lands. These islets are, however, oftener
seen in isolated positions, varying in area from a few square rods to
several acres. A remarkable feature of these islands is their
_locomotive_ powers,--for, strange as it may seem, they annually take a
step down stream! Observation has shown a change of position almost
incredible.

The river, continually wearing upon the up-river side of the island,
washes the sands and soil to the lower side. Thus, the situation of the
island is actually changed. The fact is clearly shown by the singular
configuration of the mass of trees growing upon them. The wood on the
upstream side of the island is of the largest size; while that on the
down-stream side begins at the mere shrub, and, by a regular gradation
in height, like a pair of stairs, increases to the altitude of the
full-grown tree. Each successive year places a new layer of soil upon
the lower side, in which the young tree takes root; and the growth of
each year is distinctly visible to the traveller as he ascends the
river.

On one of these islands, above Vicksburg, was located a neat cottage.
The island differed in many respects from others. Its area might have
been eight or ten acres. On one side of it was a narrow, but deep
stream, which, entering from the broad river, described a semi circle,
and returned its waters on the same side. On three sides, except at the
mouths of the little stream, the island was rendered inaccessible by the
high banks, while on the fourth side the shrubs grew so luxuriantly as
to be impervious, save to the most resolute visitor. From the high banks
which walled it in the surface of the island sloped gradually towards a
common centre, through which rushed the little stream.

This little island had probably been a part of the main land; the river
had forced its way through a valley, and, by degrees, had worn down the
high land on either side, till they formed the precipices which now
frowned on the visitor. The little stream had, perhaps, once been a
meandering rivulet,--part of one which emptied into the river on the
opposite side.

On one of the sloping sides of the interior was situated the cottage. It
was small in size, containing but four rooms and an attic, and was
neatly painted white. Its location in the valley concealed it from the
main land, and from the traveller upon the river. It was accessible only
by means of the stream, which rolled by within a few rods of the door. A
cow grazed