercial and agriculturaliuterests west of the Alleghany, and east of the Rocky i\Lountaius, must eventually centre, and meet the representatives of all the nations as purchasers thereof. This parish is removed but a step as it were trom this depot of staple products; her watercourses serve to bear the precious commodities to the wharves and store-houses thereof, and in a short time the iron horse will be seen in all the majesty of his power, traversing our pn-iries to the western verge of our State, and tbence penetrate the vast plains of Texas. The market of New Orleans is perhaps one of the best for all classes of productions upon this continent ; her large population (ii25,000) creates a demand fur the small products of the farmer ; and the experi- ments tried this year have established the fact, that a great foreign market can be reached for t!ie disposal of the early fruits of the eartb. In this latter advantage we are, in the South, without competition. Our vegetables mature fully six weeks earlier thaa those of the North and West, and having the Mississippi river at command, we are enabled to penetrate every market on it banks, and those of its tributaries, and reap the harvest which lies ready at our feet to give up its wealth. The increase of commerce at New Orleans, resulting troui the wise and fostering spirit of her citizens, as manifested in the erection of grain elevators ; the supj.ort given to several branches of manufactu- ring, and the additional facilities promisdd to commerce by deepening the passes of the river at its mouth, can not tail to impart vitality to every branch ot inilustry, and enlarge the field for the exercise of mental and physical energy. PRICE OF LANDS. Land near the navigable streams and towns, can be purchased at from $10 to $15 per acre; at a distance from the centre if business at $G and $3 per acre; ip the wesleru portion of the parish at $2.50 and $1.25. _ There is much public land subject to entry under the Homestead Act, in tracts of 80 or 160 acres, costing, (the surveying and incidental expenses included) $23.50 per each SO, and $45 lor 160 acres; much of this latter (juality is covered with fine timber, aiid near large water courses. Every class and condition will be enabled to find lands within their means, and suitable to tbeir several tastes and j)ursuits. The cajiitnlist can purchase large bodies of land from private persons for the pii: jHise of colonizing, and the man of small means, a farm, adapted to his means and wants. Saw-mills are scattered tlndughthe parish, enabling all to secure lumber for building purposes, at prices ranging from $20 to $35 per tliousand feet. Corn will abound in our parish, and the immigrant will thus be enabled to secure fuel and bread for the year. In concluding this cursory but plain statement of facts relative to this section of country, we cannot refrain from reiterating what has been so often said, that the new-comer will receive a cordial welcome from a generous people, and will receive that hospitality for which they have ever been renowned. Owing to their poverty, it may not be as varied and generous as in former times, but in its spirit it will be as cheerful and universal ; no man of intelligence, or industry, will find aught that can in the least be offensive, but on the contrary, he will find a kind solicitude for his welfare — as well ia the hour of his pros- perity, as in the time of trouble. If he be a lover of peace ; if he can appreciate the gentle graces o£ social intercourse, and admire those qualities J which spring from a sense of self-respect and the elements of true manhood, we bid him welcome, and offer him a rich field for thu exercise of his skill, talents, and intellectual endowments. We invite him to a fertile soil, a genial climate, a range of productions un- equalled, a healthful location, and unsurpassed means of transportation to a market second to none upon this continent. 14 APPENDIX. Mount Hope, Parish of St. Landry, Jan. 1st, 186."*. Gent ; I employed tlie past year 22 hands, to-wit . 15 men, 2 boys, and 4 women. Had in cane 90 acres ; in corn 170 acres, and iu cotton 100 acres, besides several acres iu potatoes and gardens. RESULT OF THE YEAR's WORK : Ground 58 acres of cane, in 18 days, making 108 hogshead of 1250 pounds each, which sold at 10 cts - - $13,000 I made 200 barrels molasses, equal to 6000 galls., at 70 cts. 5.600 Also 7000 barrels of corn 2.100 Also 86 bales of cotton, equal to 38.000 lbs., at 22 cts. 8.514 Gross Receipts 829.214 EXPENSES : My total expenses for provisions, repairs, hire of hands, sugar maker, hogsheads and barrels, were SlO.OOO. Which deducted from gross income, leaves S19.114 as my year's income. I am, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, ELBERT GANTT, To