This book provides a fascinating look at life in the Louisiana territory in the early 1700s. The author kept a rambling diary of everything that made an impression on him, from geography, wildlife and climate to French relations with various tribes of Native Americans, the Spaniards and English, and the black slaves. He waxes poetic over a beautiful sunset and also mentions the punishment for slaves conspiring to overthrow their masters. We learn where "Baton Rouge" got its name (a famous cypress) and how the Spaniards and English are scheming to pit tribes against each other and the French. Arguably the most fascinating material is where he describes the Natchez nation, the last living remnant of the once-great Mississippian cultures which were found from Arkansas to Georgia. Unfortunately, illustrations are not included in this edition, but it's a very readable and worthwhile book.