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CAPTAIN A. A. HUMPHREYS.

TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS,

IN CHARGE OF

» © OFFICE OF EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS. WAR DEPARTMENT .

DECEMBER, 1858.

WASHINGTON:
1859.

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REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS.

Wark DeparTMENT, OFFICE EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS,
Washington, November 20, 1858.

Str: I submit the following annual report upon the operations of
the department carried on under this office.

j.—-THE EXPERIMENT OF SINKING ARTESIAN WELLS UPON THE PUBLIC LANDS.

In my last annual report to the department (November 30, 1857,)
it was stated that the expedition to continue the experiment of sink-
ing artesian wells upon the public lands, assigned by the department
to Captain John Pope, Topographical Engineers, under instructions
of May 5, arrived at the former camp on the Pecos on the 2d of Sep-
tember, 1857, and resumed work upon the well which had been bored to
the depth of eight hundred and sixty-one feet the previous year.

The operations at this point were carried on for a year, when they
were terminated by authority of the department, it having been con-
sidered that they had demonstrated that, with any reasonable amount
of expenditure, artesian wells on the Llano Estacado, and plains of
similar formation and position, are impracticable. The depth attained
was one thousand and fifty feet.

The work was continued during the winter, which, from its unusual
severity, increased the labors and hardships of the party, exposed, as
it was, in tents on the bleak plain. The difficulties encountered were
far greater than had been anticipated by Captain Pope, but were
constantly met with skill, zeal, and perseverance.

The umpracticability of carrying the boring to a greater depth with
the means provided, is attributable to the incoherent nature of the
soft sandstones, marls, and clays, which, throughout the whole depth
of the well, fell in and packed so firmly around the tubing, that, in
forcing it down, the threads of the connecting screws were stripped
off, and the tubes themselves split and crushed. From the same
cause, when it became necessary to withdraw the tubes upon the acci-
dental loss in the well of the heavy iron rod connected with the cut-
ting tools, and subsequently of the shps holding the cutters, long
delays occurred; and in one of these cases the well could only be
cleared by boring and spearing up a part of the tubing. Near the
bottom of the well thin seams of hard limestone were met, the jagged
edges of which cut the wooden rods in two, and bent the iron rods so
that they speedily became worthless.

The water used in the boiler of the engine contained material in
suspension that formed in six days a hard incrustation half an inch
thick, which could only be removed by chiseling. The fine sand in
suspension cut away the valves, and the acids in solution rapidly de-
stroyed the boiler and other iron work. Much time was thus lost, and
new machinery could not be obtained nearer than New Orleans.

Such, in brief, were the obstacles encountered in sinking the well

4

to the depth of one thousand and fifty feet; beyond that depth it could
not be carried.

Captain Pope expresses the belief that wells might be bored toa
much greater depth on the Llano by using heavy cast iron tubes of
large diameter, and suitable driving apparatus, but that the cost
of transporting this heavy material would preclude its use. Upon
this I can express no opinion, as the dimensions, weight, &c., of this
tubing are not stated.

The reports received from Captain Pope do not specify how many
new supplies of water were met during the last operations. One new
supply, described as a strong stream pouring into the well, is marked
on the diagram as entering it two hundred feet below the lowest water
previously encountered (in 1856,) which, coming from a source six
hundred and seventy-six feet below, rose to within one hundred and
ten feet of the surface. As it is not stated that the water from this
new supply rose higher in the well than during the previous year, it
is presumed that it did not. In Captain Pope’s letter of the 4th of
June, 1858, mention is made of powerful streams of water pouring into
the well without rising to the surface. This would indicate that they
find vent at lower levels than that of the surface of the Llano at the
well, and would lead us to apprehend the same result for streams that
might be encountered at greater depths, and to doubt whether the
water would flow out at the surface even if the boring were carried
to the depth originally intended. Captain Pope does not appear to
entertain any such doubt, but, on the contrary, explicitly states in his
report of the 22d of August last, that his opinions about the certainty
of getting water to over flow at the surface are unchanged.

The suggestions of Captain Pope, in his report of the 4th of June,
that the work upon the well near the Pecos should be discontinued,
and the next experiment be made upon or near the route between
Anton Chico and Albuquerque, were approved by the department,
and instructions to that effect were sent him on the 10thof July. At
the date of his last communication (September 28) the party had ar-
rived at Galisteo, and commenced the experiment on the plain between
Anton Chico and Albuquerque, at the intersection of the road between
those two places with the road from Santa Fé to Fort Stanton.

In order to exhibit the nature and extent of the operations of Cap-
tain Pope, I submit herewith copies of his instructions and reports of
progress. It is only by their perusal that his labors can be properly
appreciated.

JI.—EXPLORATION OF THE RIO COLORADO OF THE WEST.

The expedition for the exploration of the Rio Colorado of the West,
commanded by First Lieutenant J. C. Ives, Topographical Engineers,
has completed its field operations. Lieutenant Ives returned to
Washington in August, and is now employed in preparing the report
and maps. I submit herewith a communication from him, showing
briefly a portion of the results of the expedition.

In the last annual report it was stated that the expedition was at

dD

San Francisco, en rouée for the field. The supplies and property of
the party, and also the materials for constructing a small iron steam-
boat, were sent from San Francisco to the mouth of the Colorado in
one of the government vessels. They arrived there on the 2d of
December. Under serious disadvantages the steamboat was put
together, and on the 31st of December the ascent of the river was
commenced. On the 11th of March a point was reached nearly five
hundred miles from the mouth, (in lat. 36° 06’,) beyond which it was
impracticable to proceed in boats. It was intended that the examina-
tion of the river should be made in the season of low water, and
during the progress of the party the river proved to be lower than
had ever been known. In this worst stage the navigation was found
to be difficult, but is pronounced entirely practicable, for the distance
stated, for steamboats of suitable construction and of but two feet
draught. The trip from the mouth to the head of navigation will
require from ten to twenty days, and the round trip from three to
six weeks. There is an abundance of wood for fuel on the river.

From the head of navigation to the nearest point on the Spanish
trail, or Mormon road to Utah, the distance is forty miles; about one
hundred miles to the point where that road crosses the Muddy river,
a tributary of the Virgen; two hundred and twenty miles to the first
Mormon settlement in the Great Salt Lake basin, and five hundred
miles to the Great Salt Lake.

The head of navigation is about seventy miles above the Mojave
valley. -

Examinations should be made for a better route between the head
of navigation and the Virgen, since, for the space of sixty miles before
reaching the Muddy river, no water is found on the Mormon road.

By using the Colorado as a channel for forwarding supplies, there
would be a saving-in land transportation to Salt Lake of seven hun-
dred miles; to Fort Defiance of six hundred miles, and to Fort
Buchanan of eleven hundred miles.

The chains of mountains that cross the navigable portion of the
Colorado were found, like those of California and Sonora, to possess
great mineral wealth. Rich deposits of silver, copper, and lead were
observed, and a great abundance of iron; but gold and mercury only
in small quantities.

After the completion of the reconnaissance of the river, explora-
tions were conducted by land along the 36th parallel, on the plateau
region through which the upper Colorado and its tributaries cafion, the
greater part of which was entirely unknown. Extending over a space
of four degrees of longitude, these plateaus were found cut into im-
mense chasms, thousands of feet deep, forming intricate systems of
abysses many miles in width, and utterly impassable. Through these
chasms the streams just mentioned ran, and, wherever seen, foamed
and surged with the rapidity of their descent.

Near the eastern border of the table lands, which extend from the
Colorado to the mountains of the Sierra Madre, the Moquis towns
are found. They were visited by the expedition, which arrived
at Albuquerque about the Ist of June, and was there broken up.

6

The region explored is pronounced to be of little agricultural value.
Cretaceous coal was found near the Moquis towns.

The examinations of Lieutenant Ives confirm the opinion of Captain
Whipple as to the railroad practicability of the line from the Big
Sandy to the Colorado river, which is shorter than the line down Bill
Williams’ Fork by ninety miles, and less costly by six million dollars.
The changes effected by the adoption of this line, in the length and
cost of the whole route, will be found on pages 36 and 37 of the con-
clusion of the official review, volume VII of the Pacific Railroad Report.
This is the only modification of the railroad route of the 35th parallel
introduced by the explorations of Lieutenant Ives and the examina-
tions made by Mr. Beale when opening the wagon road from Fort
Defiance to the Colorado river.

The explorations conducted by Lieutenant Ives were attended by
circumstances of more than ordinary difficulty, and the successful
execution of the duties assigned to him is highly creditable to himself
and party.

III.—EXPLORATIONS IN NEBRASKA.

The return, in November last, of the expedition commanded by
Lieutenant G. K. Warren, Topographical Engineers, after the suc-
cessful execution of the duties intrusted to him of reconnaissance and
exploration in Nebraska, has been already reported. The maps have
been completed, all the necessary calculations of the astronomical and
barometrical observations made, and the reports in relation to the
different objects of the expedition are in an advanced state.

The principal objects of the expedition were to ascertain the best
route by which to continue to the South Pass the military road now
constructing from the Mississippi river to Sioux City, on the Missouri,
and to examine in this connexion the valley of the Loup Fork of the
Platte, and that of the Niobrara, and to make such reconnaissance of
the Black Hills about the sources of the Big Shyenne as circumstances
would permit, to determine their character, especially with reference
to the future military operations that may be carried on in this Terri-
tory. In accomplishing these objects, the expedition would obtain
information of the character and resources of the country, its adapta-
bility to settlement and cultivation, and would develop its geography
and geology along the routes pursued, nearly all of which were pre-
viously unexplored by white men.

The preliminary report of Lieutenant Warren is herewith pre-
sented. The routes reconnoitred and mapped in 1857 are from Sioux
City to the mouth of Loup Fork; thence up this stream to its source
in the Sand Hills; and thence by the Niobrara to Fort Laramie. From
this point the party proceeded north and carefully examined the
Black Hills, and, returning to the Niobrara, explored this stream to
its junction with the Missouri; and also a route from the mouth of
Turtle Hill river to Fort Randall. Finally, the road from Fort Randall
to Sioux City was surveyed.

With the report on these routes Lieutenant Warren combines that

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of the routes examined by him in 1856, under orders from General
Harney, of which examinations no report has heretofore been pre-
sented.

In that year he made a careful reconnaissance of the Missouri
river from the southern boundary of Nebraska to a point sixty miles
above the mouth of the Yellowstone, and of this latter stream to
Powder river.

The routes explored, including those of 1858, (of which a report
has been rendered and printed,) all lie east of the 106th meridian.
They lead once through the Sand Hills north and south, and twice
east and west, almost around the Black Hills, and through the valleys
of the following rivers, viz: the Platte, Loup Fork, Niobrara, White
Karth, Big Shyenne, Missouri, Yellowstone, and James rivers.

The accompanying report of Lieutenant Warren is divided as
follows: .

Part 1 is a statement of the routes pursued and main incidents
which affected their direction and extent, and in connexion with this
are given the objections urged by the Dakotas against the passage of
the expedition through the Territory. This may prove valuable to
any white men that may travel there.

Part 2 contains a general description of the surface of Nebraska;
an account of the general structure of the country; its principal
geological formations and the character of the soil; and its adaptability
in different parts to settlement.

It confirms the statements heretofore made by explorers in other
portions of the western prairies of the generally sterile character of
the lands west of the 99th meridian, attributable to the absence of.
fertile elements in the soil in large tracts, like the Sand Hill region,
and to the want of timely rains.

The section in the mountains bordering these plains on the west is
described as containing small fertile valleys, with streams of water
and an abundance of building material, both of stone and wood, and
an ample supply of the latter for fuel. The opinion is expressed that
this section will be overspread by considerable settlements.

Part 3 contains a general description of the rivers and routes
through the Territory, with a discussion of the question as to the
best route by which to supply Fort Laramie and the interior. The
conclusions arrived at in regard to this last question are, that the
route up the Loup Fork is impracticable, and, besides, is less direct
than the Platte route; that the route along the Niobrara is barely
practicable for wagons, and that the difficulties to be met with on
the road, together with the increased river transportation of the
route, render it less favorable than that up the Platte, whether the
starting point be Omaha City or Nebraska City; that a road from
Sioux City to Fort Laramie, along the Niobrara, would only be about
forty miles shorter than a road proceeding from the same point direct
to the Platte, at the mouth of Loup Fork, and thence along the Platte
route to Fort Laramie; that the shorter length of the Niobrara route
is more than counterbalanced by the great difficulties on that route,
and therefore the route along the Platte is the better of the two;

8

that the route from the mouth of White river west to Fort Laramie
is probably practicable, and superior to that along the Niobrara;

that the route from Fort Pierre to Fort Laramie is likewise superior
to the Niobrara route, but that the increased river transportation and
absence of settlements along this part of the Missouri river render
these routes at present inferior to those of the Platte valley; that above
Fort Pierre, on the navigable part of the Missouri river, there are no
routes leading from it to Fort Laramie or the South Pass that are as
advantageous as those enumerated. It is further concluded that of
all the routes explored the Platte valley is the best adapted for
locating a railroad to connect the settlements to be formed in the
mountains with those along the Missouri river; and that, as a national
route for a Pacific railroad, leading to the South Pass or to Bridger’s
Pass, it is superior to any other in this latitude. ‘These conclusions
appear to be fully sustained by the facts advanced in their support.

The 4th part of the report treats of the Indian tribes, their num-
ber, location, &c. An approximate estimate of their strength is made,
and routes by which to operate against them, in the event of hostili-
ties, are discussed. Almost every part of the country examined is
practicable for the operations of cavalry; and routes practicable for
the wagons of a military expedition can generally be found, even in
the Black Hills, to such points as would be used as depots from which
supplies for brief periods could be furnished for military movements.

The 5th part of Lieutenant Warren’s report is a brief statement of
the meteorological phenomena of the country, as observed during the
explorations; the most prominent facts respecting which are the ex-
treme variableness of the phenomena of moisture and temperature—
facts which confirm previous statements in regard to them.

The report contains a catalogue of the fossils collected, with the -
localities of the specimens, and similar lists of the plants and the col-
lections in the different departments of zoology. All these collections
were made without interfering with the more immediate, practical
objects of the explorations, and reflect credit on the labors of Lieu-
tenant Warren and his assistants. These collections are esteemed to
be of high scientific value; and among the discoveries due to the
labors of the expedition are the discovery of the Potsdam sandstone,
the oldest of the fossiliferous rocks, in the Black Hills, the first posi-
tive proof of the existence in America of the formation cor responding
to the Jurassic of Hurope, and the discovery on the Niobrara of a new
formation of the pliocene tertiary, containing the remains of an ex-
tinct fauna resembling that now inhabiting Asia, from which at least
thirty-two distinct species of vertebrates have been described by
Professor Leidy. The principal of these results have been published,
by permission of the department, in the proceedings of the Academy
of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Accompanying one of these
papers, prepared by Dr. Hayden, is a small geological map of Ne
braska.

A military map of Nebraska and Dakota, on a scale of zy5tync
prepared by Lieutenant Warren, and ordered to be engraved by
the Senate at its last session, is now ready for publication.

9

The completion of the exploration of the interior of Nebraska, about
the sources of the Yellowstone, Lieutenant Warren thinks could be
most advantageously and economically made by an expedition organ-
ized to remain at least two years in the field, and the cost of this he
estimates at $60,000. This exploration has been a favorite object
with him, and his previous experience, and his knowledge of the
Indians and character of the country, would enable him to accomplish
the work with economy.

The highly creditable manner in which the explorations heretofore
intrusted to him have been conducted, under many embarrassments,
difficulties, and dangers, prove him to be peculiarly well qualified for
the task.

A detailed plan for the execution of the work will be found in the
report.

IV.—THE MILITARY ROAD FROM FORT BENTON TO FORT WALLA-WALLA.

The opening of the military road from Fort Benton, on the Missouri
river, to Fort Walla- Walla, on the Columbia river, for which there was
an appropriation of $30,000, was assigned to Lieutenant John Mullan,
2d artillery, onthe 12thof last March. On the 25th of May Lieutenant
Mullan had organized his working party and left Fort Dalles, on the
Columbia river, for Fort Walla- Walla, when intelligence was received
by him of the commencement of hostilities by the Indian tribes
occupying the regions through which the route he was about to open
passes. The party was accordingly disbanded, and Lieutenant Mullan
joined Colonel Wright’s command, as topographical officer, and in that
capacity, and in command of a party of friendly Indians, participated
in the campaign upon the Spokane plains. The appropriation was
entirely inadequate to the object for which it was designed, and to
open a road of similar permanency of character with the military
roads in the United States Territories would require a very much
larger sum. No estimate of this has been made, but it may be
assumed that it will not be less than the amounts expended on equal
lengths of route on the wagon roads to the Pacific in other latitudes,
for which appropriations have been made.

V.—OFFICE WORK.

In addition to supplying the general map of the United States
Territories for military purposes, special maps of the theatres of
operations have been furnished to the troops engaged in the field.
Maps of each of the military departments are being prepared. Upon
the general map of the United States Territories west of the Missis-
sippi, Lieutenant Warren has laid down the approximate boundaries
of the various Indian tribes that occupy the country. Copies of this,
printed in colors, so as to exhibit the location of each tribe, showing
also the limits of the military departments, and positions of the
military posts, will, it is believed, be found useful to the War Depart-

ment and the army, and will materially aid those not familiar with

10

this region, in comprehending the nature and extent of the military
operations necessary to control the Indian tribes.

In preparing this map, besides the information possessed in this.
office, much that was valuable was obtained from the Indian Bureau
and United States Land Office, particularly in regard to the location
of the Indian reserves. The attempt to define the boundaries of
these Indian tribes is a difficult task, as they are not well established
among themselves; and those that are friendly to each other, though
using different languages, often mingle to such an extent as to have a
common country; as for instance the Crees, Chippewas, and Assin-
niboins. It is for this reason, probably, that no map of this kind has
ever before been produced.

Upon returning to Washington, in December last, Lieutenant Warren
resumed charge of the preparation of the maps, &c., compiling in this:
office, in addition to the duties connected with his own explorations.
He has completed his report upon the general map, which forms a
part of the Pacific Railroad Report, and will be published with it.

Lieutenant Abbot, in addition to conducting certaim surveys and
investigations upon the delta of the Mississippi, under my general
direction, and preparing the results, has likewise aided in the duties
of this office, and both these officers have, in turn, taken charge of it
during my absence.

The appropriation for marking the southern boundary of Kansas
directed that copies of the plats of the line should be furnished to
the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of the Territory of
Kansas.

Copies of four of the sevensheets of the map of the boundary, as.
marked by Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, Ist cavalry, have been pre-
pared for this purpose, and those of the remaining three will probably
be finished by the 1st of January. They have been copied by Mr.
A. Schimmelfennig, who in this instance has, for the first time in this
country, successfully applied the photographic process to copying
maps on so large a scale.

VI.—-EXPLORATIONS PROPOSED.

The fields of exploration proposed for the next season are, those in
Nebraska, before mentioned; the region along the San Juan to its
junction with the Rio Colorado of the W est, “and along the Spanish
trail from that river to Abiqui; the route across the Sien ra Nevada to
Carson’s river, to ascertain its railroad practicability; and the upper
Columbia river, to ascertain its navigability. These, with the topo-
graphical examinations made by officers with the various military
commands, will usefully expend the amount appropriated for military
surveys and reconnaissances and geographical explorations.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Captain Topographical Engineers, in charge.
Hon. Joun B. Froyp,
Secretary of War.

11

ARTESIAN WELL EXPERIMENT.

Reports of Captain John Pope, Topographical Engineers, to Captain A.
A. Humphreys, Topographical Engineers, in charge of Office of Explo-
ration and Survey, War Department.

War DEPARTMENT,
Washington, May 5, 1857.

Str: In the execution of the duties hereby assigned to you, of con-
tinuing the experiment of sinking artesian wells upon the public
lands, for which an appropriation of $100,000 was made, you will be
guided by the following instructions:

Proceeding to St. Louis, via New York, you will have prepared,
as soon as practicable, the tools, machinery, apparatus, and material
requisite for the work, employ such mechanics and other persons as
may be necessary for the service, and with them repair to San Anto-
nio, Texas, and assume the command of the expedition.

The organization and outfit having been completed, you will move
to the Pecos river, near the 32d parallel of latitude, establish your
camp at a convenient position, resume the boring of the well left
unfinished during the past summer, and continue the work until the
water flows out continuously upon the surface. This having been
done, and the well left in good condition, you will proceed to the
Rio Grande, occupy a position suitable for continuing the experiment
begun near that river, and complete the well in like manner with that
near the Pecos.

Upon the successful termination of each work, you will report in
detail upon it, transmitting at the same time a geological section
exhibiting the source whence the supply of water is probably derived.

These two works having been finished and left in serviceable order,
you will continue the experiment of sinking artesian wells on the
plains or basins east of the Rio Grande, the number of experiments
being limited by the amount of the appropriation, which your expen-
ditures for field and office work must not exceed. These wells should
be established upon or near hnes of military and emigrant roads, if
sites can be found at such positions, in every way favorable for the
experiments, and two of them should be located upon that portion of
the route from Independence to New Mexico, lying east of the Cana-
dian river.

As soon as you have selected the position for a well, you will report
the facts that have governed you in the selection, transmitting at the
same time detailed descriptions of the locality, with such sketches ‘ot
the country and geological sections as will exhibit the probable source
of the supply of water, the depth to which the boring must be carried,
the nature of the formations to be passed through, and all other infor-
mation necessary to a thorough understanding “of the subject, and a
demonstration of the practicability, extent, and cost of the work.

These wells will be finished in the same manner as the first two.

Such reconnaissances and geological examinations as may be neces-

{2

sary for the selection of the sites of the wells will be made, as also
the usual surveys over the routes pursued by the expedition; and so
far as it can be done without interfering with or adding to the expense
of the accomplishment of the special object for which the appropria-
tion was made, every. opportunity will be availed of to gain informa-
tion respecting the region over which your movements will extend.

You will obtain from the assistant quartermaster at Fort Fillmore
the boring apparatus, materiel, instruments, &c., turned over to him
by you at the termination of the work on the Pecos during the last
season. Upon the completion of the experiments of sinking artesian
wells, you will return by such route as the condition of your party
may render necessary or desirable, discharge your employés, dispose
of your outfit at some convenient and favorable point, and repair to
Washington with such assistants as may be required to complete
your report.

The commanding officer of the department of Texas will be directed
to detail seventy-five enlisted men of the infantry, with two subal-
terns, and twenty-five enlisted men of the cavalry, with one subaltern,
and order them to report to you for duty, without delay, at San An-
tonio, Texas.

The officers of the quartermaster’s, subsistence, ordnance, and
medical departments, serving in Texas and New Mexico, will be in-
structed to furnish the expedition, upon your requisition, transporta-
tion, quartermaster’s stores, provisions, arms, ammunition, medicine,
medical stores, &c., the articles for the use of the civil employé és being
paid for out of the appropriation for the well.

So far as it can be done consistently with the proper protection of
the work, you will cause working parties to be detailed from the
enlisted men of your command to aid in the construction of the wells,
who will receive the extra pay allowed by paragraph 883, Army
Regulations.

Immediately upon the receipt of these instructions, you will report
the kind and amount of boring apparatus, machinery, tubing, tools,
and materials, that should be provided for completing the experiments,
with their probable cost; the number of assistants and others whom
you propose to employ, with their rates of compensation; the train
and camp equipage necessary for the operation, with their estimated
cost; and the expense of organizing and maintaining the expedition
during one year, and also for continuing it a second year.

You will communicate with the department through the Office of
Explorations and Surveys, in charge of Captain A. A. Humphreys,
Corps of Topographical Engineers; and to this office you will make
the reports and returns required by ‘‘Regulations of an officer of
engineers in charge of a work or operation,’’ and such other reports,
transmitted as often as the means of communication will allow, as will
keep the department apprised of all your movements and of the pro-
gress of the work in your charge.

Before taking the field, you will turn over to the same office the

13

note books, maps, reports, and results, so far as obtained, of your
previous expedition.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War.
Captain JoHn Pops, ;
Corps Topographical Engineers.

St. Louis, Missouri,
May 5, 1857.

Sir: [ have the honor to report that I have completed the arrange-
ments and secured the tools and machinery necessary for the duties
assigned to me, and only await my final instructions, and the transfer
of the funds for which I submitted an estimate.

Everything is in complete and perfect order, and to the manufacture
of machinery and the procurement of everything necessary for a
thorough discharge of the duty the experience of the past two years
has been successfully applied. I doubt not that the expedition will
prove as successful as its most sanguine friends could anticipate.

May I respectfully request that Mr. Howard and the other young
gentlemen to accompany the expedition be ordered to report to me in
New Orleans.

T am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN POPE,
Captain Topographical Engineers.
Hon. Joun B. Froyp,
Secretary of War.

[Extract. ]

INDIANOLA, TEXAS,
July 9, 1857.

Sir: I have the honor to report that my party and train marched
from this place to-day fully equipped for the plains, and unless some
unforeseen delay occurs in providing transportation and supplies at
San Antonio for the enlisted men of the expedition, requisitions for
which were transmitted some time since to the quartermaster at that
place, no halt will be made until I reach my camp on the Pecos.

(Signed by Captain John Pope.)

CamMP ON THE Pecos RIVER, NEAR THE 32D PARALLEL,
September T, 1857.

Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival at this camp on the 2d
instant, and the resumption of the work near this place.

14

I am now sinking a five-inch hole to the first water (240 feet) into
which I shall fit a copper pump for the supply of engine and men.
This will occupy us about twelve days, by which time the engine
will be fitted up and ready to resume the boring of the well at the
depth attained last year, (861 feet.)

I anticipate with confidence, a successful result within two months.

Our march from San Antonio has been rapid and altogether for-
tunate.

I am, sir respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN POPE,
Captain Top’l Eng’ 7s, com’ g.
Capt. A. A. Humpnreys,
Top’! Eng’ rs, in charge of Office Expl’s and Surveys.

An unofficial letter from Captain Pope, dated Camp on Pecos river,
October 1, 1857, states: ‘‘We are getting along here as well as
could be expected, and I hope six weeks will enable us to complete
all our operations near this place. The pump has been sunk to the
first water, (240 feet,) and is now pumping for the use of the engine.
Within the first two weeks we cut and hauled mesquite roots sufficient
to run the engine for three months, and everything goes on smoothly
and expeditiously. We are now pumping from the well the mud and
sand which have accumulated since we left it, and will resume the
boring in a few days.’”’

Camp on Pecos River, January 5, 1858.

Sm: I have the honor to report for the information of the War
Department, that we are still engaged upon the ‘‘ Llano Estacado’’ in
the prosecution of the first experiment of sinking an artesian well.

The time consumed has already been far greater than was antici-
pated, from the repeated accidents and breakages of machinery, which
required much time in each case to repair. The boring has only
reached at this date a depth of nine hundred and fifty feet, though I
trust that hereafter the work will be more rapidly executed.

Several streams of water have been already intersected since the
work was resumed, and the borings now are in the sulphurous shale
from which issue the sulphur springs at the head of Delaware creek.
I am in daily expectation of striking water which will overflow the
surface. .

The winter has been unusually severe for this region, and we are
in the midst of a norther, accompanied by snow. I have been obliged
to send into Fort Davis to be foraged all the animals not absolutely
necessary for the work here, and to haul from that place sufficient
corn to give the animals here half the ration of forage.

15

We shall, however, do well enough during the winter, and shall
doubtless pass that portion of it which yet remains for us on this
plain without suffering any hardship.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
, JOHN POPE,
Captain Top. Eng’s, commanding expedition.

Captain A. A. Humpnsreys, Top. Eng’s,

In charge Office Explorations and Surveys, Washington, D. C.

Camp ON THE Pecos River, February 26, 1858.

Sm: I have the honor to report for the information of the War De-
partment, that the work near this place is still unfinished.

The difficulty in the first instance of sinking tubing to a depth of
one thousand feet through strata so slightly coherent as to fall in at
almost every point of the entire depth, and which bound the tube so
as to render it almost impossible to force it down, consumed much
time and labor. The breaking of the boring apparatus near the lower
extremity (the middle of an iron sinker thirty feet in length) occa-
sioned further delay, very much prolonged by the caving in of the
well above the top of the broken sinker, so as to render a great deal
of labor necessary to get hold of it and withdraw it. When all things
had been finally set to rights, we had the misfortune, after boring to
a depth of 1,047 feet, to burst the cast-iron pump of the engine, and
Ihave been obliged to send as far as Galveston to procure another,
as there is no possibility of repairmg or procuring such a casting
here. The work still goes on, however, as the broken pump can still
be made to work, and I have abundant force to push the work by
hand if it becomes necessary.

We are boring in hard limestone, very black, and easily recog-
nizable in its outcrop at the head of Delaware creek, about forty feet
above the surface of the springs forming the sources of that stream.

I entertain the hope daily of completing the work, which would, no
doubt, have been finished long since but for the many and wholly un-
usual and unanticipated accidents I have referred to.

Iam, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN POPE,
Captain Topographical Engineers.
Captain A. A. HumMpPHREYs,
Top. Eng’ s, in charge of office.

Camp on Pecos River, April 1, 1858.

Sir: I regret to report that the accidents and difficulties we have
met with in the prosecution of the work near this place have pre-
vented as yet any advancement of the boring since my last report.
The water of the Pecos river, which we are obliged to use in the

16

boiler of the steam-engine, forms a hard, solid coating around the
flues in the course of a very few days, and occasions leakage in the
boiler sufficient to prevent the raising of steam. I have been obliged
in consequence to reflue the boiler throughout, and to make man-
heads enough to enable a man to clean it thoroughly at least once
every six days. This has occupied several weeks.

The peculiarity of the formations is another source of great diffi-
culty, which much time and labor are necessary to overcome. For a
hundred feet above the bottom of the well there are consecutive
strata of soft slate and of hard flinty limestone in thin layers. The
slate is washed away by the agitation of the water, leaving the sharp
edges of the limestone exposed so as to cut in two in a very few mo-
ments the wooden poles, and to bend iron substitutes so that they are
rendered useless.

There is great difficulty in sinking the tube arising from the soft,
crumbling character of the whole formation from the surface down.

Although the bottom of the tube is perfectly free and loose, the
friction along the sides is so great that the driving necessary to move
it is sufficient to crush the upper end of it and to tear out the screw
threads below.

The tube we are using is the iron (wrought) which you sent from
Philadelphia last year.

We are now endeavoring to sink the tube to the bottom with fair
prospect of success, though it will be a work requiring time.

I have little doubt we are in close vicinity to the water, as the
formations are peculiar and readily identified with their out-crop,
about forty feet above the head springs, Delaware creek.

I have reduced my party to the smallest possible limits, and shall
be able to maintain it in the field at least to July 1, 1859.

I send herewith topographical and geological sketches and sections
exhibiting in detail all possible information concerning the vicinity
of the well. The geological section from the Guadalupe mountains,
exhibits as you will observe some different features from those here-
tofore sent. I have satisfied myself for sufficient reasons that the
Pecos flows through a valley occasioned by upheavals along lines both
east and west, and is not a valley of denudation. The dip of the
strata from the Gaudalupe mountains is not continuous across the
“Llano Estacado’’ with a constant descent, but rises east of the Pecos
in a gentle undulation without fracture to the summit of the plain, at
an altitude of six hundred feet above the river, and a distance of
about thirty-five miles from it.

The geological section will exhibit plainly what I have stated.

I will of course prosecute this work with all vigor and perseverance,
and I by no means despair of completing the work here in time to
accomplish a large portion of what was proposed when the expedi-
tion took the field.

17

Extract from a letter from Captain A. A. Humphreys, Topographical
Engineers, in charge of Office of Explorations and Surveys, dated
April 14, 1858.

‘Sir: Your reports from the camp on the Pecos river of the 26th
and 28th of February were duly received, and submitted to the Sec-
retary of War.

‘‘In consideration of the unexpected difficulties and consequent,
unavoidable delays that have occurred in your work upon the artesian
well near the Pecos, the Secretary of War directs that, upon the
completion of that well, instead of proceeding to complete the artesian
well west of the Rio Grande, you will omit that work and continue
the experiment of sinking artesian wells on the plains or basins east
of the Rio Grande, as indicated in the fifth paragraph of your instruc-
tions of the 5th of May last.”

Camp on Pecos River, May 1, 1858.

Sir: I submit the following report of operations in the prosecu-
tion of the experiment of sinking an artesian well on the ‘‘ Llano
Estacado.”’

The boring is done by means of oak poles, 1} inches in diameter,
in 16 feet sections joined in twos by heavy iron straps. Hach boring
rod is therefore 32 feet long with a male screw at one end and a female
screw at the other, both having very strong and heavy threads.
The drill has a straight edge of 35 inches, and is attached to an iron
rod 30 feet long and 1} inch in diameter. To the upper end of this
rod (or sinker) is attached a pair of iron slips, having a play of 16
inches (the fall of the drill) and to these are screwed on the wooden
poles, up to the surface. The upper end of the poles is attached by
a moveable chain to a spring beam worked by steam, and (boring at
the usual speed) the drill falls fifty-five times in a minute. The borings
are pumped out by a sand pump of copper, 9 feet long, which works
with a rope passing round adrum attached to the steam engine. The
hole is pumped out on an average once in 23 hours of boring.

The difficulties we have encountered have resulted from the peculiar
soft and crumbling strata of variegated marls and clays, which are of
an uncommon thickness, not, I believe, to be found elsewhere within the
range of geological examination. It has been necessary in this case
to line the well with tubing from the surface, and as combining strength
and lightness wrought iron tubing ;*; of an inch thick was brought out
with the expedition.

The first difficulty met with was in sinking the tubing to a depth of
81 feet lower than it was left last year (810 ft.). Although with the
under cutting drills it was easy to enlarge the bore below the tube so
as to admit the latter to pass down freely, yet the friction along the
sides resulting from the crumbling and falling in of loose slightly cohe -
rent strata around it, was so great that it required driving as heavily
as it would bear to force it down. Next the iron sinker broke off in
the middle and before anything could be put down to withdraw it the

2 Hf

18

well caved in for sixty feet above it and completely covered it. Six
weeks were passed in clearing the well and getting out the broken
sinker. Next the water used in the engine, in consequence of large
quantities of lime and sand held in suspension soon coated the flues of
the boiler with a very hard scale and caused them to leak badly. It
was therefore necessary to take down the engine and reflue it entirely,
inserting manheads for cleaning. Very shortly after we again resumed
boring we passed into alternating thin strata of blue slate and flint
limestone, the most difficult strata we have yet encountered. Water
pours in at several places in the well in considerable streams, and
very soon washes away the slate, which is soft, but leaves the sharp
jagged edges of the hard limestone fully exposed; in a very little
while the wooden rods working through these strata would be cut in
two; iron rods were substituted, but they were soon bent so badly, by
coming into violent contact with the sharp limestone, as to be useless;
I therefore was obliged either to diminish the bore by inserting smaller
tubing, or sink the large tubing to the bottom. The exceeding diffi-
culty of the last plan induced me to prefer the former, and the hole was
lined with three-inch copper tubing from the lower to the upper thin
layer of limestone. Unfortunately, very soon after effecting this, the
iron slips broke immediately beneath the bottom of the copper tube,
and so spread apart that they could not be withdrawn through the
tube; it was therefore necessary first to take out the tube—a work of
difficulty. It was all gotten out except nine feet of the lower part,
which pulled off, and had to be bored and speared up. The boring
up and pumping out of the copper tube was completed yesterday,
and the head of the broken slips is now exposed so that they can be
withdrawn.

Since our arrival at this camp we have been thus embarrassed by
difficulties and breakages, altogether due to a most peculiar, difficult,
and uncommon formation of great and hitherto unknown thickness.
The strata are so distinctively marked that they can be easily recog-
nised in their outcrop between the Pecos river and the Guadalupe
mountains; and we have reached the stratum of slate exposed plainly
at the head of Delaware creek, about forty feet above the issue of the
powerful fresh and mineral springs which form the sources of that
stream.

The winter here has also greatly incommoded us from inadequate
protection of the men from unusually inclement weather for this re-
gion, and there were many days during the severe northers, incident
to this country, in which it was impossible to work. The spring is
now fairly open, and I trust we shall soon be able to finish this work,
as I am altogether certain that the water is but a little way below us.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN POPE,
Captain Top’ l Engineers.

Capt. A. A. Humpureys, Corps Top’l Engineers,

Washington, D. C., in charge of Office Expl’ s and Surveys.

19

Camp ON Pecos River,
June 4, 1858.

Sm: I have the honor to report that abundant springs of living
water have been discovered on the summit of the Llano Estacado,
fifty miles due east from this camp, and about half way between the
Pecos and the Mustang springs. An exploring party which I sent
out some days since returned to-day, after having carefully explored
the country eastward from this place, and have found a hard firm
road over the entire distance to these springs. From this camp in a
due easterly course to the Mustang springs, is a distance of ninety-
five miles, with a hard gravelly road over the entire distance, and all
trouble about crossing this plain is not only entirely obviated by this
discovery, but a saving of distance amounting to at least eighty-five
miles has been effected.

Two hundred of these springs, some of them thirty yards in circum-
ference, have been found extending in a direction north and south
over a space of nine miles. Everywhere in the neighborhood of the
water we found groves of willow trees thirty feet high, and from fonr
to six inches in diameter. They will furnish abundantly the material
necessary for constructing the stations which may be required.

The existence and character of these springs are exceedingly
pecuhar and difficult to be accounted for.

Commencing about three miles north of the 32d parallel of latitude,
and fifty miles east of the Pecos at this camp, is a range of abrupt
white sand hills, seventy or eighty feet higher than the surface of the
plain, which extends in a direction a little east of south for about fifty
miles. To the east, west, and north, the country descends rapidly
from the summit or back-bone of these sand hills, which is the highest.
line for ten or fifteen miles in any direction. Along the very summit:
of this ridge issue the springs I have mentioned, bubbling up through
beds of loose white sand of indefinite, or rather undetermined depth.
They are not at all affected by surface rains, as there is not the
slightest evidence on the banks of their ever rising or falling, and
the surface drainage is from them in all directions.

As I have stated the Jine of these springs or pools has been
traced for nine miles towards the south, exhibiting in this distance
two hundred considerable pools of water. In most cases the pools
are from three to four feet in depth, but in some of the larger ones
the depth is six feet. The water is perfectly transparent, and free
from impurities. There seems to have been originally a considerable
stream of running water, resembling Delaware creek in character,
that is, a succession of deep pools connected by a swift running
stream some two feet wide, and with perpendicular banks about three
feet high. The sand seems to have drifted before the violent winds
along the course of the stream until it has entirely covered the small
narrow streams connecting the ponds. This could readily have been
done, as the flags, bullrushes, and cane grow so thick and matted
along these narrow threads of water as completely to overlap each
other from both sides, so that even along Delaware creek the narrow

20

stream connecting the large pools is altogether hid from the summit
of the bank.

This seems the only way to account for the peculiar character of
these springs, and I am still further confirmed in this opinion from
the fact that holes were dry in several places between the springs,
into which water rose from a depth of several feet, and overflowing
the surface immediately ran off in a small stream into the spring to
the south.

The existence of this water and of a hard firm road across the
plain, will be of prodigious service to travel, and is particularly
fortunate in being discovered at this time, as it is precisely on the
most direct route of the semi-weekly mail to California. Its discovery
also will greatly diminish the importance of the artesian well boring
experiment in this plain.

I transmit herewith a topographical sketch exhibiting the situation
of these springs with respect to known points both east and west.
You will perceive that the lines of survey heretofore made across the
Llano Estacado pass only a few miles to the north and south of this
line of springs, and certainly there is no evidence of the existence of
water in the midst of these bare sand hills until you are directly in
the midst of them.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN POPE,
Captain Topographical Engineers.
Captain A. A. HumpHreys,
Corps Topographical Engineers,
In charge Office Explorations and Surveys, Washington, D. C.

The water of these springs is undoubtedly not surface water, and
must come from a depth greater than any of the streams intersected
by the boring, as the surface of the springs is at least three hundred
feet above the surface of the ground at the artesian well camp.

The geological formation in the immediate vicinity of both places
is the same, the gypsum and the loose pulverulent limestone appear-
ing on the surface.

J. POPE,
Captain Topographical Engineers.

Camp oN Prcos River, June 4, 1858.

Si: I have the honor to report that after incredible difficulty and
labor we have at last succeeded in withdrawing from the well the
broken sinker and bit, and are now commencing again the boring
operations.

The peculiarity of the geological structure of this plain for so many
feet below the surface, in conjunction with the action of powerful
streams of water which pour into the well without rising to the sur-
face, occasion difficulties in the work which no previous experience
in artesian well boring has yet exhibited. In less than one week

21

after the boring has passed_below the tubing, the rush of water so
causes the sides of the well to cave and fall in as to leave large
caverns in some places, and in others sharp jagged edges of hard sand-
stone and limestone, which almost destroy the boring rods, whether
wood oriron. At a distance of forty feet below the bottom of the

1 inch tube there is a strong stream of water pouring in, which has
made a cave so large that broken iron rods five feet long completely
disappear in it, though entering it perpendicular to the bore. It is
so exceedingly dangerous, in consequence of the numerous breakages
and accidents incident to such work, to insert smaller tubing, that
I am very reluctant to do so if I can possibly avoid it.

In a tube so small as 23 inches in diameter it is next to impossible
to put down any socket or hook to get hold of broken poles, slips,
&c., and the last long delay we have just terminated was due to this
very difficulty. When once a tube is put down through such a
crumbling formation as characterizes this plain, it is next to impossi-
ble to withdraw it again, as the falling in against it of the soft strata
for its whole length binds it fast in the hole.

