1. A navigation lock on the bank of the Mississippi River lowers ships down to where?
(a) Red River.
(b) Gulf of Mexico.
(c) Atchafalaya River.
(d) Atlantic Ocean.

2. What river does the author mention that connects the Atchafalaya and the Mississippi to form an H?
(a) Black River.
(b) Old River.
(c) Red River.
(d) New River.

3. The writing on Dugie's belt buckle reads:
(a) To serve nature and protect man.
(b) To help control the Mississippi.
(c) To conquer nature and advance humanity.
(d) To tame the wild Atchafalaya.

4. While aboard the Mississippi on his annual trip, General Sands tries to:
(a) Settle differences.
(b) Generate new contracts.
(c) Fine environmentalists.
(d) Capture poachers.

5. The author asserts that due to floods in the region, Louisiana loses how much land each year?
(a) Three acres.
(b) A thousand square miles.
(c) Seven hundred acres.
(d) Fifty square miles.

Short Answer Questions

1. At one point, Rabalais drives the author first to the Mississippi River and then to the Atchafalaya River, showing him that the Mississippi is 18 feet above sea level while the Atchafalaya is how many feet above sea level?

2. In 1928, Congress enacts the Flood Control Act to start what?

3. Initially, Rabalais is hired as a construction inspector to watch for what at the navigation lock?

4. By 1812, the east bank of the Mississippi River is levied up to which city?

5. During the fifty years between New Orleans' floods of 1735 and 1785, what does the author say brings a false sense of security against flooding?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 278 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample