Upper Louisiana (we are told) has all the trees known in Europe, besides
others that are here unknown. The cedars are remarkably fine; the cotton
trees grow to such a size, that the Indians make canoes out of their
trunks; hemp grows naturally; tar is made from the pines on the sea
coast; and the country affords every material for ship-building. Beans
grow to a large size without culture; peach trees are heavily laden with
fruit; and the forests are full of mulberry and plum trees. Pomegranates
and chestnut trees are covered with vines, whose grapes are very large
and sweet. There are three or four crops of Indian corn in the year; as
there is no other winter besides some rains. The grass grows to a great
height, and towards the end of September is set on fire, and in eight or
ten days after, the young grass shoots up half a foot high.