In the present case we were obliged to bore up a part of the small
tube, and pump it out before we could get hold of the broken slips
and sinker. The large tube hangs free at the bottom, and nothing
prevents its going down except the friction along the sides, resulting
from continuous falling in of earth from top to bottom; but so great
is this friction that, in order to move the tube down, it is necessary
to drive it with such violence as to strip off the screw-threads and
split the tube. I have been putting down the large tube, however,
for several days past, with much success, by inserting a mandrill and
driving, so that the strain is near the bottom.

Even should the screw-threads strip off in this process, one piece,
at least, will go down, and they can be thus driven down in succes-
sion, and the contact made sufficiently perfect to answer our purposes.
I have no expectation that much more depth of boring will be neces-
sary, but our difficulty has been in boring at all. We are now fairly
under way again, and I hope will meet with no further trouble.
Much, if not all, our trouble since we last commenced this work could
have been obviated by bringing out heavy cast iron tubes and the
necessary driving apparatus; but the weight of the tubes and appa-
ratus would have been so exceedingly great as to have rendered it a
work of large expense to haul them five hundred miles across the
plains. The tubing we have (wrought iron and copper) is admirably
adapted to work of this kind at any place not so peculiar as this, and
I anticipate no serious delay or difficulty after I once leave this place.

In this connexion I beg to present some suggestions for the con-
sideration of the department:

1. The boring operations are fairly progressing again, after long
delay and severe labor, and if no further difficulties occur, the work
bids fair to be completed any day. On the other hand, it is possible
we may be again arrested by the recurrence of continued difficulties,
so as to be little advanced at the expiration of several months.

2. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to keep laborers and me-

22

chanics another winter, exposed as they must be to the severity of
the weather on this exposed plain. The severe cold is also peculiarly
destructive to animals, for which we can make no shelter whatever,
as there is no timber nearer than seventy miles, and we cannot spare
either men or wagons to send for it. It has been as much as we have
been able to do to discharge the absolutely necessary duties of this
work, and keep ourselves supplied with rations and the animals with
half forage, both of which must be hauled one hundred and twenty
miles.

3. If there be any well-founded hope that we can finish this work
within any reasonable period, we can surely do it in four months,
during which time, without the unusual accidents which have hereto-
fore delayed us, we can carry the boring to a depth of 2,200 feet. I
would suggest, therefore, to the honorable Secretary of War whether
it would be judicious to expend the whole of this appropriation upon
the Llano Estacado, where this experiment may prove unsuccessful
from the difficulties of the work; or whether, at the end of three or
four months longer, it would not be advisable to test the question at
some of the other points had in view when this expedition took the
field, and which are not inferior in importance. One point in espe-
cial, where it has been long my design with the approval of the
department to make one of the experiments, is on the 35th parallel
route, between Anton Chico and Albuquerque, where there is now a
distance of nearly eighty miles without water. The great military
road from Independence and Fort Leavenworth to New Mexico passes
over this plain, and all supplies and munitions for the department of
New Mexico are hauled over it to the depot at Albuquerque.

The great valley thus destitute of water is immediately south of
Santa Fe, and extends without interruption the whole length of terri-
tory south of that place. The soil is excellent; there are abundant
forests of cedar in the valley and pine in the mountains, and on the
west side of the valley are the gold placers of New Mexico. It is a
point of much importance both to the government and to the people
of New Mexico, and it would indeed be unfortunate should this expe-
dition be so long delayed here as to render it impracticable, with the
appropriation, to make the experiment at that place.

I make these suggestions to the department thus early, first, because
I cannot expect a reply in less than three months, by which time,
without renewed difficulties, this work will be finished; and second,
because my instructions require me to remain here ‘‘ until water over-
flows the surface.’’

The experiment at Dofia Ana is the most doubtful of success, as the
department has been informed hitherto.

I have to request that communications for me be addressed to Fort
Davis, via San Antonio.

Iam, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN POPE,
Captain Topographical Engineers.
Captain A. A. HumpnHreys, Topographical Engineers,
In charge of Office of Explorations and Surveys.

23

War DEPARTMENT, OFFICE EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS,
Washington, D. C., July 10, 1858.

Sm: Yourreport of the 4th of June has been received and submit-
ted to the Secretary of War, who approves your suggestion that the
work upon the well near the Pecos be discontinued about the end of
September, if it should not be completed in the manner required by
your instructions at that time. In the event of its abandonment be-
fore such completion, your operations must be considered as estab
lishing the impracticability of sinking artesian wells upon the Llano
Estacado and other plains in that region of similar formation and
position.

On the 14th of April last you were directed to omit the work upon
the well west of the Rio Grande, and upon the completion of the
well near the Pecos, to continue the experiment on the plains or
basins east of the Rio Grande, as indicated in the 5th paragraph of
your instructions of the 5th of May, 1857.

Your suggestion that the next experiment after leaving the Pecos
be made upon or near the route between Anton Chico and Albuquerque
is also approved, and you will begin the operations for boring as
soon as you have found what appears in your judgment a suitable
point for obtaining water, and where supplies of it are needed on or
near that route.

Your letter of the 4th of June states that the distance over which
water is not to be had between Anton Chico and Albuquerque is
about 80 miles. Lieutenant Whipple, in his report on the route for
a Pacific railroad near the 35th’ parallel, represents the route from
Anton Chico to Albuquerque to be well supplied with water except
for two months in the year, during which time there is no water on a
portion of the route though that portion is much less than that men-
tioned by you.

Having ascertained a suitable point for boring a well on this route,
and commenced operations, you will report to this office the exact
distance at which permanent supplies of water already exist, and
also the practicability of supplying the intervening spaces with
water by means of tanks, ponds or dams, in the event of the boring
proving unsuccessful.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Captain Topographical Engineers, in charge.

Captain JoHN PopE,

Topographical Engineers, Fort Davis, Texas, via San Antonio.

Camp ON THE Prcos RIVER,
June 30, 1858.

Sm: I have the honor to report for the information of the War
Department, that the boring operations at this place have not been
carried to any greater depth than was attained at the date of my
last report.

24

Two weeks from June 1 were spent in efforts nearly ineffectual to
force down the 33 inch iron tubing. For this purpose, the spring (or
undercutting) drills were employed and the bore of the well enlarged
to 44 inches in diameter for seventy-eight feet below the bottom of
the tube. As I have before stated the friction on the sides of the
tube is so great that severe driving is necessary in order to move it,
and after driving down about twelve feet, three screw threads were
stripped off, and the lower portions of the tube below the fractures
so much crushed as to render impracticable any further efforts to
sink it. It cannot, of course, be withdrawn for the same reasons.
As the well was kept constantly filled up to very near the bottom of
the iron tubing, it was then necessary to insert again the copper tube
of smaller diameter. This has been done, and we are now engaged
in pumping out from the inside of the latter in order that it may sink
down as far as practicable. Independently of the danger and incon-
venience of working inside of a tube so small, I have little expecta-
tion that more than a temporary advantage will be gained by the
insertion of the copper tube.

The strata continue to crumble and fall in below where it can pos-
sibly be driven. I am constrained to say after ten months of very
severe and unremitted labor that, I fear that, without greater facili-
ties and more extensive preparations than could have been secured
under the appropriation for this service, or could have been trans-
ported without enormous cost, it will be impracticable to overcome
the mechanical and physical difficulties of this work.

I have the most experienced and capable superintendent of boring
to be found in the west anda full complement of mechanics and
borers,.who have been for their whole lives employed in such busi-
ness, and who, under charge of the superintendent now with me, last
bored the deep and difficult well of Belcher & Co., in St. Louis.

They are all eminently competent, but the difficulties of the work
here are foreign to the experience of any artesian’ well borer in the
United States. In my own opinion there are but two ways by which
to accomplish this work, and both involve expenditure beyond the
reach of this appropriation; the first by bringing out very heavy cast
iron tubes and the necessary driving apparatus, and the second by
bringing ‘tubing of all sizes from three inches to twelve inches in
diameter.

In either case the cost would be beyond the reach of any appro-
priation likely to be made.

The certainty of getting water in this plain to overflow the surface,
is as well settled in my judgment as it ever was, but the mechanical
and physical difficulties of executing the work, arising from a most
peculiar, extensive, and uncommon succession of crumbling strata
which at a depth of one thousand and forty-seven feet still remain
of unknown thickness, are beyond measure greater than could have
been anticipated.

The point reached by the boring, and the debris pumped out, are
easily identified with the strata outcropping about forty feet above
the head spring of Delaware creek and in their immediate vicinity,

25

but what thickness the same strata have attained at the point of boring
it is impossible to say.

I have the honor again to invite the attention of the department to
the suggestions for the further prosecution of this work contained in
my letter of June 4, 1858.

Iam, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN POPE,
Captain Topographical Engineers.
Captain A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Corps of Top'l Eng rs in charge
Office Expl’s and Surveys, Washington, D. C.

Camp ON Pecos RIVER,
July 27, 1858.

Sm: I regret to be obliged to report that the operations at this
place have not advanced in the least since the date of my last report,
and that in my judgment and in conformity also with the opinion of
Mr. Brown, the superintendent and principal. mechanic of the arte-
sian well boring, it will be impracticable without largely increased
facilities and consequent expenditures to prosecute the work further.
The difficulties resulting from extreme singularity and extent of geo-
logical structure, together with the extremely injurious action of the
Pecos river water upon iron machinery I have already explained to
the department.

The boiler of the steam engine has been completely devoured by
the acids of the water so that iron nuts half an inch thick crumble in the
hands like clay. The plungers of the supply pump and steam chest
are completely honeycombed, and every part of the engine accessible
to the water has been more or less injured by it. It has been neces-
sary to procure a new boiler in view of any future work, and I have,
therefore, sent three wagons to Indianola to bring one up. I en-
deavored after the complete destruction of the boiler to carry on the
work by hand, but after a depth of nine hundred feet, boring by hand
even under favorable circumstances is nearly impracticable, in the
present case it is wholly so.

The utmost that I am able to do to complete this work has been
done, and but for the specific orders of the Secretary of War, I should
move at once from this place to a point east of the Rio Grande and
west of the Pecos, where the structure is more favorable, and where
the work could be carried on with some prospect of success.

I hardly consider it possible under any circumstances to keep this.
party another winter in this plain. The past winter was severe, and
the men suffered much. It was entirely unexpected by every one
familiar with this bleak and exposed plain, that this command would
attempt to winter upon it exposed as they must be with very insuf-
ficient shelter, and I have no idea that any of the civil employés who
are absolutely necessary for the work could be induced to remain thus
exposed another winter. The military, of course, could be coerced

26

into another campaign Siem severe, but they would be useless
alone.

T lay all these facts, as my Own opinions upon them, before the
‘department with great regret. I have long been interested both per-
sonally and officially in this experiment, and have spent three years
in laborious efforts to accomplish it. The disappointment I feel in
being again obliged to relinquish it uncompleted is very great, but I
am assured that the department will do justice to the zeal and industry
with which it has been prosecuted.

I have the strong belief that the success of the experiment in other
places will yet justify the expenditures the government has made,
to determine a question of so much consequence.

I shall await the decision of the War Department as to m¥ future
operations at this camp. I regret to report also that scurvy is be-
ginning to break out in the command, and that no supplies of anti-
scorbutics can be procured except the fresh vegetables on the Rio
Grande one hundred and seventy miles distant, and which com-
pletely spoil before they can be hauled out to this camp. The com-
mand has now been nearly a year without supplies except the bare
ration.

Iam, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN POPE,
Captain Topograpical Engineers.
Captain A. A. HumpHreys,
Corps of Top’'l Eng’ rs in charge
Office Expl’s and Surveys, Washington, D. C.

Camp oN Pecos RIVER, +
August 22, 1858.

Sir: I have the honor to report that since the date of my last re-
port, the work of boring has been completely arrested, as with men
it is impossible to handle an auger of 1050 feet. JI am waiting the
return of the wagons sent to Indianola, Texas, for a new boiler, but I
have to say that I do not consider it practicable to carry these borings
to greater depth with any means within reach of the appropriation.
It will in my judgment be a waste of time and money further to prose-
cute the work under present circumstances. I therefore recommend
that the party be moved to some other of the points designated in my
instructions, where the chance of success will be far better.

The geological structure of this plain is so very peculiar, its extent
so much greater than is known to the experience of any geologist, and
in consequence the mechanical and physical difficulties of carrying
borings to a greater depth, have been so constant and so unusual in the
history of such operations, that after a whole year of unremitted and
laborious work, the boring has been scarcely at all advanced.

Facilities and conveniences impossible to secure at a point so remote
will be essential to a successful completion of any such experiment on
the Llano Estacado, and until the government is willing to go to ex-

27

pense beyond reasonable hope, I fear this great plain must be left to
its pristine solitude and desolation.

As the department is doubtless familiar with such operations, I will
explain briefly the peculiar obstacles we have encountered, the more
remarkable from the great depth to which they have pursued us.

The upper geological formations of this plain consist of what are
known to geologists as cretaceous strata, which here are nothing
more than alternations of strata of soft sandstones and variegated
marls and clays. In every other part of the world, where these
strata have been developed, they are comparatively of small ex-
tent, particularly in depth, and with a short departure from the
surface of the ground, the sandstones become much harder, and the
variegated marls and clays become gradually converted into shales
and slates. Almost the precise reverse seems to be the case here,
and at a depth of one thousand and fifty feet the strata are softer and
crumble more easily than at the surface. We have encountered occa-
sional thin seams of flinty limestone, but of too little extent to modify
the very peculiar physical character of this formation.

The first effect of such a geological structure is the necessity of
tubing any well to be bored from the very surface, and forcing or try-
ing to force the tube to follow the auger closely. This I found is
easy enough to do, as I had come prepared for such obstacles, and had
plenty of wrought iron tubing and spring or undercutting drills.
With the latter we were able, without the least difficulty, to enlarge
the bore, below the tube, to any size necessary; but we had not pro-
gressed more than six hundred feet with the work, until the friction
along the sides of the tube, from top to bottom, resulting from the
falling in around of the loose, crumbling strata, absolutely prevented
it from moving down, although the bore below was a full inch and a
half greater in diameter than the outside of the tubing. I then com-
menced to drive, and succeeded, by using great care, in getting it
down two hundred feet further. Beyond that depth, the friction be-
came so great, that the force necessary to overcome it crushed the
wrought iron tube, and stripped off the screw threads at the joints.

It was impossible to carry the boring below the tube, as the crumb-
ling strata of marls and soft sandstones commenced at once to fall in,
when unsupported, and filled up the well faster than it could be
pumped out. I had, however, anticipated this difficulty, and had
brought out tubing of different diameters; and as soon as I found that
the large tube could be drawn no further, a smaller one was pressed
down inside, and the diameter of the well reduced.

For a while this obviated the difficulty, but after one hundred and
fifty feet the small tube could no longer be forced down, and the
strata still continued soft, and fell in constantly.

By these means, and with the severest labor Lever saw, both night
and day, exposed on this bleak plain with little protection to an
inclement winter, we succeeded in reaching a depth of one thousand
and fifty feet; no change whatever has occurred in the strata; they
are as soft and crumbling at the bottom of the well as at the top, and
jt is impossible to say how much longer they will continue so.

28

These constitute our physical difficulties, and they are, so far as I
know, foreign to the experience of any well borer in the United
States. Certainly no difficulties of the kind are recorded in the his-
tory of such operations elsewhere. The mechanical difficulties of the
work have also been peculiar and almost irreparable.

The water used in the boiler of the steam engine was hauled in
wagons from the Pecos river, a distance of eight miles. It carries an
enormous quantity of angular sand and finely comminuted gypsum in
suspension, and causes by these means the utmost trouble in getting
the boiler free from the solid and rapid incrustation accumulated on
the flues.

The gypsum and sand combined form a crust as hard as flint, and.
so firmly attached to the iron that it was necessary to take down the
boiler and chip it off with chisels. If left more than six days it be-
came at least half an inch thick. The sand also completely cut to
pieces and honeycombed the valves and plungers of the supply pump
until it became altogether useless, and I was obliged to send to Gal-
veston for another.

The water of the Pecos also contains a large quantity of free acids,
which absolutely devoured the iron, until the boiler a few days ago
became completely useless, and I have again been compelled to send
to Galveston. At least two-thirds of the thickness of the boiler iron
was eaten up by the acids, and iron nuts half an inch thick crumbled
in the hands like dried clay. The plunger of the steam chest is also
completely honeycombed; and wherever iron has been exposed to the
action of this water, especially in a boiling state, it has been greatly
injured.

Such in brief are the difficulties, mechanical and physical, which
have so long embarrassed the work, and which I fear it will be im-
possible to surmount at a place so remote from every convenience, and
where it is so nearly impracticable to replace any part of the necessary
machinery.

With very heavy cast iron tubes and driving apparatus it might be
practicable to complete these borings; but the transportation alone of
such heavy articles, in quantities sufficient for the object, would involve
an expense beyond the reach of any appropriation Congress will ever
make for such a purpose.

This, however, is but one of many points had in view for these
experiments when I left Washington, and I do not doubt I shall have
much better success elsewhere, as this plain stands alone in its pecu-
har character.

In the boring, so far as we have carried it, abundant springs of
water have been passed through, (four or five in number,) but they
do not rise to the surface, and their existence is rather a disadvantage
to the work, as they greatly increase the rapidity of the falling in of
soft strata.

My opinions about the certainty of getting water to overflow the
surface are by no means changed; but the boring operations are difli-
cult far beyond my anticipations, and lead to the conclusion that,

29

under the present condition of this country, the expense of successfully
completing the well would not be justified by its necessity.

The man in charge of the work bored the deep well of Belcher &
Brother in St. Louis, and has with him the same mechanics and borers
employed on that work. He iseminently competent, and indefatigable;
and his conduct here has fully justified the high recommendation with
which he joined me.

It is of course a disappointment to me, under the circumstances,
again to leave this work unfinished, but the best that was possible
has been done, and there is nothing more to be said.

Iam, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN POPE,
Captain Topographical Engineers.
Capt. A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Corps Top’l Eng’s, Washington, D. C.

Camp NEAR Fort Fitumors, N. M.,
September 6, 1858.

Str: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with the ap-
proval of the War Department contained in your letter of July 10, I
broke up my camp on the Pecos, and am now en route for the route
between Albuquerque and Anton Chico.

My communication of August 22 will inform you fully of the con-
dition of the work near the Pecos, and the grounds upon which I
broke up my camp immediately upon receipt of your letter of July
10. Nothing had been done for several weeks previous, for the
reasons stated, and both time and means were being lost by further
delay at that place.

I shall march for Galisteo to-morrow, and shall probably reach
there by the 21st instant. <A full report and sketches will be trans-
mitted to the department immediately upon my arrival at that place.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN POPE,
Captain Topographical Engineers.
Captain A. A. HumpHreys,
Corps Topographical Engineers, Washington, D. C.

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COLORADO EXPLORING EXPEDITION,

PRELIMINARY REPORT

OF

ee te ery Pe Tens.

TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS,

CAPTAIN: Aw A HUMPHREYS,

TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS,

IN CHARGE OF THE OFFICE OF EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS,
WAR DEPARTMENT, NOVEMBER 1868.

Wasuineton, November 1, 1858.

Captain: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the
department, the following brief synopsis of a portion of the results
of the expedition organized under my command for the exploration
ef the Rio Colorado of the west.

I sailed from San Francisco for the mouth of the Colarado river on
the 1st of November, 1857, in the quartermaster’s schooner used in
transporting stores to the head of the Gulf of California. On board
were the property and supplies belonging to the expedition, and also
the materials for constructing a small iron steamer, to be employed in

32

ascending the river. I was accompanied by a steamboat engineer
and a party of seven men. The other assistants and employés took
the steamer for San Diego, and crossed by land to Fort Yuma, which
is on the Colorado, 160 miles above its mouth.

EXTENT OF EXPLORATIONS.

The schooner arrived at the mouth of the river on the 2d of De-
cember, having been much delayed by calms and head winds. The
steamboat was finished and launched on the 30th of the same month,
and the ascent of the river was commenced on the day following. I
continued up the river for 500 miles, reaching, on the 11th of March,
in latitude 36° 06/, the mouth of a stream supposed to be the Rio
Virgen, beyond which it was impracticable to proceed in boats. I
therefore sent back the steamboat and the hydrographic party to Fort
Yuma, and, taking advantage of the permission granted in the in-
structions from the department, left the river on the 23d of March,
with a pack train, to examine as far as possible the country through
which the upper Colorado and its tributaries flow.

Keeping as near as possible to the river, I traversed the region
along the 36th parallel, the greater portion of which had been
previously unexplored. Most of the line of the 35th parallel was
also visited. Following various lines of examination gradually con-
ducting towards the east, I arrived, about the Ist of June, at Albu-
querque, on the Rio Grande, the distance accomplished during the
land explorations amounting to nearly 900 miles. At Albuquerque
the expedition was broken up, a few members of the party still re-
tained returning home by the overland route to Fort Leavenworth.

NAVIGABILITY OF THE COLORADO.

During the progress of my work upon the navigable portion of the
Colorado the water happened to be, according to the evidence of
those who had lived in that vicinity for many years, unprecedentedly
low. An opportunity was therefore afforded of trying the experiment
of steam navigation at the worst stage of the river, and at a time
when the difficulties ordinarily to be encountered would be consid-
erably magnified.

The region at the mouth of the Colorado is a flat expanse of mud.
The lines of the shore and the channels that afford entrance to ves-
sels from the Gulf are shifting and changeable, and bars, shoals, and
islands, composed of a semi-fluid mass, are in constant progress of
formation and removal. The navigation for thirty miles above is
rendered periodically dangerous by the strength and magnitude of
the spring tides. These have a rise and fall of from twenty-five to
thirty feet, and a flow of extraordinary velocity. The flood is pre-
ceded by a ‘‘bore,’’ or huge tide wave, from four to seven feet high.

33

In certain narrow bends it is very powerful and violent, but gradually
loses its force as it ascends, and at a distance of thirty miles i is scarcely
perceptible. Along wider portions of the river there are curves of
the shore in which its force is not felt, and here boats may be safely
moored till this dangerous wave has rolled by. Upon the shoals are
formed what are called ‘‘tide rips,’’ where the sudden check given
to the rushing volume of water causes it to bound along in high suc-
cessive waves. Steamboats that come to the mouth of the river
during the spring tides must descend from above tide water during
the ebb, and start to return two or three hours after the commence-
ment of the flood.

The neap tides have a rise and fall of only ten feet, and a moderate
velocity.

Between tide water and Fort Yuma the principal obstructions to
navigation are the sand bars. These become more frequent and
difficult as the river is ascended. The channel is exceedingly circuitous
and constantly changing. The average depth is about eight feet.
Shoals were fr equently encountered, however, where there were
scarcely two feet of water. Experience alone can afford the capability
of navigating this portion of the river successfully. A knowledge of
the locality of the channel cannot be imparted, as it has been known
to shift from one bank to the opposite one in a single night. From
the formation of the banks, from the appearance of the water, of the
eddies, of pieces of drift wood and other floating substances, and of
the islands and bars visible above the surface, a practiced eye can do
much towards selecting the proper course, though boats rarely make
a trip between tide water and Fort Yuma, at the low stage of the
river, without grounding many times a day. The bars, however, are
composed of soft and loose material, and may always be passed with
more or less labor, depending in a great measure upon the skill shown
in the employment of the different methods of extrication resorted to.

Below Fort Yuma there are no rocks. The snags are numerous,
but seldom dangerous.

During the months of April, May, and June, while the river is
rising, and before new bars have had time to form, the navigation is
most easy. The average velocity of the current at low water is two
and a half miles an hour, during the July freshet from five to six.
The river at this season is about ten feet higher than during the
winter months.

For three or four years an enterprising company has been engaged
in transporting government stores in steamboats from the mouth of
the Colorado to Fort Yuma, and their persevering energy has so far
succeeded in overcoming the natural difficulties of the navigation as
to enable them now to perform the trips with entire regularity and
certainty.

For one hundred and eighty miles above Fort Yuma the navigation
has a character similar to that already described. The river passes
through several chaims of hills and mountains, forming gorges of
cafions, sometimes of a considerable size, and in these there is ger-
erally a better channel than in the valleys.

oH

a4

During the next hundred miles gravelly bars are of frequent occur-
rence, and at some of them the stream presents almost the appearance
ofarapid. In the intervals between, in both valleys and cafions, are
stretches of good river, and although the bad places are worse, the
channel generally is better than it is below.

For the succeeding fifty miles the river bed is composed in a great
measure of coarse gravel and stones, and many swift rapids were en-
countered. Upon several were found not over two feet of water. In
this portion of the river there are a few sunken rocks, that would be
dangerous till their position became known.

The ‘‘ Black Cafion,’’ which is twenty-five miles in extent, is now
reached, and in it the rapids are numerous and difficult.

Above the cafion the river is wide and shallow, and assumes the
character of a rapid for so long a distance as to render any attempts
to carry boats to a higher point almost valueless, and, considering the
difficulty, hazard, and expense that would be incurred at the low stage
of water in taking steamboats through the cafion, I am of the opinion
that its mouth should be considered the practical head of navigation.
Up to this point the Colorado, notwithstanding the difficulties to be
encountered, may be pronounced navigable. The experiment was
attempted, as has been stated, at a time when the river had expe-
rienced an unprecedented fall. At most seasons of the year the navi-
gation would be much easier and better, and a boat of suitable model
and dimensions, and drawing, when loaded, but two feet, would be
able to ascend the Colorado to the mouth of the Black Cajion with as
much regularity and certaiuty as the steamboats now upon the river
ply between the head of the Gulf and Fort Yuma. Although during
high water the river experiences a great rise, the whole channel is
not proportionally deepened. New bars commence at once to form,
and at all seasons shoals are liable toe be encountered. An iron stern-
wheel steamer, one hundred feet long, of twenty-two feet beam, built
full, and with a perfectly flat bottom, having a large boiler and pow-
erful high-pressure engine, and drawing, when light, but twelve inches,
would be the description of boat best adapted for the service.

Wood of excellent quality for the purpose of fuel can be obtained
in abundance on the bank at short intervals between the mouth of
the river and a point fifteen miles below the Black Cafion. It is prin-
cipally mezquite, willow, and cottonwood.

CONNEXION OF THE HEAD OF NAVIGATION WITH UTAH.

A reconnaissance made from the foot of the Black Cafion towards
the nearest point on the emigrant trail to Utah showed that a wagon
road might be opened between the trail and the head of navigation.
For sixteen miles, while passing through the gravel hills and ravines
that cover the eastern slope of the intervening range of mountains,
the country is somewhat rough, and a little work would be required
to make a good roadway, but after reaching the summit there would

35

be no further difficulty. The distance from the river to the emigrant
road is about forty miles.

TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE REGION TRAVERSED.

The navigable portion of the Colorado runs nearly north and south.
Near the Gulf the surface on either side is perfectly unbroken, the
view being limited towards the west by distant spurs from the moun-
tains of Lower California, and towards the east by the great Sonora
desert. Furthér north broad valleys alternate with wild and rug goed
ranges of mountains, of volcanic origin, that cross the river in almost
parallel northwest and southeast lines. The caiions formed by the
passage of the river through some of these mountain chains are
probably unequalled in beauty and grandeur by any similar forma-
tions. In the Plack Cafion the deep and narrow current flows be-
tween massive walls of rock that rise sheer from the water for over a
thousand feet, seeming almost to meet in the dizzy height above.
The tortuous course of the river, as it winds through *nese sombre
depths, where the rays of the sun rarely penetrate, gives infinite
variety to the majestic outlines of the overhanging masses, forming
combinations whose collossal proportions and fantastic sublimity 1t.
would be impossible to figure or describe.

Above the cafon, in the vicinity of the mouth of the Virgen, is the
most rugged and sterile region that I have ever beheld. Barren
piles of rock, heaped together in chaotic disorder, and exhibiting on
their broad surfaces no trace of vegetation, extend for miles in almost
every direction. The volcanic upheavals, which have here their
northern limit, appear to have experienced also their most violent.
action. Beyond, towards the north and east, the country is undis-
turbed, and a region is entered upon that presents totally new fea~
tures and peculiarities. This is a vast table land, hundreds of miles
in breadth, extending eastward to the mountains of the Sierra Madre,
and stretching far north into Utah. To the extreme limit of vision
immense plateaus rise, one above the other, in successive steps, the:
floors of the most elevated being from seven to eight thousand feet
above the level of the sea. The Colorado and its tributaries, seeking
the level of the low region to the southwest, have, by ages of wear
and abrasion, cut their way through this huge for lors making
cafions that are in some places more than a “mile in depth. The
mighty avenues of the main water-courses are the thoroughfares into
which smaller but still giant chasms debouch, and these in turn have
their own subordinate tributaries, forming a maze of yawning abysses,
generally inaccessible, and whose intricacies it would bea hopeless
task to attempt to unravel. ‘Twice only, after long and difficult clam-
bering down the sides of precipices aud through walled approaches
that, Beemed to be leading into the bowels on the earth, were the
banks of the streams below finally attained. One place was on the
Colorado itself. and the other near the mouth of one of its larger

36

tributaries. Except at the place of descent the cafion of the river,
as far as it could be seen, showed no point of practicable ingress or
outlet, and the appearance of the torrent, foaming and surging along
its confined bed, left little room for doubt as to what would be the
result of any attempt, such as has been sometimes suggested, to
explore‘the river in boats from its sources above.

So numerous and so closely interlaced are the cafions in some por-
tion of this singular region that they have displaced all but scattered
remnants of the original plateau, leaving narrow walls, isolated ridges,
and spires so slender that they seem to totter upon their bases,
shooting up to an enormous height from the vaults below.

The natural surface of the country opposes insurmountable barriers
to travelling in any fixed direction, and the aridity of the accessible
portions of the table lands rendered the explorations difficult. Though
the season of the year was the most favorable for finding water, much
inconvenience was experienced from its scarcity, and it is doubtful
whether during the dry months the examinations could have been
prosecuted at all.

West of the Little Colorado belts of cedar and pine forests some-
what relieve the general aspect of barrenness, but travelling east-
ward, between that river and the towns of the Moquis Indians, the
couulir y becomes almost entirely a desert. The immense stretches of
sandy soil are broken only by ridges of brilliant red and yellow marls,
that intensify the heat and glare ‘of the sun. The mirage ordinarily
existing in such localities assumes generally the appearance of water,
and is rendered peculiarly unpleasant from the known absence of that
element over the whole region in question. Still further east the
table lands begin to mingle with spurs from the Sierra Madre, the
country becomes more broken and diversified, and the desert gives
place to the habitable Navajo territory that borders the mountains
west of the Rio Grande.

INDIAN TRIBES ENCOUNTERED.

"The Indians living along the lower portions of the Colorado, com-
prising the Cocopa, Senet Chemehuevis, and Mojave tribes, have
become tolerably well known from the narratives of persons who have
within the last few years passed through their territory. Their num-
bers have been, I think, over estimated. Idle and inquisitive, they
assemble en masse from far and near at the approach of strangers, and
sive an impression of a much larger population than really exists.
The crowds that collected each day at the prominent points of the
banks to watch the steamboat pass by appeared at first to present
continual new sets of individuals, but it was found, after time had
made familiar the portions of the faces that the paint and mud per-
mitted to be visible, that the composition of the successive throngs
was in a great measure the same. The Mojave tribe, which has been
least exposed to intercourse with whites, appeared to be considerably
the most numerous. Their symmetrical proportions and stalwart
frames have obtained for them the reputation among all that have

37

been among them of being the finest race physically wpon the
continent.

The region east of the Colorado, along both the 36th and 35th
parallels, is almost uninhabited. Inconsiderable bands of Tonto
Apaches wander at some seasons over portions of it, and are occa-
sionally encountered. Two small tribes were found living in the
plateau cafions of the Colorado, corresponding in appearance to
descriptions given of stragglers that had been met by parties cros-
sing the country further south. There are but afew hundreds of
them in all, and they are a diminutive wretched race. Their rude
huts of boug hs and stones are perched, like birds’ nests, in crevices
on the sides of the cliffs. Fish from the river, a scanty store of cor n,
wrung from some comparatively sunny spot in the dismal ravine, and
what little game they can secure, constitute the resources which
enable them to keep life in their bodies. Buried in the almost sub-
terranean caverns, where alone they can obtain a permanent supply
of water, most of them live and die entirely isolated from the world
above. Their lonely and monotonous life seems to have deadened
every faculty and emotion. It might have been supposed that the
appearance of the first party of whites that had ever penetrated their
retreats would have occasioned some sensation; but though the train
of men and animals must have come down among ost, gen entirely
unexpectedly, the novel spectacle excited no more “apparent interest
in the individuals encountered than in the toads that were hopping
about among the rocks at their feet.

The Moquis Indians, whose residences border upon the country
of the Navajoes, were the first large tribe seen after leaving the
Colorado. There are seven towns, dignified by the early Spanish
explorers with the titles of cities, and ruins of others that are now
deserted. The tribe is much smaller than has been sometimes stated.
The number of the population has been supposed to be about 7,000,
but I should consider one-half of this an extravagant estimate. The
towns are situated within a few miles of each other, and on the tops
of isolated and precipitous hills. They are enclosed by walls of
stone, and tolerably well constructed. The houses are built around
an open court, and the only mode of entrance is by ladders that con-
duct toa small platform on the top of the exterior wall, upon which
the doors and windows of the habitations open. Springs near the
summits of the hills furnish a supply of water, ‘and to provide against
seasons of drought there are large stone reservoirs, exceedingly
well made, placed i in the hollows along the faces of the bluffs. Some
of the towns are e approached by flights of stone steps, and the steep
ascent is laid out in neatly arranged terraced gardens ; the masonry
of the revetments being kept in excellent order and preservation.
Orchards of peach trees, bearing an indifferent quality of fruit, grow
on the hill sides. In the broad valley below are fields of cotton,
corn, pumpkins and melons, whose cultivation, under great disadvan-
tages of soil, climate and agricultural outfit, exhibits a degree of
industry that in an Indian is truly remarkable. Both men and women
labor in the field. They possess a considerable number of sheep,

38

nearly all of a jet black color, and some poultry. The women wear
along black gown of their own weaving, and the men variegated
blankets, also of home manufacture. They are a shambling, ill-
made race, with pleasant though homely faces, and are perfectly
peaceful and inoffensive. They seem to suffer little molestation from
more warlike tribes, which is due less to their own prowess than to
the natural defences of their towns, whose commanding position and
difficult approach afford security against both surprise and assault.
The progress they have made in agriculture and manufactures helps
to maintain their peaceful relations, Indians from all parts of New
Mexico and from Utah having recourse to them for blankets, and in
time of scarcity for provisions. Their unruly and powerful neigh-
bors, the Navajoes, sometimes commit depredations upon them, but
even with these an appearance of friendly intercourse is pr eserved.
A curious fact was noticed, and illustrative of certain peculiarities of
the Indian race, that the whole tribe do not speak the same language;
the individuals in some of the towns absolutely professing to be
unable to understand what is said by the residents of others.

A large portion of the Navajo territory was traversed, but its in-
habitants have become so well known since the establishment of a
military post in their midst as to require no particular description.

AGRICULTURAL VALUE OF THE COUNTRY EXPLORED.

A discussion of the agricultural value of the region explored, or its
capability of sustaining a population would involve many considera-
tions—some of an intricate character, a fair exposition of which
would require a degree of detail much beyond the limits of the
present communication. A few general facts and conclusions only
can be stated.

During the explorations all of the lands upon the Colorado, from
its mouth to the 36th parallel, and the greater portion of the region
along both the 35th and 36th parallels, between the Colorado ‘and
the Rio Grande, was traversed. Much of the country had been pre-
viously explored, and a considerable portion of 1 y some
of the open valleys of the Great and Little Colorado rivers, and the
Navajo country, pronounced by excellent authorities a good agri-
cultural region—capable of a high degree of cultivation. Many facts
were noticed during the examinations that tended to confirm this
view, but certain unfavorable features were also apparent. Of the
valleys upon the Colorado that of the Mojave Indians, which borders
the 35th parallel, is by far the finest, and is perhaps the most pro-
mising looking region in the portion of New Mexico west of the Rio
Grande. It was visited in the season of spring, which in that cli-
mate is during the month of February. The atmosphere was inde-
scribably balmy and delicious. A pale transparent haze, of a pecu-
liar delicate blue, which all must have noticed who have been in this
valley, enveloped it with a softened glow. In brilliant contrast to
the dark and frowning mountains on either side were groves of trees,
with fresh and beautiful foliage, dotting the whole expanse of the

39

foreground. Fields of wheat, corn, beans, pumpkins, and melons,
promising a luxuriant crop, met the eye in every direction. Com-
fortable houses and well built granaries, overflowing with the last
year’s stores, testified to the provident affluence of the inhabitants;
and the robust appearance of the people themselves, with their well
developed frames and solid glossy limbs, betokened a high degree
of health, comfort and good living. That, for the ee of In-
dians who now inhabit it, with their habits and mode of living, the
country is an excellent one there can be no doubt. Whether it
could ever be of much value to whites admits of a great deal.

The shifting of the bed of the Colorado would be a cause of great
trouble in so narrow a valley. The changes occur with a rapidity
and to an extent that can be scarcely appreciated by one who has not
witnessed them. Having passed through the country in the spring
of 1854, while accompanying the expedition of Lieutenant Whipple
for the location of a railroad route along the 35th parallel, I had an
opportunity of cuserving the effects of this action, which were so
great as to justify the inference that every portion of the cultivable
bottom lands is lable to be in turn overrun by the river. To the
Indians, who have a certain community of property and interest and
no valuable improvements to lose, this is a matter of no vital moment,
but the white settler would be much discouraged from putting up
buildings and fences, and digging the ditches necessary for purposes
of irrigation, by the knowledge that at any day the river might direct
its course through his premises.

Freshets occur at periodical intervals which subject large portions
of the valleys to inundation. For four or five months of the year the
rays of the sun are so intense and burning that no vegetation can
withstand their influence, and during the very early spring, some-
times, when at midday there is an ordinary summer temperature, ice
will be found at night. The growing season is thus rendered exceed-
ingly short, and a single accident to a crop would, for that year, be
without remedy. Seasons have occurred within a few years when
the Mojaves have been subjected from this cause to great privations,
and lost considerable numbers from actual starvation.

The composition of different portions of the soil was carefully
examined by Dr. Newberry, the geologist of the expedition, and I
am informed by him that, though much of it is so constituted as to be
fertile, very large tracts in the higher parts of the valleys are so im-
paired by an excess of alkaline substances as to be comparatively
valueless.

In forming an opinion of the value of the region some weight, too,
should be attached to the fact that the races upon the river do not
multiply. The records of the early Spanish explorers show a dimi-
nution rather than an increase of population since that period, and
for this there is no assignable cause, unless it may be the incapacity
of the country to sustain a large number of inhabitants. The Mojaves
have had no communication with the w hites, excepting when a wan-
dering trapper or some exploring party has passed by their territory.
A peaceful, yet a powerful people, and guarded on every side by

40

difficult mountains, they have suffered little from wars with other
tribes. Their mode of life has conduced to the highest state of
physical development. The marriage relation, as has been noticed
by all who have been among them, is respected in more than an
ordinary degree among Indians, and there seems to be no reason, ex-
cept that above stated, why they should not have become a numerous
nation.

The remarks made-respecting this locality will apply, and perhaps
in a stronger manner, to the rest of the country on the river, and
also to the valley of the Little Colorado. The latter region abounds
in ruins and vestiges of a former population, but is now uninhabited.

The remainder of the great area of territory examined presents,
also, its discouraging features. The northern portion is much the
worse. Besides the deserts that have been alluded to, in the timbered
region itself are found broad tracts where the vegetation has become-
extinct, and the white and withered trunks are scattered like monu-
ments over a vast cemetery of departed life. No indication of fire
exists. The destruction has been gradual, and an impression is con-
veyed of some deadly rot slowly creeping over the surface of the
countr y. Want of rain is undoubtedly the great cause of the evil.
Near the abandoned ruins of S@veral of the Moquis towns no water
can now be found. This people, though exposed to no contact with
whites, have partially dwindled away, er their ultimate fate, if the
same meteorological condition continues, can be a question of little
doubt.

Along the 35th parallel, within the limit of the volcanic dis-
fubbamees: much of the country is better, and at some seasons of the
year very attractive. After the melting snows of spring, and during
the autumnal rains, a more smiling picture of green forest glades,
sparkling streams, verdant. hills, and wild flowers, the eye could not
desire to dwell upon; and, excepting that the surface of the soil is
in most places closely packed with lava rocks, there would seem to be
a promising field for the agriculturist. Evidence, however, has been
collected of seasons of drought so excessive as to render it doubtful
whether more than a small portion of the country could ever be in-
habited.

Over the whole of this region and that first alluded to remains
of buildings and fragments of pottery are found, and this fact has
been adduced as an argument to establish the present capability of
the country to sustain a population; but there is an analogy between
these mouldering ruins and the dead forest near by suggestive of a
different conclusion, giving rise to a doubt whether ‘the decay of one
race of inhabitants might not have been induced by influences that
would be effectual to prevent the introduction of another.

MINERAL RESOURCES OF THE COUNTRY.
The mineral resources of some parts of the country explored are

considerable. The ranges of mountains that cross the navigable
portion of the Colorado, which belong to the same system as those of

4}

California and Sonora, are, like them, the repositories of a large
amount of mineral wealth. They were examined by Dr. Newberry
with as great thoroughness and care as the character of the expe-
dition would permit, “and found to be traversed by veins of such
magnitude and richness as to give promise of a field of extensive
mining operations. The metals, as far as observed, were gold and
mercury in small quantity, silver, copper, and lead in rich and valu-
able deposits, and iron in the greatest abundance.

The close proximity of the treasures of these mountains to water
transportation greatly enhances their value. A copper mine that
promises to be highly successful is now being worked forty miles
above Fort Yuma.

In the country of the upper Colorado the useful minerals found
were iron, coal, rock salt, and marble. From their geographical
position they have little pecuniary value, though their existence in
that region is a fact of great scientific interest. On the sides of the
cafions were splendid exposures of the stratified rocks which compose
the great table lands of New Mexico, exhibiting all of the formations
from the base of the series to the tertiary.

TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES OF THE COLORADO.

An estimate has been already presented to the department of the
probable cost of transportation of stores to different points upon the
Colorado. Fort Yuma is the only military post at present supplied
in this way. The undertaking, while in its infancy, has been more
expensive than it would be were the amount of business greater and
the system fairly organized, but has proved in every respect superior
to the slow, difficult, and expensive overland transportation. The
increased amount of emigrant travel along the 35th and 32d parallels,
the overland mail routes, the military post which must soon be re-
quired in the Mojave valley, and the mining operations, both upon
the Colorado and in Arizona, will add largely to the business upon
the river. Many distant points might profit by the facilities of
approach it affords. Without entering into all of the details, which
will be presented elsewhere, it may be stated that the amount of
land transportation saved by sending supplies by this channel would
be, to Salt Lake 700 miles; to Fort ‘Defiance 600 miles; and to Fort
Buchanan, near Tucson, 1,100 miles. <A steamboat of the character
previously described in ascending from the mouth of the river to the
head of navigation would probably occupy from ten to twenty days,
depending upon the season of the year: and the stage of the water.
There may be both delay and trouble in organizing a large transpor-
tation establishment in so new and in some respects so difficult a
region, but I can see no reason why the Colorado should not at some
day be used as the medium of communication with the greater portion
of New Mexico, Eastern California, and Utah.

SUMMARY OF FIELD OPERATIONS.

. . ’ - . .
The examination of the natural history of the region explored was
zealously conducted by Dr. Newberry, whose name is well known in

A2

connexion with such labors. Many new and interesting species of
fossils, minerals, plants, and animals were collected. The geological
results are of the highest interest. In making the collections Dr.
Newberry was much assisted by Mr. H. B. Mollhausen, who also pre-
pared a valuable series of illustrations of the more remarkable locali-
ties along the route.

Of the navigable portion of the river a careful and detailed survey
was made, the labor being principally performed by Mr. ©. Bielawski,
of San Francisco. A set of meteor ological and tidal observations and
a topographical reconnaissance from Fort Tejon to Fort Yuma were
faithfully conducted by Mr. P. H. Taylor, assisted by Mr. C. K.
Booker.

The steamboat was taken to the mouth of the river, and there put
together by the engineer, Mr. A. J. Carroll, of Philadelphia. The
work was executed under peculiarly unfavorable circumstances, with
surprising expedition, and with an ingenuity and zeal that I cannot
too highly commend. During the trip up the river the post of pilot
was filled by Captain D. C. Robinson, who had for many years lived
upon the Colorado, and the successful ascent and descent of the river
may be attributed to the ener gy, coolness, and thorough capacity
with which he accomplished his duties.

A small party accompanied the land explorations, consisting of
seven assistants and employés and a few Mexican packers, with an
escort of twenty men, under the command of Lieutenant John Tipton,
od artillery. To this officer I am indebted for valuable assistance in
the astronomical and meteorological departments of the survey, and
for the excellent order and discipline maintained safely throughout
the trip among the individuals of his command.

The train while following the bank of the river and crossing the
country was in charge of Mr. G. H. Peacock, of California, whose
good care and experienced management brought it safely through a
country of no ordinary difficulty.

The work of computing the astronomical positions and barometric
altitudes is now in progress. Maps of the region explored are being
constructed by Mr. F. W. Egloffstein, who- accompanied the expe-
dition as topographer, and who neglected no opportunity of obtaining,
though often at the cost of great privation and exposure, an accurate
knowledge of every portion of the region traversed.

During the explorations the health of all of the members of the
party was good, and no accident of any kind occurred.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. IVES,
Ist Lieutenant Topographical Engineers,
Commanding Colorado Exploring Expedition.

A. A. HumPHREYs,
Captain Topographical Engineers, in charge of Bureawt
of Explorations and Surveys, War Department.

‘

PRELIMINARY REPORT

EXPLORATIONS

NEBRASKA AND DAKOTA,

IN THE

YEARS 1855-’56-757,

LIEUT. G. K. WARREN, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, U. 8, ARMY.

WASHINGTON:
1859.

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45

EXPLORATIONS IN NEBRASKA AND DAKOTA.

Preliminary report of Lieut. G. K. Warren, Topographical Engineers,
to Captain A. A. Humphreys, Topographical Engineers, in charge of
Office of Explorations and Surveys, War Department.

Wasuineton, D. C., November 24, 1858.

Caprain: I have the honor to submit the following preliminary
report on the results of the explorations conducted by me in Nebraska
in the years 1855,—’56,-’57. This report is divided as follows:

Ist. Routes explored, and main incidents affecting their direction
and extent.

2d. Physical geography of Nebraska, character of the soil, and
resources of the country.

3d. Remarks upon the climate and meteorology.

4th. A description of the principal rivers, and discussion of the
merits of different routes. And

5th. An enumeration of the Indian tribes, military posts, and routes
for military operations.

To the report is annexed a small map of Nebraska on a scale of 1 to
6,000,000, showing the main physical features of the country and the
routes requiring further examination, as well as those already explored.
The report is accompanied by catalogues of the paleontological, min-
eralogical, botanical, and zoological specimens collected on our explo-
rations, prepared by Dr. F’. V. Hayden, so as to show the localities
where they were found. Much useful instruction as to the manner of
making meteorological observations and collecting specimens in natural
history was given to us by the officers of the Smithsonian Institution,
and the secretary, Professor Henry, furnished us with rooms in which to
store the collections and elaborate the results. A brief report, by Dr.
Samuel Moffett, of the health of the party during the expedition in
1857, is also appended.

We have found it necessary to defer to a subsequent report the narra-
tive and itinerary of the routes, the complete maps, profiles, and other
illustrations, the tables of meteorological observations, and the results
of our collections and observations in geology, botany, &c.

Some of the geological results have already been published by per-
mission of the War Department in papers read by Dr. Hayden, Mr.
F. B. Meek, and Dr. Joseph Leidy, before the Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia. A letter prepared by me for the Hon. G.
W. Jones, senator from Iowa, has also been published, accompanied
by a small map of Nebraska, on a scale of 1 to 6,000,000. This map
has also been colored so as to indicate approximately the geological
formations, and in this shape is published with one of the papers pre-
pared by Dr. Hayden in the proceedings of the Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia.

A map of my explorations in Nebraska was ordered to be engraved
by the United States Senate during the last session, and is now nearly
ready for publication. In preparing this map I availed myself of all
other explorations and surveys within the limits comprised by it, (in-

46

cluding thus some late unpublished maps kindly furnished from the
Interior Department,) an acknowledgment of all of which is made
thereon. It was necessary to indicate on this map a considerable por-
tion of the country not examined by mein order to give it the greatest
practical value, and to show the,relation of the parts I have ex-
plored to those surrounding them. My design was to make the map
a complete representation of all the region occupied by the Dakotas,
and the best routes by which to approach and traverse it, and along
which to conduct military operations to the best advantage ; in other
words, to make it a ‘‘ military map of Nebraska and Dakota,’’ which
is the title I have given it. It is on a scale of 1 to 1,200,000, and
embraces all the country from the 94th to the 106th meridian, be-
tween the 38th and 50th parallels. In its northeast corner is the Lake
of the Woods, in the southeast Fort Leavenworth, in the southwest
Pike’s Peak, and in the northwest the junction of Milk river with the
Missouri. A number of rivers are put down on this map which have
never yet been explored, except at their mouths; these are the Knife
river, Heart river, Cannon Ball river, and Moreau river. As the ex-
peditions under my command have gone almost around the section
through which they flow, and determined with a great degree of
certainty that it is an open prairie, and have gained some knowledge
of their lengths and directions from the Indians, they are probably
represented with a considerable degree of exactness.

On the small map accompanying this report the southern branches
of the Yellowstone river have also been represented with an approxi-
mation to correctness, by using information furnished by the expedi-
tions of Captains Lewis and Clark, and Captain Bonneville, and also
from sketches, &c., obtained by me from traders and trappers. This
section of country, however, has much practical importance in rela-
tion to routes through it by which to reach Utah from the navigable
parts of the Missouri and Yellowstone, and deserves a thorough explo-
ration. This examination I have always had a great desire to make,
and in my previous expeditions have taken much pains to ascertain
the best means of conducting it. In this I have been fortunate in
meeting with Mr. James Bridger, Mr. Alexander Culbertson, Mr.
Robert Campbell, and others well acquainted with the character of
the country from personal experience, and have the assurance of the
services of Mr. Bridger if the exploration should de ordered.

On account of the great distance of the region to be examined from
the settlements it. is necessary to provide the expedition with the
means for remaining two summers, the intervening winter to be passed
at seme suitable point on the Yellowstone or Big Horn rivers. It
would be difficult for an expedition to do more than go anf return in
the same season, so that then little or no time would be allowed to
explore. The country is principally occupied by the Crow Indians,
and, as I know them to be friendly, I think a military escort can be
dispensed with, which is a material consideration under the present
excessive requirements of the military service. The method I propose
instead is, to go well provided with goods and presents by which to
purchase of the Indians permission to pass through the country and to
employ them as guides. In this way much expense can be prevented,

47

and, with prudent management, danger to the expedition can be
avoided ; besides, valuable information will be gained from the Indians
which would be withheld if we entered their country in a hostile
attitude.

The expedition should be completely organized and equipped for the
field by the Ist of May, 1859, and remain in the field until the Ist of
December, 1860, nineteen months.

There should be thirty men, at $30 per month, and eight assistants, as
topographers, collectors, guides &c., at $125 per month. This would
require $38,000. Their provisions would cost about $7,000. Animals
and outfit $10,000. Indian goods $4,000. Contingencies $3,000. To-
tal $60,000. Of this amount about $35,000 would be required the first
year. The bulk of the stores and goods required should be contracted
for, to be delivered at Fort Laramie or the Platte Bridge.

The expedition itself should proceed by the Missouri river to Fort
Pierre, where the necessary animals for a pack train should be assem-
bled. At this point we should meet with some of the principal men
of the Dakotas, ana overtures should be made to secure their assent to
our proceeding westward up the Shyenne and its North Fork, and
thence to the source of Powder river, thus exploring a new route.
Should this consent be withheld, and it should not be considered safe
to proceed without it, the party could take the route by way of White
river to Fort Laramie and thence to the source of Powder river.
The exploration should then be conducted along Powder river to its
mouth, thence up the Yellowstone to the mouth of Tongue river, up
which stream a detachment should be sent to its source. The remain-
der of the party should ascend the Yellowstone to the mouth of Big
Horn river, and up this latter stream to the point where it leaves the
mountains, where it should be joined by the detachment which ex-
plored Tongue river.

The approach of winter might require the party to pass that season
in this neighborhood, or, if time sufficed, the expedition might ascend
the Big Horn river to Wind river, where a very favorable wintering
place could be found. Hither of these places would be sufficiently
convenient to the supplies on the Platte. Under circumstances not
foreseen it might be best for the expedition to winter near Fort
Laramie.

The next season should be spent in examining the mountain region
about the sources of the Yellowstone and Missouri, to ascertain the
character of the routes leading south and west from the navigable
parts of these rivers. On returning, one portion should descend the
Missouri, the other the Yellowstone, to their junction, where a Macinac
boat should be in readiness, by which all could proceed to the settle-
ments.

These explorations would determine the practicability of all the
routes marked on the accompanying map as deserving examination, and
would require much activity on the part of those conducting them.
Pack trains should alone be used, as wagons greatly retard the opera-
tions of a party and vastly increase the difficulty of defending it against
attack. The abundance of ¢ game in much of this region would render

48

it unnecessary to provide the usual quantity of bread and bacon, which
always make the bulk of the provisions required.

The party must be well prepared for defence against war parties,
and it would be desirable to arm each man with a revolver, and about
three-fourths of them, in addition, should have a double-barrelled gun,
one rifled, the other smooth. This is a most effective gun either for
hunting or fighting.

Copies of my instructions from the Hon. John B. Floyd, Secretary
of War, dated May 6, 1857, and from Brevet Brigadier General W. 8.
Harney, dated June 3, 1856, are transmitted herewith.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. K. WARREN,
Lieutenant Topographical Engineers.
Captain A. A. HumpHreys,
Corps of Topographical Engineers,
In charge Office Explorations and Surveys.

War DEPARTMENT,
Washington, May 6, 1857.

Str: Under the appropriation ‘‘ for surveys for military defences,
geographical explorations, and reconnaissances for military purposes, ’
you will organize an expedition to ascertain the best route for con-
tinuing the military road between Fort Snelling and the mouth of the
Big Sioux to Fort Laramie and the South Pass, by way of the Loup
Fork of the Platte; to make also such explorations in the Black Hills,
about the sources of the Sheyenne and Little Missouri rivers, as the
time and means will permit; and to examine the Niobrara or |’ Kau
qui Court river, upon your return route, for the purpose of ascertain-
ing its character and resources and the practicability of locating a
road along it, leading from the Missouri river to the South Pass, or
from Fort Randall to Fort Laramie.

The sum of twenty-five thousand dollars is set apart from the ap-
propriation to defray the expenses of the expedition, which amount
your expenditures must not exceed.

The commanding general of the Department of the West will be
directed to detail an escort of thirty enlisted men of the infantry,
under the command of a second lieutenant, who will report to you
for duty.

Transportation for the provision and equipage of the escort, their
subsistence, and their necessary ammunition, will be furnished,
respectively ,by the Quartermaster’s, Commissary, and Ordnance
Departments.

Upon the proper requisitions, officers of the Quartermaster’s and
Commissary Departments at the military posts near the routes pur-
sued by the expedition w illfurnish, as far as practicable, all neces-
sary supplies for it, which, when required for the civil employés, shall
be paid for at cost prices at the places ef delivery, from the appropri-
ation for the survey.

49

Twenty Colt’s revolvers, of the navy pattern, with belts, holsters,
and the necessary ammunition, will be furnished by the Ordnance
Department ; those lost or damaged being paid for out of the appro-
priation for the survey.

All other arms and ammunition for the civil employés (guides,
hunters, herders, &c.) of the expedition will be paid for from this
same appropriation.

You are authorized to employ as assistants—

A topographer, at a salary not to exceed............... $130 per month.
One assistant topographer, at a salary not to exceed 100: ‘‘
An assistant astronomer, at a salary not toexceed... 125 ‘

A physician and geologist, at a salary not to exceed 125 ‘“
An assistant physician and geologist, at a salary not
PRESSE OL Ao wciccveinnac Tee tRacm swlels sels phe Sablectgedon phage LOO): i8*
A meteorologist, at.a salary not to exceed............. GO. 48°
And to pay their actual travelling expenses to and from the field of
operations.

You will procure your employés equipment, supplies, &c., at those
points which appear to insure the most economical and effective organi-
zation for your party, and prepare to take the field at the earliest
possible moment. While in the field attention will be given to ascer-
taining everything relating to the agricultural and mineralogical
resources of the country, its climatology, its topographical features,
and the facilities or obstacles which these latter offer to the construc-
tion of rail or common roads.

You will communicate with the department through the office of
Explorations and Surveys, in charge of Capt. A. A. Humphreys,
Corps Topographical Engineers ; and to this office you will make the
reports and returns required by regulations of an officer of engineers
in charge of a work or operation, and such other reports, transmitted
as often as the means of communication will allow, as will keep the
department apprised of all your movements, and the progress of the
expedition under your charge.

On the completion of the field duty, you will return, with your as-
sistants, to Washington, and there prepare the maps and reports
necessary to a full exposition of the results of the expedition.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War.
Lieut. G. K. WaRREN,
Corps Topographical Engineers.

SPECIAL ORDERS No. 26.

HEADQUARTERS SrouxX EXPEDITION,
Camp near old Fort Lookout, Missouri River, June 3, 1856.

{. As it is important to obtain reliable information of the Missouri
river, from Fort Pierre to some point above the mouth of the Yellow-
stone, near which Governor Stevens’ route strikes it, Secouu Lien-
tenant Gouverneur K. Warren, Topographical Engineers, is assigned

40

50

to this duty, and will proceed with his party by the steamer St. Mary’s
to the point above indicated. .

On his return, Lieutenant Warren will procure a sufficient number
of Mackinac boats, for the transportation of his party, stores, &., to
enable him to effect a thorough examination of this part of the river.

II. The commanding officer of the 2d infantry will select an efficient
party from his regiment, consisting of two non-commissioned officers
and fifteen men, to report to Lieutenant Warren as his escort. They
will be furnished with three months’ provisions, equipage, &ec.

III. The assistant quartermaster at Fort Pierre will furnish the
necessary transportation, and such supplies as Lieutenant Warren
may be entitled to from his department, for the proper execution of
these instructions.

By order of Brevet Brigadier General Harney.

A. PLEASONTON,
Captain 2d Dragoons, Acting Assistant Adjutant General

REPORT.
CHAPTER I.

Routes explored, and main incidents affecting their extent and duration.

In presenting the following report of explorations in Nebraska,
made by me in the year 1857, I shall include also my previous recon-
naissances in that Territory in the years 1855-56, while attached to
the staff of Brevet Brigadier General W. 8. Harney, commanding
the Sioux expedition. As, at this time, a complete narrative of these
cannot be made,I shall only mention the routes pursued and the
nature of the examination, and then give what I consider the most
prominent results,

A report of the explorations made in 1855, and map of the routes
pursued by the Sioux expedition, have already been published by the
United States Senate in a small document called ‘‘ Explorations in
the Dacotah Country.’’ During that year routes were examined from
Fort Pierre to Fort Kearney; from Fort Kearney to Fort Laramie,
along the Platte river; from Fort Laramie to Fort Pierre ; and from
Fort Pierre to the mouth of the Big Sioux river.

In 1856 I started from St. Louis for Fort Pierre, in the middle of
April, accompanied by my assistants, Messrs. W. H. Hutton, J. H.
Snowden, and F. V. Hayden, on board Captain Throckmorton’s steam-
boat Genoa. During our passage up the Missouri we made a careful
sketch of the river above the southern boundary of Nebraska by
means of compass courses, and distances estimated from the rate of
travel of the steamboat, and by astronomical observations for latitude.
The elevated position of the pilot-house of the steamboat, which the
politeness of the captain allowed us to occupy, afforded advantages
for gaining a knowledge of the river, the extent of the sand bars, and

51

the size and quantity of timber on the banks, the nature of the bottom
lands as regards marshes, &c., not equalled by those of any other
means of reconnaissance, and the topographer at the same time could
avail himself of the extensive and accurate knowledge of the pilot.
Our observations, by means of forward and back sights, showed us that
the effects of local attraction on the compass by the iron on the boat
were not important, and the checks on the estimated distances,
afforded by the results of observations for latitude, proved that these
estimates were very accurately made by Messrs. Hutton and Snowden,
who, by turns, prepared the sketch of the river.

As far up as the mouth of James river our advance had been quite
rapid, the river being at a good stage; but a short distance above
that point we encountered a sudden and heavy freshet in the river,
(produced by rains,) with a current so rapid that our boat was unable
to advance against it. From this cause we remained tied up to the
bank a whole day. As soon as the river began to fall, the velocity
abated, and we proceeded on the voyage. So sudden, however, was
the subsidence of the flood that, in five days after we had escaped the
embargo of too much water, we found ourselves aground and drawing
several inches more water than there was anywhere on the bar, which
stretched across the river. This occurred to us near the first Cedar
island.

Under these circumstances, being anxious to reach Fort Pierre as
soon as possible, as was also Captain Frost, (who was sutler at the
fort, and whose goods were the principal freight of the boat,) we
determined to leave the boat and proceed on foot to the dragoon camp,
at the mouth of American Crow river, about 80 miles distant. Our
means of transportation were two horses, the property of Colonel Lee,
2d infantry, and Lieutenant Colonel Andrews, of the 6th infantry,
which carried our blankets and provisions, and we were accompanied
by a Mr. Moore and two men. On arriving opposite to the dragoon
camp on the evening of the third day’s travel, we were informed that
there was no boat to bring us across. We stayed on the bank of the
river that night, and the next morning renewed our signals to com-
municate with the camp. These, however, failed to attract attention
to us, and our provisions being short we were obliged, though much
wearied by our journey on foot, (there having been a cold rain one
day and night,) to attempt to reach Fort Pierre, 80 miles distant.
This we accomplished in three days, and arrived there on the 20th of
May, completely exhausted, having subsisted mainly on the birds
killed with our shot guns. .The journey gave me an opportunity of
viewing the country and its appearances a few miles back from the
Missouri.

A'he steamboat having landed a portion of her freight at the place
where we left her, reached Fort Pierre three days after us. On my
arrival all the tribes of the Dakotas west of the Missouri, except the
Sichangus and Ogalalas, were assembled in council, and a treaty of
peace was made with them by General Harney, which terminated the
Sioux war.

Instructions were now given me by General Harney to proceed with
my party in the American Fur Company’s boat to the mouth of the
Yellowstone, and as far above as she should ascend, and to return by

52

means of a Mackinac boat, and carefully examine all points on the
river to determine their suitability as sites for military posts, and to
obtain such other information as we should be able with regard to
the country. An escort of fifteen men and two non-commissioned
officers of the 2d infantry were placed under my command. We left
Fort Pierre in the American Fur Company’s boat ‘‘ St. Mary,’’ Cap-
tain Labarge, on the 28th of June, and reached Fort Union on the
10th of July. The boat landed most of her stores, and then proceeded
to a point about 60 miles above the mouth of the Yellowstone and
discharged the balance.

While ascending the river, the sketch of it was taken above Fort
Pierre, as it had been below, by Messrs. Hutton and Snowden, and
observations were made by me for latitude. At Fort Union a 16-inch
transit was set up, and observations taken during a whole lunation;
but owing to the cloudy condition of the nights during the time, and
the shortness of the nights themselves, only two sets of observations
were obtained on the moon and stars. The result of these gave the
longitude of that post 104° 02', with a limit of error of about 10’.

While at Fort Union we saw the Assinniboin Indians.

Having ascertained that a Mackinac boat could not be prepared for
me before the Ist of September, I determined to make an examination
of the Yellowstone during the month of August; and in carrying this
out I was fortunate in being able to purchase the means of land trans-
portation from Sir St. George Gore, who was returning from an ex-
tensive hunting excursion on the waters of the Yellowstone and its
brynches. We left the mouth of the Yellowstone July 25, and,
travelling leisurely up the left bank, reached a point one hundred
miles from its mouth, beyond which it was impossible to advance with
wagons along the valley of the Yellowstone without crossing to the
opposite banks. Here we made a camp with the main body, and with
a party of seven I proceeded, with pack animals, over a very difficult
country (known as the Bad Lands of the Yellowstone) tothe mouth of
Powder river, thirty miles further.

This was the furthest point up the Yellowstone that I intended to
proceed, and I was anxious to reach it and to fix its position, as being
a good and certain point with which any future reconnaissance could
connect. From the appearance of Powder river at the mouth, no
one would suppose the stream to be of the length it really is, and I
was not surprised at Captain Clarke not having done so on his
voyage down the Yellowstone in 1806. On returning to our wagon
camp, we all travelled a short distance down the Yellowstone to a
convenient point, where we made a boat eighteen feet long and five
feet wide, by stretching the skins of three buffalo bulls over a frame
made of small cotton-wood and willow trees. With this vessel a
small party navigated the Yellowstone to its mouth, carefully map-
ping the islands and bends of the river. The wagons and land party
returned to the Missouri by travelling over nearly the route by which
they ascended.

We enjoyed the greatest abundance of large game of all kinds
while on the Yellowstone river.

On reaching Fort Union again we found our boat nearly ready,

53

and, all our arrangements being completed, we left that place on the
Ist of September. A small party conducted the animals along the
suore on our journey down the Missouri, generally camping each
night with the boat party. Halts of two or three days were made at
all interesting localities, and map sketches were made several miles
up all the streams flowing into the Missouri; and the map of the Mis-
souri was also verified. ‘These sketches, on a scale of one and a half
inch to a mile, are on file and convenient for reference in this office.

Thermometer and barometer observations were made throughout the
period of the examinations of the year 1856. Dr. Hayden was indefat-
igable in his efforts to develop the geology of the region traversed,
and some of the results have already been published, by permission of
the War Department, in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural
Sciences in Philadelphia. A very extensive collection was also made
in zoology.

We reached Fort Pierre on our return on the 2d of October, at
which place our animals were sold, and most of the soldiers returned
to their respective companies. A few accompanied us as far as the
mouth of the James river. We reached Sioux City on November 15,
and fortunately fovnd a steamboat there, by means of which we pro-
ceeded with our effects to St. Louis, and thence by railroad to Wash-
ington. The cost of this expedition to the United States was about
$10,000.

No special report has yet been made by me on the results of this
year’s exploration. The maps were about completed, and the mate-
rial in the process of elaboration, when I was assigned to the command
of another exploration by the War Department, a brief account of
which I shall now proceed to give.

I received my instructions from the Hon. John B. Floyd, Secretary
of War, May 7, 1857, the general terms of which were to make the
“necessary examinations to determine the best route for continuing the
military road between Mendota and the Big Sioux westward to Fort
Laramie and the South Pass. Thence to proceed northward and
make such examinations on the Black Hills as my time and means
would permit, and to return by the valley of the Niobrara, and make
a careful examination thereof. I was assisted in the examination by
Messrs. J. H. Snowden and P. M. Engel, as topographers; Dr. F.
V. Hayden, as geologist; W. P. C. Carrington, as meteorologist ;
Dr. 8. Moffett, as surgeon; and Lieut. Jas. McMillan, commanding
the escort.

The escort, numbering twenty-seven men and three non-commis-
sioned officers, under Lieut. McMillan, all of the 2d infantry, was
directed to meet me at Sioux City, transportation for it being fur-
nished by the quartermaster’s department. Transportation for the
remainder of the party was assembled at Omaha City as soon as pos-
sikle; and on the 27th of June, under the charge of Mr. Snowden,
set out for the rendezvous at the mouth of Loup Fork.

Accompanied by Mr. Engel, I then proceeded to Sioux City, where
we found the escort had been awaiting us several days on the Big
Sioux river. Through some misunderstanding there were no team-
sters furnished for the wagons of the escort; and the mules, from a

a4

disease of the hoof, and the wagons, and especially the harness, from
long use, were of very inferior quality. It occupied me six days in
getting the train in travelling condition, which was only done by
abandoning one wagon and a large supply of stores for the escort.
~ During this time a rumor* reached there of a fight having taken place
between the soldiers and the Shyennes at Ash Hollow, in which a
hundred of the former were killed. - Twelve of the soldiers of the
escort, tempted by the high prices of labor in this vicinity, and tired
of the toils and privations of campaigning, deserted as we were about
to set out, and some white thieves who infested the neighborhood of
Sioux City carried off two of my best horses. These losses occurring
in a civilized community, where we supposed ourselves among friends,
were quite annoying, and gave rather unpleasant forebodings of what
might occur to us when we should come among our enemies, the
Indians.

We set out from Sioux City July 6, and, taking a direct course, joined
the other party on the Loup Fork, being 11 days in going 110 miles.
The route was heavy from frequent rains, all the ravines being filled
with water, and the most insignificant rivulet requiring preparation,
on account of the soft nature of the soil, before a wagon could cross it.
We had to make one bridge (over Middle creek) about 30 eet long,
and construct a raft with which to cross the Elk Horn.

The united party now set out on their journey westward on the Loup
Fork, meeting with no serious difficulties on the route (except the
quicksands in crossing the main north branch) till we came to within
50 miles of the source of the stream. Here the river became shut up
in a gorge impassable for wagons, and we were forced out among the
difficult sand hills which border the bluffs and which extend north to
the Niobrara and south nearly to the Platte. They also extend much
further east, but they occasioned us no difficulties till we were forced
to leave the bank of the stream.

We finally came to the source of the Loup Fork, and from this point
endeavored to proceed as directly as possible north to the Niobrara,
for we were somewhat apprehensive of losing everything, for want of
water, by endeavoring to push our way westward through the Sand
Hills. These hills, however, were so impracticable for wagons that
we were forced much more to the west than we desired, and one day
we were unable to find water to camp by. There are numerous lakes
in this Sand Hill country, but many of them are too much impregnated
with salts to be wholesome. Some of these latter our animals drank
out of without injury. On reaching the longitude of 102° 30’ we had
the good fortune to find an open stretch of country with a large well
marked lodge trail leading between the Platte and Niobrara, which,
in one day’s travel northward, brought us to the Niobrara. We now
proceeded rapidly over an easy route to Fort Laramie.

During the journey there had been considerable sickness in the
camp from fevers, and one of the men was so near the point of death
that a halt of several days was made for his benefit. Dr. Moffett also
became so ill as to require a delay of one or twodays. These neces-

* This rumor was without foundation, as it afterwards appeared.

. dd

sary stoppages, the difficulties of the route, rainy weather, together
with my being obliged to leave so much of our provisions behind at
Sioux City, reduced our supplies to a small amount, and for nearly
two weeks we were without sugar or coffee. We had also been very
much disappointed in the amount of game ; and though the country
gave evidence of having recently been occupied by large herds of
buffalo, only a few bulls were seen. During the early part of the
journey mosquitoes were abundant, and allowed our animals no rest at
night, and immense numbers of flies attacked them by day. These
insects, combined, exhausted and worried the animals more than the
labor they performed, and the lives of one or two were saved only by
covering them with grease and tar to keep the flies and mosquitoes
away.

At Fort Laramie we entirely refitted the party, which took usa
long time, on account of everything being required for the Utah
expedition. It gives me great pleasure to state that the commanding
officer, Colonel Hoffman, and the acting quartermaster, Lieutenant
Higgins, gave me all the facilities at their command. Owing to the
great number of anima!s that graze in the neighborhood the grass
was nearly eaten off, and our animals recruited very little during our
stay there. While there I succeeded in getting several sets of obser-
vations for moon culminations, which determined the longitude to be
104° 30,’ with a limit of error of about 4’. Dr. Hayden and Mr. Engel
aiso made an excursion to Laramie peak, which they ascended.

The party, on leaving Fort Laramie, was divided into two parts,
as, owing to the lateness of the season, it was impossible to accom-
plish all the objects of the expedition by keeping together. Though
in doing this I subjected each portion to the possibility of being
defeated by the Indians, I deemed the case to justify the risk. The
wagons were, half of them, turned in to the quartermaster, and the
remainder, with the escort under Lieutenant McMillan, were to pro-
ceed down the Niobrara, and await me in longitude 101° 30’. Mr. J.
H. Snowden went with this party to make the topographical recon-
naissances; Dr. Moffett also accompanied it. My own party consisted
of Dr. Hayden, Mr. Carrington, and Mr. Engel, and we had with us
17 men as packers, &c., and Mr. Morin as a guide and interpreter.
Our supplies were packed on mules.

Setting out from Fort Laramie on the 4th of September, we pro-
ceeded direct for the Black Hills, via Raw Hide butte, Old Woman
reek, the south fork of the Shyenne, and Beaver creek ; up a branch
of this last we entered the Black Hills. We continued north to the
vicinity of the Inyan Kara, (or the peak which makes the mountain,)
a remarkable high basaltic peak, one of the highest of these mount-
ains, and so far to the north that we had a full view of the prairie
beyond.

Here we were met by a very large force of the Dakotas, who made
‘such earnest remonstrances and threats against our proceeding into
their country that 1 did not think it prudent for us, as a scientific
expedition, to venture further in this direction. Some of them were
for attacking us immediately, as their numbers would have insured
success ; but the lesson taught them by General Harney, in 1855,

56

made them fear they would meet with retribution, and this I endeav-
ored to impress upon them. We were at the time almost in sight of
the place where these Indians had plundered Sir George Gore in 1856,
for endeavoring to proceed through their country, and one of them
was actually mounted on one of his best horses taken at that time.
Sir George Gore’s party was only about half as numerous as mine;
but there were a number of my party which I had picked up at Fort
Laramie on whom we placed very little reliance.

The grounds of their objections to our traversing this region were
very sensible, and of sufficient weight, I think, to have justified them
in their own minds in resisting ; and as these are still in force for the
prevention of the passage of any other party of whites not large
enough to resist successfully, they are of sufficient importance to be-
repeated here. In the first place, they were encamped near large herds
of buffalo, whose hair not being sufficiently grown to make robes, the
Indians were, it may be said, actually herding the animals. No one
was permitted to kill any in the large bands for fear of stampeding
the others, and only such were killed as straggled away from the
main herds. Thus the whole range of the buffalo was stopped so that
they could not proceed south, which was the point to which they were
travelling. The intention of the Indians was to retain the buffalo in
their neighborhood till their skins would answer for robes, then to.
kill the animals by surrounding one band at a-time and completely
destroying each member of it. In this way no alarm is communi-
cated to the neighboring bands, which often remain quiet almost in
sight of the scene of slaughter.

For us to have continued on then would have been an act for which
certaia death would have been inflicted on a like number of their own
tribe had they done it; for we might have deflected the whole range of
the buffalo fifty or one hundred miles to the west, and prevented the
Indians from laying in their winter stock of provisions and skins, on
which their comfort if not even their lives depended. Their feelings
towards us, under the circumstances, were not unlike what we should
feel towards a person who should insist upon setting fire to our barns.
The most violent of them were for immediate resistance, when I told
them of my intentions; and those who were most friendly, and in
greatest fear of the power of the United States, begged that I would
‘take pity’? on them and not proceed. I felt that, aside from its
being an unnecessary risk to subject my party and the interests of the
expedition to, it was almost cruelty to the Indians to drive them to
commit any desperate act which would call for chastisement from the
government.

But this was not the only reason they urged against our proceed~
ing. They said that the treaty made with General Harney gave to
the whites the privilege of travelling on the Platte and along White
river, between Fort Pierre and Laramie, and to make roads there,
and to travel up and down the Missouri in boats; but that it guaran-
tied to them that no white people should travel elsewhere in their
eountry, and thus frighten away the buffalo by their careless manner
of hunting them. And finally, that my party was there examining
the country to ascertain if it was of value to the whites, and to dis-

57

cover roads through it, and places for military posts; and that having
already given up all the country to the whites that they could spare,
these Black Hills must be left wholiy to themselves. Moreover, if
none of these things should occur, our passing through their country
would give us a knowledge of its character and the proper way to
traverse it in the event of another war between themseives and the
troops. I was necessarily compelled to admit to myself the truth and
force of these objections.

The Indians whom I first met were the Minikanyes, to the number
of forty lodges, near whom, as they were very friendly, we encamped.*
They were soon joined by the warriors of a large camp of Unkpapas
and Sihasapas, and our position, which was sufficiently unpleasant in
the presence of such a numerous party of half-avowed enemies, was
rendered doubly 80 by a storm of sleet and snow, which lasted two
days and nights, and against which we had but little protection.

A young Indian, who had accompanied us from Fort Laramie, con-
sidered the danger to us so imminent that he forsook our camp and
joined his friends, the Minikanyes.

Under these embarrassing circumstances my associates evinced the
most resolute bravery and determination to abide the result like true
men.

I consented to wait three days without advancing, in order to meet
their great warrior, Bear’s Rib, appointed first chief by General
Harney’s treaty, merely changing our position to one offering
greater facilities for defence. At the expiration of the time, Bear’s
Rib not making his appearance, we broke up camp, and, travelling
back on our route about forty miles, struck off to the eastward, through
the southern part of these mountains. The point where we turned
back is well marked by the Inyan Kara peak, whose position was fixed
by us. :

After we had proceeded two days on our journey eastward, we were
overtaken by Bear’s Rib and one other Indian who accompanied him.
He reiterated all that had been said by the other chiefs, and added
that he could do nothing to prevent our being destroyed if we
attempted to proceed further. I then told him that I believed he
was our friend, but that if he could do nothing for us, he bad better
return to his people, and leave us to take care of ourselves, as | was
determined to proceed as far as Bear butte. After a whole day spent
in deliberation, he concluded to accompany us a part of the way, and
he said he would then return to his people and use his influence to
have us not molested. In return for this, he wished me to say to the
President and to the white people that they could not be allowed to
come into that country. That if the presents sent were to purchase
such a right, they did not want them. All they asked of the white
people was, to be left to themselves and let alone. That if the presents
were sent to induce them not to go to war with the Crows and their
-other enemies, they did not wish them. War with them was not only
a necessity but a pastime. He said General Harney had told them

* Tam much indebted to the influence of Major Twiss, the Indian agent near Fort
Laramie, for his efforts to give the Dakotas a favorable opinion of my expedition, and to
gecure us a friendly reception.

58

not to go to war, and yet he was all the time going to war himself.
(Bear’s Rib knew that when General Harney left the Sioux country
he had gone to the war in Florida, and was at the time in command
of the army sent against the Mormons.) He said, moreover, that the
annuities scarcely paid for going after them; and that if they were
not distributed to them while they were on their visit to the trading
posts, on the Missouri, to dispose of their robes, they did not want
them.

(It is a fact, that for several years, owing to this cause, these In-
dians have not come in for their goods at all.)

He said that he heard that the Ihanktonwans were going to sell their
lands to the whites. If they did so, he wished them informed that
they could not come on his people’s lands. They must stay with
the whites. Every day the Ihanktonwans were coming there, but
were always turned back.

Whatever may have been Bear’s Rib’s actions after leaving us, it
is certain we saw no more Indians in the Black Hills. We completed
our reconnaissance along the eastern portion of these mountains as far
as Bear peak, which forms another convenient and accurate point with
which any future reconnaissance may connect with our own. We also
visited the north fork of the Shyenne, in this vicinity. On our return
we took a southeast direction, striking the south fork of the Shyenne
at the mouth of Sage creek. We then proceeded up the south fork to
French creek; thence southeast, through the Bad Lands, to White
river ; thence along the sources of White Clay creek and Porcupine
creek ; and thence to the Niobrara, striking it in longitude 102° 03’.

We found the party under Lieutenant McMillan about forty miles
below where we struck the river, and eighty miles below where we
had first reached it on our journey westward in August. This inter-
vening distance had been carefully mapped by Mr. Snowden, and he
had made several excursions at different places to examine the country,
as I had directed. Lieutenant McMillan’s march down the river thus
far had not been made without much wordy opposition from the Brule
Dakotas, much of the same kind as that I have related as having
been said to me in the Black Hills. On finding that he was deter-
mined to proceed, the chief, Little Thunder, sent four of his principal
men to accompany them, which they did for some days. At a subse-
quent time, twenty-two warriors charged into the camp, thinking the
party was a trading expedition. Their insolence was checked by
Lieutenant McMillan’s threatening to fire on them; whereupon they
entered their usual protest against the party’s proceeding further,
and the next day all withdrew. The last twenty miles of Lieutenant
McMillan’s route was through difficult sand hills bordering the
river, the stream itself being so shut in by high precipitous ridges
that he was unable to travel along it.

We now found the route exceedingly laborious for wagons on
account of the sand hills, which continue to the mouth of Rapid creek.
The character of the immediate valley of the Niobrara precluded the
wagons from travelling along it; so, while Mr. Snowden mapped the
route of the train, Mr. Engel travelled along the river, sometimes on
one side and sometimes on the other, and made a map of it. Even he,

09

though riding a mule, found it difficult to keep up in this way with
the wagons, which slowly wound their way through and over the
sand hills. Our camps at night were here always on the main river.
After passing the Rapid creek the sand hills gave us no longer any
trouble, (except for about twenty miles on the point between the
Niobrara and Keya Paha,) but the ravines and precipices still pre-
vented the wagons from travelling within from five to eight miles of
the Niobrara, and here Mr. Engel continued the sketch as before,
Dr. Hayden also travelled along the immediate banks of the river,
examining the character of the rocks and collecting fossils.

On reaching the mouth of the Keya Paha, the main party, with the
wagons, proceeded direct to Fort Randall, and a separate party, under
Mr. Engel, travelled down the Niobrara to its mouth, completing the
examination of that stream. It was my intention for Dr. Hayden to
accompany him, but on arriving at the place of separation we found
the same geological formation and characteristics as we knew to exist
at the mouth; and as the intervening distance was only sixty miles,
he did not deem it necessavy to go over it.

Fort Randall was reached on the ist of November, and the escort
was returned to the regiment. We were most hospitably received by
Major Day, commanding the post, and the other officers of the 2d
infantry, and I take this occasion to acknowledge my indebtedness to
this regiment for the aid and protection they have afforded me in all
my explorations.

T'wo sets of observations for moon culminations were obtained here,
but cloudy weather prevented more. The longitude, as calculated
from them, is 98° 34’, with a probable limit of error of about 8.

The party set out from Fort Randall on the 7th of November, and
surveyed the route to Sioux City, which was reached on the 16th.
The season being far advanced, no steamboat was expected, and the
river was full of floating ice. The weather, as we travelled on
towards Fort Leavenworth, became very severe, and the river became
frozen over as far down as St. Joseph’s. During this time we made
rapid progress, but a mild spell of weather coming on made the road
so heavy that with the greatest exertion we hardly accomplished ten
milesaday. During this time the health of the party suffered severely
from influenza. We reached Fort Leavenworth on the 4th of December,
and were fortunate enough to meet there with a steamboat, by which
we proceeded to St. Louis, and thence by railroad to Washington.

CHAPTER Il.

Physical geography of Nebraska ; character cf the soil and resources
of the country.

Though my personal examinations have nowhere extended west of
the 106th meridian, there are certain points west of it to which I would
direct attention. The positions of the Missouri and Yellowstone west

60

of this meridian and north of the 46th degree of north latitude have
been well examined by Lewis and Clark and under Governor Stevens,
and the valuable information they obtained is widely known. The
section, however, between the 46th parallel in the north and the 43d
in the south, the 106th meridian in the east, and the dividing line
between the waters of the Pacific and the Atlantic in the west, is
comparatively unknown, except from the accounts afforded by trapping
parties. The information given of it on the map of Lewis end Clark
is derived from this latter source; as is also that on Colonel Bonne-
ville’s map, published with ‘‘Irving’s’’ work on ‘‘ Adventures in the
Rocky Mountains,’’ &c.; and these are our most autheatic sources of
information. These maps have been generally disregarded by subse-
quent map-makers; and previous to the map I compiled for the Pacific
Railroad Office, there have been »0 mountains represented about the
source of the Yellowstone. From inquiries I made of trappers in
1855, I became convinced of the existence of these mountains, and
represented them accordingly, endeavoring to combine the information
on Lewis and Clark’s map and Bonneville’s map with that which I
had procured from traders and trappers. In doing this, I represented
the Big Horn mountains perhaps too far to the west, as they are per-
tl visible from the summit of the Inyan Kara peak, in the Black
ills.

Léaving out of consideration for the present the smaller detached
mountain masses, and beginning with the main range of the Rocky
mountains, on the 49th parallel, we find their eastern base to have a
direction nearly northwest and southeast, and the range crossing the
Missouri at ‘*The Gate of the Mountains.’’ Continuing southeast, it
crosses the Yellowstone near where Captain Clark reached that river
in 1806, (latitude 46,) just south of which it forms high, snow-covered
peaks. This line of mountains is broken through again by the Big Horn
river, aid the mountains receive the name of Big Horn mountains.
The southcast terminus of the Big Horn mountains sinks into the
elevated table land prairie, and tue range perhaps reappears again as
the Laramie mountains. (South of the latitude of Fort Laramie the
line of the eastern front of the mountains is nearly north and south.)

The Black Hills, whose geographical position we have determined,
are the most eastern portion of what has heretofore been considered a
part of the great mountain region west of the Mississippi; and it is
worthy of note that, if a line be drawn from them to the Little Rocky
mountains, on the 48th parallel, which are the most eastern portion
in that latitude, this line will be parallel to the line of the main front
of the mountains which I have already traced. What is still more
significant is, that if a straight line be drawn from the mouth of the
Yellowstone to the mouth of the Kansas river, it will also be parallel
to the lines before mentioned, and will have about an equal portion
of the Missouri on each side of it.

The line of the east base of the main mountain mass is the highest,
of course, of any portion of the plains, and at Raw Hide peak, near
Fort Laramie, is about 5,500 feet elevation, as determined by the
horizontally stratified tertiary deposits, though owing to great, denuda-
tion the average height there of this line of the plains will not be so great

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The same line, near the 49th parallel, has probably a somewhat less
elevation. The lowest line of the plains is that along the Missouri,
and its elevation, taken near Bijou Hills, (a point about on the per-
pendicular to it from Fort Laramie,) is about 2,130 feet, which does
not differ materially from its height at the mouth of the Yellowstone.
The slope of all this part of the plains (being in a direction perpen-
dicular to the lines of equal elevation) has therefore its line of greatest
descent in a northeast direction, and north of the Niobrara; this is the
direction in which a majority of the rivers flow till they join with the
Missouri or Yellowstone. ‘To the south of the Niobrara the greatest
slope of the plains is to the southeast, towards the Gulf of Mexico, and
this is the direction pursued there by nearly all the rivers of the plains.
Thus the Niobrara would seem, as it were, to run along a swell or
ridge on the surface. The average slope of the plains from the Mis-
souri to the mountains make nowhere an angle greater than one-half
degree with the horizon.

A remarkable feature in regard to this change of slope which occurs
in the neighborhood of the course of the Niobrara is the shortness of
its tributaries, the surface drainage seeming to be away from and not
towards its banks. A result of this is the absence of the amphitheatre-
jike valley which rivers generally have, and which enable us to look
down at the stream often many miles distant. Through the greater
portion of the middle half of its course you have scarcely any indication
of it as you approach, till within close proximity, and then you look
down from the steep bluffs, and catch, at the distance of two hundred
to five hundred yards, only here and there a glimpse of the river
below, so much is it hidden by the precipitous bluffs which at the
bends stand at the water-edge. So strongly was I impressed with the
fact that the surface drainage could never have been directed along its
course so as to have worn out this channel, that I think a portion of
it must have originated in a fissure in the rocks which the waters
have since enlarged and made more uniform in size, and which the
soft nature of the rock would render easy of accomplishment. It is
worthy of remark, in this connexion, that the bed of the stream in
longitude 102° is four hundred feet higher than that of the White
river at the point nearest to this; White river having there cut its
way entirely through the tertiary formation, flows along the creta-
ceous, while the bed of the Niobrara is in the miocene tertiary, the
pliocene forming the bluffs. The bed of the Niobrara is also, in two-
thirds of its upper course, from three hundred to five hundred feet
above the bed of the Platte river at corresponding points at the south.

In the section of the country through which the Niobrara flows the
soil is very sandy, so that what rain or snow falls sinks under the
surface, and none is lost by evaporation. This is gradually all poured
into the stream by the springs in the ravines, and in this way the
river is mainly supplied in seasons of low water, at which times it is
one of the largest streams of Nebraska.

The question of the slope of the plains is a subject to which I have
given much attention, from its scientific as well as practical interest.
Our barometric observations have enabled us, in some measure, to fill
up the gap between those of Governor Stevens on the north and

62

Captain Frément’s on the south, and thus give us the connected levels
over a very large area.

The observations upon the great tertiary formation have developed
the fact, that since the close of the pliocene period the eastern base of
the mountains, which is the western limit of this formation, has been
elevated from 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the eastern, and this without
there being anywhere visible signs of upheaval, such as inclination
of the strata. The only direct evidence is in the immense denudation
which the tertiary has undergone probably while this elevation was
in progress, and which causes of denudation must have been gradu-
ally extinguished, as there is, at the present time, no force at work
sufficient to have affected them. The evidence goes to show that the
elevation which has taken place since the close of the pliocene period
has been in Nebraska remarkably uniform, and along a line in a
general direction northwest and southeast, and nearly coincident with
the ranges of mountains previously upheaved.

The Black Hills received their last violent upheaval at the same
period as the Laramie mountains, that is, at the close of the creta-
ceous. The geological evidence goes to show that the pliocene and
miocene tertiary, south of the Shyenne, are fresh water formations;
yet there are no ridges now standing to mark the northern boundary
to this basin. In the present relative position of the different parts
of these plains, the elevation of the pliocene tertiary formation is now
so great that much of the Black Hills and the cretaceous on the Shy-
enne should have been covered with it. This might, however, have
been the case, and since have all been denuded away. North of the
Shyenne the cretaceous ridges are probably sufficiently high to have
separated the tertiary beds south of it from the lignite tertiary to
the north. But still it is necessary to suppose that this last elevation
of the tertiary has been somewhat greater near the 42d parallel than
to the north of it.

A most interesting problem could be solved in regard to these
changes of level, if a locality could be found where the lignite tertiary
north of the Shyenne would be in contact with the pliocene or miocene
beds to the south of it, as well as the more important one of the age
of the first relative to the two latter.

During the time of these changes since the formation of the pliocene
tertiary, the soft sandy material of which it was composed has been
crushed and separated by denuding forces, and an area of no less than
20,000 square miles, called the Sand Hills, has been covered with
barren sand, which, blown by the wind into high hills, renders this
section not only barren, but in a measure impracticable for travel.
The Niobrara river, lying on a most desirable line of communication,
and direct in its general course, has 100 miles of its banks obstructed
with these difficult hills, and the communication between this stream
and the Platte greatly obstructed and in some places entirely cut off.
fe subject of routes and communications I shall hereafter take up in
detail.

For nearly all of the knowledge of the age of the geological for-
mations of the portions of Nebraska developed by my explorations, ]
am indebted to the services of Dr, F. V. Hayden and Mr. F. B. Meek

63

and Professor Joseph Leidy, whose papers, published in the Proceedings
of the Academy of Natural Sciences, have already made known some
of the principal discoveries and results due to their labors. Dr.
Hayden was the only one of those mentioned who accompanied me in
the field.

In the paper by Dr. Hayden, accompanying the geological map, pub-
lished in June, 1858, Dr. H. observes that ‘‘ A much larger surface
might have been colored on the map with a good degree of confidence,
but I have preferred to confine myself, for the most part, to the results
of my own observations in the field.’’ The northeast portion of the
boundary of the tertiary formation between the White and Niobrara
rivers is there placed too far west, according to my own observations in
1855 and 1857. The line between this and the cretaceous is not west of
a straight line between the mouth of the south fork of the White river :
and the mouth of the Keya Paha. A small portion of tertiary should
also be shown on the north side of the south fork of theShyenne. The
great lignite tertiary formation most probably extends almost to the
base of the Big Horn mountains.

It is of course impossible to give correctly the relative extent of
certain of the formations on a map of this scale. The width of the
upheaved sedimentary formations which encircle the igneous rocks of
the Black Hills are much more developed on the western than on the
eastern slopes, owing to their difference in dip—on the western being
quite gentle, but steep on the other, causing them soon to disappear
under the cretaceous rocks; and this is one of the most important
features in the configuration of these mountains.

From what has been said it will be seen that the surface of Ne-
braska presents two great sections—that of the plains, and that of the
mountains,

The plains in this latitude are composed of nearly horizontal strata
of the tertiary and cretaceous formations, except in a small portion of
the southeast corner, where the carboniferous is developed. Though the
plains are much diversified by theeffects of denuding agencies, and
present in different portions striking characteristics, yet they are, as a
whole, a great uniform surface gradually rising towards the mount-
ains, at the base of which they attain an elevation varying between
3,000 and 5,500 feet abeve the level of the sea. The plains have three
distinct portions as determined by their geological formation: Ist,
the pliocene and miocene tertiary ; 2d, the cretaceous ; and 3d, the
lignite tertiary.

The /irst section extends from the southern boundary north, nearly
continuous to the 44th parallel, and contains a large portion of the
valleys of the Platte, Loup Fork, Niobrara, and White rivers. Here,
except in the immediate valleys of the streams, which are composed
of good soil, naturally irrigated by sprirgs trom the bluffs, or suscep-
tible of irrigation, much of the country is sandy and unfit for culti-
vation. No valuable mineral or good building stone have been dis-
covered in it. Here are to be found the Sand Hills, which occupy an
area north of the Platte of not less than 20,000 square miles. ‘These
hills on the north begin between the White and Niobrara rivers, and
extend south probably beyond the Arkansas. Where we have visited

64

them, they vary in height from 10 to 200 feet, and in the western
portion are ranged in ridges running east and west; but in travelling
you are frequently obliged to cross them, as the intermediate valleys,
which are also sand, are not continuous. About the sources of Loup
Fork many of the lakes of water found in them are impregnated with
salts and unfit to drink, and our sufferings in exploring them will
always hold a prominent place in our memories. The present form
of these hills is mainly if not entirely due to the wind. Where the
grass protects the surface the sand does not drift; but if this is re-
moved, the wind whirls the sand in the air, and often excavates deep
holes. I therefore look upon them as utterly impracticable for any
line of railroad; for should any attempt be made to grade the surface,
which would be necessary, the wind would fill up the cuts with sand
as with drifting snow.

In this section is also to be found the Bad Lands, or Mauvaises-Terres,
of White river, so celebrated for their vertebrate remains. The
locality to which this name (Bad Lands) has been applied is in extent
about one hundred and fifty miles long, in a direction northeast and
southwest, and about sixty miles wide. The term Bad Lands was
given to this section by the traders, on account of the difficulty of
getting a road through a portion of it. The extent of the geological
formation to which these Bad Lands belong is very great, and, as the
name is an improper one to be applied to the whole of it, I shall not
use the term except in speaking of the portion occupied by it along
the middle course of the White river. In this part of White river
some as beautiful valleys are to. be found as anywhere in the far
west, though, like other parts, the majority of the country is barren.
These Bad Lands of the White river country have frequently been
spoken of as a vast grave or sepulchre, from the amount of bones found
there; and this figure of speech has somewhat tended to give a gloomy
idea of the place which it does not especially deserve, as it abounds
in the most beautiful and varied forms, in endless variety, giving the
most striking and pleasing effects of light and shade. It has also
been described as having sunk away from the surrounding world,
with the country rising like steps to the Black Hills, which is not the
case, many portions of these Bad Lands being higher than all the
intervening country between them and the Black Hills, from which
the portions on White river are distant about thirty miles. The
formation to which this portion belongs extends almost uninterrupt-
edly east to the mouth of the Keya Paha, and south beyond the
Platte ; and an instance of the striking appearance which it some-
times makes is exhibited in Court-house rock and Scott’s bluffs. The
word ‘‘ Bad Lands’’ is generally applied by the traders to any sec-
tion of the prairie country where roads are difficult, and in this way
to parts of many distinct geological formations; and as it is generally
calculated to mislead, should not be used. When I shall use it occa-
sionally, I use only the name of the country, as it was originally
given to mean bad land to travel through.

The second section is the cretaceous formation, forming the level
country at the base of the Black Hills, the valley of the Shyenne river,
and the immediate valley of the Missouri river, from Heart river to

65

the Big Sioux. In this section the soil is clayey; and wherever there
is a sufficiency of rain, or streams can be found to irrigate the land, it
will be productive. The great drawback to its fertility is a want of
timely rains. A portion of this formation, from the Big Bend to the
Shyenne, is composed of black shale, and contains much saline matter,
which renders the water in places unhealthy, and adds to the sterility
of the soil along the bluffs of the streams, where saline springs are
common. In this section, too, there are no valuable minerals or
good building stone, except that furnished by the boulders.

The third section, or lignite tertiary, extends north and west to the
British line. The want of rain, which is felt in this area even more
than in the one to the south of it, renders it nearly barren. Hvery-
where, through this formation, beds of lignite are to be found, some-
times of a thickness of six and seven feet. The burnt appearance of
earth, along the banks of the streams, shows that in former times
these beds have been on fire over large areas, and in places are entirely
burned out, and those on Powder river are said to be on fire at this
time. There is every reason to believe that in places this lignite will
be found of quality good enough for fuel. In this section the boul-
ders furnish the only good building stone.

In nearly all parts of Nebraska good clay for making brick can be
found.

The carboniferous formation is developed in a small part of the
southeastern portion of the prairie of Nebraska, and I will quote from
the report of Dr. Hayden in relation to the coal of this section: ‘‘The
town of De Soto is the highest point known on the Missouri where
these limestones are exposed Ascending the valley of the Platte
river we find them quite well developed as far as the mouth of the
Elk Horn, where they pass beneath the bed of the river, and the sand-
stone No. 1 occupies the country.

‘¢ Several small seams of coal have been found in these limestones at
Bellevue and other localities, and in the valley of the Platte. About
ten miles above its mouth I noticed a bed of very dark carbonaceous
shale, two feet in thickness, cropping out near the water’s edge. This
was considered by the inhabitants as a sufficient proof of the existence
of a workable bed of coal in the vicinity. The evidence now points
to the conclusion that though these limestones belong to the true
coal measures, they hold a position above tlhe workable beds of coal,
and that it is not probable a valuable seam of coal will be found north
of the southern line of Nebraska. A bed of coal, of inferior quality,
has been wrought near Leavenworth City, Kansas Territory, but it
holds a lower geological position than the limestones of the southern
portion of Nebraska, the dip of the strata being toward the north-
east.’’ As our examinations were always somewhat hurried, there is
room to expect that workable beds of coal may yet be found here, but
at present we know of no facts against the opinion given by Dr
Hayden.

The seam of very inferior lignite found in the neighborhood of Sioux
City in the cretaceous rocks may possibly, in some places, furnish fuel
of value, but where seen by us as exposed it gives but little promise.
In this case, as well as the coal seams ir. the Platte, mentioned above,

oH

66

it may be that on penetrating to the interior portions of those beds
they will improve in quality.

The section of Nebraska which is now being occupied by settlers
has fertile soil, not surpassed by any portion of the prairies of the
Mississippi valley. In this eastern section will be found the fertile
and wooded valley of the Elk Horn river, and all the wooded parts of
the valley of the River Platte. In the southern portion of it good
building stone is furnished by the carboniferous rocks.

After passing to the west of the 97th meridian we begin to meet
with sandy tracts, especially near the 42d parallel, in which latitude
the sand hills extend the furthest east. In my former report I said
that but a small portion of Nebraska which I had visited is susceptible
of cultivation west of the 97th meridian. I did not mean to imply
that good land on these prairies would not be found west of it, for
there are fertile tracts as far west as the 99th meridian, in the neigh-
borhood of streams that are valuable, and contain wood enough to
support settlements. In stating that the Territory is overspread by
powerful tribes of roving savages, and is only adapted to a life such
as theirs, I did not mean to imply that white men could not occupy
it, but that if they ever did they would have to lead a life similar to
that of the Indians, depending mainly for subsistence not upon the
buffalo, but their own herds and flocks for support; and this is most
emphatically true of the region between the 99th meridian and the
base of the mountains.

There is one thing concerning the longitudes of places west of the
Missouri river which causes many persons to deceive themselves, and
is worthy of mention here. A common idea is that the course of the
Missouri is nearly south from Sioux City to Leavenworth City, and
that settlers may go as far west of the one place as the other and find
fertile lands. But the course of the Missouri between these points is
so much to the east that Sioux City is only fifteen miles east of the
meridian of Fort Riley, and Fort Randall is as far west as the western
limit of the Cross Timbers on the 35th parallel.

Though the western portion of the prairies of Nebraska is not much
inferior to that of corresponding meridians in Kansas and northern
Texas, there is no disguising the fact that a great portion of it is
irreclaimable desert, with only a little wood and cultivable land along
the streams.

The reasons for this are, Ist, an insufficiency of timely rains; 2d,
over large areas the soil does not possess the proper constituents; 3d,
the severity of the long cold winters and short summers ; and a 4th
might be included in the clouds of grasshoppers that occasionally de-
stroy the useful vegetation. They are nearly the same as the locusts
of Egypt, and no one who has not travelled on the prairie and seen
for himself can appreciate the magnitude of these insect swarms.
Often they fill the air for many miles of extent so that an experienced
eye can scarce distinguish their appearance from that of a shower of
rain or the smoke of a prairie fire. The height of their flight may be
somewhat appreciated, as Mr. E. James saw them above his head as
ar as their size would render them visible while standing on the top
of a peak of the Rocky Mountains, 8,500 feet above the level of the

67

plains, and an elevation of 14,500 above that of the sea, in the region
where the snow lies all the year. To a person standing in one of
these swarms as they pass over and around him, the air becomes sen-
sibly darkened, and the sound produced by their wings resembles
that of the passage of a train of cars on a railroad when standing two
or three hundred yards from the track. The Mormon settlements
have suffered more from the ravages of these insects than probably all
other causes combined. They destroyed nearly all the vegetables
cultivated last year at Fort Randall, and extended their ravages east
as far as Iowa.

It must be observed, however, that good grass will generally be
found all over these plains, varying in quantity and kind with dif-
ferent localities, and that the desert character of the country is not
like that found in the deserts on Green river and Snake river, west of
the South Pass, where even a sufficiency for animals cannot be found.

A very different condition of soil, water, and building material of
stone and wood, exists when we reach the mountain region.

The Black Hills, or wore properly mountains, lying between the
forks of the Shyenne, on the 44th parallel, between the 103d and
105th meridians, cover an area of 6,000 square miles. Their bases
are elevated from 2,500 feet to 3,500 feet, and the highest peaks are
about 6,700 feet above the ocean level.

The different rocks which compose these mountains, as determined
by our exploration, are—

I. Metamorphozed azoic rock, including granite.
II. Lower silurian, (Potsdam sandstone ) .
Ill. Devonian?
IV. Carboniferous.
V. Permian.
VI. Jurassic.

VII. Cretaceous.

Ail the rocks below the silurian are igneous and metamorphic, and
the stratification which they exhibit stands everywhere nearly vertical,
with a strike varying between northeast and northwest. So constant
is this vertical dip, that it may not in reality indicate primary stratifi-
cation, but some mechanical arrangement due to the molecular forces
brought into existence during its cooling from the heated state.
All the rocks, from the silurian to the close of the cretaceous, appa-
rently lie conformable to each other. The shape of the mass is ellip-
tical. The direction of the longest line of this or major axis being
about north 20° west. On the west the rocks dip, as a whole, very
gently, and at a distance of five miles from the foot of the hills the
cretaceous is apparently undisturbed, though at the base these rocks
in some places stand at an angle of 45°. The manner in which this
rock lies suggests the idea that the cretaceous probably forms a con-
siderable portion of the elevated plateau between the Black Hills and
Big Horn mountains. The dip of the upheaved rocks on the west side
is as a whole very gentle, not amounting to more than from 5° to 15°,
and consequently they are considerably developed, and form more than
one-half the mountain mass composing some very high ridges. These
rocks have a much greater inclination on the east side of the moun-

68

tains, and soon disappear under the cretaceous, forming a compara-
tively narrow belt. The east base of the mountains is from 2,000 to
3,000 feet below the western.

The rocks seem also to dip much more suddenly down on the south
than on the north side. The strike of these upheaved strata is in
almost every direction corresponding on the exterior nearly with
that of the tangent to the outline of the mass, and on the interior
being more nearly coincident with the direction of the major axis.

A result of this formation is that the upturned rocks break off
abruptly on the side towards the interior of the mass, and leave an
open valley in many places between this steep slope and the gentle
one which succeeds it as we approach the interior. In these valleys
the best roads are found, and one, which nearly encircles the Black
Hills, is known among the Indians and traders as the Race Course or
Running road.

The Inyan Kara Peak is basaltic, and the appearance through a
powerful spy-glass of those to the north, known as the ‘‘ Bear’s Lodge’
and ‘‘ Little Missouri Buttes,’’ indicates that they are also of this forma-
tion. More recent volcanic action is visible at Bears’ Peak, and two
circular spaces to the west of this peak, now occupied by muddy lakes,
indicate the existence here in former times of volcanic forces.

The highest mountain masses, such as Harney’s Peak, on the east
side, are all granite, the rocks, as seen at a distance, appearing in the
same unmistakable form as those on the Raw Hide and Laramie Peaks,
namely, coarse granite or gneiss, standing in layers and slabs, indi-
cating a vertical stratification. A full description of these mountains
must be left for the final report. They derive their name from being
covered with pine, whose dark green gives them a black appearance.

In reference to the carboniferous rocks in these mountains, Dr.
Hayden says: ‘‘The exact positions in the carboniferous system to
which the limestones around Fort Laramie and in the Black Hills
belong, is not sufficiently clear from the evidence yet obtained. They
do not seem to be the equivalents of the beds above described along
the Missouri, though they may be. The texture of the rock is quite
unlike any of the limestones of the coal measure with which we are
aoquainted, and there seems to be an absence of the fossils character-
istic of the coal measure limestones on the Missouri, and in north-
eastern Kansas. The latest opinion, however, of my associate, Mr.
Meek, is that they belong to the true coal measures.’’

In these mountain formations, which border the great plains on
the west, are to be found beautiful flowing streams, and small rich
valleys covered over with fine grass for hay, and susceptible of culti-
vation by means of irrigation. Fine timber for fuel and lumber, lime-
stone and good stone for building purposes are here abundant. Gold
has been found in places in valuable quantities, and without doubt
the more common and useful minerals will be discovered when more
minute examinations are made.

I think it exceedingly desirable that something should be done to
encourage settlements in the neighborhood of Fort Laramie. The
wealth of that country is not properly valued, and the Indian title not
being extinguished there is no opportunity to settle it. Those who

69

live there now support themselves by trade with the Indians, which
being already overdone, it is to their interest to keep others away.
If the Indian title were extinguished, and the protection of the ter-
ritorial government extended there, so as to be effectual, there would
soon spring up a settlement that would rival that of Great Salt Lake.
The Laramie river is a beautiful stream, with a fine fertile valley,
and there are such everywhere along the base of the mountains. Pine
timber, of the finest quality, in abundance grows there, easy of
access, from which the finest lumber can be made; building stone of
good quality abounds. The establishment of the military post, and
the constant passing of emigrants, have driven away the game, so
that the Indians do not set a high value on the land, and it could
easily be procured from them.

The people now on the extreme frontiers of Nebraska are near the
western limit of the fertile portions of the prairie lands, and a desert
space separates them from the fertile and desirable region in the western
mountains. ‘They are, as it were, on the shore of a sea, up to which
population and agricultvre may advance, and nofurther. But this
gives them much of the value of places along the Atlantic frontier,
in view of the future settlements to be formed in the mountains,
between which and the present frontier a most valuable trade would
exist. The western frontier has always been looking to the east for
a market, but as soon as the wave of emigration has passed over the
desert portion of the plains, to which the discoveries of gold have
already given an impetus that will propel it to the fertile valleys of
the Rocky mountains, then will the present frontier of Kanzas and
Nebraska become the starting point for all the products of the Missis-
sippi valley which the population of the mountains will require. We
see the effects of it in the benefits which the western frontier of Mis-
souri has received from the Santa Fé trade, and still more plainly in
the impetus given to Leavenworth by the operations of the army of
Utah in the interior region. This flow of products has, in the last
instance, been only in one direction, but when those mountains
become settled, as they eventually must, then there will be a recipro-
cal trade materially beneficial to both.

These settlements in the mountains cannot be agricultural to the
same extent as those on the Mississippi valley, but must depend
greatly upon the raising of stock. The country furnishes the means
of raising sufficient quantities of grain and vegetables for the use of the
inhabitants, and beautiful, healthy, and desirable locations for their
homes. The remarkable freedom here from sickness is one of the at-
tractive features of the region, and will, in this respect, go far to recom-
pense the settler from the Mississippi valley for his Joss in the smaller
amount of products that can be taken from the soil. The great want
of suitable building material which now so seriously retards the
growth of the west will not be felt there.

How far the fine timbers in the interior of Nebraska can be relied
upon to supply settlements on the Missouri is a question upon which
I am not qualified to give a very positive opinion.

The pine extends along the Niobrara and its side ravines for about 120
miles, and there is nearly an equal extent of it on White river; but on

70

both streams it is of inferior quality and difficult of access. That at
the Black Hills is much better timber, and covers an area of about
1500 square miles; but this is also in situations where there would
be much labor in getting it out, and an Indian war would probably
attend the first attempts to do so. I think the Niobrara, White, and
Shyenne rivers could be used to bring the logs to the Missouri, down
which they could be rafted.

The great want of timber which is felt along the settlements on the
Missouri, and the high price which this material commands, may
probably overcome all the difficulties I have stated to exist; and,
having done this as faithfully as I can, I must leave each one to form
his own opinion on the subject.

~

CHAPTER III.
ftemarks on the climate—meteorology.

The seasons I have spent in Nebraska have, as Iam informed by
those who have resided there a long time, been favored with an un-
usual supply of rain. With this caution as to the inferences which
may be drawn from our observations, I will give a short account of
some of the meteorological phenomena observed by us.

In the year 1855 we left Fort Leavenworth on the 15th of June, and
reached Fort Pierre on the 16th of July. During the passage up the
river we had 13 days of nearly calm weather; 10 days of south or
southeast wind, sometimes very strong; seven thunder-storms, some
of them of great violence, with much rain, the amount diminishing as
we ascended the river, (there being no heavy rain after the 29th of
June, all of which time we were above the mouth of the Niobrara.)
The highest temperature observed was on July 15, at 2 p. m., at
which time the dry thermometer gave 102° in the shade, and the wet
bulb thermometer 69°. When we reached Fort Pierre we were in-
formed that there had been no rain or snow there for more than a year.
The appearance of the vegetation confirmed this statement, as scarcely
a green spot was anywhere to be seen.

Hourly observations on the wet and dry bulb thermometers and ba-
rometers were made at Fort Pierre from July 17 to 25, and at the
hours of 7a. m., 9 and 2 p. m., till August 7. The mean height of
the barometric column at this place is (reduced to 32°) 28.436; the
altitude above the sea, 1,500 feet. The highest temperature observed
during this time was, at3 p. m., July 22, dry thermometer, 86°; wet
bulb thermometer, 64°; the barometer, reduced to 32°, reading 28.310.
On the same evening we had a heavy fall of rain, with thunder and
lightning, about 5 miles south of the fort; this was the first rain ex-
perienced in the neighborhood. From July 22 to August 7 there
were three violent thunder-storms from the west, one of which was
attended with a heavy fall of rain. An abundance ef rain continued
to fall here during the summer.

While on the journey from Fort Pierre to Fort Kearney, between

71

August 7 and August 22, we had much overcast and misty weather
nearly all the time, and on seven of the days rain fell in small
‘quantities.

From August 25 to September 12 we were on the road along the
Platte river between Fort Kearney and Fort Laramie ; during this
time we had two heavy thunder storms, attended with a large fall
of rain. While at Fort Laramie, we had heavy frost about the 25th
of September. Fort Laramie has an elevation of 4,200 feet.

From September 29 to Octeber 19 we were on “the road to Fort
Pierre. The weather at times was very cold, and snow fell to the
depth of four inches on the night of the 3d of October; for several
days in the first part of this month the thermometer stood, at day-
break, at 29°. On the 20th and 21st of October we had a violent
storm of rain, sleet, and snow, with high winds, which covered
everything with ice. We were quite surprised, on reaching the
neighborhood of Fort Pierre, to find the grass green and abundant,
for it was such a contrast to its appearance in August, when every-
thing seemed to have perished for want of rain. Much snow fell
here “during the winter, and in the spring there were heavy showers
of rain, so “that a more beautiful prairie country could not be found
than this, as it appeared in May and June, 1856. At the same time
the previous year the grasses scarce gave an indication of life.

We left Fort Pierre on the 28th of June, 1856, and reached Fort
Union on the 10th of July; on the passage the weather was compara-
tively clear, with light winds. Up to this time no rain had fallen
there, and in many places there was a great scarcity of grass. On
the 15th a heavy storm of rain and wind commenced at 9 p. m., and
continued till 10 p. m. on the 17th. The wind for several days
previous had been light, and came from the north. On the 15th, at
2p. m., the thermometer was at 90°, the barometer (reduced to 32°)
reading 27.827. At 9 a. m., on the 16th, the barometer read
27.735; thermometer 58°. The wind blew with great violence from
the north all day on the 16th, so that it was with great difficulty
we kept our tents standing; and a portion of the enclosure of the
American Fur Company’s fort was blown down. This storm was
not accompanied by thunder and lightning. On the 17th the
weather was again clear; wind light from the northeast; ther-
mometer, at 2 p. m., 67°; barometer, 28.179. Fort Union has an
elevation of 1,900 feet above the sea.

While at Fort Union and in the neighborhood we had after this
abundance of rain, so that the whole landscape in August and Sep-
tember wore a beautiful green, and grass was plenty in places where,
in July, there was nota blade of it. The highest temperature we
experienced here was on the 20th of July, the thermometer, at 2 p.
m., reading 93°. The earliest frost ever recorded to have occurred
here was in the month of August of 1855.

We left Fort Union the first of September and reached Fort Pierre
on the fifth of October. We were again struck with the variable
nature of the climate on finding that but little rain had fallen here
during our absence and the grass had all dried up, though at this
place the same period of the previous year it was everywhere green.

72

In the year of 1857 we started from Omaha the 28th of June, in
the midst of the rainy season, and reached Fort Laramie August 20.
During this journey we had fifteen rainy days, or about in one four, and
on many other days there were showers with thunder and lightning
near us that are not included The highest temperature was 100°,
2p. m., August 11.

Prior to our arrival at Fort Laramie not much rain had fallen there;
but on the 22d it commenced, at 1] a. m., to rain hard and continued,
with but little intermission, till the 24th. This storm was not accom-
panied by violent wind, and the barometer gave very little indication
of its approach, preserving about a reading of 25.980. No one there
remembered to have ever seen so much rain fall at one time at that

lace.

I left Fort Laramie on the 4th of September; we had one heavy
rain on the 10th, at the base of the Black Hills. While in the Black
Hills we had a storm that lasted from 6 a. m. on the 16th till 9 p. m.
on the 17th. As we were travelling and changed our altitude during
this storm, and while it was coming on, the indications of the baro-
meter are not of any value. Our elevation was about 5,500 feet.
The storm began with a cold rain, thermometer 54°. The temperature
gradually fell till the rain changed to snow during the night of the
16th, and the thermometer went down to 32°. There was a strong
wind a portion of the time from the north. During the latter part of
this storm we were enveloped in the clouds, and as it cleared up these
gradually rose, as we could see by the line they made along the sides
of the high peaks and ridges.

We experienced a very violent storm, of about twenty-four hours’
duration, on the 8th of October, while on White river, and had a fall
of about six inches of snow on the Niobrara on the 18th of October.
From the 18th of October to the 31st we had four storms of rain and
sleet.

I have not attempted here to give the direction of the wind during
the period, as it could enly be done satisfactorily by copying the daily
register. The prevailing wind through the year is from the north,
as is fully established by the sand hills along the Niobrara. The
wind has blown these up to the brink of the precipices along the north
bank, and on the south has removed them to the distance of about
halfa mile. October is generally a very windy month. In 1856,
fifteen days of this month, while we were travelling down the Mis-
souri in a Mackinac boat, from Fort Pierre to Sioux City, it blew so
we could not proceed. The prevailing wind at this time was from
the south, and we had one violent rain storm, with a south wind.

A true indication of the nature of the climate of Nebraska is to be
found in the character of the plants which grow there. Certain
kinds, unable to live through the long periods of drought which occur,
are rarely to be seen, and those which flourish best are such as require
but little moisture, or whose roots, penetrating deep into the soil,
enable them to draw a sufficiency of moisture from below. In the
high prairies, where there is a good soil, we find the bunch grass
growing in tufts, but in many places interspersed with patches of
cacti. The bottom lands of many of the streams support no trees but

73

the cottonwood and willow, and some of them produce rank growths
of the wild sage.

The absence of trees on all the prairie regions is another evidence
of the dryness of the climate, and even in places where they can grow,
as in the ravines, the excessive cold of the winter winds prevent them
from reaching their full development, as is proved by the dead tops
of nearly all the trees which extend their branches above the level of
the prairie. The prairie fires have done much towards preventing
the growth of trees in piaces adapted to them, but it is not a sufficient
cause to account for the general absence of forests.

An interesting instance of the effect of climate on the growth of
trees is to be seen in the cedar as you ascend the Missouri. At the
first Cedar island, in latitude 43, these trees grow in the bottom lands
of the river, and are large and straight, those growing on the bluffs
being of an inferior quality.

The cedars diminish as vou ascend, and the last of these in any num-
ber together is to be seen in the bluffs opposite the mouth of the Little
Shyenne, in about latitude 45, and here they are exceedingly crooked
and twisted. Along the Missouri and Yellowstone, in the lignite
tertiary formation, we find the cedar unable to support itself above the
ground, and, spreading itself over the surface, presents the appearance
on the hill sides of grass or moss.

During the time I have been in Nebraska I have found everywhere
an abundance of grass, except in places near the posts and others,
where it had been eaten off by the buffalo.

A considerable quantity of a small variety of corn is raised by the
Mandans, Rees, and Gros Ventres, near the 47th parallel, on the Mis-
souri, and it is probable that this corn can be raised along the base of
mountains as far north as the 46th parallel. The entire mountain
section of Nebraska will produce good wheat, where the land can be ir-
rigated, and the abundance of grass for pasturage will permit of the
raising of immense herds of stock.

This western portion of Nebraska may, therefore, in the future be
valuable for occupation for a people partly engaged in agriculture, but
relying mainly upon the raising of stock.

Many valuable inferences in regard to the climate may be drawn
from an examination of the catalogue of plants growing in Nebraska,
prepared by Dr. Hayden, and appended to this report.

It is my intention to give tables of the meteorological observations
in a subsequent report. These, besides the indication they afford of
the climate of Nebraska, will be useful in aiding the determinations of
the progress and limits of storms over large areas in connexion with
extensive investigations on this subject carried on by the Smithsonian
Institution, under the direction of Professor Henry.

The thunder storms, so far as we have observed them, have a great
uniformity. The day after one has passed over is generally cold, with
a light north wind and high state of the barometer. This condition
lasts from one to three days, when the wind changes to the south and
gradually increases in force during the day, and sometimes falling al-
most to a calm at night. The barometer falls during the time, and
cumulus clouds begin to form. After the south wind has blown three

74

or four days, a thunder storm comes from the west, generally in the
night; the south wind often blowing a hurricane all the time the storm
is approaching from the west. This storm is again succceded by cool
weather and a high state of the barometer, and in general we found a
sure indication of the approach or termination of a storm in the fall-
ing or rising of the barometric column. These storms as seen on the
prairie have a number of independent centres, so that they often pass
across the landscape to the north and south without your receiving.
any of the rain. They are frequently accompanied by a fall of hail
and violent gusts of wind.

CHAPTER IV.

Description of principal rivers and discussion of the merits of different
routes.

In giving a description of the character and importance of the rivers
examined, it will perhaps be best to discuss at the same time the sub-
ject of routes, as they are intimately connected.

The Missouri, therefore, claims our first attention, and though it
has been so repeatedly described by others, a few of its general features
may be enumerated here. A detailed account of the various points we
examined as locations for military posts must be reserved for the final
report. ‘This great stream has generally a uniform width from the
junction with the Yellowstone to its mouth, varying from 3 to} a
mile when the banks are full. In low water the width is much less
and dry bars of sand occupy portions of the bed, from which the water
has withdrawn. In theupper part of the river where the trees do not
destroy the force of the wind, the sand is blown about in the most
astonishing manner, and the clouds of sand can be seen for many
miles. Sand banks are thus formed, generally at the edges of the trees
on the islands and points, and which are often many feet above the
level of the highest floods.

The force of these winds may be inferred from this, and from their
constancy during certain months, especially in October, are of them-
selves one of the greatest obstacles to the navigation of the river.

The plans which these sand banks exhibit are those of the perime-
ters of the islands and points on which they were formed, and not un-
like those of the Indian mounds in the Mississippi valley, which are
supposed to be the remains of ancient fortifications. These banks along
the Missouri have, therefore, been considered as the works of the
aborigines, such, for instance, as those described and figured by
Lewis and Clark, as existing at Bon Homme island. I have con-
clusive evidence, from personal examination, that these were formed by
the wind, and are not the work of the ancient Toltecs as some writers
have supposed.

The river has generally, in the same stages of the floods, about as
sood navigation on account of the depth above James river as it has

75

at that point, but an improvement takes place below this point, in the
depth of the water on the sand bars in low stages, as you descend to its
mouth.

Along the banks of the Missouri the bluffs are generally clothed
with various species of trees as far up as the mouth of the Platte ;
above this point the timber is generally confined to the ravines and
bottom lands. These bottom lands attain a width of from ten to
fifteen miles after we get above Council] Bluffs, which is almost
continuous to the mouth of James river. Throughout this section
the edges of the banks are lined with heavy cottonwood and other
trees, and fuel for steamboats can now generally be found cut up and
prepared for their use.

At James river the bluffs close in so that the general width of the
space between is only from one to two miles all the way to the Upper
Big Bend, near the 48th parallel. Here again the bottom lands
become wider, and continue at a width of from three to six miles toa
point about fifty miles above the Yellowstone. In this last section
there is also an abundance of large cottonwood timber, and the appear-
ance of the river is quite similar to what it is at Sioux City. After
passing the Niobrara the steamboat’s crew will have to cut the wood
required for generating steam, and the only scarcity will be in finding
dead trees at such points as the boat can land at. Abundance of fuel
exists everywhere, if the’wood was cut beforehand and hauled to suit-
able landings. The portion of the river most deficient in wood is
between the mouth of the Little Shyenne and Cannon Ball rivers, but
even here there is an abundance for the purposes of navigation for
years to come.

One of the greatest obstructions to the navigation of the Missouri
consists in the great number of snags or trees, whvse roots, imbedded
in the channel by the caving of the banks, stand at various inclina-
tions pointing down the stream. These obstructions are, compara-
tively, quite rare above the mouth of James river, but from this point
down to the Mississippi it is a wonder often how a steamboat can be
navigated through them. As it is they cause the boats to he by during
the night, and thus occasion a loss of nearly half of their running
time. But this is not the only delay, for often on account of the wind
the bends filled with snags cannot be passed, and the vessel is fre-
quently detained for days on this account. This effect of the wind
is much more seriously felt as you ascend above Council Bluffs, for the
protection afforded by the trees on the banks is constantly diminishing.

