But Natchez-on-top-of-the-hill is attractive; has always been attractive.

Even Mrs.Trollope (1827) had to confess its charms: 'At one or two points the wearisome level line is relieved by bluffs, as they call the short intervals of high ground.

The town of Natchez is beautifully situated on one of those high spots.

The contrast that its bright green hill forms with the dismal line of black forest that stretches on every side, the abundant growth of the pawpaw, palmetto and orange, the copious variety of sweet-scented flowers that flourish there, all make it appear like an oasis in the desert.

Natchez is the furthest point to the north at which oranges ripen in the open air, or endure the winter without shelter.