STATES AND TERRITORIES. —MAINE.    61

There are also several canals of considerable magnitude connected with the navigation of the
Mississippi. Other public works of the kind, including both railroads and canals, are in contem-
plation, some of which are already in course of construction.

Minerals. — But little attention has been given to the mineral resources of Louisiana.
Probably no extensive explorations have ever been undertaken. Few or no indications of
coal, or other mineral deposits, have as yet made their appearance, and whatever treasures of
this kind may exist beneath the surface still remain undeveloped.

Manufactures. — These include a few cotton factories, producing articles only for home
consumption ; several furnaces, forges, and tanneries ; a number of sugar refineries, distilleries,
and mills of various sorts.

Indians. — Of the numerous tribes which once peopled or roamed over this and the neighbor-
ing regions, scarcely a vestige remains. The race of red men has retired before the advancing
footsteps of civilization, from this as from other quarters of the United States, w'here the settle-
ments of the white man have encroached upon the hunting-grounds and the wild haunts and
habits of the savage.

Population. — The people of Louisiana comprehend not only several varieties of the human
species, but are composed both of native Americans and of the descendants of emigrants from
many foreign nations. The inhabitants of the northern settlements were chiefly from Canada,
those in the centre of the state are mostly of German extraction, and those at the south com-
prise large numbers of French and Spaniards, descended from the original settlers. The popu-
lation. which in 1810 was 76,556, more than doubled itself within the following ten years,
and in 1850 it had increased to 517,739. Nearly one half the population are slaves.

Climate. — There are large tracts in this state, which, at certain seasons, are decidedly un-
favorable to human health. During the summer and autumn, the low and marshy localities
are frequently visited by yellow fever, cholera, and other destructive maladies. Other parts
of the state, however, enjoy a salubrious climate. The winters in general are said to be less
mild than those on the Atlantic coast in the same parallel of latitude.

Religion. — The Roman Catholics have ever been the prevailing sect, the country having
been originally settled by them, although-other denominations are at present increasing.
There are numerous bodies of Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians, all of
which are growing in numbers more rapidly than the Papists.

MAINE. History is, in more than one point of view, an instructor of mankind. It can be
considered morally, as it teaches the connection of the virtues with domestic and national
prosperity. By its statistics it enlightens tire politician, animates the philanthropist, and