Our examinations extended but sixty miles above the mouth of the
Yellowstone, but the portion between this and Fort Benton was examined
carefully by the parties under Governor Stevens in 1853, and the results
are given in his report on the Pacific railroad explorations. It is the
almost universal opinion of those who have examined this portion of the
river that it would be navigable in its best stages for light draught boats.
From our reconnaissance in 1856, I feel convinced that, notwithstand-
ing the difficulties to navigation which exist, the Missouri is a supe-
rior river to any in this country, except that portion of the Mississippi
which is below their junction. The navigation is generally closed by
ice at Sioux City by the 10th of November, and at Fort Leavenworth

76

by the Ist of December. The rainy season of the spriag and summer
commences in different years between the 15th of May and the 30th
of June (in the latitude of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and southern Ne-
braska) and lasts about two months. During this period the tribu-
taries of the Missouri in these latitudes maintain this river in good
boating stage. The floods produced by the melting snows in the
mountains come from the Platte, the Big Shyenne, the Yellowstone,
and the Missouri above the Yellowstone, and reach the lower river
about the first part of July, and it is mainly to these that the navi-
gator of the Missouri above the Niobrara depends. The length of
time the flood lasts is in proportion to the quantity of snow in the
mountains, which varies greatly in different years. On the average
it may be said to last a month, but a steamer starting from St. Louis
on the first indication there of such rise would not generally reach the
Yellowstone before it was nearly past this latter point. Rivers like
this, whose navigation depends upon the temporary floods, are greatly
inferior for ascending than descending boats. The rise at the Yellow-
stone would be about ten days reaching St. Louis, and any good sys-
tem of telegraphing along the stream, which would apprise those
below, would more than double the advantages to the upward navi-
gation. If a miscalculation is made by taking a temporary rise for
the main one, the boat has to lay by in the middle part of the river
till the main rise comes. From this cause I, starting on the 16th of
April, was thirty-seven days in getting to Fort Pierre, 1,250 miles
from St. Louis. Again, if the boat starts too late the main rise may
all pass the upper river before she reaches it, and her progress will
then be slow and tedious. By starting June 6, 1855, (which was too
late, it being an early season,) we were forty-one days going to Fort
Pierre.

The American Fur Company’s boats are of the largest class of freight
boats now navigating the Missouri. They are ably managed, and
the company possesses information by expresses sent from its trading
posts near the mountains as to the amount of snow that has fallen
and the probable extent and time of the rise produced by its melting.
The boats are loaded and time of starting fixed accordingly. Their
boats carry from one hundred and fifty to two hundred tons to the
Yellowstone, a distance of 1,900 miles, drawing from three to three
and a half feet of water, and make the passage up in from twenty-two
to thirty-five days, Considerable freight is taken out for the post of
Fort Union, and they generally ascend with that for Fort Benton to
about sixty miles above the mouth of the Yellowstone, and have on
one occasion gone to Milk river, one hundred miles further.

The quantity of water is, on the average, about equal from the
Yellowstone and Missouri at their junction, and above this point
steamboats venture with caution. The great risk in proceeding
further of having the boat caught in the upper river during the win-
ter more than counterbalances the prospective gain. The freight is
then taken on board of Mackinac boats, and cordeled by hand,
aided generally by sails. These boats are from sixty to seventy feet
long, drawing fifteen to eighteen inches, (regulated somewhat by the
cordeling force,) though twenty to twenty-four inches draught could

17

be used. The time from Fort Union to Fort Benton varies from forty
to eighty days, depending on various causes, of which wind is the
most important. The river distance from Milk river to Fort Benton
is about five hundred miles.

The interests of the general government would be much advanced
by making appropriations to remove the snags which obstruct the
river below James river.

The Yellowstone.—For the first one hundred miles above the mouth
the bottom lands are nearly all on the left bank; and the first forty
miles are from four to five miles broad, with beautiful, soft, rounded
bluffs to the west; the banks of the river are clothed with large cotton-
wood trees, and the country presents one of the finest locations for a
military post and Indian reservation anywhere to be found. After
you advance about forty miles up the left bank, the bluffs begin to
come on this side almost to the river, and the bottom lands narrow
and the timber diminishes. A good route for wagons, however, exists
on this side for one hundred miles above the mouth. Having gone
thus far you meet with very impracticable bluffs, barely permitting
of the passage of pack mules, to get around which with wagons, with-
out crossing the Yellowstone, you must travel out into the prairie
one or two days’ journey, so as to head the difficult ravines. Bluffs
similar to these exist on the right bank all the way from the mouth
to this place, but here the river suddenly changes its position in the
valley, so as to leave the open valley on the right bank, and causes
the difficulty which exists on the other.

This point is also the highest point navigable for steamboats, and
those even of very light draught cannot, except at high water, go
further than about fifty miles from the mouth, as, in the next space
of fifty miles, the channel is so very much divided up by wooded
islands and obstructed by gravel bars. But at the point before men-
tioned as the head of steamboat navigation, ledges of rock begin in
the bed of the stream, and about one-half mile below Powder river we
encounter a dangerous rapid, called by Captain Clarke ‘‘ Wolf rapid.”
Two miles above Powder river Captain Clarke describes another serious
rapid, which he calls ‘‘Bear rapid;’’ and twenty miles above this
another, which he calls ‘‘ Buffalo shoal,’’ and which he speaks of as
being ‘‘ the most difficult part of the Yellowstone river.’’ All these
rapids are passed every year by the Mackinac, boats of the American
Fur Company on their way to Fort Alexander Sarpie, and there are
probably no obstacles sufficient to prevent them from reaching the
point where this river debouches from the mountains.

The valley, all the way to the mountains, is said to be practicable
for wagons. Above this point the river is said to be much enclosed
by the mountains, which are rugged and difficult, and covered with
pine forests.

From Fort Union to Fort Alexander Sarpie, on the Yellowstone,
the Mackinac boats are from 50 to 60 feet long, drawing from 15 to
20 inches water, and make the distance, 225 miles, in from 15 to 30
days.

None of the tributaries of the Yellowstone, (Clark’s Fork, Big Horn,

78

Tongue, and Powder rivers,) above their mouths, have ever been visited
by any exploring expedition, except those of trappers and hunters.

The Big Horn river is by far the most important of those streams,
and has been navigated by the traders in skin boats, carrying their
peltries, from the point where it debouches from the Big Horn moun-
tains to the Yellowstone, a distance of perhaps 150 miles. Above
where the stream escapes the mountains it is not navigable for any-
thing but the smallest boats, and the gorges by which the stream
passes the mountain range is impracticable for any kind of land
transportation ; a considerable detour being required even for pack
animals. The portion navigable will, perhaps, according to the
opinion of Colonel Robert Campbell, of St. Louis, furnish a depth of
water for Mackinac boats, in high stages, of about 18 inches, but he
thinks the navigation of this stream for ascending boats could not be
used to any advantage. An undue importance has been given to the
navigability of this stream from the erroneous position of the Yellow-
stone, as laid down on nearly all recent maps, except those from this
office, as they make its position nearly 100 miles too far south. The
manner in which I have been able to correct this is given in my
report on the compilation of the general Pacific railroad map.

Powder river.—This stream rises near the southern point of the Big
Horn mountains, and flows a little east of north. The route from the
Platte to the Yellowstone along the stream is practicable, but as a
route for wagons it is difficult, requiring the stream to be frequently
crossed, and the banks are very muddy, and the bed is occapied in
places by quick sand.

The Little Missouri river rises near the North Fork of the Shyenne
in longitude 105°. I have seen the country near its source, where it
forms the northern part of the upheaved stratified rocks of the Black
Hills, and at the mouth where the lignite tertiary exists. Its general
direction is northeast, and its course through the main portion must
be in this lignite tertiary formation. From the statements of mem-
bers of Sir George Gore’s party, which travelled up the stream in
1856, Linfer that the route along or near its valley is practicable for
wagons, though difficult. The valley is one of the great buffalo
regions.

The Knife river, Heart river, Cannon Ball river, Grand river, and
Moreau river, all rise in the prairie ridge east of the Little Missouri,
and they contain but little water in the winter and latter part of sum-
mer. I have never seen any of them, except at their mouths, and their
lengths on my map indicate their comparative size.

The Big Shyenne is a most important river, and has its extreme
sources west of the Black Hills, which its two main branches enclose.
These forks are supplied by numerous streams from the mountains,
and they unite in about longitude 102° 20’, the river flowing into the
Missouri in latitude 44° 48’. In its lower course I am informed there
is fertile land on its banks, and there are considerable areas in and
around the Black Hills. The Shyenne river can probably be ratted,
and the streams that come from the hills could be used to drive the
logs down to the river. It must be borne in mind that the pine grow-
ing on the Black Hills is difficult of access, and the expense of getting

19

it out may render this fine supply of timber unavailable to the lower
Missouri. The Missouri at the mouth of the Shyenne is in the centre
of the Dakota country, and along its valley we have the shortest and
best route by which to reach their strongholds.

Bad river, Wakpa Spicha, (sometimes called Teton river,) receives
its name from the unpalatable state of its water in low stages, and
the difficulty of travelling along itin wet weather. It lies throughout
in the black shale bed of the cretaceous formation. It is along the
sources of its northern branches that the road from Fort Pierre to
Fort Laramie is located.

White river, vr White-earth river, (Mankisita Wakpa, or Smoking-
earth river,) has generally an open, well-wooded valley, with a fine
soil and luxuriant grass. The road between Forts Laramie and
Pierre follows the valley from its source to the Bad Lands, where the
river enters a difficult section bounded with precipices like those on
the Niobrara. The Bad Lands extend continuously down the stream
to the South Fork, a distance of about seventy miles. Below this,
the river winds through a handsome, well-wooded valley of the Mis-
sourl. Any one who travels in Nebraska will always feel rejoiced
when he reaches the banks of this beautiful stream. It is much
resorted to by the Brulés, It has numerous branches, the largest of
which is called the South Fork. The pine on White river and its
tributaries is nearly equal in extent to that on the Niobrara. This
stream has been used by the traders to float down their peltries by
means of skin boats from their former trading-house near Butte Caché.
i believe it can also be used to raft down the pine timber on the South
Fork.

The Niobrara being a stream heretofore unknown, and one in which
the people of Nebraska feel much interest, I shall describe it in detail.
This river is about three hundred and fifty miles long. From its
source to longitude 103° 15’ it is a beautiful little stream of clear run-
ning water, of a width of from ten to fifteen feet, gradually widen-
ing as it descends. Its valley furnishes here very good grass,
abounding in rushes or prele, but is for the most part destitute of
wood even for cooking. After flowing thus far it rapidly widens, till in
longitude 102° 30! it attains a width of sixty to eighty yards; its
valley is still quite open and easy to travel along, but destitute of
wood, except occasional pines on the distant hills to the north. In
longitude 102° 30/ it enters between high steep banks which closely
confine it, and for a long way it is a complete cafion ; here, however,
wood becomes more abundant and pine is occasionally seen on the
bluffs, while small clusters of cottonwood, elm, and ash occupy the
narrow points left by its windings. In longitude 101° 45’ the sand
hills come on the north side close to the river, while on the south side
they are at the distance of from one to two miles off, leaving a smooth
road to travel on along the bluffs. The bluffs gradually appear higher
and higher above the stream as it descends until they reach the height
of three hundred feet. The sand mostly ceases on the north side in
longitude 100° 23’; but it lies close to the stream on the south side nearly
all the way to the Wazi-honska. Throughout this section, lying be-
tween longitude 102° 00’ and longitude 99° 20’, a distance of one hun-

80

dred and eighty miles, the Niobrara is in every respect a peculiar
stream, and there is none that I know of that itcan be compared with.
It flows here between high rocky banks of soft white and yellowish
calcareous and silicious sandstone, standing often in precipices at the
water’s edge, its verticality being preserved by a capping of hard grit.
It is here impossible to travel any considerable distance along its
immediate banks without having frequently to climb the ridges which
rise sometimes perpendicularly from the stream. As you approach
from the north or south there are no indications of a river till you
come within two or three miles of the banks, and then only by the
trees whose tops occasionally rise above the ravines in which they
grow, so completely is it walled in by the high bluffs which enclose its
narrow valley. It seems as if it had resulted from a fissure in the
earth’s crust, and now flows at a depth of about three hundred feet
below the general level of the prairie. The soft rock which forms the
bluffs is worn into the most intricate labyrinths by the little streams,
all of which have their sources in beautiful gushing springs of clear
cold water. In these small deep valleys the grass is luxuriant ; pine,
ash, and oak are abundant. To the agriculturist this section has,
however, comparatively little attraction, and that between longitude
99° 20’ and the mouth, an extent of about ninety miles, is perhaps
far more valuable. Here the bottoms will probably average a width
of a quarter of a mile, are susceptible of cultivation, and cottonwood,
oak, walnut, and ash will furnish settlements with all the timber and
fuel they willneed. The river banks seem to present no good building
stone, nor did we, though searching diligently, discover any signs of
coal or other valuable minerals.

In describing the tributaries to the Niobrara, I shall begin at the
mouth and take the north side first. The Ponka river, which has a
very fine, well-wooded, and fertile valley, runs into the Missouri
about five miles north of the Niobrara, in latitude 42° 48’ north. Its
course is parallel and near to that of the Niobrara as far up as the
mouth of Turtle Hill river.

Turtle Hill river (Keya Paha Wakpa) is the main branch of the
Niobrara, and is about one hundred and twenty miles long. Prior to
the publication of my report and map of reconnaissances in 1855 this
branch was represented erroneously as being equal to the main river,
in size, above their junction.

I crossed it in 1855, 60 miles below its mouth, and it has a very
fine valley one-half to three-quarters of a mile wide, with good soil
and a limited quantity of cottonwood timber. The bed of the stream is
sandy, and its waters are clear and sweet; width at the mouth fifty
yards. The first 20 miles of the space between this branch and the
main river is occupied by sand hills.

The next northern branch which joins the Niobrara, in longitude
100° 23’, is named Mini-cha-duza-Wakpa, or Rapid creek. At its
mouth it is about eight yards wide, with a valley about a quarter to
half a mile wide, anda soil quite fertile, the banks are scantily fringed
with small trees. It forms about the eastern border of the sand hills
on the north side of the Niobrara, as far as we could see. Its length
is about 50 miles.

8

There are numerous ravines with steep rocky banks, containing
springs and running streams, extending out from five to seven miles
between this branch and the Keya Paha, at the heads of which occa-
sionally good camping places may be found.

The mouth of the next stream is in longitude 101° 18’; it has
scarcely any appreciable valley, flows between high rocky bluffs diffi-
cult to ascend and descend; it is about five yards wide, with clear,
deep, swift-running water, and is probably about 35 miles long.

The mouth of the next northern tributary is in longitude 101° 30’,
and is called White Earth creek; it is about three-fourths the size of
Rapid creek, which it resembles in every particular, and is about 25
miles long. The next, in longitude 102°, is a small spring rivulet
about 26 miles long, and above this the branches are all small runs
coming from the bluffs, generally dry except after rains, with scarcely
any valleys to speak of.

On the south side of the Niobrara there are numerous small
branches coming in between its junction with the Missouri and the point
where it receives the waters of the Turtle Hill river. Three of these
are of considerable size, probably 35 miles long, the bluffs along
nearly all of them being more or less covered with scattered pine, and
their valleys occupied with clumps of cottonwood, oak, ash, &c. The
position of the Elk Horn river, about 30 miles south of the Niobrara,
prevents any of these southern branches having a length greater than
I have stated. From the mouth of Turtle Hill river to that of the
Wazi-honska there are still a greater number of short southern
branches, all containing springs of water, and abounding in pine and
beautiful oak groves.

Wazi-honska means, in the Dakota language, ‘‘the place where the
pine extends far out;’’ and this stream, whose mouth is in longitude
100°, is probably 40 miles long, and all its bluffs and side ravines are
green with pine. Its valley, though not so wide, is very similar to
that of the Niobrara in this part, which has been described.

Snake river, whose mouth is in longitude 100° 40’, is quite a large
stream, some 30 yards wide, its bluffs covered with pine, with a nar-
row valley like the Wazi-honska.

Above this there is scarcely any branch coming in from the south
deserving mention.

Niobrara is a very shallow and ‘‘swift flowing stream,’’ as the
Canadians say ‘‘]’ Eau qui Court,’’ abounding in rapids in two-thirds
of its upper course, and in its middle portion filled with small islands.
In the lower portion its width exceeds that of the Missouri river, and
is spread out over sand bars. The bed in the broad portions is quick-
sand and difficult to ford. Its waters rapidly increase in volume
through its middle portion, from the multitude of springs and stream-
lets that constantly flow into it from the foot of the bluffs and out of
the ravines.

The traders of the American Fur Company have navigated it with
skin boats, carrying peltries from their former trading house near
Snake river, and the stream might permit of rafting it the timber
should be found of quality and quantity, and accessibility to defray
‘the expenses. I cannot, however, look upon it as capable of furnish

6 H

82

ing timber for the country on the Missouri, for the reason that much:
of the pine is too small, crooked, and knotty, and grows in places:
difficult to transport it from. The species is what is called the Rocky
mountain pine, has a yellowish-white appearance, and abounds in
resin. The distance on the Niobrara over which these pine ravines
extend is about 120 miles.

A road could not be made on the bottom lands of the Niobrara ; it
must keep out on the high prairie so as to head the ravines. From
the mouth to Turtle Hill river it would take the narrow divide be-
tween the Niobrara and Ponka rivers. It should remain on the north
side of Turtle Hill river from 20 to 30 miles further, and then cross
that stream, as it would thus avoid the sand at the junction of the
Niobrara and Turtle Hill rivers, and cross the latter where there is a
better ford or narrower stream to bridge. Turning then towards the
Niobrara, this river must be crossed in longitude 101° 20’ to avoid the
sand hills, and the route must continue on the south side to about
longitude 102°, when it should again cross to the north side. These
crossings for a wagon road could easily be made at a ford or by bridg-
ing, but a proper bridge for a railroad crossing at these places would
be a stupendous undertaking; for, on account of the nature of the
banks and ravines, good approaches could not be found so as to de-
scend to the level of the stream, and the bridye would have to be built
very high. From longitude 102° west there are no difficulties beyond
a scarcity of wood in reaching Fort Laramie, or continuing direct to:
the South Pass, and in this course abundance of excellent pine would
be found near Rawhide Peak.

A preferable road might be found by continuing up Turtle Hill
river to its source, and then along the divide between Niobrara and
White rivers, striking the former stream in longitude 102°; but these
divides are generally bad for wagon routes, on account of scarcity of
bat and it is not certain that we would by that route avoid the sand

ills.

I consider the north side of the Niobrara superior to the other for
a road for the first 90 miles above the mouth, as the greater number
of streams coming in at the south side would occasion considerable
detours in gaining good crossing places and approaches. The portion
of the river flowing through the sand hill region has the sand on the
south side generally for one-half a mile biown away by the wind,
leaving a smooth route. On the north side these hills are crowning
the very edges of the precipices that rise from the river, and cannot
be avoided. The evidence that this difference between the two sides
was due to the wind ig very complete, and shows that the prevailing
winds blow much more from the north here than from the south.

The Elk Horn river rises in about longitude 99°, about 25 miles
kouth of the Niobrara river. Its general course is southeast, and it
empties into the Platte. As far up as I have seen it, which is in
latitude 42°, it has a broad, fertile, and well wooded valley. Where
crossed by Lieutenant Smith in 1855, nearly south from Fort Randall,
it is described by him as ‘‘a beautiful creek of clear water, with well
timbered banks and firm sandy bottom.”’

The valley of the Loup fork is broad, fertile, and well wooded up as

‘

83

far as the old Pawnee villages, a distance of about 80 miles. Above
this the valley begins to grow sandy and wood more scarce, and about
the meridian of 100° becomes worthless. An occasional farm site
could, however, be found almost to its head. Near its source it flows
through high rocky precipices similar to those on the Niobrara ; but
its source is in the open and desolate sand hills, a miserable region,
impassable for ordinary wagon trains, and by all means to be avoided.
The same remark is true of its main north branch and of Calamus
river, and probably of the south branch.

The Platte river is the most important tributary of the Missouri in
the region under consideration, and its broad and grass-covered
valley, leading to the west, furnishes one of the best wagon roads of
its length in America. From its mouth to the forks the bluffs are
from two to five miles from the water, making an intermediate bottom
valley of from four to eight miles wide. From the forks to Fort Lara-
mie the bluffs occasionally come down to the water's edge, and the
road has to cross the points of the ridges. From Ash Hollow to Fort
Laramie the road is sometimes heavy with sand. Fine cottonwood
grows along the banks an4 on the islands, from the mouth to Fort
Kearny ; from here up it is scarce and of small size. Cedar is found
in the ravines of the bluffs in the neighborhood of the forks and above.
The river is about a mile wide and flows over a sandy bottom. When
the banks are full it is about six feet deep throughout, having a re-
markably level bed ; but it is of no use for navigation, as the bed is so
broad that the water seldom attains sufficient depth, and then the rise
is of short duration.

The streams of the prairies of Nebraska, below the Yellowstone,
flowing into the Missouri river, are none of them navigable to any
reliable extent, and as most of them run from west to east their
greatest practical value is in affording the land route of communication
between our present western settlements and those to be formed in the
mountains. Their valleys furnish us the only routes by which to
traverse the intervening desert, for here only are such supplies of
water to be found as are required, and here, too, is the only soil that
can be cultivated, and such scanty supplies of wood as the region
produces.

Of all the valleys of rivers running into the Missouri that of the
Platte furnishes the best route for any kind of a road leading to the
interior, and the best point of starting is the vicinity of Omaha City.
An appropriation of $50,000 has been expended on bridges, &c., on
the eastern portion of it, and the only important improvement remain-
ing to make it far superior to any route on the south side of the Bgstte

is-tlu@aateblishment of a good crossiggeof Loup Fork, either by bridge *

or ferry, both-efgwhich are difficult ; the first on account of the widgh
of the stream—1,000 yards—and the latter on accountof theshoals and
shifting sand bars. The ford is bad, by reason of quicksands.
Twenty-five thousand dollars would probably make a good crossing
to this stream, as the place is within the limit of the settlements. No
road improvement in the west would be of greater value to the emi-
grant or to military operations ; and this once done the route would

/*

84

not only be the shortest dne in this latitude from the Missouri to the
mountains, but would not throughout have one serious obstacle all the
way to the South Pass. Any route that takes the south side of the
Platte river has the South Fork to cross, (which is about as difficult a
stream as the Loup Fork,) at a point where bridging it or establish-
ing a ferry is, at this time, impracticable; the road then, along the
North Fork, has bad places at Ash Hollow and Scott’s bluffs, and has
to cross the Laramie river and the North Fork of the Platte by bridges,
over which the emigrant must pay toll. The route by the north side
of the Platte crossing the Loup Fork is, therefore, of particular value,
especially for early travel in the spring, when the streams are gene-
rally high.

I have spoken of the locality of Omaha being, in my opinion,
superior to any other as a point from which to supply the interior
portions of the country along the Platte. This in a measure depends
upon the improvements being made of the crossing of Loup Fork.
At present Nebraska City is a point presenting almost as short a road,
which could be made quite so if bridges were placed over a few small
streams, and which could be done at an expense to the general govern-
ment of not more than $20,000. A considerable distance of river
transportation would also be saved to stores brought from St. Louis
by selecting Nebraska City instead of Omaha. Besides, the first men-
tioned must always be a superior point from which to supply Fort
Kearny. The cost of river transportation to this point is about 75
cents per 100 pounds. The distance from Nebraska City to Fort
Laramie, by the proposed improved route, is about 525 miles. From
Fort Leavenworth to Fort Laramie it is about 645 miles.

The price paid for transportation, by the Quartermaster’s Depart-
ment, on these roads, is about $1 50 per hundred pounds per hundred
miles.

It will thus be seen that the transportation of stores to Fort Laramie,
by the route from Nebraska City, would be a saving over that irom
Fort Leavenworth of about $1 55 per hundred pounds. The total
expense from St. Louis via Nebraska City would thus be $8 624 per
hundred pounds, and I shall use this route in making a comparison
of the advantages offered by any route to the north of it.

The first place which apparently offers a superior route is the ieigh-
borhood of Fort Randall. Stores can be delivered at this point from
St. Louis at a cost of about $2 25 per hundred pounds. The distance
to Fort Laramie is about 380 miles, which, at the rate of $150 per
hundred pounds per hundred miles, would give a total cost of about
$a) per 100 pounds, which would apparently indicate a saving over
the Nebraska City route of $290} per hundred pounds, oredlosssdsmernre-
diate. There are two reasons, however, why this gaeet advantage is
practically not now attainable: First, the neighborhood of Fort Ran-
dall, as a depot for supplies, men, and animals, is not to be compared
with Nebraska City; the former being in a comparatively barren
country destitute of inhabitants, and where the necessary storehouses
can only be constructed at an expense not less than $100,000. Second,
the great diificulties of the route from Fort Randall west. That it is

85

practicable to take wagons along the Niobrara is shown by our expe-
dition in 1857. The wagons were loaded with about 2,000 pounds,
and drawn by eight good mules to each.

Our time of travelling from Fort Laramie to Fort Randall, counting
the days necessary to stop to rest the animals, was thirty days. About
100 miles of this route was through sand hills, where I do not think
the ordinary transportation trains could have travelled except in the
slowest and most fatiguing manner.

The route I have already indicated on the south side of the Niobrara,
in my description of that stream, would be preferable to the one we
travelled, on account of the sand, but the difficulty of crossing the
river would counterbalance the advantage gained by so doing.

The route between Sioux City and Fort Randall is a very good one,
and an appropriation of $10,000 should be made to bridge the Ver-
milion, for the use of the troops at the fort in hauling supplies from
the settlements in Iowa.

This route, and that by the Niobrara, would seem to be the most
direct and proper one by which to continue the military road from
Mendota to the mouth of the Big Sioux, westward to the South Pass.
But the great difficulties of the Niobrara route, and the impractica-
bility of any between it and the Platte, determine me to advise its
location direct from Sioux City to the mouth of the Loup Fork.

The road this way, and thence along the Platte valley, will only
be about 40 miles longer than by way of the Niobrara. A bridge is
required over Middle creek, at a cost of $5,000; one over the Elk
Horn, at a cost of $20,000; and one over the Loup Fork, at a cost
of $50,000. A good crossing for the Loup Fork could be made for
$25,000.

The next point on the Missouri which claims attention, as one from
which to supply Fort Laramie, is the vicinity of old Fort Lookout:
A route from this point should keep north of the White river, and
intersect the present road from Pierre to Laramie. The eastern por-
tion of the route I have only examined in part, but feel confident that
it is a good one, except for about 30 miles through the Bad Lands, in
which I have no doubt a route could be found that, with some im-
provement, would be equal to the corresponding part of the Pierre
and Laramie route.

The route west of this would then be the excellent one along the
valley of White river, at the head of which a difficult section of about
twelve miles needs considerable improvement. This route would be
about three hundred and sixty miles from the Missouri to Fort Lara-
mie, and deserves especial consideration as being the proper continu-
ation of the route located between the Missouri and Fort Ripley under
the Interior Department, with the design of being continued to the
South Pass. Stores can be delivered at Fort Lookout for about three
dollars per hundred pounds.

The route trom Fort Pierre to Fort Laramie is one that has long
been in use, and is about three hundred and twenty-three miles long.
Stores can be delivered here for about $3 50 per hundred pounds.
I think it probable, as settlements advance up the Missouri, and

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86

Nebraska and Iowa and Dakota become populated, this route, or the
one starting from Fort Lookout, will claim attention.

At Fort Pierre the navigable portion of the Missouri is at its nearest
point to Laramie and the South Pass, and above it, of course, there
are no competing routes for supplying this section. Neither does the
nearest navigable point for steamboats on the Yellowstone or its tribu-
taries offer any route whose diminished length would compensate for
the increased river transportation. It is believed that any route which
keeps east of the Big Horn mountains is practicable for wagons between
the Yellowstone and Missouri, and that the direct route between Fort
Laramie and Fort Benton is favorable to military movements.

In consideration of the best routes for supplying the interior, I
have mainly had in view the wants of present occupation of the coun-
try. When the habitable portions of Nebraska become occupied, as
they eventually will, other routes will become important from causes
not now operating and that cannot be foreseen; but I believe that
those which are now niost important will still maintain the ascendancy
from the effect of natural causes and the structure of the country.
The same routes now most used and best adapted to the wants of
military occupation were long before used by the trader, the Indian,
and the buffalo, as best adapted to their wants; and when future re-
quirements shall demand increased facilities of transportation and
locomotion and railroads shall be built, then they, too, will be found
near the main routes now travelled by the trains of the emigrant and
the army.

As I before stated, an irreclaimable desert of 200 to 400 miles in
width separates the points capable of settlement in the east from those
on the mountains in the west. Without doubt these mountain re-
gions will yet be inhabited by civilized men, and the communication
with the east will require railroads, independent of the want of an
interior overland route to the Pacific. For this purpose the valley of
the Platte offers a route not surpassed for natural gradients by any in
the world, and very little more is to be done west of the Missouri than
to make the superstructure. A-cheap road for light trains and en-
gines could easily be built, and when settlements are formed in the
mountains will become profitable; and the gold that has been discov-
ered there in valuable quantities may produce this result much sooner
than we anticipate. The Niobrara apparently presents a more short
and direct route to the interior than the Platte, but its natural features
are not so favorable. The direct route from Sioux City to Fort Lara-
mie by the Niobrara would be, for a railroad, about forty miles shorter
than by way of the Platte and Fort Kearney.

I do not, however, consider the route by the Niobrara as impracti-
cable, but think that the difficulties in the way of constructing it will
overbalance the advantages of being a shorter route from the Missouri.
If the route be considered as starting at the city of Chicago, thence
via Rock Island, Omaha, and the Platte valley, the distance is about
the same as that by Dubuque, Sioux City, and the Niobrara; the one
large bend which the former makes at Fort Kearney being counter-
balanced by the number of small ones of the latter.

87

A route for a railroad to the Pacific from the neighborhood of St.
Paul, by way of the South Pass, would keep on or near the general
course of the wagon road lately laid out by Colonel Nobles to the Mis-
souri, at Fort Lookout, and thence along the north side of White
river, as before indicated.

Should a route ever be required from the west shore of Lake Supe-
rior to the South Pass, it could be located on a very direct and prac-
ticable line, via Fort Ripley, Lake Traverse, and the Big Shyenne,
and deserves examination.

But a route from Lake Superior west to the South Pass would prob-
ably not compete in advantages with that examined by Governor
Stevens near the forty-ninth parallel. It may, however, be question-
able whether one of equally as many advantages could not be found
by proceeding directly west from the Bois de Sioux to the Missouri at
Fort Clark; thence by way of Knife river to the Yellowstone river at
the mouth of Powder river. The valley of the Yellowstone then
offers a direct route west to the mountains, where Capt. Clark crossed
them in 1856, and thence near the route he pursued to the Bitter Root
valley. The more direct. route would be down the valley of the
Salmon river; but the information we possess of this stream indicates
its character through the mountains to be one of great difficulty.

CHAPTER V.
Indians— Military posts—Routs for military operations, &c.

I shall here repeat, with some additions, the account of the Dakotas
given in my report of explorations in 1855. The Dakotas are scattered
over an immense territory, extending from the Mississippi on the east
to the Black Hills on the west, and from the forks of the Platte on the
south to Devil’s Lake on the north. They say their name means
‘¢ Jeagued or allied,’’ and they sometimes speak of themselves as the
“¢ Ocheti Shaowni,’’ or ‘‘ Seven Council Fires.’’ These are the seven
principal bands which compose the nation, viz:

1. The Mde-wakan-tonwans, meaning “‘ village of the Spirit Lake.”’

2. Wah-pe-kutes, meaning ‘‘ leaf shooters.’’

3. Wah-pe-tonwans, meaning ‘‘ village in the leaves.’’

4. Sisi-tonwans, meaning ‘‘ village of the marsh.”’

These four constitute the Mississippi and Minnesota Dakotas, and
are called by those on the Missouri ‘‘ Isanties.’’ They are estimated
at 6,200 souls. Some of these on the Mississippi have long been in
contact with the white settlements, and having sold much of their
lands to the government have abandoned many of their former habits
and cultivated the soil. Communities have been formed which have
made some approach towards civilization ; others of them still live

88

principally by the fruits of the chase in their primitive wildness,
and have of late years occasioned much trouble to the settlers of
northern Iowa. It was they who committed the murders last winter
on Spirit Lake.

5. Ihanktonwans, (Yanktons,) ‘‘ village at the end.’’ These are
sometimes called Wichiyela, meaning ‘‘first nation.’’ They are
found at the mouth of the Big Sioux and between it and the Missouri
river, as high up as Fort Lookout, and on the opposite bank of the
Missouri. ‘They are supposed to number 360 lodges. Contact with
the whites has considerably degenerated them, and their distance from
the present buffalo ranges renders them comparatively poor. A treaty
has been made with them, by which they have ceded most of their land
to the United States.

6. lhanktonwannas, (Yanktonnas,) meaning one of the ‘‘end vil-
lage’’ bands. They range between James river and the Missouri, as
high north as Devil’s Lake, number about 800 lodges, and are
spirited and warlike, and will give much trouble to the settlers in
Dakota territory. They suffered severely from the ravages of the
small pox in the winter of 1856 and 1857. A small portion, under a
chief called Little Soldier, live in dirt lodges during the summer.
From the Wazikute branch of this band the Assinniboins, or Hohe of
the Dakotas, are said to have sprung.

7. The Titonwans, ‘‘ village of the prairie,’’ are supposed to consti-
tute more than one-half of the whole Dakota nation. They live on
the western side of the Missouri, and extend west to the dividing ridge
between the Little Missouri and Powder rivers, and thence south on a
line near the 106th meridian. They are allied by marriage with the
Shyennes, but are enemies of the Pawnees and Crows. The Titon-
wans, except a few of the Brulés, on White river, and some of the
families connected with the whites by marriage, have never planted
corn. They are divided into seven principal bands, viz:

1. Unkpapas, ‘‘they who camp by themselves.’’ They roam from the
Big Shyenne up to the Yellowstone, and west to the Black Hills; to
this band Mato Chiqukesa, or the Bear’s Rib, belongs, who was made
by General Harney the first chief of the Dakotas. They number about
365 lodges.

2. Sihasapas, Blackfeet. Haunts and homes same as the Unkpapas.
They number 165 lodges. These two bands have very little respect
for the power of the whites.

3. Itazipchos, (Sans Arc,) No bows. Hoam over nearly the same
territory as the Umkpapas. They number about 170 lodges. It is
difficult to say how these bands received their present names. The
Itazipchos being as well provided with bows as any other band, and
use them as skillfully.

4, Minikanyes or Minni-kan-jous, (meaning they who plant by the
water.) They number about 200 lodges, and roam principally from
the Black Hills south to the Platte. They are generally well disposed
towards the whites.

5. Ogalalas or Okandandas. They number about 460 lodges, and:
are generally to be found on or near the Platte near Fort Laramie.

89

They are the most friendly disposed towards the whites of all the
Titonwans.

6. Sichangus, (meaning Burnt Thighs,) Brulés. They number about
380 lodges, and live on the Niobrara and White rivers, and range
from the Platte to the Shyenne. They include the Wazazhas, to
which belonged Matoiya, (the Scattering Bear,) made chief of all the
Dakotas by Colonel Mitchell, of the Indian Bureau, and who was
killed by Lieutenant Grattan.

7. Oo-he-non-pas, two boilings, or two kettle band. These are now
very much scattered among other bands. They number about 100
lodges. Some of them are generally to be found in the neighborhood
of Fort Pierre.

The Dakotas, on and west of the Missouri, which includes all but
the Isanties, are the only ones I have heard estimated. I should
think that eight inmates to a lodge, and one-fifth of them warriors,
an ample allowance. We would then have—

Name of band. Lodges. Inmates. Warriors.

Thanktonwans, (Yanktons) ----------------- 7 360 2, 880 576
Yhanktonwannas, (Yanktonais)--..---------- DSU 6,400 1, 280
DnKpapaseases. ao o eee ene a ae ean a sk 365 | 2,920 584
Hihtasapas; (Blackfeet) es *ss J2os5 52222 0202 22 165 1, 320 264
Itampchosy(SansyArc)i= 22: 20% -2- cess sss 170 1, 360 272
[ETRE Gc Os a ee eS 200 1, 600 320
Cp oR Res Shae ern Se ae ai ee aa 460 3, 680 736
Rivhan@un;: (DEUles) 22 a= soe Secncse oo 380 8,040 616
Oo-he-non-pas, (two kettles)_.-..-....------ 100 800 160

3, 000 24, 000 4,800

In the summer the Dakotas follow the buffaloes in their range over
the prairie, and in the winter fix their lodges in the clusters or
fringes of wood along the banks of the lakes and streams. The bark
of the cottonwood furnishes food for their horses during the winter
snows, and to obtain it many streams have been thinned or entirely
stripped of their former beautiful groves. Their horses are obtained
by traffic with the Indians further south, who have stolen them in
New Mexico, or caught them wild on the plains towards the Rocky
mountains; considerabie numbers are also raised by themselves. The
nation is one of the most skilful and warlike, and most numerous in
our Territory, and could they be made to feel more confidence in their
own powers, would be most formidable warriors. In single combat
on horseback they have no superiors, a skill acquired by constant
practice with their bows and arrows and lances, with which they suc-
ceed in killing their game at full speed. The rapidity with which
they shoot their arrows, and the accuracy of their aim, rivals that of
@ practiced hand with the revolver. Notwithstanding the destruction
of their numbers by small pox and cholera, it is the opinion of some

90

that they are increasing in numbers rather than diminishing, except
where they mingle with the settlements on the frontier.

These Dakotas formerly all lived around the head waters of the
Mississippi and Red River of the North, and in their migration to the
southwest have been preceded by the Shyennes, (with whom they are
on friendly terms,) who have given their name to the Shyenne of
Red river, to the Big Shyenne of the Missouri, and to the section of
country they now occupy between the Platte and the Arkansas. The
Dakotas then lived on much of the land now occupied by the Chip-
pewas, and the Chippewas at that time inhabited the region between
the Sault Ste. Marie and Lake Winnepeg, the Crees, their allies,
occupying that from Lake Winnepeg and other lakes as far as Kis-is-
kad-ji-wan (Saskatchawin river) and towards the Assiniboin river.
The plains to the south of the last stream were the scene of many
contentions and bloody combats, nevertheless, oftener the residence of
the Dakotas than of the other two tribes, until that nation was
divided into two bodies, originating in jealousy of the women, which
ended in their being irreconcilable enemies to this day. The less
powerful and flying party took refuge in the rocky precipices of the
Lake of the Woods, and received from the Chippewas the name of
Assiniboins or Dakotas of the Rocks, under which name they are now
generally known to the whites. They however retain, among them-
selves, the name Dakotas and speak that language. The other
Dakotas, in speaking of them, always call them hohe, or enemies.

The Assiniboins then allied themselves with the Chippewas and
Crees and forced the Dakotas to abandon all the country north of the
Sheyenne, which is now regarded as the boundary between these
tribes.

The Chippewas, Crees, and Assiniboins are friendly to each other
and united in their hostility to the Dakotas, and it is improbable that
any lasting peace can ever be effected between them. The common
war ground is the region about Lake Minniwaken to which they all
repair to hunt buffalo. The Assiniboins and Crees may yet occasion
us no little difficulty, as a large portion of their lands is in the British
territory, they both are now well disposed and friendly. I saw them
while at Fort Union in 1856, and they were particular to inform us
that they did not want to sell their land and could not spare any of
what they now occupy.

These Indians have comparatively few horses, and rely largely
on dogs, of which they have great numbers, for transportation. The
flesh of these animals also serves them as food. The Assiniboins
number about 450 lodges or 3,600 souls. They suffered severely
from the small pox in 1856-’57. Their country extends from the
Red river west, along the Missouri as far as the mouth of the Milk
river.

The Absarakos, or Crows, occupy the country about the Yellow-
stone and its branches, being bounded on the east by the Dakotas,
south by the Platte, and west by the dividing line between the waters
of the Atlantic and Pacific.

Their country abounds with everything Indian life requires, and

91

they are generally well disposed towards the whites, but have as yet
seen little of them in their country since 1830, when the trappers
were so numerous. They were then much dreaded by these adven-
turers. The Crows are fine warriors; have plenty of horses, mainly
derived from traffic with the Flatheads. They live generally in skin
lodges, and number about 600 lodges, or 4,800 souls.

Minnetarres, or Gros Ventres. This is a small band of the Crow
nation, living in a village of dirt lodges, surrounded by a rude stock-
ade, near Fort Berthold. They raise corn, beans, pumpkins, &c.
They number now about 800 souls, but, from a variety of causes, are
diminishing.

The Arricarees, or Rees, are a branch of the Pawnee nation, from
which they have become separated by the migration of the Dakotas,
and by these latter they are both known by the same name, Pedanis.

The Rees live in a village near Fort Clark, in a manner exactly
similar to the Gros Ventres, and number about 840 souls. Formerly
they were numerous and powerful, and occupied a large village at the
mouth of Grand river. This was destroyed during the expedition
under Colonel Leavenworth. sent there in 1825 or 1826 to chastise
them for the attack on the trading party of General Ashley. The
remains of dirt lodge villages all along the Missouri attest how
numerous the Indians of this tribe must have been before the invasion
of their lands by the Dakotas.

The Madans live in a village, six miles above Fort Clark, in the
game manner as the Gros Ventres. They seem to be the last remnant
of a distinct tribe from any of those around them. They have,
through the agency of the small pox, rapidly diminished since they
were visited by Lewis and Clarke, and now number about 250 souls.
They live in constant dread of the diseases which white men have
been at times introducing among them, and the main and oft repeated
request which they made to the Indian agent when I was there in
July, 1856, was that he would keep sick white men away. When I
returned there in September, and saw them again a victim of that
scourge, the small pox, brought among them that year by the steam-
boat of the rival company to the American Fur Company, and saw
the despair depicted on every countenance, it made me feel heart sick
to think what wrongs these poor savages have suffered from the
cupidity of my own race. The authors of this calamity, which visited
all the tribes in this region, are fully exposed in the report of the
Indian agent, Colonel Vaughan, in 1856-’57.

