It is almost alone in its sombre dignity, in the midst of younger and gayer edifices, that have swept New Orleans _as it was_, into the shade of oblivion. Antiquity--I mean, if I may be allowed the Irish figure of speech--modern Antiquity, her countenance grave with sorrow, with here and there a furrow upon her yet ample brow, protests against the desecration of all that _was_ dear and sacred. Standing on the verge of annihilation, with "one foot in the grave," and conscious that her days are numbered, her dissolution nigh at hand, she commands, she implores us to save one memento of the past, one legible souvenir of "the days of auld lang syne." And here it is. [Illustration] THE OLD SPANISH BUILDING At the corner of Royal and St. Anne streets, is delineated in the above engraving as it now stands--and long may it remain as a memorial of other times. Thirty years ago--which, comparatively would take us back three centuries in any European city--thirty years ago, one might have seen from that spot, then the centre of the city, long perspective street-scenes of a similar character. INNOVATION has now done her work--has absolutely trodden the city of the last century under her feet. The Casa Blanca, at the corner of Bienville and Old Levee Streets, has also escaped the general demolition. It was once the courtly residence of Bienville, the first governor of Louisiana--the seat of power, and the centre of wealth, beauty and fashion in the province. It is still on its old foundation, standing "alone in its glory," and the spirit of innovation has so far respected its ancient uses, that it is still a treasury of wealth, and a conservatory of the _sweetness_ of our favored clime--a store house of sugar and molasses! [Illustration: Environs of New Orleans] EXCURSIONS In consequence of the level surface of the country in the environs of New Orleans, a great variety of scenery cannot be expected--yet, on the northern shore of lake Pontchartrain, the ground is somewhat higher and rolling, and affords very pleasant positions. Although not formed like the prolific north and west, in hill and dale, cliffs and cascades, alternately varying and beautifying the landscape, yet there are charming rides and rambles in the neighborhood of this city, of which a more minute account will be given under their respective heads, which follow.