an extensive country of North America, lying between Mexico and the river Mississippi, and now forming one of the united states of the North American republic. The name was originally given to a region extending from the gulf of Mexico, northward and westward to an unknown distance, but is now confined to the southern part of this territory. Louisiana was originally discovered and settled by the French; and, after remaining in their hands for about a century, it was transferred to Spain by treaty in 1762. In 1801 Spain gave up the colony again to France, by whom it was sold to the United States in 1803 for sixty millions of francs. In 1812 Louisiana was erected into a state, and admitted as a member of the union. It extends between 29° and 33° of north latitude, and between the river Sabine on the west, and the Perdido on the east, embracing an area of 45,860 square miles. The greater part of the country is a level plain, and that part which reaches from the sea-shore, 20 or 30 miles inward, is a morass on a level with high water, without trees or shrubs. The Mississippi flows through the eastern part of it; and as its waters have generally a higher level than the adjoining country, the cultivated parts are protected from inundation by embankments. This great river sends off part of its waters by lateral courses to the sea, and forms a kind of delta. A considerable part of the country is overflowed during the annual swell of the river in May and June, which then rises 50 feet in the upper part of its course; but at New Orleans, within 100 miles of the sea, the rise is only 12 feet. The richest soil is along the banks of the Mississippi and its branches; the other parts are either swampy, or light and sandy. It abounds with a great variety of wood, and the wild vine is extremely common. The settlements are confined chiefly to the banks of the streams. The population in 1810 was 86,556; but in 1814 was estimated at 101,700. Of this population 30,000 reside in the capital, New Orleans, which is situated about 100 miles from the mouth of the river, and carries on a very extensive trade. It has now become the centre of trade for the states situated on the western side of the Alleghany mountains. Louisiana, mountains, and has increased more rapidly within the last ten years than any other town in the United States. The produce received from the upper country is immense; between 300 and 400 sea vessels arrive and depart annually, and about 900 flat-bottomed boats and barges descend the river from the western territories. The river communication has been much improved by the use of steam-boats, which are now numerous upon the Mississippi and Ohio. These have also been employed as drag-boats to assist loaded vessels in ascending from the sea to New Orleans. The principal exports are cotton, tobacco, sugar, and flour. The exports of Louisiana in 1817 amounted to $9,024,812 dollars, of which $8,241,254 were domestic produce, and $783,558 foreign produce. The tonnage belonging to New Orleans in 1815 was 17,204. (Warden's Account of the United States.)

The agricultural productions of Louisiana are the same with those of the other southern states; but sugar is now cultivated to a greater extent here than in any other part of the union. The cane is planted in January, February, or March, and ripens in October. The average produce is estimated at 800 or 1000 pounds per acre. The quantity made on the Mississippi alone in 1812 was estimated at ten millions of pounds. It is computed that there are one million of acres in the state adapted to the culture of sugar. Tobacco and cotton are also cultivated to a considerable extent. Of the latter 20,000 bales were exported in 1812. Rice is cultivated in swampy places unfit for any other species of grain, and the produce is estimated at 15 barrels per acre, each weighing 200 pounds. Maize is raised, but this plant, as well as wheat, rye, barley and oats, do not thrive so well as in states farther north, and are not very much cultivated. Figs and olives succeed, and it is believed that silk would be found profitable. The sweet orange, the citron, lemon, and lime, are cultivated below the 30th parallel. Immense herds of cattle are raised in the natural meadows of Opelousas and Atakapas. The mutton is considered to be superior to that of the northern states, the other kinds of flesh inferior. In the richest and most populous parts of the country plantations bring from 40 to 50 dollars an acre, exclusive of slaves and buildings. The profits of a slave are estimated at 140 dollars per annum. Negro tradesmen are let or hired at from 20 to 30 dollars a month. Some planters have a yearly income of 20,000 dollars, and possess from 10,000 to 20,000 head of cattle.

There are no manufactures of much importance in this state. Salt is made at two or three places. Within 60 miles above, and an equal distance below New Orleans, there are 36 saw mills, some of which are driven by steam, and others by water let off by small openings in the banks of the Mississippi. Pitch and tar are manufactured, and of the cane or reed are made hats, sieves, baskets, mats, &c. Candles are made of the vegetable wax derived from the Myrtica cerifera.

Louisiana is in many parts rather unhealthy. Bilious fever prevails generally in autumn, and the yellow fever has several times made its appearance. Sore throat, tetanus, and dysentery are also not uncommon. The most sickly season at New Orleans is August. The births in that city in the year ending March 1808 were 456, the deaths 769. Snow seldom falls in this state, and frost is only experienced in December and January. In summer the thermometer sometimes rises to 93 in the shade. The mean temperature of spring water is said to be 65°. About the 1st of February peach and plum trees are in blossom.

The most considerable rivers are the Mississippi, which has generally a breadth of 880 yards in this state. Its depth near New Orleans exceeds 150 feet. The Red river falls into the Mississippi near Fort Adams. The Sabine river falls into the gulf of Mexico. The Lafourche, Atchafalaga, and Iberville, are outlets of the Mississippi. There are also several lakes, of which those of Ponchartrain and Chetimache are the most considerable. Lake Borgne is an arm of the sea. By its rivers and lakes Louisiana enjoys an inland navigation of 4000 miles.

A mass of native iron weighing 3000 pounds was lately discovered on the banks of Red river. Iron ore, silver, alum, coal, and potter's earth, are found in the state. There are also salt springs at different places.

The constitution of this state was framed by a convention at New Orleans in 1812. The legislature consists of a senate chosen for four years, and house of representatives for two. All free white male citizens of 21 years of age, and paying taxes, are electors. The members of both houses receive four dollars a day for their services. The governor is elected for four years. The judges of all the courts hold their offices during good behaviour. The militia consists of all the free white citizens.

This country was invaded by a British force in December 1814. It advanced to within six miles of New Orleans, but was defeated there on the 8th January 1815, with the loss of its commander General Packenham and 2600 men in killed and wounded. The Americans, who were commanded by General Jackson, and fought behind an entrenchment, lost according to their own account, only 7 killed and 8 wounded.

Soon after Louisiana was ceded to the United States, there were two societies established for the promotion of science and literature, one of them at New Orleans, and another at Natchez. The former designs to publish a monthly magazine for the purpose of diffusing a knowledge of the country, and to amuse the readers of it with a variety of useful subjects. The latter, which was established in 1803, called the Mississippi Society for the Acquisition and Dissemination of useful Knowledge, consists of near 40 members, and has correspondents in various parts of the United States. The American government has granted it a charter of incorporation.