[7] The following sketch of the scenery and resources of Lake
Pontchartrain is extracted from one of the New-Orleans papers, and is
valuable for its general observations, and the correctness of its
description of this theatre of summer amusement for the pleasure-seeking
Orleanese:--
"Seven years ago there was but one steamboat plying the lakes in the
vicinity of New-Orleans. There are now nine constantly departing from,
and arriving at, the foot of the rail-road. They are generally crowded
with passengers going to, and returning from the numerous villages which
have sprung up in the woods that skirt the shores of Lake Borgne and
Lake Pontchartrain, happy in the enjoyment of such facilities of escape
from the heat and insalubrity of the city, and the anxious cares of
business.
"This is the season for relaxation everywhere. It is, and should be,
especially in New-Orleans, where the business of a year, by
circumstances, is forced to be crowded into a few months, and where the
people, during the season of business, are distinguished beyond any
other for a devoted and untiring application to their affairs. If we may
not here set apart a little time, and a little money, for amusement in
summer, we know not where a claim for recreation and refreshment may be
put forth. The fare on board the steam packets is extremely moderate,
the accommodations good and convenient, the passages very agreeable, and
the accommodations at the various public houses which line the shores,
though not equalling the luxury and sumptuousness of the city houses,
are sufficient for health and comfort. The moderate sums demanded from
the passengers, and low price of board at the houses, enable young men
to spend a month of leisure, at little, if any more cost, than the
expenses of a month's residence in the city. The treat which they
provide, in fish, fresh from the water, and in oysters from their banks,
more than compensates for any difference in the meats of the market.
Among the best houses on the borders of the lakes, are those, we
believe, at Madisonville and Pascagoula, the first the nearest to, and
the latter the farthest from the city; but in beauty of situation and
scenery, all other spots are surpassed by that of the village at the bay
of Beloxi, where, as yet, no house of public accommodation has been
established. The curve of the bay is the line of beauty, the waves of
old Ocean wash its margin, and his refreshing and invigorating airs
whistle through the woods. There is a quiet and repose in the scene, not
witnessed anywhere else along the voyage across the lakes. The neat, but
scattering cottages lie seemingly imbedded among the rich and dark
foliage of the back ground, and you fancy the inhabitants may be taking
a Rip Van Winkle nap, of twenty years, a nap filled with dreams of the
sweetest and most agreeable nature. We understand that there is yet
land, fronting on the bay, which may be entered at the minimum price
affixed by the government. In addition to the poetical attractions of
the bay of Beloxi, we might add the substantial ones of--milk in
abundance at a bit a quart--fish and wild fowl, (the latter just
beginning to appear) plenty and cheap--and oysters at a bit a hundred.
"We are informed that the citizens of Mobile contemplate the erection of
a splendid hotel on Dauphin Island, at the entrance of Mobile bay,
immediately by which the steamboats pass on their way between Mobile bay
and New-Orleans; and as the Mobilians seldom seriously contemplate any
thing without carrying it into execution, we expect that in another year
a common ground will be furnished, where the citizens of the two cities
of the south-west may meet for their common amusement. The situation is
healthful and agreeable, and we _hope_, as well as expect, that the
project will be consummated."