Bear’s Rib, the Unkpapa, gave me the following list of persons
that died of this disease, from this cause, in 1856 and 1857, that he
had heard of, though the disease was still at its work of death in some
parts of the Crow country :

Persows
RCAF HRY AGE CHO IO 2 HOD. diac oe 0M Bb TL, 166
FQ TORRE CRORE RS, 2 ct Re a 8 TU s A RI 1,500
Big» Head’s' band of Thanhtonwans..........0.00 ssddessstede. dudeeds 30
CR AAA He. BRIE, edd ic ole PO RN by 136

92

It would be safe to assume the following as probable deaths in tribes
not included in this list :

Gros: Vientres: and) Mandowissh. sdeasussiensswins nies depts eee eeeee 160
Absarakos ...... Neeeaseeeeeeseeeeeseuaaeaueeeseenseeceeseneaeeaas pate ia skin 1,000
1,160

Making a total of at least 3,000 souls.

Betore such blows as this the red race would soon disappear ; no war
could be so fatal to them. The government should, by all that is
humane, employ some competent person, at a proper salary, to visit
them yearly, and vaccinate these Indians, and thus arrest the violence
of these scourges.

These three little bands, the Gros Ventres, Mandans, and Rees,
are fast dwindling away. They never can work much harm to the
whites, and their mode of life at a fixed abode requires them to be
peaceful. They exist now rather by sufferance of the Dakotas than by
their own power, for the Dakotas could soon destroy them if they chose,
as they did the villages of the Pawnees, on the Loup Fork, in about.
the year 1836. The Dakotas find it convenient for themselves to
permit the existence of these villages, as their produce of corn, &.,
forms a valuable commodity of trade between them.

The Ponkas are the small remnant of a once powerful tribe, and
now live near the mouth of the Niobrara. They are on friendly terms.
with the Dakotas. The government agents have lately effected a
treaty with them, by which a right to most of their lands has been
purchased, and a reserve marked out for their location on the Nio-
brara and Ponka rivers, near Fort Randal. The treaty has, 1 believe,
not yet been ratified by the Senate. They number about —-— souls.

The Pawnees were formerly one of the most numerous and power-
ful and warlike of the Indians of the prairie. They have, through
the agency of the small pox and their constant wars with the Dakotas
and Shyennes, been greatly reduced, and their numbers now do not
probably exceed 4,000. They occupy the country on the Platte
below Fort Kearny, and on Loup Fork, A treaty was made with
them in the winter of 18577, by which they ceded a large portion of
their lands to the United States, and agreed to retire to a reserve on
the Loup Fork, where were their villages which were destroyed by
the Dakotas. This treaty has not yet been ratified.

The Shyennes occupy the country between the Platte and Arkan-
sas rivers, and number about souls. These Indians have always
been friends with the Dakotas, and associate much with them. During
the summer of 1857, while the vigorous expedition conducted by Col.
Sumner was operating against them, a number to the amount of 40
lodges took refuge among the Dakotas, in the neighborhood of the
Black Hills.

They will probably unite with the Dakotas, in the event of any
general war. Though it is believed, from the great moral effect pro-
duced by the march of the Utah expedition through their common

93

country, that they must see the futility of ever being able to contend
against the power of the United States.

Of all the aborigines in the Territory under consideration, the Da-
kotas are probably the ones that have undergone the least material
diminution of their numbers since their discovery by the whites. They
are still numerous, independent, warlike, and powerful, and contain
within themselves means of prolonged and able resistance to further
encroachments of the western settlers. Under the present policy of
government, which there is no reason to believe will ever be changed,
these encroachments will continue and new wars willresult. I do not
mean to say that a peaceable advance of the settlements westward
might not be effected, but under the operation of present causes it
will not. All of these conflicts end in the discomfiture of the native
races, and they are fast melting away. It is not, as many suppose,
that those dispossessed retire further west; this they cannot do, for
the region to the west of one tribe is generally occupied by another
with whom deadly animosity exists. Hence, when the white settle-
ments advance their frontier; the natives linger about, till disease,
poverty, and vicious indulgence consigns them to oblivion. The
present policy of the government seems therefore the best calculated
that could be devised for exterminating the Indian.

The advance of the settlements is universally acknowledged to be
a necessity of our national development, and is justifiable in displacing
the native races on that ground alone. But the government, instead
of being so constituted as to prepare the way for settlements by wise
and just treaties of purchase from the present owners, and proper
protection and support for the indigent race so dispossessed, is some-
times behind.its obligations in these respects; and in some instances
Congress refuses or delays to ratify the treaties made by the duly au-
thorized agents of the government. ‘The result is, that the settler
and pioneer are precipitated into the Indian’s country, without the
Indian having received the just consideration promised him ; and he
often, in a manner that enlists the sympathies of all mankind, takes
up the tomahawk in defence of his rights, and perishes in the attempt.

It is frequently the case that the settlers are unjustly charged with
bringing about these wars, and though I feel for the Indian, I cannot
but sympathize with the pioneer whose life is liable to be sacrificed to
the Indian’s vengeance.

The western settlers are now fighting the battle of civilization ex-
actly as our forefathers did on the Atlantic shores, and under circum-
stances that command an equal amount of our admiration and approval.

We are in the habit of looking on the power of the United States as
invincible, but it is far from being so regarded by the savages on our
frontier. Many of them have never seen or felt it. There the Indians
far outnumber the whites, and if our sympathies must go with the
weak they should be with the settlers, who are only able, after abksto
maintain their ground by the aid of the army.

One of the chiefs of the Dakotas told me that they had a grand
council in the summer of 1857, on the North Fork of the Shyennue, and
that their hearts felt strong at seeing how numerous they were; that
if they went to war again they would not yield so easy as they did

@«3>*

ad)

94

before. At that council they solemnly pledged to each other not to
permit further encroachments from the whites, and he fully believed
they were able to whip all the white men in the world. In truth,
they are not without reason in thinking so. They have never seen
the whites, except in small parties, stealing through their country,
unable to resist them or protect themselves from insolence ; or they
find them shut up in little trading posts, where for days they dare
not, at times, open the gates or show their heads above the enclosure,
and where, whenever a band of young warriors wish to have a frolic,
they go and shoot their dogs, chickens, cattle, &c., break the windows,
and commit any other outrage their fancy may suggest, as a diversion.
They have seen the Indian agent, (their father, as he is called,) the
direct representative of the President, insulted and abused with
impunity by their own race and sometimes in dread of losing his life,
and they, many of them, entertain no respect for the power of our
government. Numbers of them have never seen a soldier of the
United States army, and scarce credit their existence.

Bear’s Rib (a great friend to peace with the whites and the most
influential warrior in his nation) said his people could not be controlled
by him, and that if he should attempt it in some cases his own lite
would be the forfeit.

There are so many inevitable causes at work to produce a war with
the Dakotas before many years, that I regard the greatest fruit of
the explorations I have conducted to be the knowledge of the proper
routes by which to invade their country and conquer them. The
Black Hills is the great point in their territory at which to strike all
the Teton Dakotas, except the Brulés and Okandandas. Here they
can assemble their largest force, and here I believe they would make
astand. In the event of another outbreak, a post should be estab-
lished at the mouth of the Shyenne, on the north side, from which
to operate simultaneously with troops from Fort Laramie. From both
of these points wagon trains could move with ease, and supplies
could without difficulty be sent thus to the troops in the field.
These operations would undoubtedly bring on a battle, where the
superiority of the weapons of civilized warfare would secure a victory
tous. They will not, I think, permit the occupation of the vicinity
of these hills without offering a determined resistance. Driven from
these they must go north towards the Missouri, where a still better
field to operate against them will be found, as this region is every
where practicable. In this event it might become necessary to establish
a temporary post above the Shyenne, and a most suitable and effective
location is to be found near Long Lake, on the Missouri.

Those who may take refuge in the ravines and fastnesses along the
Niobrara, or in the sand hills, conld be operated against from forts
Randall, Kearny, and Laramie. Should the Isanties and Ihankton-
avers be hostile at the same time as the Titonwans, they should be
operated against from Fort Ridgeley.

It will be perceived that in this plan ' have considered a war with
all the Dakotas to be on our hands, which at no distant day is proba-
ble, and that there will be required a number of columns and a very
large force to successfully operate over so much country. These

.

95

columns need not exceed in any case a strength of 400 men, and these
should be subdivided so as to beat up the country as much as possible,
and endeavor to draw the Indians into an engagement where they
may have some hope of success. With proper troops and commanders
we need not even then fear the result.

The movement of large compact columns is necessarily slow and
they can easily be avoided, which the least military skill teaches the
Indians to do. The war once begun should not be stopped till they are
effectually humbled and made to feel the full power and force of the
government, which is a thing in which the northern Dakotas are
entirely wanting.

I believe a vigorous course of action would be quite as humane as
any other, and much more economical and effectual in the end. With
proper arrangements the Assiniboins and Crows and Pawnees could
be made most useful allies in a war with the Dakotas. I see no reason
why they should not be employed against each other, and thus spare
the lives of the whites.

In giving my opinion of the best way of bringing the Dakotas to
submission, in the event of a war, I think it my duty to state that I
believe many of the causes-of war with them might be removed by
timely action in relation to the treaties, which are from time to time
made with them, and a prompt and faithful fulfillment of our own part
of the stipulations, and it is to be hoped that Congress will afford the
means of carrying into effect the treaty made by General Harney in
1856, and those made by the Indian bureau in 1857 with the [hank-
tonwans and Poncas, and that it will provide liberally for those who
have been dispossessed of their lands or impoverished by having their
game driven off by the approach of the whites.

I have always found the Dakotas exceedingly reasonable beings,
with a very proper appreciation of what are their own rights. What
they yield to the whites they expect to be paid for, and I never have
heard a prominent man of their nation express an opivion in regard
to what was due them in which I do not concur. Many of them view
the extinction of their race as an inevitable result of the operation of
present causes, and do so with all the feelings of despair with which
we should contemplate the extinction of our nationality.

96

Wasuinaton, D. C., January 31, 1858.

Sir: I submit a report of the most important cases of sickness that
required medical treatment in the party under your command, from
June 15 until December 4, 1857.

After the party reached the Loup Fork it was necessary to remain
in camp for a number of days awaiting the arrival of the escort. The
mouth of that stream was reached July 4, and we encamped near the
river not far from the towr of Columbus. It was in this locality that
the most serious cases of illness which occurred in the party were
generated. In passing up the Platte we travelled principally at some
distance from the stream. Near the river, and along some of its
tributaries, swampy districts of country exist which might endanger
the health of persons living in their vicinity during the summer and
autumn. I noticed long marshy tracts of this kind overgrown with
heavy vegetation along the Loup Fork at this point. Soon after our
encampment a good deal of bilious derangement prevailed in the party,
and the presence of miasmatic poisons was soon made apparent in the
occurrence of a number of cases of intermittent fever. Nearly all of
the party experienced unpleasant disturbances ot health here. The
season had been unusually wet and the heat was extreme. Vege-
tation was consequently developed very rapidly, and it was, therefore,
not difficult to account for the early appearance of disease among us.
Under ordinary circumstances I would consider this region as healthy
as most prairies, but the past seasons were particularly favorable to
the development of malaria. All of the cases, however, that were
treated here yielded readily, and when we commenced our journey up
the Loup Fork no complaint was heard.

We seemed, however, peculiarly unfortunate in the start; for, a
few days after we had got finally under way, the most serious case of
sickness which we had to encounter during the trip commenced. On
July 23, May, a teamster, exhibited the symtoms of fever, and it soon
became apparent that this man inust suffer a long and severe illness ;
under the most favorable circumstances his chances for recovery would
have been considered few, and the circumstances under which we were
of necessity placed tended greatly to diminish those chances. Delay
was out of the question, as his case, if it resulted favorably, would
require at least a fortnight, and we therefore placed him in the best
situation that was possible in travelling and did all in our power to
promote his recovery. This case was an interesting one to the medi-
cal practitioner ; it was one of those in which the signs and symptons
of typhoid and of remittent bilious fevers were intimately blended.
Delirium commenced early, with stupor, diarrhoea, and that peculiar
condition of the tongve and mouth noticed in typhoid fever; with these
some of the common symptons of remittent fever were exhibited, and
although the attack could not’ be cut short by quinia, its violence
was greatly modified by that agent. ‘The sickness of this man
embarrassed our progress seriously, but after nearly three weeks of
trouble and anxiety with his case we were gratified to note his con-
valescence. A halt of three days during the most excited period of
his disease teuded greatly to promote a tavorable termination. May

97

was hauled the entire distance to Fort Laramie, not being able to per-
form any duty until we reached that point. On the 8th of August I
was attacked with bilious remittent fever myself, and can testify from
experience to the inconvenience from being sick on the prairies. My
attack was not severe, and yielded in eight or ten days. These and
the cases of intermittent were the only cases of fever that occurred in
the party during the season.

The country through which we passed up to this point was along
the Loup Fork. That portion of it most favorable to the production of
fever is near its mouth ; as you approach the sources of the river there
are fewer wet tracts near the stream, and the country generally is not
so flat. I notice the marshes particularly, as that is the only condi-
tion observed which could interfere with the health of the population
if the country were inhabited. These are not numerous after you
leave the mouth of the river some distance, and there is nothing to
warrant the inference that the country is not highly favorable to
health.

Indeed, in most respects, this region, so far as health is concerned,
may be considered as highly favored. As you approach the elevated
regions near the mountains the atmosphere is exceedingly dry and
pure. Much has been said of the favorable effects of a residence in
this region upon persons laboring under pulmonary diseases. As this
far western region becomes more generally known, I think the subject
will attract greater attention. I think the rational explanation of
the improvement in consumptive cases that has been noted in this
quarter is found in the dryness of the atmosphere. Sudden changes
of temperature here, if not less frequent than in some of our eastern
States, are certainly not productive of the same bad consequences to
the invalid. The lungs of those who are suffering with phthisis are
here free from that constant irritation to which they are subjected in
an atmosphere loaded with moisture. And the feeling of buoyancy
and strength that is imparted encourages the invalid to make new
exertions to promote recovery. A residence in such an atmosphere,
combined with habits of active exercise, and constant living in the
open air, might, in some cases I am sure, be productive of the best
results. An intelligent friend, now residing at Fort Laramie, in-
formed me that in his youth he was attacked with phthisis, that hor-
rible disease being hereditary in his family; he was rapidly declining,
and went to this far western region in the hope that the climate might
prove beneficial ; he made his home amongst the wandering bands of
Indians, and avoided none of the exposure incident to such a life; he.
laid constantly in the open air and took as much exercise as possible ;
his health improved, and in a year or two he was entirely restored, and
is now residing at Fort Laramie a strong and healthy man. I have
heard of many other cases similarly restored. In New Mexico con-
sumption is unknown, I am informed, as a disease originating in the
country where the climate has the additional advantage of being warm.

During the extremely hot weather that continued during our jour-
ney up the loup Fork, our party suffered very little with diarrhcea
or dysentery. _A number of cases of the former occurred, but only a
few required any treatment, and but a single case of dysentery, which

TH

98

was mild. After reaching Fort Laramie those who had been sick
rapidly recovered, and when we left that post all of the party were in
excellent health.

During the fine weather that continued for a few weeks in the be-
ginning of the fall no cases of sickness occurred. In October the
weather became inclement, and was very cold and wet. During our
trip down the Niobrara no complaint was heard, except in some
chronic cases, which were somewhat aggravated by the bad weather
and exposure, and when the party reached Fort Randall all were in
good health. Several of the soldiers had suffered from scurvy du-
ring the summer, these improved during the trip down the Niobrara,
along which stream we found an abundance of plums and grapes.
After leaving Fort Randall (November 7th) the members of the party
were attacked with influenza, and this disease prevailed during the
entire trip from Randall to Leavenworth, and only four or five mem-
bers of the party escaped an attack. Some of the men, who were
much exposed to the inclement weather that we experienced on the
trip, suffered severely, and at times a sufficient number were not off
of the sick list to carry on the train properly. All recovered, how-
ever, and when we reached Leavenworth the party was in good
health. Below is an enumeration of the most important cases treated
during the season. Many trifling cases occurred of which no note
was taken.

Diseases. No. cases. Results.
Initermubtent: fever ps2 ese ee eee eee ee ele re 5 Recovered.
Bilious remittent) 2] "loo. 2 Sees. Se Sees. Shoes ee 2 Recovered.
Piataepa-t je we Be oe ees he eee eo eee eee 5 Recovered.
Dysentery: ~ - osc eos a nin econ Sm wee ew ee nn ene en ae 1 Recovered.
Ginormhes AcuLe™: snwece geots cms sek oc site w atetaetm emetee 3 Recovered.
Orghted 0 ob ae See ee sa on eee eet eee eas 1 Recovered.
Glee, eee USL Bees = Pe Sues cere. Se 3 Recovered.
OBTOnIC GyYSUIUE: - safe ets a ie — wien ia mm mem inininde oo 1 Recovered.
IDiabeichee oe ece ee semse cere cea. ak oR SER ae See 1 Improved.
Granulamcontuncteritisys =. taser ee on clo a Se sete se cate e aerate 1 Improved.
Parsal opthalmniia 25 2 Ses ees =. ete ees ree 1 Recovered.
ntluen zeke ~~ ie ce eae ae eee ans eh Sarat se cee aetna 11 Recovered.
Respectiully,

SAMUEL H. MOFFITT,
Physician to expedition.
uieutenant G. K. Warren,
Topographical Engineers.

EXPLORATIONS IN NEBRASKA AND DAKOTA.

CATALOGUE OF THE COLLECTIONS

GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY,

OBTAINED BY

THE EXPEDITION UNDER COMMAND OF LIEUT, G K. WARREN,

TOPCGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS,

BY

eet Ae PEN | OM. Ver,

Wasuineton, D. C., November 28, 1858.

Sir: In compliance with your request I have prepared a catalogue
of the collections in geology and natural history, obtained in Ne-
braska and portions of Kansas, during several expeditions to those
Territories under your command.

The list cannot be made out at this time as complete as could be
desired, but it will be at once evident to all that the amount of new
and valuable material thus secured, will, when properly studied and
illustrated, form a large and positive addition to science. Of the
fossil mollusca collected most of the new species have been indicated in
scientific journals by my associate, Mr. Meek, and myself, and about

100 >

seven hundred figures prepared, making, when arranged for the en-
graver, about fifty quarto plates. The fossil plants from cretaceous
formation No. 1 will also be included in the volume, and consist of
eighteen species, all of which are supposed to be new to science. The
fossil plants of the tertiary era, of which there is a large series, re-
markably well preserved and of great beauty, have not yet been
studied to any extent. We simply know that they comprise about
fifty species, all of which are supposed to be new, and would alone
form a good-sized quarto volume. Descriptions and suitable illustra-
tions of these plants will be made during the winter or spring.

The fossil mollusca are arranged in their stratigraphical order, thus
bringing at once before the geologist the characteristic fossils of each
formation known in the northwest, from the carboniferous to the ter-
tiary, inclusive. The work will thus form a standard of reference for
those who may wish to study the geology of the west, and will enable
the explorer, even though but moderately versed in the science, to
determine the age of the formations over which he may be travelling.
The fossil vertebrata, which are very numerous in species, a large
proportion of which were entirely new to science, have been placed in
the hands of Dr. Leidy, the great comparative anatomist of Philadel-
phia, who informs us that the drawings are nearly ready for the en-

raver.
5 The following is a list of the memoirs already published in the
transactions of scientific societies on the geology and paleontology of
Nebraska and Kansas, by F. B. Meek and F. V. Hayden.

1. Descriptions of sixty-three new species of Acephala, Gastero-
poda and Cephalopoda from the cretaceous formation of Nebraska Ter-
ritory.—(Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadel-
phia, March, 1856, p. 16.)

2. Descriptions of new species of Acephala and Gasteropoda from
the tertiary formations of Nebraska Territory, with some general re-
marks on the geology of the country about the sources of the Missouri
river.—(Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Pa., June, 1856, p. 16.)

3. Descriptions of new fossil species of mollusca, collected by Dr.
F. V. Hayden in Nebraska Territory, together with a complete cata-
logue of all the remains of tnvertebrata hitherto described and iden-
tified from the cretaceous and tertiary formations of that region.—
(Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Pa., November, 1856, p. 22.)

4. Descriptions of new species and genera of fossils collected by
Dr. F. V. Hayden in Nebraska Territory, under the direction of Lieut.
G. K. Warren, U. 8. Topographical Engineers, with some remarks on
the tertiary and cretaceous formations of the northwest, and the
parallelism of the latter with those of other portions of the United
States and Territories. Communicated by permission of the Secretary
of War.—(Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Pa., May, 1857, p. 34.)

5. Descriptions of new organic remains from northeastern Kansas,
indicating the existence of permian rocks in that Territory.—(Trans-
action of the Albany Institute, vol. [V—read March 2, 1858.)

6. Descriptions of new organic remains collected in Nebraska Ter-
ritory in the year 1857, by Dr. F. V. Hayden, geologist to the ex-

101

ploring expedition under the command of Lieut. G. K. Warren, Topo-
graphical Engineers, U. 8. A., together with some remarks on the
geology of the Black Hills and portions of the surrounding country.—
(Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Pa., March, 1858, p. 19.)

By F. V. Haypen :

7. Notes explanatory of a map and section, illustrating the geo-
logical structure of the country bordering on the Missouri river, from
the mouth of the Platte to Fort Benton in latitude 47° 30’ N., longi-
tude 110° 30’ W.—(Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Pa., May, 1857, p. 10.)

8. Notes on the geology of the Mauvaises Terres of White river.—
(Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Pa., June, 1857, p. 8.)

9. Explanations of a second edition of a geological map of Nebraska
and Kansas, based upon information obtained during an expedition
to the Black Hills, under the command of Lieutenant G. K. Warren,
topographical engineers, United States army.—(Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.,
Pa., June, 1868, p. 22.) '

Dr. Leidy’s descriptions of the new vertebrata, collected from time
to time, are distributed through various numbers of the proceedings
of the Philadelphia Academy for the years 1856, 1857 and 1858.
The principal paper was published in March last, and bears the fol-
lowing title: ‘+ Notice of remains of extinct vertebrata from the valley
of the Niobrara river collected by Dr. F. V. Hayden, geologist to the
expedition, under the command of Lieutenant G. K. Warren, topo-
graphical engineers, United States army, by Joseph Leidy, M. D.”’
The details of the geology of the regions explored will be reserved
for your final report.

The following is the number of species comprised in the collection
from each department of natural history as far as they have been
studied, up to this time. The catalogue includes none of the insects
of which there are many species, nor the cryptogamic plants which
have not yet been identified.

Number of species of fossil vertebrata....... ....cccseseoveesesesoees 17
Number of species of fossil mollusca...........scccecccseseseesceseeees 251
PERE CS RO SSI «MME E. 5 lice a's app caraziqe oAnjsiens'0'd islepaia tsinoina's salto ienisisise 70
Number of minerals and geological specimens..............seeeeeee 423
Number of species of recent mammals...........scseseeceseeeseneees 47
Wumber of species of birds.............sc00 resscsccreccscveeseeccesenees 186
Number of species of recent Mollusca....ccccossseseceecececeeeeserees 65
Number of species of fishes..........cccccecscscssesscccsesnscee sone anes 24
Number of species of reptiles........cc.cscscscesecscssenseeccevecececen 28
Number of species of recent plants........-.cscscscsceeseseseseececees 1,500

Of the fossil mollusca named in this catalogue 186 species were new
to science, upwards of 50 of the vertebrata and all the fossil plants
are supposed to be new. A number of rare or entirely new species
were discovered in all departments of natural history. The specimens
are now deposited in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution, and
in behalf of the expedition I would return my grateful thanks to the

102

distinguished Secretary of that Institution for the numerous facilities
he has very kindly afforded for their investigation.
FF, V. HAYDEN,

Geologist and Naturalist.

Lieutenant G. K. Warren,
Topographical Engineers, U. S. A.

GEOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY.

In order to render this catalogue something more than a mere list
of species, I have attempted to present a summary of the geological
formations, as far as they are at present known, in Kansas and Ne-
braska. This will render more clear the geological relations of the
fossils from the Potsdam sandstone to the pliocene tertiary.

The rocks of Nebraska, as far as they are at present known, are
referrible to the following geological systems:

1. Metamorphosed azoic rocks, including coarse granite.

. Lower Silurian. (Potsdam sandstone.)

. Devonian.

. Carboniferous.

. Permian.

. Jurassic.

. Cretaceous, Upper, Middle and Lower Pee Wealden ?)
. Tertiary.

. Post Pliocene or Quaternary.

Passing over the granitic and azoic rocks, we find that the Potsdam
sandstone or the lowest member of the silurian period is quite well
developed in the Black Hills. It is there brought to the surface by
the upheaval of the igneous rocks and formsa narrow belt around the
most elevated portion of the Black Hills. This formation, though
well known and studied in many parts of the United States, had not
been discovered in the region of the Rocky mountains prior to Lieu-
tenant Warren’s exploration of the Black Hills, during the summer
of 1857. So far as is yet understood, this member of the geological
series has revealed the first indications of organic life on our planet.
The following species of fossils, belonging to what Barrande, the great
paleontologist of Bohemia, has called the ‘‘ Primordial Fauna,’’ have
been identified from the Potsdam sandstone of the Black Hills and
suitable illustrations prepared. Lingula antiqua, (Hall ;) a species of
Lingula very similar to ZL. prima, (Conrad,) occurs in vast numbers,
forming layers several inches in thickness; a species of Obolus, very
closely ‘allied to O. oppolinus, as figured by Muchison and De Verneuil
in their work on the geology of Russia, and fragments of a trilobite,
apparently identical with one of the forms figured by Dr. Owen from
the Potsdam sandstone of Minnesota.

Co CONT OS) OT 09 DO

103

The discovery of this formation in the far west is a matter of the
highest geological interest, and its existence in the Black Hills being
now well established, we may look for its discovery in many other
parts of the west, and it will undoubtedly be found holding a similar
position all along the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains.

No well marked fossils have yet been obtained from the supposed
devonian period in Kansas or Nebraska, and its existence there is,
with our present evidence, quite problematical.

A large collection of fossils was secured from the carboniferous
group, in the Black Hills, near the Laramie range of mountains, in
the southeastern portion of Nebraska, and in various parts of Kansas.
A large and fine collection of carboniferous and permian fossils were
collected by Mr. F. B. Meek and the writer, in Kansas, during the
past summer. These fossils are now being investigated at the Smith-
sonian Institution. I will therefore omit a catalogue of the car-
boniferous fossils until our results are more complete. The organic
remains from all the localities above mentioned, as well as from many
other parts of the west and southwest, have several species in common,
and the others are of the same types; so that the evidence seems to
be conclusive that these limestones are all of the same geological age,
and belong to the true coal measures.

One of the most interesting series of rocks in the west are best
developed in Kansas, but most probably exist near the Black Hills
also. These rocks were at first supposed to be the American repre-
sentatives of the permian group of HKurope; but much more study
will be required to give them their exact position in the geological
scale. A large collection of fossils from these rocks has been studied
with considerable care by Mr. Meek and the writer, and they seem to
warrant the conclusion that by far the greater portion of the strata of
the so-called permian in the west hold an intermediate position
between the carboniferous and the permian of the Old World. A
thorough and clear solution of this problem becomes, theretore, the
most interesting feature in American geology at the present time.*

The following species, most of which are of permian types, have
been described by Mr. Meek and the writer, and published in the
Transactions of the Albany Institute. The larger part of them were
obtained by Mr. Hawn and Dr. Cooper in Kansas, and the remainder
were collected by the writer in Nebraska, opposite the northern boun-
dary of the State of Missouri, and in the Black Hills, while attached
to Lieutenant Warren’s party :

. Monotis Hawni ; Meek and Hayden.

. Myalina (Mytilus) perattenuatus ; Meek and Hayden.
. Bakevellia parva ; Meek and Hayden.

. Hdmondia ? Calhouni ; Meek and Hayden.

. Pleurophorus ? occidentalis ; Meek and Hayden.

OU G1 DDH

* The upper portion of the so-called permian in Kansas seems to be destitute of true
carboniferous fossils, but contains an abundance of those belonging to permian types.
We are therefore of the opinion that the upper two or three hundred feet of these rocks
are probably on a parallel with the permian of Europe, and that the intermediate group
which we have mentioned fills up the hiatus between the carboniferous and permian of
the Old World.

104

6. Pleurophorus (Cardinia) subcuneata ; Meek and Hayden.
7. Lyonsia (Panopaea) concava ; Meek and Hayden.
8. Panopaea Coopert ; Meek and Hayden.
9. Nautilus eccentricus ; Meek and Hayden.
10. Leda (Nucula) subscitula ; Meek and Hayden.

A fine series of fossils, which we have supposed to be of jurassic
age, were obtained from the Black Hills during the summer of 1857.
None of the species, so far as examined, seem to be positively identical
with those found in the jura of Europe, but they all belong to the
same genera, andemany of the species are closely allied to forms
which are characteristic of that period in the Old World. In order
to render more clear our opinion that these fossils are jurassic, I will
repeat, in connexion with the names of each species, the evidence
derived from the study of the fossils, which has already been pub-
lished by Mr. Meek and myself, in March, 1858 :

1. Lingula brevirostris, Meek and Hayden.

2. Avicula (Monotis) tenuicostata, M. and H., a closely allied rep-
resentative of the liassic species Monotis substriata, Munster.

3. Mytilus pertenuis, M. and H

4, Arca (Cucullea) inornata, M.andH. Very similar to C. Munstert
(Leiten) from the Lias.

5. Panopaea (Myacites) subellipitca, M. and H. Very similar to the
liassic forms, M. liassensis and M. Alduininus of Quensted.

6. Ammonites cordiformis, M. and H., may be regarded as the
American representative of the European liassic species, 4. cordatus
of Sowerby.

7. Ammonites Henryi, M. and H.

8. Belemnites densus, M. and H. This species is so closely allied
to the oolitic B. eccentricus, Blainville, that we are in great doubt
whether it is really distinct. It is also allied to the B. panderianus
of d’Orbigny, from the lower oolite.

9. Pentacrinus asteriscus, M. and H., so closely resembles the P.
scalaris, Golfuss, that it was with considerable hesitation that it was
described as new.

From the above evidence we think we may safely consider the group
of rocks from which the fossils were collected as the American repre-
sentative of the jurassic rocks of the Old World. We have still in
the collection several undescribed species, which are all of jurassic
types.

There is, also, at the base of No. 1, in the Black Hills, a fresh water
deposit, which we are in doubt whether to place with the jurassic or
lower cretaceous. The fossils are a species of Unio, (U. nucalis, Meek
and Hayden,) and a small Planorbis.

Near the mouth of the Judith river, on. the Missouri, is a most
interesting series of strata, deposited in a basin-like depression in
cretaceous formation, No. 1. These beds are composed of sand,
sandstone, clays, and very impure lignite, with remains of fresh
water, land, and a few estuary shells : also, remains of saurians,
turtles, fishes, &c. The exact age of this deposit has not yet been
determined, the mollusca pointing to the conclusion that it- belongs

105

to the tertiary period, while the vertebrata are considered by Dr. Leidy
to belong to Wealden types and allied to those forms, discovered by
Dr. Mantell, in the Wealden strata of England. With evidence so
conflicting before us, it will be necessary to make a second exploration
of that region before we can come to any positive conclusion as to its
The following section, in descending order, will represent the

different beds with sufficient accuracy and detail for our present
_ purpose.

age.

Section of fresh water and estuary deposits near the mouth of Judith river.

A.

80 feet. | Yellow arenaceous marl passing downwards into gray grit, with small

seams of lignite; contains great numbers of Ostrea subtrigonalis?, Cyrena
occidentalis, Melania convexa, &c.

10 feet..| Impure lignite, containing much sand. Ostrea subtrigonalis? and silicified

wood.

80 feet_.| Alternations of sand and clay, with particles of lignite; also reddish

argillaceous concretions with a few saurian teeth, and fresh water
shells.

}
|
|
}
|
|

20 feet..| Alternate strata of sand and clay, with impure lignite and silicified wood

in a good state of preservation.

100 feet.. Variable bed, consisting of alternations of sand and clay with large con-

25 feet...

100 feet.

cretions containing great numbers of Melania, Paludina, Helix, Planorlis,
Cyclas, &c., associated with saurian remains resembling the Jguanodon:
and Megalosaurus, Trionyzx, &e.

Alternations of impure lignite and yellowish-brown clay, the latter con-
taining great numbers of Unio, Paludina, Melania, Cyclas, and the fresh
remains referred by Dr. Leidy to the genus Lepidotus.

Ferruginous sand and clay, having in upper part a seam three or four
inches in thickness, nearly made up of shells of Unio. Lower part
ferruginous and coarse gray grit, with a seam near the base entirely
composed of remains of Unio Danai, U. Dewyi, and U. subspatulata.

106

Table showing the stratigraphical position of the fossils from the “* Bad
Lands’’ of the Judith.

DART WNE

. Deinodon horridus, Leidy
. Crocodilus humilis, Leidy-----------

VERTEBRATA.

. Paleoscincus costatus, Leidy..-..----
. Trachodon mirabilis, Leidy

Troodon, formosus Leidy 4). sccse_0

Trionyx foveatus, Leidy.-.-..------

. Lepidotus occidentalis, Leidy.....----
. Lepidotus Haydeni, Leidy...---..--

MOLLUSCA.

. Cyrena occidentalis, Meek & Hayden.-
. Corbula subtrigonalis, Meek & Hayden
. Corbula perundata, Meek & Hayden -
. Physa subelongata, Meek and Hayden
. Paludina veula, Meek & Hayden
. Paludina Conradi, Meek & Hayden--
. Melania subtortuosa, Meek & Hayden-
. Melania omitta, Meek & Hayden
. Melania subleavis, Meek & Hayden--
. Melania invenusta, Meek & Hayden....-.---------
. Vitrina obliqua, Meek & Hayden-_---
. Helix occidentalis, Meek & Hayden...
. Helix vitrinoides, Meek & Hayden
. Planorbis tenuivolvis, Meek & Hayden
. Planorbis amplexus, Meek and Hayden
. Unio Danai, Meek & Hayden
. Unio Deweyanus, Meek and Hayden-
. Unio subspatulatus, Meek & Hayden. -

ewe ee eee ee eee

meen ew eee ew ee

BC.) Ds. 9}, ae es ee
ee ee aS ee ele wee
a] oe
www wel ww ee ewe a enw enw =
www lm ww ele we ae -——=-
meme (ee ew wl ww wl eee ae -<s<=<
o-=- aS -=e<s
Pad ete hate
Ct ed Cl ees %
ee Se Seed see ol eee *
Shae oe -| |----
=e el enw -——<<-= * -——<-
woenwewlewwe -<<-= * ere eee

107

The cretaceous group, which occupies so extensive an area on the

Upper Missouri, has been separated into five divisions, which present
well marked lithological differences and contain, for the most part,
distinct species of organic remains.

Vertical section of the cretaceous formations of Nebraska Territory, so

far as determined.

CRETACEOUS SYSTEM.

No.

No, 4.

3.

No.

No.

Gray and yellowish arenaceous clays, and
sandstones, sometimes weathering toa pink
color ; containing Belemnitella bulbosa, Nauti-
lus Dekayi, Ammonites placenta, A. lobatus, Sca-
phites Conradi, Baculites ovatus, and great num-
bers of other marine mollusca.

Bluish and dark gray plastic clays, con-
taining Nautilus. Dekayi, Ammonites placenta,
Baculites ovatus, and B. compressus, with nu-
merous other marine mollusca—remains of
Mosasauras.

3 containing much carbonaceous mat- |
x ter, with veins and seams selenite,
= sulphuret of iron, fish and scales, |
(local. )

|

|
S Lead gray calcareous marl, weath-
Oo A 3 A
2 ering above toa yellowish tint. Scales
= and other remains of fishes—Ostrea
= congesta—passing downwards into
se Lighi gray or yellowish limestone, |
Bc containing great numbers of Jnocera-
Ss mus problematicus, fish scales, and
on

Ostrea congesta.

Dark gray laminated clay scales and other
remains of fishes, small Ammonites, Jnoce-
ramus problematicus 2, Serpula, small oyster-
like O. congesta, &c , &e.

|
| Dark, very fine unctuous clay, |

Moreau trading post
and under the tertiary |
at Sage and Bearcr’ks.

Fox hills.

Great area about Ft.
Pierre and along, the |
Missouri below there. |
Under No. 5, at Sage |
and Bear cr’ks. Great |
Bend of the Missouri. |
Near Milk and Muscle
Shell rivers.

| Biuffs along the Mis-
souri, below the Great
Bend. Extends to Big
|Sioux river, and oc-
'curs along the latter
_ stream.

Along the Missouri
Bluffs, from ten miles
above James river to
Big Sioux river.

100 to 150 feet,

150 feet,

90 feet.

Wanting in

No, 1

Yellovish and reddish friable sandstone,
with alternations of dark and whitish clays, |
Seams and beds of impure lignite, fossil
wood, impressions of dicotyledonous leaves; |
Solen, Pectunculus, Cyprina, &e. Lower cre-
taceous.

Near the mouth of

Big Sioux river, and |
between there and

Council Bluffs. Near |
Judith river.?

|
|

90 to 100 feet, or
more

108

Formation No. 1 seems to constitute paleontologically an indepen-
dent division, none of its organic remains ranging in other formations
above or below. Nos. 2 and 3 seem to form one group, the Ostrea
congesta and Inoceramas problematicus passing from one to the other.
Divisions 4 and 5, which are the most fossilliferous formations on the
Upper Missouri, contain many species in common, especially of the
Cephalopoda, and therefore form a third group.

The cretaceous system, as developed on the Upper Missouri, there-
fore forms lithologically five well marked subdivisions, while paleon-
tologically it admits of separation into three independent groups.
The age and geological position of divisions 2, 3, 4, and 5, have been
sufficiently attested by the numerous species of organic remains which
have been published, from time to time, by my associate, Mr. Meek, and
myself. In regard to the age of No. 1 much doubt existed, until we
had an opportunity to examine a fine series of Dicotyledonous leaves,
which I had discovered in this formation near Blackbird Hill, on the
Missouri, while attached to Lieutenant Warren’s party, in the spring
of 1857. These leaves proved to us that the formation under consid-
eration could not be older than cretaceous, and this conclusion was
published by us in several of our later papers. Although the
evidence that it is of lower cretaceous age was perfectly satisfactory
to us, some writers have considered it triassic, while others have
regarded it as jurassic and even miocene tertiary. ‘In a late pub-
lication addressed to Mr. Meek and the writer, Professor Marcou
says: ‘‘ Allow me respectfully to suggest to you that I cannot see
anything of cretaceous in what you call No. 1 of your Nebraska
section. It appears to me that you put in your No. 1, or lower
cretaceous, all sorts of strata of different ages, except true cretaceous
rocks.’ That the rocks in question are not newer than cretaceous I
will endeavor to prove, both from stratigraphical and paleontological
evidence.

Evidence from stratigraphical position.

Near the old Otoe village, on the Platte river, about five miles
above its mouth, No. 1 rests directly upon limestone strata of the true
coal measures ; and at this point I found a species of Laurus, apparently
identical with a plant obtained near the mouth of the Big Sioux, and
at Blackbird Hill. Near De Soto, about twenty miles above Omaha
City, the carboniferous limestone ceases to appear, and No. 1 rests
with concordant stratification upon it. There is not the slightest dis-
turbance of the strata in this region, but they dip gently toward the
northwest. I traced No. 1 with great care to Blackbird Hill, about
sixty miles above De Soto, and found a few plants at different locali-
ties. At Blackbird Hill an extensive quarry had been opened to pro-
cure stone for building the large mission establishment at that place.
From this quarry I collected the fine series of dicotyledonous leaves,
before mentioned. I then directed my course toward the mouth of the
Big Sioux, about forty miles further up the Missouri, and examined
the country with great care. The red sandstone, No. 1, was the prin-
cipal rock in that region, but upon the summits of the bluffs, resting

109

upon the sandstone apparently, I often found layers of a yellowish
white rather soft limestone, fully charged with /noceramas problemati-
cus and fish remains. Near Sioux City, about two miles below the
mouth of Big Sioux river, is a vertical section of No. 1, rising about
thirty feet above the water’sedge. At the base of this vertical cut I col-
lected a number of leaves, similar to those observed at Blackbird Hill.
From the high bluffs, bordering upon the Missouri, the inhabitants of
this region obtain immense quantities of the calcareous rock of No. 3,
composed almost entirely of J. prodlematicus, and convert it into lime.
{mn the Big Sioux river, about six miles above its mouth, I took the
following section of the strata from a vertical cut with considerable
care. Yellow marl, a recent deposit.

No. 3. Shaly limestone, gradually passing into bed below, with an
abundance of noceramas problematicus, and fish remains.

No. 2. Dark plastic shaly clay, with ferruginous concretions.

No. 1. a—Yeliow friable sand.

b—Harthy lignite, 6 inches.
c—Variegated sandstones and clays, extending to water’s
edge, with Dicotyledonous leaves.

Section near the mouth of Lowa creek.

No. 3. Gray and yellow marl, with immense numbers of J. proble-
maticus, Ostrea congesta, and fish remains.

No. 2. Dark plastic clay with Ammonites resting concordantly upon
the bed below.

No. 1. Sandstone just above water edge.

