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39. We were quite anxious to see an alligator - a genuine Mississippian - but were disappointed. The day was not of the right sort. We saw however large flocks of Turkey Buzzards. There are the Scavengers of the South and they are so useful that the laws protects their lives. They are a large sluggish bird - one of their habits I noticed was - when at rest - to stretch their wings and bat the wind sway then back and forwards. On the west bank about 40 miles from the river stands fort Jackson. It is a circular form - and above the mason work earth making green surround - over the top of the fort. The huge cannon lay on the embankment - with their mouths open towards us. The grounds around are well arranged - and covered with the green grass look very agreeable. Near the fort and parting the water are the barracks - a large though old fashioned building. Nearly opposite stands a smaller fort - and these two are the Ceibesus of the river. The water was very high - having overflowed the banks. I saw shrubs - and fences - stood up out of the water - and houses were surrounded or inundated. It was like the swellings of Jordan. The Levy - which now is applied to several objects - belongs property to the embankment - which keeps the river within bounds. On the Mississippi - more especially the part we saw - this mound is small - it runs along both banks and extends some 600 miles. Every planter by law is obliged to keep up the levy on his own plantation. It was singular to see the water higher then the land. - Our Friends were very polite to give me the names of things as we passed. The trees were the strangers to me. Here I saw the first Palm Tree. It was solitary and alone and only a visitor to this Country like myself. The Pecan nut tree grew plentifully - being a native of Louisiannia. This nut is very fine flavored - the most palatable of all kinds - only one caution is to be observed in eating - to avoid any of the shell - as this is acrid.