SOUTH CAROLINA.
Exhibits the characteristics peculiar to the Southern States, in a greater degree than any other. The planters of this State are the most wealthy of their class, and require a greater number of slaves to cultivate their fertile and extensive plantations. In this State only does the number of slaves exceed the white population. According to the last census, more than one half of the inhabitants are slaves.
Cotton is the great staple of this state. It is of three kinds. Sea Island cotton, which grows on the islands and in the low country;—Upland cotton, which is cultivated in the mountainous interior country;—and the Nankin cotton, which retains its peculiar color as long as it can be worn. Of these the Sea Island is the most esteemed. Rice is extensively cultivated on the shores of the rivers and bays. Limes, oranges, lemons, figs, &c. are produced.
The commerce of South Carolina exceeds that of all the other Southern States except Louisiana, the leading articles of export being cotton and rice, to which may be added pitch, tar, timber, turpentine, indigo and tobacco.
GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA,
AND LOUISIANA.
These States nearly resemble each other, and have the same productions with the other Southern States; and in addition, the sugar cane is extensively cultivated. Louisiana is the most commercial of the Southern States, having at New Orleans an excellent harbor, and many other natural advantages.
New Orleans is the commercial capital of that richest country in the world, through which the Mississippi and its tributaries flow. This city is unhealthy during the warm season, but enjoys a most excellent situation for commerce and trade. The introduction of steam boats has contributed greatly to the growth of New Orleans, by affording an expeditious mode of communicating with its back country. Its inhabitants are a mixed race of French, Americans, Spaniards, and Germans.
TERRITORIES.
The Territory of Florida has a great similarity to the Southern States generally. It is well stocked with timber, and furnishes a great quantity for ship building. Its climate and soil are well adapted to the growth of sugar cane, coffee, cotton and rice.