At this last locality I found in No. 1 the plant which Prof. Heer
refers to, Laurus primigenia, and a shell which we have described as
Solen Dakotaensis. Here No. 1 passes from sight beneath the well
known cretaceous bed No. 2.

With regard to our No. 1 holding a position beneath well marked
cretaceous beds, I think I need not say anything further.

Paleontological evidence.

The fine series of fossil plants from No. 1, which I collected on the
Missouri, as well as those obtained by my friend, Mr. Meek, and my-
self, during our recent trip to Kansas, were placed in the hands of our
friend, Dr. J. S. Newberry, the well known authority in fossil botany,
and from him we received the following notes :*

‘¢They include so many highly organized plants, that were there
not among them several genera exclusively cretaceous, I should be
disposed to refer them to a more recent era.”’

‘A single glance is sufficient to satisfy any one they are not
triassic. Up to the present time no angiosperm dicotyledonous
plants have been found in rocks older than cretaceous, while of the
eighteen species which comprise your collection, sixteen are of this
character.”’

The species of your fossil plants are probably all new, though gen-

* Dr. Newberry’ s remarks will appear in the January number of Silliman’s Journal with
our joint paper.

110

erally closely allied to the cretaceous species of the Old World. |
From the limited study I have given them, I have referred them to
the following genera:

Sphencpteris, Pyrus,
Abietites, Alnus,

Acer, Salix,

Fagus, Magnolia,
Populus, Credneria,
Cornus, Httingshausinia,
Liriodendron.

‘‘Of these the last two are exclusively cretaceous and highly
characteristic of that formation in Europe.”’

From the evidence which we have given, we think we are war-
ranted in regarding our No. 1 as cretaceous, and probably of lower
cretaceous age. This matter will be discussed more fully hereafter.
The red sandstone at the mouth of Big Sioux is the type of our No. 1,
and its relations to the sandstone strata, near the Judith river, are
not positively determined.

Table showing the siratigraphical position of the eretaceous fossils hitherto
identified from Nebraska Territory.

Formations in ascending
order.

1. GENUS CALLIANASSA.
I. Cathanassa Danat, Halli& Meek 2p sccc nena ees ae eace safc) a: eee | ee

2. GEN. BELEMNITELLA,

2. Belemnitella mucronata, Schlotheim....-.......-.---..----- Soselene aap ge iy Tae
3. Belemnitella? hathaser, Meek & Hayden .-....--..--..----- eee eee eee ee
3. GEN. NAUTILUS.
4. «Nauilus De Kayt,, Mortonse 25-0 2. oa~ 2 nese seeeee ee [aiaiorei|o eapeaie = |
4. GEN. AMMONITES.
5: Ammonites placenta, WeKay= 2 aeeen ae esee sae a seas <ete Sees aoe % cee
6: Ammonitesilobatus,,Puomy: ooo lease eae eee aac c cee aee enol Sere eres so |
7., Ammonites opalus, ‘O WEN. a «2a —aecienineemseciesa = ein «.< s\nis|| sai) eee ee ee | eee
8. Ammonites complexus, Hall Gy) Weeks an esanas- <4 ---s0ss--5<e]oee|seeel eons vids aS
9. Ammonites percarinatus, Hall-& Meek .-.--.--------------- 2 LSE a RES ee
10. Ammonites Halli, Meck & Hayden.......-...---.--------- a sell eaecl 7 ail, a aise
5. GEN. TUNILITES.
11. Turrilites Nebrascensis, Meek & Hayden....-.-..----------- fet 525 ae ees eee
12. Purrilites Cheyennensis, Meek & Hayden.-.---------------- aS ee (ie ers ae
13. Turrilites umbilicatus, Meek & Hayden.....-----.---------- we 2 2) retell easyer fan pees
14. Turrilites (Helicoceras) cochleatus, Meek & Hayden......---..-- elit eel sers| =e l seee

111
TABLE—Continued.

Formations in ascending
order.

e240 | ee Ja [eee ool fe

6. GEN. ANCYLOCERAS,

Ibe Ancyloceras\? Nicolleti:,, Hall & Meek_.-.-----2----=2=-----|-2o- 26e5) hese) a Bee
16. Ancyloceras ? Mortoni, Hall & Meek..--.--------------5---|-.-- poole cool ellesee
17. Ancyloceras (Hamites) uncus, Meek & Hayden....-----------|---- ee Sa

7. GEN, PTYCHOCERAS.
18. Ptychoceras Mortont, Meek & Hayden......------.--------|---- eres Sercia| Fe | aete
8. GEN. HELICOCERAS.

19. Helicoceras tenuicostatus, Meek & Hayden..-...-------------|---- Bc Se ol tee al eee
20. Helicoceras ? tortus, Meek & Hayden..-...----------------|---- SSNS |S

9. GEN. BACULITES.

Pe JER ES GOMER SEN 7 OR AIRE Se Soe C RDO OCIDate | es aes Scie
eM CLETLLLES COT PATESSULS AYE ailment ls Boroecea bap et a3 ae
Zaaepocuwuerqrandis, Lally, Meeksos-5 <5 ssmscem ase scene lose swelled 22 a

10. GEN. SCAPHITES.

Daascupiuesiconrany,, Morten, Sp=----=----—2<<s6ose= + esse =|= aoe Bee ier is
25. Scaphites Mandenensis, Morton, Sp------------------------]---- ovale A. phe +
2 Sh INCRE TDS OOS ss ae ae eee SoS Seid Pe ee ENE - PSE **
Palle oilsts PRUETT AMONG NSE tS Ee ee ce ere ee tt ehayale tech Ge Wea.
Zee Sea Vi onnisy Neck SH ayGehe eee 201 seee ane ame clea <= aa SAeeele ar es. 2

“11. GEN. SCALARIA.
moe Sy ceréniformis: Meek & Hayden. ....22 0222 00s<cnebeien|a5- Lajaiieets|s let =
12. GEN. TURRITELLA.

Muah aaconterd. Meek Chay dela. «sce o-sscceseee oon oon eno = Seecleeeh Sloat
ole eeuorcauensis: Meek & Hayden=...=.-----s8eeneecoee esa - == Ea (see eee Palme

13. GEN. ACTEON.

meee Bonnin, “Malle: Meél: 2232. 2 2.2.2 saeseeen. cen. = [Lt .. |----|----| * %
3d, A. subellipticus, Meek & Hayden--_-.---------------------|---- [a---|eee-| * |----
34. A. (Solidula) attenuata, Meek & Hayden-------------------|---- 5-52 %

14, GEN. AVALANA.

Som Aw aihgiobasay: Meeks & Hayden .-. ==. )-2.2----.ce=- snensn|enia Peretti)
15, GEN. NATICA.

30. Ve luomyana, Meek & Haydenys..22 22-254. - <i aseaeeee oon a a

ile Ve OULC Riera. sel OMG Eee eet oe nisin oatmeal yin | Se ee alae ee
Midea IN. cocinna, Hall & Meek = 2 29/22... 2. acnmisiccama tee ela a ate) | eeer saeeieees| .F |Pe..
Dome ualudmarormts, call &, Meek 52... .aseece tana ememea lela (a Sots| A Sees i el eee

ume Nenamegua, Meck. & Hayden 2. oc ocncelne aa detenetoasies eels =< eee cccheeal &)

112
TABLE—Continued.

41.
42.

15. GEN. NaTICA—Continued.

Ns subenassa,, Meek. SiHayden\.-o-c--n 2 =-seee= eee
IN. ocewentals, Meeks) Hay Gene cecmsseiescen. oo oe= <= see

43. Ni. Moreauensis,, Meek (& Hayden=-s--seeseo=c6-4ee-s2 see

44,

45.
46.

47,
48.
49.

50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.

56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.

‘62.

63.
64.

65.
66.

67.

16. GEN. SOLARIUM.
S. flexuistriatum, Evans & Shumard---.--......--.----------
17. GEN. TURBO.

T. Nebrascensis, Meek & Hayden... <-c5-eses-eoc=s-see~=
T. tenuilineatus, Meek & Hayden --...-.--.-...---.----.--

18. GEN. ROSTELLARIA.

R. Nebrascensis, Evans and Shumard.......-...-..-------

Re fusporms: Hall Meck. cee cs= ces eee === See

ie ioiangulain,, Meek 6c ,Hayden sos =5 so = =e eee eee
19. GEN. FUSUS.

FE Shumards,, Hall & Meek, «sa. oe>-=455--—->-— eee eee
Bitenulinentus, HalllsniMeekso5 =. se sese-—s-—eeseeee eee =
i. Dakotaensis «Meek. cba Genser = sa sesae ees eee ae eee
F, Galpinianus, Meek & Hayden......--...----.-.---<.--
F contortus Meek MieHay Genin sen sao cesea sens ene ae
| Oulbertson Meeks Sptlay Gen) jen cms= se once oot See
He flecuocostaius,, Meeki& Hayden) oco--0----es eee eee re
EE Newbernt/i,eNieekacustiay Genet emtetslaie ae ama = eee
H, Vaughani, Meeki@ iHaydenyesases---2-sso~ eee nese oe
i sublurmius. Mieceksand JHaydenee= ees =e 2. eee eee
Kt antertextus, Meek. & Hayden pa< snes eee eee
F. (Pieurotoma) Scarboroughi, Meek & Hayden...-.---------

20. GEN. BUSYCON.
B. Baird, Meek &iWaydenj225- 4-3-5525 e eee eee ane
21. GEN. FASCIOLARIA.

Ff. ccndacen, . Meek, & Haydenveerceaonc-sscs-s-0 o> eee
I, buccinoides, (Meck Silay denen a= = — oes anise cu-- sens ean

22. GEN. BUCCINUM.

B. 2 vinewium,, Hall & Meckseees esac cance + ais ceceeeeee
B. constrictum, Hall &: Meckese ena. <5... 6 So Sete eee

23. NEW GEN. PsEUDOBUCCINUM, Meek & Hayden.

IP. Nebrascensis:, Meek ir HayGeniccnn o<maseseeee eee eee

Formations in ascending

order,

1 2 2) 4 5
ee ee are
oo. alee ae &
ee ee ae -—---—
Lc ll beetle In =
ae =o eee eee ve
i a Pe iiss se

&

|

| *

|
scab oye il viel CWE &
odie Onur ae 4

|

|

1

|

| |

|

ss
LER othe EES os S| te

113
TABLE—Continued.

5
24. GEN. caputus, Hall & Meek.
Os oomaentane. Hall Sy Meelis pelos. Seco os wesc eee |- soe 2 cee wipes
RamO en raguie Weck Gy HAVOeN asec oa sue oo ee oe eae alee nelamsc|ae 4 a
25. GEN. HWELCION.
musele coradie Mortons Spi. = 4-2 soe eens oon ae see ceeen ee se hace ssee Ry ak
freee, sexcucnins.. Meck) & Hayden... <o<i525-<-scecenosees|sece|seee]sca< ae Shes
un PeHeiormiss Necks Gy/HayGen) 2 oca<--02-- SSP ee Sess o fs c cock ope
Bose. arocotias Meek: Silay denis oo so s6 540 =.-. SIS Ss Eee aS 2 ee sere
(nana. sihowcess, Meck i, Hayden... ices s 2... s2s05 5 2588seaessefeas2)2eSe Lose
wen ro -canmats, Meck & Haydenj.=<2=.=....2.ecce. seus. 2h ccu ce BoE
26. GEN. DENTALIUM.
oe. Ee quania, Walk. & Meek «2.2-sxscscecnnsnseweww tlle Rea eo eet ee
bart page, Merk: GMAVEN) <6 3a5 seeew nae bewes a Jos 22 PSS CRESS naan
27. GEN. BULLA.
lose vowana, Meck &iHayden .-.--<-.-2-<2ssse0---n25e0 a
MusPeeminord MeChkIc HAVvOCNs 25. oscashsosedoocsonead ace a
BOUL broccicnaksMeckic Hayden) 25-2222. 22s6s—50-32Sa6 oe»
Sl. B. subcylindricus, Meek & Hayden......----------.s-2-% x ihe
28. GEN. XYLOPHAGA.
B22 A. eleyaniula; Meek & Hayden sssc-<cse4as-s20--2s5ce— ce satan
Meas A. eenpen, Meek & Hayden - 24.0200 cens<-seeteoleee oe
29. GEN. PHOLAS.
Stare. cunema, Merk: &iHayden:..54..-s2esse= cee see Nee 8
30. GEN. TEREDO.
85. 7, globosa, Meck & Hayden ~..-2-2--------n-0-00025- %
31. GEN. SOLEN.
BG. (5.2 Pakotaenns, Meak& Hayden... -.---ceeeennee--tas|** * [osot| {ee ./2. 2.
32. GEN. PHOLODOMYA.
87. P. degantula, Evans & Shumard .......-.--------------- ae
88. P. (Gonomya) Americana, Meek & Hayden.....----------- 8
CUStE. Wilda, oWeck, ch HaAyaenl seater so ae a cos ece soe teu OMe eee eee eee te
J0ReE. porosa, “Meeks &tHayden= == 2... -4- Soc ols scene acce Edn
i. P. subventricosus, Meek & Hayden <.2222.--220--s-0-525-|) f-veofloo_ ool Le
33, GEN. PANOPEA. .
er Goanenake. ‘Merk, S-Haydeny......eeseceecteqnneieie fe® (ess fo2.2|_5- lee

8H

Formations in ascending
order.

114
TABLE—Continued.

Formations in ascending ~
order. }

34. GEN. SOLEMYA.

93. S. subplicata, Meek & Hayden ......-----------0---===\-5|-522)-an=

35. GEN. MACTRA.

94, M. formosa, Meek & Hayden

95.) MC Warrenana, (Meck & Haydons. 0-.s00- 0c) on. tole em REA JES Ia

OG:\, UE valias eMeeksts Hay denuke ne seen eee ee me ern ete a el Gg 2+ |) 4
36. GEN. TELLINA.

O71 Be jeheyennensis,, Miceli a Hayden can se= soe Sse == nee SPO temic are ae =

98.) WT. equilaterahs, Meek & Hayden -- Wo. ceueees ae = eee eee
99. J. scitula, Meek & Hayden ~..--..-------u« =
100. 7. subelliptica, Meek & Hayden
LOL) Lo Prowi,, Meeki&s, Hayden <o2.2 5-022 -esennesss==s3eeaieeee
102. 7. subtortwosa, Meek & Hayden

37. GEN. CYTHEREA.
108.) (Ga Missowtana, Mortomsss.ceot2oseeese eee see cee-cse~ =| oo eel Se selaees fe
104 eChorbiculaia HallescMcckee ssa" ese ase ase anene= anes ee eee cA ERs esl As
105.0; tenure Halla Meeks ssa 2==eneee nero seen eae nee eee eae a

106; (C. Devan. Meeks cay deneeanaoseneee sass sane ae ase =e eee
107. Co Nebrascensis,) Meek (aihlay Gens. ——eees = cea o Sea eee |e eel eee ees
108. C. pellucida, Meek & Hayden.------- Vesa eee eee tee |e ae
109. C. Owenana, Meek & Hayden a

ee ee ee er

38. GEN. VENUS.

110. V.? circularis, Meek & Hayden

39. GEN, LEDA.

11. ee wentricasa, “Meck iyHaydenw.onecscd ces cee soa ceeere|Seeeleeer
112. LZ. Moreauensis, Meek & Hayden

40, NEW GEN. CORBULAMELLA, Meek & Hayden.

113: C..gregarta,, Meeki& (Hayden 2a. eee en en osc eee eee oe eee eee a
41. GEN, THRACIA.

114. 7.2 gracilis, Meek & Hayden

42. GEN. ASTARTE.

115. A. gregaria; Meek & Haydénteaen-~. ences cu ope eerie se Se leee -)aeee eee sath

43, GEN. CRASSATELLA.

116. C. Evansi, Hall & Meek

115
TABLE—Continued.

aT.
118.

£19.

120.
121.
122.
123.
124,

125.

126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.

135.
136.

137.
138.
139.
140.

141.
142.
143,

144,
145.
146.

44, GEN. LUCINA.

L. subundata, Hall & Meek
L. occidentalis, Meek & Hayden

45. GEN. HETTANGIA.

H. Americana, Meek & Hayden

we we we ee we wee eee eee

46. GEN. CYPRINA.

C. arenaria, Meek & Hayden
©. cordata, Meek & Hayden
C. compressa, Meek & Hayden
C. ovata, Meek & Hayden
C. subtumida, Meek & Hayden

wee ee ee ee ee eee eee eee eee ew
wee eee eee ee eee eee ee ee eee
wee ew ee ee ee wen ee eee ee ee eee

47. GEN. CARDIUM.

wee ee ew ew ee eee ee eee eee ee

C. Speciosum, Meek & Hayden
48, GEN. NUCULA.

N. subnasuta, Hall & Meek
NN. ventricosa, Hall & Meek
N. scitula, Meek & Hayden
N. Evansi, Meek & Hayden
N. equilateralis, Meek & Hayden
N. subplana, Meek & Hayden
N. cancellata, Meek & Hayden
N. planomarginata, Meek & Hayden
N, obsoletastriata, Meek & Hayden

. 49. GEN. PECTUNCULUS.

P. parvula, Meek & Hayden
P, subimbricatus, Meek & Hayden

50. GEN. CUCULLEA.

OC. Nebrascensis, Owen
C. cordata, Meek & Hayden
Co Siumardie Meeks & Hayden! 22 25.5262 5592 22 te ake]
C. exigua, Meek & Hayden

51. GEN. MYTILUS.

M. attenuatus, Meek & Hayden
M. Galpinianus, Evans & Shumard
M. subarcuatus, Meek & Hayden

52. GEN. AVICULA.

A. triangularis, Evans & Shumard
A, linguiformus, Evans & Shumard..... miso neiases decaatSe

wee eee Re meee

A, Haydeni, Hall & Meek

Formations in ascending

order.
2 3 4

116

TABLE—Continued.
Formations in ascendin g
order.
1} 2) 1) 23: eee
53. GEN. GERVILIA.
14%, \G. sublorivosa, Meekxs Hayden 2.2... 2b 2. = <5 -25-ae see eee ane de a oe
54, GEN. INOCERAMUS.
148. J; problemations, Schiiothein=. <--- ee socpeekee see once nse lee ot See
149, 0 Barabmni: Morton. 22 eh ac ene aoe eee ote ae eo ee ee Sees
150; Lo Sagenss, OWeles. coe e= nee. nee eee eee ene eee ema See eee ee ar ial
VOM Wi Nebrascensis| Owens eos octaach eoecee pene eaeee cece ce bee lene oeee |e |
U52 of. vebleowms, Hall & Meck i220 2 cee ee eee ee arene eel eee eee a oan |
Lb3:. J. convecus, Halle& Meek 22s. 22 s2e nen eee > eee oe eoe ee eee eeeelenee ae 5...
154. J, tenilinéatus, Hall '& Meek ioc. Saenees oc oe eee ane ese Geese abi Ss
T5562! Conradi Walls Meeks 2s. conse cee eae tease eee eee cal hae bcs | a
L5G. Wo fragies, sail & Meek 22.22 2 ee ceetee oo mele meee ee Fol aoe ol Seelee ae
15%. ol. ventricosus, Meekr® Hayden .----aese eee ee eee eee AF We Sd Soe eee ie Se
158: lipertenws: Meeting Hay Gene. amen 2 see ee ee eee eee eee Wo eoccl|leee | soem eee
159: i ancurvus, Meek &) Haydentec. 222 22228 28 Cee ee ee ee ee ee a eee
160: Zo cmbonatus, Meek i& Hayden’. = j-Vee ce aoe ee eee eee oes e| cere ee ee aes U2 ee
55. GEN. PECTEN.
16L, P.rigida’ Hall: & Meeks o2¢ 268 che oho sae ee ee ee ee | ee ee
1626 oP. Webrascensiz., Meck (& Haydenie oe acces ee ee = eee eee eee eee alee ee a es
56. GEN. OSTREA.
NGS: ‘Ostreaicongesta,! Conrad ee o- eeacnos alae ine oe cee eae slasel a-=<l, 6 al Seeeieeee
G4. (Ostrea Waroa, Mamank ncn a cc s= som ose ae acen een eeece leoeelee ec | See
165,. 'Ostrea potina, Meek & Hayden... 2-022 2h os cout ee See ee a) oe
166: (Ostreatglabra, Meeke& Hayden-—oo-on ase ccs e aces een eee a eee eae oe onee | 3 ee
57, GEN. CAPRINELLA.
167, Caprinella coralowes; Hall igiMeek |. ost 5..cn son. caseenee|eceel See eee.
58. GEN. LINGULA.
168. Lingula subspatulata, Hall & Meek -...........-.--------.|----|-.--|.2-- eT...
59. GEN. SERPULA.
169. Serpula? tenuicarinata, Meek & Hayden -.......----..-----|---- wa ces
60. GEN. HEMIASTER.
170. Hemiaster? Humphreysianus, Meek & Hayden ...- ~.--.-...-|.---|----|---- oles
61. VERTEBRATA. |
171, Mosagarius Missourtensis, Leidy scecen +----encepe oe de eels eel eeee eee sigh es

There are still in the collection several undescribed species of mollusca, also remains of
fishes from Nos. 2, 8, and 4.

117

The great lignite tertiary basin differs from the tertiary basin of
White river, by its numerous beds of lignite, more or less pure, and
by the extent and beauty of its fossil flora. Some of the beds of
lignite are seven feet in thickness, but they usually vary from two to
four feet. The collection of fossil plants from this deposit is very
fine, consisting of nearly fifty species, all of which are as yet un-
described, but are supposed to be new to science. Many of the
leaves strongly resemble those of existing forest trees, and seem to
belong to the genera Platanus, Acer, Ulmus, Alnus, Populus,
Betula, Shulex, &c. The mollusca consist of land and fresh water,
with a few estuary shells. These have all been described, and
drawings made. Five species of vertebrata have been discovered in
this deposit. The following species of organic remains have, up to
this time, been described from this basin.

VERTEBRATA.

. Thespesius occidentalis, Leidy.

. Ischyrothertum antiquum, Leidy.
. Mylognathus priscus, Leidy.

. Compsemys victus, Leidy.

. Emys obscurus, Leidy.

OU 09 DD

MOLLUSCA.

. Cyclas formosa, Meek and Hayden.

. Cyclas fragilis, Meek and Hayden.

. Cyclas subellipticus, Meek and Hayden.

. Cyrena moreauensis, Meek and Hayden.

. Cyrena intermedia, Meek and Hayden.

. Corbula mactriformis, Meek and Hayden.

. Unio priscus, Meek and Hayden.

13. Bulimus teres, Meek and Hayden.

14. Bulimus vermiculus, Meek and Hayden.
15. Bulimus limneaformis, Meek and Hayden.
16. Bulimus Nebrascensis, Meek and Hayden.
17. Pupa helicoides, Meek and Hayden.

18. Limnea tenuicosta, Meek and Hayden.

19. Physa longiuscula, Meek and Hayden.

20. Physa rhomboidea, Meek and Hayden.

21. Physa Nebrascensis, Meek and Hayden.
22. Planorbis subumbilicatus, Meek and Hayden.
23. Planorbis convolutus, Meek and Hayden.
24. Planorbis fragilis, Meek and Hayden.

25. Velletia (Ancylus) minuta, Meek and Hayden.
26. Paludina multi lineata, Meek and Hayden.
27. Paludina Leai, Meek and Hayden.

28. Paludina retusa, Meek and Hayden.

29. Paludina peculiaris, Meek and Hayden.
30. Paludina trochiformis, Meek and Hayden.
31. Paludina Leidyi, Meek and Hayden.

alll cell oon lll some
DOH Oo OeTS

118

32. Valvata parvula, Meek and Hayden.

33. Melania minutula, Meek and Hayden.

34. Melania Anthonyi, Meek and Hayden.

35. Melania multistriata, Meek and Hayden.
36. Melania Nebrascensis, Meek and Hayden.
37. Melania Warrenana, Meek and Hayden.
38. Melania tenui carinata, Meek and Hayden.
39. Cerithium Nebrascensis, Meek and Hayden.

The tertiary basin of White and Niobrara rivers forms one of the
most interesting and remarkable fresh water deposits on our continent.
It differs, both lithologically and paleontologically, from the two
basins previously alluded to. 1t contains no fossil plants, no lignite
beds, and not one of the numerous species of organic remains which
have been collected from it is identical or allied to species found in
other portions of the tertiary of the northwest. Two distinct faunas
are represented by the collections from this deposit. The fauna of the
miocene period from the region of White river, and the fauna of the
pliocene period from the Niobrara. The latter fauna has enabled Dr.
Leidy, the distinguished comparative anatomist, to arrive at some
important conclusions. He says:

‘¢The extinct fauna of the Niobrara is especially rich in remains of
ruminating and equine animals. Among the former are several pecu-
liar genera, of which two are closely allied to Oreodon and Leptauche-
nia, of the miocene deposit of the Mauvaises Terres; one is allied to
the musk-deer and another closely approaches the camel. Besides the
remains of a true species of Mquus, the collection contains those of two
species of Hipparion, and several peculiar genera of the equine family.
There are also remains of several species of canine and feline animals,
of a small species of beaver, and of a species of porcupine more nearly
allied to that of the old world than to our own recent one. The col-
lection further contains remains of a rhinoceros, resembling those of
India, those of a new species of mastodon, and those of a large
elephant. '

‘¢ One of the most remarkable circumstances in relation with this
extinct fauna is, that it is more nearly allied to the present recent one
of the old world than to that of our own continent. From a com-
parison of our recent fauna and flora with that of the eastern continent,
the deduction has been made, that the western continent is the older
of the two, geologically speaking, whereas, the Niobrara fauna would
indicate just the reverse relationship of age. A number of similar
instances show that totally different fauna and flora may be cotempo-
raneous, and do not necessarily indicate different period of existence.’’

119

Vertical section, showing the order of superposition of the different beds
of the Tertiary basin of White and Niobrara rivers.

| POST PLIOCENE.

|

PLIOCENE TERTIARY.

MIOCENE.

Bed D.

/ceous marl.

SUBDIVISIONS.

Yellow silicious marl, similar in its char-
acter to the loess of the Rhine, passing
down into variegated indurated clays and
brown and yellow fine grits; contains re-
mains of extinct quadrupeds, mingled with
those identical with recent ones; also a
few mollusca, mostly identical with recent
species so far as determined.

Ist. Dark gray or brown sand, loose,
incoherent, with remains of mastodon,
elephant, &c. 2d. Sand and gravel, inco-
herent. 83d. Yellowish white grit, with
many calcareous, arenaceous concretions.
4th. Grey sand with a greenish tinge;
contains the greater part of the organic
remains. 5th. Deep yellowish red arena-
6th. Yellowish gray grit,

/ sometimes quite calcareous, with numerous

layers of concretionary limestone from two
to six inches in thickness, containing fresh
water and land-shells, Succinea, Limnea,
Paludina, Helix, &c., closely allied and
perhaps identical with living species ; also
much wood of coniferous character.

Usually a coarse grained sandstone,
sometimes heavy bedded and compact ;
sometimes loose and incoherent; varies
much in different localities. Forms im-

| mense masses of conglomerate ; also con-

tains layers of tabular limestone with in-
distinct organic remains; very few mam-
malian remains detected, and those in a
fragmentary condition. Passes gradually
into the bed below.

A dull reddish brown indurated grit,

| with many layers of silico-calcareous con-
| cretions, sometimes forming a heavy-bed-

ded fine-grained sandstone ; contains com-
paratively few organic remains,

LOCALITIES.

Most fully developed along
the Missouri river, from the
mouth of the Niobrara to St.
Joseph ; also in the Platte
valley and on the Loup Fork.

Covers a very large area on
Loup Fork, from the mouth
of North Branch to source of
Loup Fork ; also in the Platte
valley. Most fully developed
on the Niobrara river, ex-
tending from the mouth of
Turtle river three hundred
miles up the Niobrara. Also
on Bijoux Hills and Medicine
Hills. Thinly represented in
the valley of White river.

Most fully developed along
the upper portion of Niobrara
river and in the region around
Fort Laramie. Seen also on
White river and on Grind-
stone Hills.

Niobrara and Platte rivers ;
well developed in the region
of Fort Laramie ; also in the
valley of White river. Con-
spicnous, and composing the
main part of the dividing
ridge between White and
Niobrara rivers.

Estimated
thickness.

|

300 to 500 feet.

300 to 400 feet.

180 to 200 feet,

350 to 400 feet.

120

VERTICAL SECTION—Continued.

Bed C.

Bed B.

MIOCENE.
Turtle and Oreodon

|

Titanotherium Bed A.

CRETACEOUS. |
Nos. 4 and 5.

SUBDIVISIONS.

Very fine yellow calcareous sand, not
differing very materially from Bed D, with
numerous layers of concretions and rarely
organic remains, passing down into a va-
riegated bed, consisting of alternate layers
of dark brown clay and light grey calca-
reous grit, forming bands, of which I
counted twenty-seven at one locality, vary-
ing from one inch to two feet in thickness.

A deep flesh colored argillo-calcareous
indurated grit; the outside, when weath-
ered, has the appearance of a plastic clay.
Passes down into a gray clay, with layers
of sandstone ; underlaid by a flesh colored
argillo-calcareous stratum, containing a
profusion of mammalian and chelonian
remains. Turtle and Oreodon Bed.

Light gray fine sand, with more or less
caleareous matter, passing down into an
ash-colored plastic clay, with large quanti-
ties of quartz grains disseminated through
it, sometimes forming aggregated masses
like quartzose sandstone cemented with
plastic clay ; then an ash-colored clay with
a greenish tinge, underlaid at base by a
light gray and ferruginous silicious sand
and gravel, with pinkish bands. Immense
quantities of silex in the form of seams all
through the beds. ‘Titanotherium Bed.

Cretaceous beds 5 and 4, with their
usual lithological characters and fossils.

|

LOCALITIES.

White river, Bear creek,
Ash Grove spring, head of
Shyenne river. Most con-
spicuous near White river.

Old Woman's creek, a fork
of Shyenne river ; also on the
head of the South Fork of the
Shyenne ; most conspicuous
on Sage and Bear creeks, and
at Ash Grove spring. Well
developed in numerous local-
ities in the valley of White
river.

Old Woman’s creek ; also
in many localities along the
valley of the South Fork of
Shyenne. Best development
on Sage and Bear creeks.
Seen at several localities in
the valley of White river.

Exposed underneath the
tertiary beds on the South
Fork of Shyenne and its
southern branches, also in
White river valley near its
source.

Estimated
thickness.

50 to 80 feet.

80 to 100 feet.

80 to 100 feet.

121

Catalogue of all the fossils hitherto described, from the tertiary forma-
tions of White and Niobrara rivers, with a table showing their strati-

graphical position.
Beds in ascending order.
ACNE Den Cen) Deni Bis | EF
RUMINANTIA.
PMOeORONNOnGMlts: LID YL = jae cn ace ae oct a taco eee es ae less- a se ae ee =
BE CEM ORIGENSON2; WUCIOY, 2 accccs +o ceccese coc osiccse|ance a odes | eee
EEEUGSUOINaror WLeld Vint saseaiaccen ssc sccccascth a seclecue S ladbel besa aes eae
4. Agriocherus major, Leidy ..---- Pesotseceasesetwescslo eon 2 heel |e tll ee Dp
EA OTIOCNENUa Angus, DOIGYs anos ajniaiceowicacecaeesses|~ sen Se Ee | tase eM eee
Seen croroulertine Whitson, MUeIdy o-oo Gas os once cee e cscs fo acs all ere Sa eee | ees
PPE OMEry GEEVONS UCN Y ss 2c moss eccusaaascs cosas |e a2 all Seal (let | ees) eee
ie mevtnucnenmidecond, Deity 2c. cle SS lsc SSS ols Sts: Sees) lane ome
2 LEG ELEO TEE TOT US Cy ae Oe Secor) nee lar nile etl See eee
MERE ROoiertyeetiains Leidy soset Seat lee e So Sk eS SSL LE ee ae a Se eel ise nee
eben Merycomtemecdius Mcidiys 224 SSeS t lS State Se este e E eee |aa oe eee = ae
ibaa Megalamerype mobnanensis) beidy <s2ti cools -25t 22 fl Sle Ssl. See Sleceslesoe =ee
Rae Merychockeenis Proprius, Weld yaan > + --o- pesos sce se -~s| os - AS EGéol ate tees-| (Sear
14. Procamelus occidentalis, Leidy-..------ EL chatanecamasdllatoe epee eile ae ee
Pate ke ROCUMONS ROUUSLNE™ DIGIC Y «45 acne acnccaeesnsesccees| aes RE ee iors eee
GEL FOOUIBEL ES OTUCHIS* CIC: 24 Stains cncc ewe wcccce socelcles| Se 5< ae es al eye [Nees
et Menvenurs cegans eid) s24 a. boo a cceceesceeose cecal sees Roa Seed ae Bee a
ERPE Menychunannedt Us WClOyp ree sala cnacaeencee aula ses seen peice Dosa lieeclase= hosel oe
EG w Mervengusi jon LEIhy sad sas cease cesses aaaceee| sees Be Males (OSes seen
An CERNUSEE RECT? W LCIAYp sas 282 Soest ese sew see |b eac|S aes Soe. [es s< sera 1
MULTUNGULA.
21. Cheropotamus (Hyopotamus) americanus, Leidy ----------- fl Soe Reese) ee poe lores =
Deni oonPprionn UC an2 sammie ae Sania soe als eae meeel| '! Neorme|Sece
EME ACLOMOMENGENS CICY) (= cad an ascieiniae Sees tee sccelisnes Bec) te Wsceel boos
ae MiMMoNeriin Era, Ged ys ven ono elekiceecisaiJe sa sicce2 eee aoe ees 2 Soe Is
DPR UCOCLUCITES DTOUUS) WCIOY = a ols a=) acini cemie siecle ee ans sede) Y lleSeel|Seae
ieee lie DroCh eTU SIS ECLAUISy UCICY salam a= ae nos ee aini nani as |= 5 <i Soi lesa Sone
Omen OER OS) OCCIACNIOlIs) LCIOYg oe ao watts eel em cia ma emiaeicin|=550 : NEA |B
29. Rhinoceros (Hyracodon) nebrascensis, Leidy --------------|---- : Ee
MPR INOEY 08, CLUREUR: CIO Vraats a salc mars Hak oak eciaams wee ois eee Sere ae aes steal oe
31. Mastodon (Tetralophodon) merificus, Leidy .--.-----------|---- pose|poaeleeee Se
32. Elephas (Huelephas) imperator, Leidy.......------------|---- AAS oe eae ee
SOLIDUNGULA.
33. Hipparion, S. Hippotherium occidentale, Leidy --.---.-----|---- Fs ie) ieee es) hh
34. Hipparion, S. Hippotherium speciosum, Leidy..-.---------|---- Jpcollosep| Ger Leet oe
Si. PNM. Te G, Oe OE EOD On CeCe ore r eo oad) a ileoec eee ||ecoo cose
36. Anchitherium (Hypohippus) affinis, Leidy......----------|---- ee mea | es
37. Anchitherium (Parahippus) cognatus, Leidy --------------|---- secd) seo!) 89 flee oellacoc
eee LCR CHUTUS CSI TS UCL, Sasa ais 2 ais a = ae a acim 3| alee Seeeylcose|looas Bacal a be
Bile Bien g DEM CURLED) UN Be pee SSE Ee Eee) ene sakn|eack|eeee ae ol (aad
BOS BO UeLICleUs MMOL, te nee a naa aan eS aiwis's ais was [face eaealee ae eae ee
41 Equus (Protoluppus)) perditus, Leidy..- 2%. - --~ «-=<- 0600) s025|--—0)2<=5|=—-5 Sees, ©
RODENTIA.
Ara Stencofihen nevrasceyisisy DOIG. «= eae acensse cose smacecs|aaaralesas Re eee
Some ischynomys-typus, LAY <0 adanwacs snc caace detacan co ltsoslaass ee deo sclecee

A4,
45.
46.
47.

Ag.
49.
50.
yikes
52.
53.
54,
55.
56;
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.

62.
63.

64,
65.
66.
67.
68.

69.

122
CATALOGUE—Continued.

Beds in ascending order.

RODENTIA—Continued.

Bumysielegans. Leidy 2 eos ea oben eeeme sees couse | eRe
Hystrix (Hystricops) venustus, Leidy
Castor (Hucastor) tortus, Leidy

CARNIVORA.

Hycenodon horridus, Leidy
Hycenodon cruentus, Leidy
Hycenodon crucians, Leidy
Ampiiicyon Vetus Mueldy) = oo oa=- eee eee eas See See
Amphicyon gracilis, Leidy
Leptarctus primus, Leidy
Denies féling* MGV Aen = ho sees ce nee See eae Selene
Machatrodusiprimeevus, Weldyjoe =o mana mate eee ose eee
Felis (Pseudeelurus) intrepidus, Leidy
A lurodon ferox, Leidy
Canis soos Leidy).ck2. ice cccce canes cee aeeeeae eee Sees
Cannemenaris: oeldyen aaa eae eee Saetdesse
Canis-vafer? Weidly 222i oe eee cose co onscememseeee | Seee
Canis (Epicyon) Haydeni, Leidy

ee eee es

CHELONIA.

Lestudo nebrascensia: Welly, ote a): = se a eee eee eee | ee
Testudo (Stylemys) niobrahensis, Leidy ------------------|----

MOLLUSCA.

Hehe whem all and (Meek Sen. sccm nena e esse naa s| Sane
Planorbis nebrascensis, Evans and Shumard
Lymnea diaphana, Evans and Shumard......---------.|.---
Lymnea nebrascensis, Evans and Shumard
Physa secalina, Evans and Shumard

CRUSTACEA.

Cypris Leidyi, Evans and Shumard -..... Seer

eo

CONAN RwWNHe

42
43
44
45

46

47

1238

MINERALS AND GEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS.

I, IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS,

GaeIRs ORTOP NOUS eee ceplineeniacieess) sa- ae slen ces
WES IEP OSES SOBRE S Seco CoC SEE ESR One Boe RIeSOr
MICH. MOLE) MICACCOUS) « .- <qee,c-ccs0 sacaccs< cece
GOANITANCOATRO! .<ccctesnsancsasceseaa sews casos
Mica slate, with silvery mica ...---.--..--..----
Granite, pulverulent-.--. -.-. 0 ----- .200 52-6 one
Felspar, flesh-colored from No. 6 ...---.---.----
Granite, fine grained, micaceous ..----..---.....
eet EA 9 te Slee ieieiens eee masons os = =a
Olaarizy Willer sees seceaceesscsiccesecice ss cess
Bi ornlendG! alate nes aalcan een c20s cesces cee
COT ET EG Tel 2a = ee eee ree
ee ia inn dio elncosiess saesiad
Hornblende rock in granite -.....---.-.-.------
Reditolspar trom [amos scons ccascnasceeecese
Crystalline quartz from 14: -.2.-5-5....<22,.ce<2-
Flesh-colored felspar from 14.......---.--..----
Mica slate; with gamets <.=2:---.---...-..--<--
Mica slate, with garnets ...-- ---. ---. --.-.0-----
Mic COntainin hiro ss atena tics.) sacs scoe ss
Flesh-colored felspar in large crystals -.....----.
a teer Mate cas gtd sao anda see ces scccee mone

RG EANICOMCOATRA: OVEGINO: 2o\- sic ccesee coccce sons
Felspathie granite, pink -.-2-2- ..ccenss-- secces
ONAN ZRUEUUSNIN OO Mee ayicmn 314 Sana'a cosalam en esas
_ Hornblende rock, masses in granite -..........--
Gramiie wine onaMeder sa secie snes is-sjncae~ a
Homplendeproch at scieennccmse osescs o-oo scutes
Homblendievoranitejscosiss--is<Boes ose ccs concn s
Hornblende, with crystals of felspar ....-...----
Mica slates hotmblendi¢).2. = ssse<5 a<cc5- cose coon
i Mica plate, hornblendic...=- =. bo1-.-ce<sissosieooe
Mica slate, with large plates of mica ..--...----.
Grantte; white felspathie ..-.. .--..--<- 4-2-5.
BOuartiz: Veins) iN cost steric. cocccs cameivecise>
| Silicious limestone, silurian or devonian ..-.. ----
eer eces deneace==a @Nacacber highly crystalline .
| COORIRE EE (lipase popooc GOmedentesnees OR sa cteaee
WESvenite, Pink, UNDEM—EBOs-—2. 3 sacs cocees cooe cee.

Metamorphic silicious limestone .-.--.......----
leccsisase (ececeeDOT dQueasas PULpIshie se aca c ee
Orrantzalnperanitesses. soc cccietcel sarcccsccs cos 5
| Metamorphic limestone, gray...---.--..---..-.-
POO ale te ne oe en n=
PPAMONES, CYAN. peciias .ada0,--2osaicneioe aes

eee = OO Waa ne ehaaisets 2 ccisjccarecec <ncned ociee cccc

(eae x eee G0 s5- LL SR eee Pe
agg s00's peaiauas Geese similar to 48.........---

Felspathic granite, flesh-colored ...-.. ..---.----
Mica slate, with garnets.<- 2... somec~ an esocce
eee dop-.a.-VOry fine gramedess <cscwcoue.cencsacs
| AlCORG) Slate; Gankigen cer oe cc oe oo conicisn cane
econ dO) -5-5 OTe: Sa a es Se SEE Be

HaraMmiepeakene.saaaen noon sees
4 miles north of Fort Laramie ....
Raw Hide buttiowssscescesecs «ccs

boa ae sas dss as sos 8es vacses bese

124

Minerals and geological specimens—Continued.

