“We were at a coal-landing at the time, and not far from Madrid.  The boat stopped so long to take in an immense pile of corn-bags that our passengers went on shore—­such of them as could climb the slippery bank.

“When we saw them coming back laden with peach-blossoms, and saw the little children dressing their hats with them, we were seized with a longing for them, and Mr. S. offered to go and get us some; we begged to go too, but he objected.

“We were really envious of his good luck when we saw him jump into a country wagon, drawn by oxen which trotted off like horses, and, waving his handkerchief to us, ride off in great glee.  He came back with an armful of peach-tree branches.  Whose orchard he robbed at our instigation I cannot say.  A little girl, the daughter of the captain, pulled some blossoms open, and showed us that the fruit germs were not dead, but would have become peaches if we had not coveted them.

“The 25th was also our first night steam-boating.  After passing Cairo the river is considered safe for night travel, and the boat started on her way at 8.30 P.M.  We had been out about half an hour when a lady who was playing cards threw down her cards and rushed with a shriek to her stateroom.  I perceived then that there had been a peculiar motion to the boat and that it suddenly stopped.  We found that one of the paddle-wheels was caught in a snag, but there was no harm done.  It made us a little nervous, but we slept well enough after it.

“When I look out upon the river, I wonder that boats are not continually snagged.  Little trees are sticking up on all sides, and sometimes we seem to be going over a meadow and pushing among rushes.

“A yawl, which was sent out yesterday to sound, was snagged by a stump which was high out of water; probably they were carried on to it by a current.  The little boat whirled round and round, and the men were plainly frightened, for they dropped their oars and clutched the sides of the boat.  They got control, however, in a few minutes, and had the jeers of the men left on the steamer for their pains.

“March 30.  We stopped at Natchez before breakfast this morning, and, having half an hour, we took a carriage and drove through the city.  It was like driving through a succession of gardens:  roses were hanging over the fences in the richest profusion, and the arbor-vitae was ornamenting every little nook, and adorning every cottage.

“Natchez stands on a high bluff, very romantic in appearance; jagged and rugged, as if volcanoes had been at work in a time long past, for tall trees grew in the ravines.

“Most of our lady passengers are, like ourselves, on a tour of pleasure; six of them go with us to the St. Charles Hotel.  Some are from Keokuk, Ia., and I think I like these the best.  One young lady goes ashore to spend some time on a plantation, as a governess.  She looks feeble, and we all pity her.