I have seen all these trees before." "Yes," returned Lucien, "but have you ever observed them all growing together in this way ?" "Ah! that is a different affair: I believe not." "Because it is from that fact," continued Lucien, "that I am led to believe this spot was once the seat of an Indian settlement.

These trees, or others that produced them, have been planted here, and by the Indians." "But, brother Luce," interposed Francois, "I never heard that the Indians of these parts made such settlements as this must have been.
These low woods extend down the river for miles.

They must have had a large tract under cultivation." "I think," replied Lucien, "the Indians who at present inhabit this region never planted these trees.

It is more likely a settlement of the ancient nation of the Natchez." "The Natchez! Why, that is the name of a town on the Mississippi, but I did not know there were Indians of that name." "Neither are there now; but there once was a very extensive tribe so called who occupied the whole territory of Louisiana.

It is said that, like the Mexicans and Peruvians, they had made some progress in civilisation, and knew how to weave cloth and cultivate the soil.