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18 this rich agricultural region. 9 miles more brought us to the San Bernard River. Sometimes the ferry boat is up the river, and then one has to take to the water. which is easily performed by putting ones clothes into the saddle bag, slinging them across the shoulder, & if travelling with a rifle this is nicely poised on the top of the hat & hat & rifle tied on under the chin, dashing in & swimming it. On a hot day this is far from being unpleasant. but if a freezing 'Norther' be blowing then it become a matter of taste to pronounce it comfortable or not. Journeyed over prairies a few miles to Caney Creek where there are some thriving cotton sugar & tobacco plantations to the prairies of Bonavista where we put up at the comfortable residence of Col. S. crossed out: Sheppard some 15 miles from Matagorda & most hospitably entertained by himself and another family, & the following morning reached Matagorda. Whilst here we were entertained one evening by the amateur Thespian company at their pretty little theatre with the"Two Thompsons" and "Where shall I dine". To diversify our return to Galveston, we traversed prairies with bottom lands covered with timbers amongst which were the Live oak and Magnolia with its large ? white flowers, indeed the approach to Brazonia on the Brazos may be called a Tropical forest country, and the day we arrived there we dined with one of the most opulent planters, who amongst other good things, gave us good claret & hock.