Messrs, Lewis and Mullett. P.S. — I employed 1 extra hands for 90 days. E. G. o :- Bayou Boeuf, St. Landry parish, Jan. 1st, 1869. Gentlemen: I herewith transmit in accordance with your request, a statement of the sugar crops produced during the year ISGS, on the Barbreck and St. Peters' plantations : Sugar produced, 460 hogsheads, averaging 1250 lbs each, which, at $100 per hogshead, yields - - - $46,000 Twenty-seven thousand six hundred gallons, molasses, at 50 cents per gallon 13.800 Gross proceeds -• $49,800 Expenses - 19.000 Profits $30,800 Besides the above, we produced fifteen thousand bushels of corn, which is at least three or four thousand more than we require lor the use of the plantations. Very respectfully, &c., H. M. PAYNE. To Messrs. Mulleit and Lewis, Com. Publication. 15 Labyche Plantation, January 5, 1&69, Messrs. Lewis fe Mullett : Gent : Mr, Ganlt handed me your letter last evening, the following is a correct statement of the crop asked for. CROP OF LABYCHE PLANTATION. 92 acres of plant cane and 82 acres of corn, cultivated by twelve men ; produced 193 hogsheads of sugar, 341 barrels of molasses, and 1600 bushels of Corn, We ground 72 acres of cane, and sold 3 acres for $1000. The 72 acres produced 193 hogsheads of sugar, weighing 218.090 pounds ; 341 barrels of molasses, 14.322 gallons ; averaging per acre, 3029 pounds of sugar, and 200 gallons of molassses. The net proceeds from the above, including the 3 acres of cane ..... 832.221.18 EXPENSES : For cultivating the crop - - • Sl.225.00 For taking off the same ... 1.551.31 For pork in lieu of wages - - - 662.00 Sugar hogsheads, molasses barrels, repairs to su- gar house, and other small expenses - - 3.500.00— S6. 938.31 Nett proceeds $25,282.81 We consumed in making the sugar, 660 cords of gum wood ; in taking off the croj?, we hired 30 extra hands, their wages is included in the $1,551.31. The number of days cutting cane, 42 days. " " " " grinding " 21 " Total capital inveBted, $40,000. Your obedient servant, GEORGE W. MOBGAN. HEALTH, '. - f. I. •' :«. . i Tho followinjx extracts from letters of gentlemen high in tlie medical profession, speak for tliemielves : - I havo been engaged in the active practice of medicine. Ju this parish over tliirty years. * * * *■ * <-*-''' My observations have been made on "whites, negroes, mulattoes, mixed bloods, and aboriginees. The most common discsaes seen here, are those caused by change of te'mpeiature ; what are called Colds. Sach diseases, in my opinion, do uot occur more frequently hero than in other warm countries; and I know that they are not so common here as in other regions of the United States. This type of disease causes our largest bills of mortality, but they yield readily to medical treat- ment, and are not so dangerous as in colder countries. Consumption rarely originates here, and those who have it in its incipient stages at the north, and come here usually get well. . * * * Intermittent fever occurs every summer and fall, but is easily re- lieved. ******* People coming from other States and from Europe, are not more liable to have fevers than those born here ; and when they h<'.ve them, their chances to get well are as good as those of the natives of the State. Ever since I have lived here I have been seeing white men and boys-; ■working in their own fields, frequently along side of their own slaves. cultivating the usual crops of the country; and I have never known ihem to be compelled to desist from such labor except from inclination. Kespectfully, 0. D. TATMAN, M. 1). June 22 J, 1869. * * * I have practiced medicine in this parish, every day for the last twenty years, during which time I have travelled the distance of six times the circuznference of the earth, exposed by day and by night to the inclemency of the seasons, and althouoh ot a delicate form — being si.\ feet in stature, and weiirliing only 125 lbs — I have never had one day of sickness. My wife has always enjoyed good health, and we have eight children, all in good health, never having lost one , and if you will permit me to add to this, that my general experience of diseases here, is that they are mainly attributable to neglect of hygienic measures, and the improper administration of occult and patent medicines, you will readily infer that my experience is favorable to the climatic properties of this locality, as compared with the statistics of other parts of the United States. Kespectfully, VINCENT "BOAGNI, M. D. Drs. George Hill and John A. Taylor, both distinguished physicians, the former a practicioner for 82 years, and the latter for nearly the same period, concur in the above statements, as to the healthfidness of this parish. We regret the want of space to publish their able and interesting reports in full. ic H iO