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Alas Poor Powers I knew him, a fellow of infinite jest & most excellent fancy. And moreover he was a prophet as far as regarded Texas. 25th All the country round enveloped in as fine a Tropical thunder storm I have ever beheld. It was a grand specimen and seemed as if the "all-shaking thunder" would "strike

62 flat the thick rotundity of the world!" 27. A friend accompanied me across the prairies to Caney Creek; we passed two streams ere we reached our destination the same evening, the Cotton plantation of Mr. P_____ I could not help remarking the peculiar & melancholy appearance the Spanish Moss (Tillandsia Usneoides} in some places given to the "Timbers" or Bottoms. Its long, shaggy & hanging grey appearance, contrasting strongly with the deep green foliage. When much of this moss is seen growing the locality does not sustain a good character for healthiness "Chills & fevers" being common.

  The Spanish Moss when prepared which is done by steeping it in water, part of it rots off & is decomposed leaving the long fibre which when dried in the Sun takes on a blackish appearance & is then used as Horse hair is used in Europe & sells for from 4 to 6 cents for trade.  During my ride I observed many