MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI, one of the United States of North America, is situated between 88° 30' and 91° 50' of west longitude, and 30° 8' and 35° of north latitude. It is bounded on the north by Tennessee, on the south by the Gulf of Mexico and part of Louisiana, on the east by Alabama, and on the west by Louisiana and the River Mississippi. It is above three hundred miles in length, and one hundred and sixty miles in average breadth, containing a superficies of fifty thousand square miles. The surface of this state is diversified by a number of distinct ranges of hills of moderate elevation, besides a succession of eminences called bluffs, which in some cases approach to the river, and at other times are seen several miles from it. The bases of the Walnut Hills, Grand Gulf, Natchez, White Cliffs, and Loftus Heights, are washed by the river Mississippi. Two of these ranges divide the state nearly in its whole extent, and separate it into sectional divisions. As we recede from the river, the bluffs spread out into a kind of undulating table-land, but in many instances the richest table-lands have precipitous benches, by which they are exposed to what agriculturists technically term "washing." By this casualty the land is divided into deep ravines, and the richest parts of the state are subjected to it. In the northern part of the state, which is undulating, the soil is deep, black, and rich, and in its natural state is, to a considerable extent, covered with cane-brakes, like some of the more southern parts of the state. The north-west part of the state is agreeably variegated with hills and valleys of great fertility, and fine springs abound.

In the lower parts of Mississippi, bordering on the river, rocks, stones of any size, and even gravel, are seldom seen above ground. The whole western limit of this state is washed by the river Mississippi, which has here a remarkably circuitous course. The flat margin of the river on this side is less valuable than similar soil upon the opposite bank. It is an inundated swamp, thinly inhabited, and covered with dense forests.

The most considerable river whose course is wholly confined to the state is the Yazoo. It rises near the limits of Tennessee, and, taking a north-westerly course, flows through a high, pleasant, and salubrious country, which, however, is chiefly claimed and inhabited by Indians. There is a fine building stone on this river, in situations favourable for conveyance to New Orleans. The next in importance is the Pearl, which is navigable for fifty miles. The Pascagoula, which has a course of two hundred and fifty miles before it falls into the Gulf of Mexico, is likewise capable of considerable navigation. The Big Black, which, measuring its meanders, has a course of two hundred miles, is navigable for fifty miles. It enters the Mississippi just above the Grand Gulf. The Homochitto is also a considerable stream, but the other rivers and creeks are comparatively small.

The climate of Mississippi is thus adapted to the growth of cotton. It is mild, and in some parts delightful; but the state being exposed to the winds of the north-west, the winters are occasionally severe, though very irregular in point of temperature. From the swampy nature of the western border, this part of Mississippi is not very healthy; the other parts, however, are salubrious. A considerable portion of this state still remains in its primitive condition, and is covered with thick forests of oak, hickory, lime, sassafras, cotton-wood, magnolia, poplar, and other valuable trees; and the swamps abound with cypress. Almost

all kinds of grain, fruits, and vegetables can be cultivated. The sugar-cane has hitherto been attempted only upon its southern frontier. The sweet orange is raised in some parts, and in the middle regions figs, grapes, and other fruits arrive at full perfection. But the grand staple of the state is cotton, and hitherto it has been found more profitable than any other production, although its price has diminished nearly two thirds within these few years. Most of the respectable farmers raise Indian corn enough to meet their own consumption, and also rear hogs sufficient to supply them with bacon.

When Mississippi was admitted into the Union in 1817, the government agreed that, after paying a debt of 1,250,000 dollars to Georgia, and indemnifying certain claimants, five per cent. of the net proceeds of the public lands lying within the state shall be applied to the formation of roads and canals. To facilitate this end several privileges were granted, such as exemption of the public lands from taxation; and in 1829 a board of internal improvement was formed, for the purpose of carrying the views of government into effect. In consequence of this arrangement, a number of railways and canals have been constructed, or are in progress. Ample public funds have also been set apart for the endowment of schools, but education is not very generally diffused, as the legislature has not enforced the establishment and support of suitable schools. An institution called a college has been incorporated at Shieldsborough, and another, called Jefferson College, at Washington, near Natchez. Besides these, there are a few flourishing seminaries of education in the principal towns. The religious bodies in this state are Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, and Episcopalians. The following is a tabular view of the population of the counties and county towns, according to the census of 1830.

Natchez is much the largest town, and the principal seat of commercial transactions. It is romantically situated on the east bank of the river Mississippi, on a very high bluff, about two hundred and eighty miles above New Orleans, in long. $91^\{\backslash circ\}\; 25\text{'}$ west, and lat. $31^\{\backslash circ\}\; 34\text{'}$ north. It is the principal town in this region for the shipment of cotton to New Orleans. Great numbers of boats are always lying here, and in the autumn and winter Natchez presents an animated and bustling aspect, but in summer little business is transacted. The streets are broad; many of the buildings are in very good style, and the whole has the appearance of cleanliness, comfort, and opulence. The Bank of the State of Mississippi, a United States' Branch Bank, and the Planters' Branch Bank, are at Natchez. The first has a capital of one million, and the last a capital of three millions of dollars.

Monticello is a flourishing village situated on Pearl River, and was some years ago the seat of government; but Jackson, near the head of the same stream, is now the political metropolis. It has a central, healthy, and pleasant situation, but the inhabitants are not numerous. Vicksburgh, below the Walnut Hills, on the Mississippi, has risen up within these few years, and has already become a place of great trade. Gibson Post, which is situated on Bayou Pierre, about thirty-five miles above Natchez, is a village of considerable importance. Shieldsborough, Greenville, Woodville, Winchester, Washington, and Warrenton, are also flourishing places.

On the 1st of January 1832, the unsold lands, to which the Indian and the foreign titles had been extinguished, amounted to 21,211,465 acres. At the same date the Indians still claimed 6,529,280 acres, and 733,244 acres had been set apart for the erection of schools and for government purposes. The manufactures and shipping of this state are too unimportant to require particular mention. In 1836 there were in Mississippi five banks, to which a number of branches were attached. Printing was introduced about the beginning of the present century, and in 1834 thirteen newspapers were published within the state.

Mississippi was admitted into the Union in 1817. The constitution and laws bear a common resemblance to those of the other states. The legislative body is styled a general assembly, consisting of a senate which is elected triennially, and a house of representatives which is elected annually. The rights of citizenship are enjoyed by those who have a freehold or an interest in real estate. The governor serves two years, and is eligible only four years out of six. The judiciary consists of a supreme and circuit court, together with subordinate courts appointed by the legislature. The judges are appointed by the legislature, and hold their offices during good behaviour. The state is divided into seven circuits or districts, and one judge and a district attorney are chosen by the electors of each district; and a circuit court is held in each county twice every year. This court has original jurisdiction in civil causes, in which the sum in controversy exceeds fifty dollars. All persons above twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, are electors.

A great number of Indians still hold possession of considerable tracts of country in this state. The principal tribes are the Chactaws and Chickasaws, the number of the former being estimated at 20,000, and that of the latter at about 4000. They are at present in a semi-savage state; but many of them have good houses, slaves, enclosures, and cattle. Schools have been established amongst them for the reception of Indian pupils, and there are missionary stations whence the truths of Christianity are diffused over the country.