American _sylva_.

That of South America Alexis had carefully observed and studied in their
long journey across that continent. He had noted the grand tropical
trees--the palms and _pothos_ plants--the _mimosas_ and _musaceae_--the
magnificent forms of the _lombax_ and _bertholletia_--the curious
_cecropias_ and fig-trees--the giant _cedrelas_ and the gum-yielding
_siphonias_. On the Andes he had observed the agaves, the cycads, and
cactaceae--all strange to the eye of a Russian. He was now desirous of
making himself familiar with the forests of North America; which, though
of a sub-tropical character in Louisiana, contained forms altogether
different from those of the Amazonian regions. Here he would meet with
the famed magnolia, and its relative the tulip-tree; the catalpa and
flowering cornel, the giant cypress and sycamore, the evergreen oak, the
water-loving tupelo, and the curious fan-like palmetto. Of these, and
many other beautiful trees belonging to the North American _sylva_,
Alexis had read--in fact, knew them botanically; but he wished to
cultivate a still pleasanter acquaintance with them, by visiting them in
their own native home.

For this purpose he and Ivan set out alone, with only a negro for their
guide; the planter being engaged, visiting his different friends, and
warning them for the grand hunt.

Pouchskin remained behind. He had been left at the house--to do some
necessary repairs to the travelling traps both of himself and his young
masters, which, after their long South American expedition, needed
looking to. At this work had Pouchskin been left, surrounded by a
circle of grinning darkies, in whose company the old grenadier would
find material to interest and amuse him.

It was only for a stroll that our young hunters had sallied forth, and
without any design of entering upon the chase; but they had become so
accustomed to carrying their guns everywhere, that these were taken
along with them. Some curious bird or quadruped might be started--whose
fur or feathers they might fancy to make an examination of. For that
reason, both shouldered their guns.

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.

THE LONE LAGOON.

They were soon beyond the bounds of the plantation, and walking under
the dark majestic woods--the darkey guiding them on their way. They had
heard of a curious lake or lagoon, that lay about a mile from the
plantation. There they would be likely to witness a spectacle
characteristic o