Coarse, granular limestone, with crincidal columns

Hormblendeislate:- 85. nc ccm assnc dain tens nee Black hills ...... SaSSRen a eRe

Belepathioveranite, piukiynessaoss coc ecemiceees)| saoeieeae dO cc'senaen poets eeitee

Plates ‘of micafromis9 ......<-<.)---c.eeeeee- cael eeceeeae G0nS oon eeete ari ceisiioetenen

‘i 'Quantzivemn in chlomte slate .. joc) asmm clones acesileaecteoee dO son skisneten acme a cee =

Chiorite slates ose. csastecacedsisesn|seene see dO. saesht Lee eRaEe S285
PTACHYVOns es echoes cee eks added comers corseeloeeectte Oia beta were enes See aie

Quartz veins in 63 ce cct cebceeseretecccdesdsa|ceteneee GOR SSeS FSS eae
oo53 5055 dO «sid ces eccecesseos sccecelnssccoccen}eeescess COvenh oe oooe we eee pees

Chionite slaite!% S- Hesetee ew as bases toursace Raw Hide butte, west side .......

Hornblende rock, underlying tertiary series . ....|.------- doweee2a 2s do.suegerek 8.

Schorl in quartz from clay slate .----.....-..... Black hills .ioe522 sees on case
Boot QSa0 GO voceeee ese dO wece es tssstesd ss aece|| PSs edo Reese ek ean eeeaee see

AU LILO so ccce! = cece ccsee ese pone aton essa aes eeeee dO" > wine Stk sees. Soak

Quartz;(with felsparss << 222 csi set tote oe seeelenice Laramie hills. . 2222 saeeeeeoeces

Porphyritic trap, columnar. ----...-...---+. <<. Stone butte, Black hills ..........
utero dO sseyslsedO .c.c tech eesceissocsstescsea|stee ces dO-ce se ee TOUS Ee eee eeeee
aeeeteeee OO sos oe O!s cat 2 2d eccaiccteselsdca dace [eos seces dOteus mete Oboe eoemeaaes
Trachyterss2assyeeelss wit dest esses tees ee do ss aees S deve sie cee

Vesicular traps. .-2)22tcw cee oossceduad diodes eka eee = i ae doseeee see seme

Prachyte: 222-2262 si. cede csc. soverssdseaddesoahseeasee dot sSsk Fe dO see ene -saee

Silicious limestone)- ccc. oceace case seseededee Raw Hide butte!.--.--.225-. Jo5

Porphyritiotrachytev.= <2 222-3 sss seceasacaee Stone butte, Black hills..-...... .

Compact trachyte, with scales of mica .......... Bear peak, Black hills ........--.
asa4o5a0 OO sane 2 dO. wee basiccccd dessa somses|tenieeeedOtes een eee pene eee

Gray Dacaliie trap, -- 2. <<< 225 conto cdcertsoeee| veep eee dGeeersaae dO ee seer snoees

Porphyritic trachyte .<s2 cscs sc coSelecoceeicese||seee eee doves d6usos8 Es
ete dO: wecsncoss aheoss eescomadocs. (saccsMtec acest Oc ec eee. soto eae oes

Quartzitessccccds “oe DeteMbbives scecodccseesases|ssoeeeee doie2 Aes do Musee Le

Gray trachyte = sss20: seecep in ssos souwesaase (ees tod HG Son eee dOreseeden = aee

Metamorphic sandstone...--..---.. decide scoesueste ees do. te. He28 02st er ee eae .

II, SEDIMENTARY ROCKS.
Silurian and devonian.

Potsdam sandstone, red, with Lingula antiqua. ....|-------- doseceeeee dOW- tees ari
see GOs sse\o5-5,- STAY, LNe, With’ Obolus= 52 \cc52|sasclso os UQeos sane = Onna seeemie
Sect ecee do......... porous; with Drilobites'<5<=<s|/.--2.-.d022-- 2. G0eecserieneuee

Metamorphic, conglomerate over granite......... Laramie hills 2. Jee 52 See Ge tee
Betioteoe's do<.\> with cherty pebblest--c.*ss-c-+ ---- se 2-0 32 00-p ee ae een pee een eno ae
ote dO scceies seed ceseis ue Fe cee eintes coc's | Seoetete lO seentocc canine eetaeee

Argillaceous limestone, devonian.......----..-..|---.---- OO selettew'oc Lobe itelctoanee

Metamorphic: conglomerate .-2 6.62260 toc 3 sc sce0|once eens dossaws sce e aelde eee eee :

Carboniferous.

Limestone, with spirifer.--.-. .. 2-2. sscces seccse Black hills occupa toeeemeues cate

Blue cherty limestone, with Spirigera subtilita .....|---.---- dO soc cen eb coeeseaeeh soe
Soeees dOs.s222d0s252~ WItHICOPAB cs555c2cne co ccteete eset Osta ettone ose einen
sob mec do------d0.... - with Spirifer lineatus: ..-20-| cee woe UO pence es cewece secues ons

Rhynconela mormont acu~ woelesincee cece oes cate om seesiom oe GO Seed ay teeter lote eet entero
Jaeeae do=.----do-.... with Cyathophyllum 222 c2<.|ssa0 sone C0 ssenieeatseln sae eenidaee els
aoe do.--=-.'do-<.. - With Aaphrentts 2222. .- cece oom ce nOscccee fae emle senieme =e
aie do..---.d0--.. - with Syrmpapord..cc< 2505 | secs woes IO seceue eee c-eleeeeen one
SO bSor dO seeecedOssls =< Porites! sete vais as oss. | Boa seer dO eee es ee eee eet

Yellowish do. over 98, with Spirifer rockymontana ..| 2-4 ----dO0..000. eeeens ------ ono
5 Oboe do..---.do.... Spirifers cameratus and lineatus | 222 22--WO0 sence -n-- eencee nnee-s

Cherty nodules‘in: 98 ..-s-sesdesesceses co56s255)eeueeee COR Ses sf beceseieeedte came

Arogonite'in 9B" s ccc koe cow ecos Meemes Sbesss sodess | eee ees 0 sbae- 6 cccedeeumweeactee

125

Minerals and geological specimens—Continued.

Blue, compact, limestone, Productus and Terebratula
CHOOT aoe 5350 be = Re one poe poe CoMICoES

Seco cece do......---.do...... with Spirifer lineatus
Yellowish cherty limestone, with Productus ...---.
White limestone, with Spirifer rockymontana...----
Terebratula subtilita from 110 -.......-.--------
PONOPUE Vacs won acinacidecae= Jeni -+ sa 00== css===
BAO OSTOT oo 559 PSO OGE SOOO [6 GOSeer Gobo spESoosc
PERRI OTT Ne CA a 0, SOE E HCHO OC MOOEC EDO GEO DEIIOL
UU EGCAEN US a une ole aals as = coselsces woeisice
LET OURMIINE SUURLUE ena aeaiala = talSainat cas cle oels! ais
SPURS DUO ba wiaicivat Nc isiaineines 4 se'cia\elsisssccces aos s
OUONEES) Sais ae seu seen aces Seeoe eh seee se. kt
OClGrHee woe ae see ence riccwclseccce ecesee cscs

Permo-carboniferous and permian,

Arenaceous limestone, foliated with bakevellia .....
Red sandstone, soft, very fine grain, under 125....
Pink sandstones Overweb ea... .a<s~ tceccesenc ae.
Limestone, (125,) with Orthoceratite ...--..-...---
BS Rane do......-with Bellerophon .......--------
auemeess d0saaco= swith Pleurctomunigves = sete oe oe
Sante cos do...... .with UUM ote = oes eee eS StRte ee
Cae dOesaiosvawitheAllorigma...csssseefeuse
Yellow magnesian limestone, with Wautilus, Monotis,
Bakevriui: Mynund ee aca stscipestte. fase ke bees
acotos do...----- compact, with Mytilus ........
Magnesian limestone, with Monotis .......---.....
tees dees ace cso a With, Aticulatvee Dace Sole eae
Chertz rock, gray, with Avicula and Myalina.....-.
----do.... -(Burch stone,) with crinoidal columns.
Sacarhoid gypsum, over 133..-....------......-
Mongiasicone lO) ores oc1ccck& \ssassceiwcic Soclcws ose
Blue limestone, porous, with fenestella .-........
Cellularicalcareous)rock ..<2-. <s2-c 5.0. 225s
saseosa dp-so- 4 d0-=-. More,compact) sso .5s-
Boe ssais do...-... do-... with spherical cavities . .
ae do..---.- do....more argillaceous ....-.-.

Jurassic.

Arenaceous limestone, light brown, with Avicula
ACUCOSUILC oie tae a he aaa is miata fee Male anaes aaa
Seejafacise do......--bluish, over 146, with Avicula ..
Ferruginous limestone, with Cypricardia...--...-. |
want dates A0eaeaoee ered. witht ‘Avicula sen. 3. Seeks
Yellow arenaceous limestone, with Serpula ...---.
Limestone bored, with lithophagous mollusks. ..-.
Red marl, overlying 141, containing snowy gypsum |
Sno; yey pau (rome? jn dweia2wacse cools sk |
Crystalline gypsum from seams in 152 ...........
Fibrous gypsum ....do..--... OGiedes~-so- 52-2555
Blue compact limestone, (fresh water,) in 158, con- |
taining Unio nucalis and Planorbis......----.-----
Arenaceous limestone, same as 150, containing pen-
tacrinus, with serpula and ostrea attached to
PIUTACOR nies aa) toe eles eae sora Se fee ge uS.
Yellowish argillo-arenaceous limestone, with os-
irea,; Upper JUIAsRiG = son0)+s 1s oso eee Soa nace

Gray shell limestone, containing Ammonites, Bele- |

Warm spring near Fort Laramie--
Near Fort Laramie..............

Near Tecama, Nebraska .........
Bellevue, Nebraska .........--..

Smoky Hilltforksse5-.).2-o. ese
Banks of Mo., south line of Neb.-
Big Cottonwood. ..-........-----
12 miles west Big Blue .-.-......
Black; hills. wcicceheecects ssoccce

sees cece

sees cece

1593] mutes, Sc., interstratified with 158 . ...... ...... [esenience do

serene cow ees cee e es eewe

etme et om mens cee ene ween

126

Minerals and geological specimens—Continued.

160
161
162

Snowy gypsum, with no stains, equivalent of 153--
Gypsum, with crystals of selenite
SNOMVIPY PANN eects ces Soe lecicce eee niscione

CRETACEOUS.
Formation No. 1.

Conglomerate and sandstone, with Unios.....-----
Conglomerate
Haeoee do...---. fine, with Melanias and Cyclas
Gray arenaceous limestone, with Melania and helix -
Conglomerate, same as 165
Arenaceous limestone, (166,) with leaves of cred-
neria, melanias, &c
Indurated ferruginous clay, with melanias
Ferruginous sand, with wnio danai
Indurated clay, with Melanias and scales of Lepido-
tus above L6Gu. 422>-ecneeceencs ese Rete eeees
Shell limestone containing Welanias......-.-.----
Impure sandy lignite (stratum D of section)
Shell limestone, samejas172:- 2... ce eeeeeeeeee
Cream colored shale, burnt from over lignite beds.
Compact argillaceous limegtone, with Cytherea oweni
(marine,) beneath fresh water beds
Ferruginous sandstone, with Zéllina subtortuesa...--
Rough, gray, limestone, with Ostrea glabra. ...-----
Ferruginous sandstone, with Jnoceramus peetenuis,
Upper marine ustrata foes ec eiertenee on tee
ignite, over L7 9 ses Sacer stee case oeee
Carbonaceous sand from decomposition of lignite
bed over 179
Impure shaly lignite, with selenite. .....--...-.--.
Limestone, with Cypris, lower part of formation
INOS EAC reGed. saasHeindsens 646655 shod ese
Silicified wood, ferruginous -.-...---..----. srs
epee see Op pe -eCOnIULOUSea rence cee mmericTee
Bone of saurian
Seeneae Os n= == SOR Cetacian: taser Ree sees ae
Dense ferruginous sandstone
Quartzose sandstone, bluish
Conglomerate from junction of cretcaeous and
carboniferous rocks
Coarse ferruginous sandstone, with pebbles, over
199 ook acer ee ee ee eee eens bless detia's
Dark ferruginous sandstone over 192
Saacdesoac do....---. containing much iron. .....-
WSsodaco0" dO. seer = 0 Ope eeee eo
Flexrruginous sandstone peeen eee eee aeete amine sine
peeee meee do......--.. fine grained
Dark, coarse, sandstone, very ferruginous..----.
Red, ferruginous sandstone, with many species of
dicotyledonous|leaves> ----teeelereeiee~ == sein-e =
sccemnne dos. -sess- 00
Light gray quartzose sandstone, with balls of sul-
phate of iron/over 199)... So eepeeeee ence ne -
gesieesun do....--.-With dicotyledonous leaves. ....
Whitish puverulent sandstone over 199
SOTA do....----fine grained under 199........
Indurated clay, bluish

es teow eee ween es mew eee

ee

eon eee wwe ewes eee ees ew ee eee ees woos

} lessensse do....- YEUOW cece sale eee seni sewitinte

\

Big Horn river. ..<-.-

Near sources of Yellowstone .....

Bad lands of Judith ........ ete

Rocky Mountain creek...--..--..
Near Ammel’s island ........-...

GO perertnstenes.

eee mes eee eee ee eet eee ee

Sioux City
Blackbirdshills2a. Sere. Ees.
Jontiwee do cake soteed whose. wees
Decatur..... Ao scehimaessteepn.

127

Minerals and geological specimens—Continued.

Bad |. Indurated clay;'yallaw .22.. wc... 205. sdo55. Wedataryos 222592 . stick orn Roe
208 | Ferruginous sandstone, with striated bivalves and

OGiher eh Grenanid ae Sa ese St BSess Soae sa sss BIDASIGUX. .-e sotew ce santo Bee
209 | Indurated clay, with dicotyledonous leaves ..----.|.....-.- GO sess eteS Sect f cn oes
210 |..-.do...-sand, fine, yellow, with leaves of salix ..|....-... AG ee so eel aac Cece
211 | Ferruginous sandstone. ......---..--.---------- Mouth of Iowa creek ............
PE es Ses (0 Jeogchee do....-.fine grained, with im-

pressions of dicotyledonous leaves..---.---.---- Mouth Big Sioux...--....--. 2...
SUB ae eee GOR ss Foe do.... with Solen dacotahensis. ..|.......- Oeesees eae aL ot.
ACU) ah Se ey ees (ea TE aie ee ae
215 | Silicified wood, bored by teredo ..........--. ---- iS) SOU agen ease ele cet were
PNG) See case doce AOpen a =n atatorerata tate ctereretatevsiate Blackbird hillsk eect 225. bse.
be do eesGe (HO Se ee OBE pe Se eaocrc | Smoky Hill fork ....-............
US eee dotegan ses OE Aes se atectsitcelae se eeitemeae Republicamforkyyeo- settee nls. oe
219 | Coarse, ferruginous sandstone, with leaves of

OE UET in Since He eats ee ieIa = jaciers cterarciwharcletenianters Smoky hilly ee esstees te. 2k.
220 | Sandstone, very ferruginous ....-...---. --22 +202 {e000 ---- Owed awetraee a dees) nw
wera Callular, onUsiNOus, TOCK: = « Wsciecesenteecierenc cas |Saseeaes dOscwass Caren kee Ue oo.

Formation No. 2.

222 | Masses sulphuret iron, with sulphate.......-..... Mouth of Vermillion ........-...
223 | Crystallized....-- dGewecen doves aioe metenes Wein see eecetea ane ete cetento eS
224 | ccece domes se: PYPRUM io sew ass salts theo stoke toatl aera OG ecos mar coo cease DOSE
ee Nom emets doreeclse% AGE stisoe Leese dP Roe Gb2ss 53 5 22eeee tke ere
Aan s|pasca doleeoee In\platesiccasssenssawsasssessssed see tees (ee DESC ararece Beet
227 | Large crystals selenite in black clay.---.---- ----|....---- Oss Ssh ane Ve ahd:
Sao Nee Ose Sewer Ohta eek dos se tsssire sassee Sa itoes (ors Boe CHb rnc Sen eeee
229 | Ferruginous shale, with remains of fishes .....-... eae aren (OE ec CER CHE An CE REneEe
5 a fi Se shelllimestone)s¢43.1s2020slecose tect £2 2 Oban meaeustee = hace ape
Gal fellow clay,witll oypsumy J fl so ee dees es awsehel esd: GN A ee een eae
232 | Conglomerate, with green silicious pebbles. ...---|......-- 1 aS ore
po ie ee dos eae? with, shark's!) teeth) <s02co loses too ccton ns doessone se ss ee
234 | Gray arenaceous limestone, with Cytherea orbiculata.|.....--- dots AEA) Pee
Ape) leo dont 2202-3 deers 525. with fish scales ......|....---- Gas Saas eae AE es 2
235 | Dark gray indurated clay, with fish scales .....--. Black hills, east base ..---.......
237 | Arenaceous limestone, (234,) with Serpula ......-. Dixon's bluties.2s2s0 s2sec0320 5.
238 | Conglomerate, with fish teeth..----..----...----|.2..---- (Ue ee cael ads
239 | Arenaceous limestone, gray, with Znoceramus proble-

MGNCUSWa a cols sa ms ele ae es hese ew vee seemde sued Black hills, west base........... =

Formation No. 3.

240 | Soft, yellow, limestone, with Znoceramus problematicus | Big Sioux .--+-- -----+ +---++ +--+
241 | Gray marl, with Ostrea congesta, and fish remains

(bake Ol Now S yastecie es Saciaoaae tose Ledoesek Mouth James river.---.-. Scooncee
7 Cy tay a Osta es Oe 385 bo Ot A eee aC a ee ee
243 | Scale of Cyclocladus in 242...-....--20.--2------ eee do sats es 2e lees 2
244 | Fibrous carbonate of lime, with Ostrea congesta at-

Big line CO SURIGU Hee eae occa G ccc ocece. once | Durionsdills:, ccsue see toca
2h les Wea O VUE TIGR Ee yy ees hh So oe ke ep dot at cece
eau! [sea sae UL Basa ofS ee ee eee ees Bijoux ae Serre Hee ere -
Oat [ra eetes tess: Wine accra css soz 272-5555 oebd Sd Sa AOt eee aaee ese seaiees =
248 | Crystalline carbonate of lime, seams in marl....-.|.------- Fe Rieter a0
ity |pwtesiwees ee epee eer epee greenish in marl......|.--.---- Gre sae etre = = =
250 | Black plastic clay, upper part of No. 3.......... | Near Biyouwilissesewese ca... 5»
251 | Shale, argillaceous, with fish remains over et) eee tee ee
5 dose wears calcined by combustion of ier aces ccc Cian eaten alonleie ae a

Formation No. 4. |
253 | Blue clay, with Ptychoceras mortont ....-++se«+----| Great bend of Missouri ....-.----

254
255
256

257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275

276
277

278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287

288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295

296

297

298
299
300
‘301
302

128

Minerals and geological specimens—Continued.

Yellow clay, with crystals of gypsum ...--...--.-
Whitish alum clay, seams in 253 ..-.-.----------
Hyd. silicate of magnesia, masses in formation
NG) Bos en eee einiaep os oalnwie wie deen atartete
Crystals sulphate baryta. .----..----------- +--+
White aluminous earth in seams ..----..---. +--+
Aluminous clay (255)...--. ssees-<ine- -seces cone
Ferruginous concretions throughout F, No. 4 .-.-.
Crystalline argillaceous limestone (Cone in cone} .
Crystals of selenite in clay beds ..---..----- ----
Selenite and fibrous carbonate lime -...--..----.
Yellow clay, with selenite ...-.....-........----
Dark, argillaceous, shale, with Jnoceramus .....--.
Blue concretionary limestone, with Rosiellaria .....
Indurated clay. 23<5--- 2-5 agcehemeease spain
Decomposed shale (253) . -.-. scene eeeeee wennee
Brown bematite,.-eeenanc\ed noo eb nese aripe oleae

Dog tooth spar -.----- .----- «----.+----- ------
Gray arenaceous limestone...---..----- ---- ----
ees do..-- with carbonized matter, and shells.
Soft argillaceous shale...---. ..---- 2222. eansee
Concretions of compact blue limestone, contain-
ing great numbers of fossils...-.....--.--------
apie eres do .----. containing large crustacean (un-

GexcriDed) San eoeeeeria= fem sre peewee ees
Crystallized carbonate of lime, yellow, forming

nucleus Jof. CONCTeLIONS...--=5 —ocinseieoee sce. eee
Crystals of jselenite..2-5.222 oe Coe oes
Blue indurated clay, with fibrous gypsum..-.------
Dove colored laminated shale. .....--..--..-----
Petrified wood bored by Zeredo bisinuata ..-..-.--.
* one incense”. (241) otc) a aeeaeemee ere see
Indurated clay. with shells -..---. Pade mika ds
Soft micaceous sandstone, thin seam in clay bed --
Vertebra,of Wososaurus{c.cee sooo. os cmewincw eee
Wood bored by Zylophaga stimpsoni .....----- ----
White aluminous clay wcasc 4 los eeceee wccssh = ome

Formation No. 5.

Yellowish calcareous sandstone, with Oyprina...-..
WA crip a d0 .--- sa nuns d0..-2-,decomposedecnces
Soft, fine, sandstone, with Rostellaria ....--..-----
Ferruginous sandstone, with Cytherea.----...---.
Silicified wood, withybark.. .- bos 2. =.spepee- cine ae
Rede do.... bored by Zeredo globosa....-..-----

TERTIARY.
A. lignite basin.

Yellow arenaceous clay on cetaceous rocks...---.
Yellowish indurated clay, with fresh water shells

OVEr 296. oa <scsbetnat acscas pee ee nee bem cd
Gray sand, fine, Over 297. ...-.s.<2 sue eer ieshice=
Coarse, gray, calcareous sandstone, with fossils. .-
Soft argillo-calcareous shale, with fossil shells. ....
Ferruginous shale, with coniferous plants -.......
Dove colored sandstone, with silicified wood ......

Great bend of Missouri ..-...... 5
Bijouxshilla ciscstepeeeestee 6 see.

Shyenneimiver. .2- 2oc\scscco.cceee
Fort Pierre. wesese te seente. cokes
Mouth Shyenne...---....--.....
12 miles above Fort Pierre...---..
Mouth of Cannon Ball river ..-.-.
Long Lake, Missouri ...--...--.-

Fort Pierre....--. fee)
Big ShyeniOs:s2-sbecwesteee ames

Mussel Shell river..............-
Milk river
Cannon Ball ‘riveres sees oe«. Sass
Yellow Stone river ...--. ..-. ---e

Cannon Ball river ..----.....----
GEANMSivORr ieee css SPECI aio set
Mort Pierre 0% 2 eSec/ oes deen

eee eet cer met ome wen

Top of ace Ditie cee oree samme
Thunder Butte . ....-.-.----...-

ogee do---. bright rad... .-. Ci ny ee ae do

129

Minerals and geological specimens—Continued.

Yellow indurated sand, with estuary shell of genus,

WWMENE tee et enicante cs se dec cccacad macs saan
Light colored indurated clay, base of section -.-..
Dark carbonaceous clay, over 304...-.-..--.----
rpniienguen GUedcce se ayaa caseiaeeie mninletce s/o cleisie

Hate GISUIACCOUS RNAlC, OVER DUG - . 2a. conn paninns [samme cemese caicace Secdcs suas snce
Yellow indurated sand, with Paludina and Melania .|..--....2--. -- 22-2 eae ne ween wee
Grayish indurated sand .. ~~. 2---=- --00-0 ----92 |ennwoe enemas cecens cance cans cons

Dove colored calcareous shale, with Unios and other
MOOR WAnGr SHAlS coe nce. concec qeccen ance
Argillaceous limestone, with fossil plants. ..-...-.
Fine light colored marl, under lignite bed ....-..-
Lignite, bright and compact ...--..--------.---.
Ta MUUrAted Claas eerie. occce sscices esis soos
Light colored marl, with impressions of dicoty-
PERUHOURILOR VOSiaeeeeten aes ccc. sasces.cncece
PAYG) MEMO) ee esec cele a scss.ccnecosees coe
Oe eee encien esse cis teccccans coccee
Peers -MOLONMpPULO a -\-< <> soc. cece eos cea
Concretions sulphuret iron, common throughout
PERU RUMOR aamae actin s docs. casas escccs
SRO ERI TS OFT al les Se eno Rae Bee Seeeitoe Bae Baee
Carbonaceous indurated clay, charged with vega-
table remains, fresh water, and land shells, Buli-
TRUS, VPRYSG, Heupas (SC oss saqecu ee ecasleses sce
Mineralized wwo0dssenen ccc sfslactaiesesseseeee
Carbonized wood from lignite bed.....---..----.
Mohit sandypmanitee 5 oO he ease ios ols sc
Shell marl, containing fresh water shells ..--...-.
nipnnerlienite:-.- 2 <a. * ee once caine otis cesses
Light colored, fine, clay, under lignite bed. ..---.
Brown shale, with vegetable impressions -..-.-....
Silicious shale, containing much vegetable matter -
Gray shell limestone;.soft,....-\...-.---.sves-)s-5-
Carbonaceous clay, with Unio, Paludina, &c....-...
Coarse, gray shell, limestone --......--.--...---
Compact, bluish, limestone, with fresh water shells.
Gray calcareous sandstone, with Unio, Paludina, &c
Soft argillaceous limestone, with Paludina rochiformis
Crystallized carbonate of lime in concretions .-...
Dove colored argillactous limestone, with impres-
SIONS Of L6lNs OVER GID) ken 5 - siele <iqpeolsis'e nes

Brown calcareous shale, with Zuxites...-....-..---
Peed WOME me = sccm ett sina nsancrsclcceateame
Lape A do... partially carbonized ..--.. ---. ...i.
Soseesos Ooo ease ee teas GOs saccae senccess
paar Arora eee coe Ak ss ase ce psec
Bees eee Oe re OO rens ee = GO: are ccitiane, acess
aoetcic do.... with cavities lined with drusy quartz -
Dove colored clay, metamorphosed by burning out

Olglicnitesbedseeatas a) ceca: Beans. sae ececoses
Brownish shale.-..do-.-..... dO). aciisees dO eeeas
Scoria, black, formed by . ....do-.---... doicieeas
oO = VOUOWISO) 5-1 G0pa ns o- Owens cos GOs acen
--do.. black compact ...-..-.- 0c eeeee dOmeeaa=
=200=- SLCC VIULGOUR eae oe ee occas canoes cece
SAO oe nOOwaes owes GOR aes ose (WEEE dO 4 chs
Bedo. LGUs VELY POLGUS, =a =e MEE oae <cieces cos sce
--do.. brown, very porous. .... (nia tes eae 00) teae=

Shals burned red, with vegetable impressions. .-.-

Ae do..-. vermillion, with gypsum ............
9H

ewes eres

woes eee

wren ewes

do

Hed) SC Wge cpeettee es gem maneaeic ao
Ott eteOeeaceas tapwon codes

see eee eee wes cee ees owes

Woellowston@:s asin +, aie tate dae
EK Elorm prairiessccss--<ceen--
Red spring) .. (25. .0 5 --< see a's
YeHOWstOne) <2 aeochs)saciana teaees
Pardurriversacs cckacceas,.caseresoe
HortwUMionye .c-cccleecoes ace cece

seuseee se fess see wes ense

eer e ro cee ees see ees eeee

130

Minerals and geologieal specimens—Continued.

3564| Shale, burned, black ferruginous .-.....--...-.-. Yellowstone, eccne oo 55be ao ae

307

358

309
360
361
362

363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371

372
373
374
375
376

377
378

379
380

381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389

390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399

Calcareous pumice from burning of limestone. ....|........ M0 oc onan ston gaumies Hane

B. WHITE RIVER BASIN.

Bed A,
Red, sandy, clay, containing pebbles, base of Z%an-

othertum DOd 2 e oae ce sabes = eee wale amet we On Shyenne river ....-..........
Teeth of Titanotherium prouti...--- ------ o+------ Old Woman’s fork...--...-..--..
Coarse, whitish, sandstone, above 358..--.....--. Shyenne tyer. te, ek eee oes
Loree G0). seo es CONCIOMONATY,- oe cncclo aaseie ari || We sage Ola eae ieee ee te eee
Soft, whitish, calcareous sandstone, with scales of

INCAS Sees Rok dee re etme ence Gee emer ealccta aa ee | ae i a
Greenish plasile C18y ooo — sae ane cepieeeye map er etic aida OO ote o> wen cain ote aaa eae
sec Ese dO. ...- 2-5 -UpPPOF PATE oc ccos)-wceee ----| BAGO CLOOK- -=2 3h ona Eee eee
Plates‘of \chaleedony,c2=.- coset -neceseonesees Bear. creek ...\.. <.2 .ssosaee eee

sttCuEEs QO ee see a as Cu wet cbs te ed Uete seas Ors .Coameme etre
eGeorcars GO cee eek meses wicieneiieb nice scusmnisieiemicy | sec et eleetl Qemis meta aes eee
Fibrous ‘carbonate lime 22222. so < 52 eure sem e|lneceeene D0 emivninre dared ahcinda aoe
Dark chalcedony, ssesesties ee. secs. lee eeeieeee tel ae G0... 5. sansea veces > cee
NIAGAOSIUR Sic onoe meee cach powiceeoee amen e] aeemiaeee Fi LP ae es ene eT
Calcareous concretion separating bed a from bed d.|.....-.. (eae ee Fee 208 S25
Bed B.
Pinkish, iidurated, marl oo. fe oce eet sts esall soaeyeeee 00% sai'ss casa eh eabe ee teee
Whitish.-.....-. Oj. tO) OVEL od 2 eie~ ae ee ecileosemene WO ee dec date see
Pinkish calcareous concretion .-----. 5-2. .2sce+|aces ance Ove cmesdocenn sane eee
Decomposed marl from 372 and 373.....-...----|---...-- GO eo asie's won ae noes ee eee
ee el at G0 2s do. <= with’ Oreodon: oe) oe ol eee ee nO te ee ine ete
Bed D.
Creamcolored mat sce scene bioe a ea eeee eee Wilite Wier. 2~ cnnncceaeaaeeee
Silicious limestone, with fresh water shells, Panor-

Bes Waniheay Gein. coat ea as ance saetyeaena sys Scceg (edie wen dO soo ons ses con ase aeee
Tufaceous, concretionary, limestone ...--. ...---|.---.... 10a: osaemanccen eee ee
Cream colored marl, containing Oreodon........-.|-....--- d0.=5<.00,.smstiece coat eese

Bed E-
POLU, WVHIGG PUG ateete tase tel nee ce iae a e oee ee 10 denote akuies = eee
Conglomerate, "above 50) <p eseh ance comices oe ecen) coos coe dO ens eso nce tesa eee
A See des MOLSSo. > With PTANIITC IPOUDIES)...se ces -e cee pasa een O teens eee se ane eres
Soft, white, sandstone, with Oreodon........-..---|.------- 00223620. 2 -ces co ceeree
Calcareous conglomerate....--..-----..---.---- Port) laramie -.5--.75 06 sacar
Conglomerate ...--. ..---. econ. s2onn- eon e cone Byoux DUG. oe. -cociccoe ee anise
Calcareous concretions in marl, under 386....-.-.|....-... (i Ce eS Nae
Sulphate baryta foliated crystals in 387 ..-.--.--.|........ G0. 228 genntee taney ee
Green silicious concretions in limestone, contain- ‘
ing fresh’ water shells.’ -- 22: soc ocs npoes sunces Medicine bills: (on ajiccneajenine some
Seen OL2CS UES 20O. oe se MO cee n wales cance: | oc. oa nn Deu cee eee eee
Coarse, whitish, sandstone.......--..----...---. Bad Land creekiz.sc-.--08-5 eee
Conglomeritee ese... 55 o> meee eatin e cate cate Grand Stonehill sos. 222 oeatedee
Quartzose’CongloMerAate - ca. Joccee mececs we eeee| sane en OS BSAC SoBe hs 2k
White infusorial earth, base of bed ¢, local .....-. Rutnitig Water ~ .sieesacioeeeeees
pezcants GOwi2 5 VL GOl ie: Sd itewwes sconces) LuGHP 10EKeoot cose|nckn aera
Indurated*murl “white i.e. Leo ee cecdeeen coe ccers Warren's fork 22.6 aceeeeee cae
SINGIOUS) CWE mae ones cece ce meeinee man =< cals mc Niobrara, river... <<. «cen--\-seeee

WA MEL oS occs tens comes eet ela ses cance Lot, forks <\ <5 sacle seemes

= ce

131

Minerals and geological specimens—Continued.

400 | Whitish cherty limestone. ...... .--. --.- 2-2. ---.|---- --2 (ASE RCP EC Ser aero oe
401 | White foliated limestone ........--..-----.----- Miobrara MVer S225. cess cose cece
eM me iat te ae erate eitlonets = = ol ainia cera Gaissleteuie's a clea euicle aivllle iw atinle Selsiele scmicisq conclsclecnelbace
403 | White tufaceous marl, containing fresh water shells | Loup Fork...--.....-....-..-..-
ADAM SUICIIOO NV OOU) iets aa0\+ Sci enna = sin = 42 Siac smemn RUT OWA tON ta. oe tens onde
: sl UT SSSR Sse 5 6H ERASE AE SAAR SEs Saas es COs reese esen se ccs
ADGr{Sulceous SIMtOL-= --- ccc ew stajessecs sce ewcces NAGO) CLOCKS cosas foees 2be0 S202
407 |i Carbonate! ofitime)is..2 (32 5oc8 shes Sook ce nlo eae Bearibeakie, = -emedeeasodal- asics
408 | Ferruginous conglomerate.---...-.---.--------- Yellowstone river ...-.-...-..---
409. | Micaceous granite... 2 = cach ns encane enn -o = sunt | nasa sass DO cs ot omp clon namn- cacn
BAA GInplenUIG TOCK= cser wuss cpicmiencersccese seScna| amused Utes eee oee wre e cs cece
ATI Tnnmestone,: with’ coralgs Ui. caso sc Se gts eee pe osssee Moweeeedes. sek feees
A ea 0}3 2. With Spitters cla cleecuicians ota6 due slecseiece OS GESS 8 Bee Sap ate cee sose
Se Osim AWLUN) ORICA ONE co ini imin o.c.mcin|ainmcin na. sini||s ae = manie dOe er eceriseces: chile as ones
ete Oe WIC SMM OO a wate onan men wan nena ean O apm caries «os-na passes
PBTING NMOGOONY ane a ate ee ae ce cs ce seme bose ce aecocslee Sets sas Urata. Sects sces saee
AIGUMSilscitiod WOOd!s! SMa 225. SacS Sh ho eh cne ee Se icew ial adele wee OOEe See ee od see oes
Ais) Guimestones with ed Chert - on). mee aie seme ainseeise|| cameoue iE eS St a ee ee
418 | Concretions from yellow marl-..-....---..--- ---- IBRISICIR BE eeH 8 oo 3866 hacsibeeeos
AEs) INCGeue ster tL9UN SPRINGS. - 5.0 ------ -5>—2c2)|, blaCk HIS: Sosoce en seicces soe
AMON WNAnGHTOmURANG HUNG ec. cease. .s|2o5 222% COG as seeeeeeee cose
421 | Very fine, gray, sand from sand dune .......-----| Powder river ....--..----..-----
Bea) PTISMIAMIO BOD) OLAS oi scos «Stack nin <i Nocmle Sen sined Mouth: bieh Hor. 2 ar<c once =
423 | BidOresCencCe OW S0il,.. -o05 n2cc ceces- ecccee es=s Cannon Ball river. --........---.

Dr. Newbery rendered me valuable assistance in making out the preceding catalogue.

132

MAMMALS,

The mammals of the collection have already been examined by Pro-
fessor Baird, and most of the species determined. The collection con-
tains skins, skeletons, and skulls of nearly all the larger mammals of
the plains, with a large number of specimens of most of the smaller
ones. I will here say a few words in regard to the present distribu-
tion of some of the larger animals on the upper Missouri. Many of
them are fast passing away, and in a few years must become extinct.
The buffalo, which has been so important an agent in the preserva-
tion of the Indians, is now gradually gathering into a smaller area, and
although in the valley of the Yellowstone and along the upper Mis-
souri thousands may yet be seen, they are annually decreasing at a
rapid rate. In 1850 buffaloes were seen as low down on the Missouri
as the Vermilion river, and in 1854 a few were killed near Fort Pierre,
but at the present time none, except now and then a stray bull,
are seen on the Missouri river below Fort Clark.* They are, how-
ever, quite abundant at this time on the Platte river and along the
valley of the Smoky Hill Fork of the Kansas. Probably at this time
all the larger animals, as buffalo, elk, deer, antelope, bighorn, and
beaver, are more abundant in the valley of the Yellowstone than in
any other portion of the upper Missouri.

Descending the Yellowstone river in the summer of 1854 I saw, for
for the distance of 350 miles, the prairies on both sides of the river
covered with herds of buffalo, and on the sand bars large numbers of
elk, deer, and antelopes. Elk and white-tailed deer (Cervus leucurus)
are quite abundant even in the northern parts of Iowa, but the black-
tailed deer (Cervus macrotis) is seldom seen below Fort Pierre. It is
found chiefly in the most rugged portions of the country, in the region
of the Black Hills or in the vicinity of the mountains. The intermin-
able ravines of Sage creek and the Shyenne river are noted places for
them. The antelope is seldom observed below Fort Pierre. It is,
however, the most abundant animal in the Sioux country, and con-
fined to the open praries. The bighorn, or mountain sheep, (Ovis
montana,) is quite abundant in the almost inaccessible regions known
as the Mauvaises Terres or Bad Lands, but are not hunted much by
the Indians for food. The beaver are increasing very rapidly, and
many of the mountain streams literally swarm with them. Since the
days of the trapper are over, and the prices of their fur has become
so reduced, the inducements to hunt them are not very great, and
they are allowed to multiply undisturbed. Their flesh is eaten to”
some extent by the Indians and traders, and in the absence of other
meat is considered quite a delicacy. The raccoon is seldom seen
beyond the frontier. A few have been killed in the valley of White
river, but they seldom pass up the Missouri above latitute 42°. The
following is a list of the mammals contained in the collection and
now deposited in the Smithsonian Institution :

** These animals occupy very different localities in different years and different seasons. —
Lieutenant Warren.

133

1. Sorex Haydeni, Baird, (n. s.)\—Hayden’s Shrew.—Fort Pierre
to Fort Union, Nebraska Range on the Missouri river, from latitude
44,20 to48.00.—This small species of shrew is quite rare in Nebraska.
It is seldom seen alive, though sometimes found dead along river
banks. A single specimen was caught at Fort Pierre in the autumn
of 1856, and a second one at Fort Union, near the mouth of the
Yellowstone. Three specimens were secured.

2. Blarina brevicauda, Gray.—Short-tailed Shrew.—Illinois to Ne-
braska.—A single specimen of this species was obtained near Fort
Berthold, on the Missouri, in lat. ,lon. 3; very rare.

3. Scalops argentatus, Aud. & Bach,—Silvery Mole.—Detroit to
Fort Riley, and south to Prairie Mer Rouge? Range in lat. from
42.20 to Louisiana? in long. 83 to 97.—One specimen of this beauti-
ful species was collected near the mouth of Big Sioux river. I do not
think it occurs high up on the Missouri river.

4. Lynx rufus, Raf.— Wild Cat.—Atlantic to Pacific. Upper Mis-
souri to the Gila river. Not on the Rio Grande ?—The skins of this
animal are very often brought to the different trading posts on the
upper Missouri by the Indians, though seldom seen by the traveller.
There is no portion of the country bordering on the Missouri river,
or its tributaries, where it does not exist to a greater or less extent.
The Canada Lynx, (Lynx canadensis,) has also been observed in sev-
eral localities by the traders of the country.

5. Canis occidentalis var. griseo-albus.—White and Gray Wolf.—
North America generally? Canis occidentalis var. nubilus.—Dusky
Wolf.—Missouri river to the Pacific.—This species with its numerous
varieties, is exceedingly abundant throughout the region of the upper
Missouri, above latitude 43°. It is most abundant where the buffalo
range, and subsists mostly upon them. Their skins are made an ar-
ticle of trade, being valued at one dollar a piece.

6. Canis latrans, Say.—Coyote; Prairie Wolf.—Fort Riley, Kansas,
to the Pacific, and upper Missouri to the Rio Grande of Texas.—This
animal is much smaller, and the skins sell for only half the price of
the C. occidentalis. It is exceedingly abundant throughout the upper
Missouri country, extending down into the settlements, where they
often do much mischief to the farmers.

7. Vulpes macrourus, Baird.—Prairie Fox.—Upper Missouri to
Plains of Columbia, O. T.—This is much the finest animal of the
genus in this country. The skins are remarkable for the thickness
and beauty of their fur. The different varieties, as silver, cross, and

black fox, are well known among the traders, and are much valued.
A skin of the silver variety is a great prize, often selling for a hun-
dred dollars.

8. Vulpes velox, Aud. & Bach.—Kit Fox; Swift Fox.—Plains west
of Missouri to the Cascade mountains of Oregon.—Like the prairie or
barking wolf this animal is fond of wandering down among the settle-
ments and committing his depredations upon the farmers. Itis much
hunted by the traders; but its skin is not very valuable, averaging
only about twenty-five cents per skin. It is very abundant around
prairie dog villages, and subsists to a great extent upon the in-
habitants.

134

9. Putorius longicauda, Rich.—Long-tailed Weasel.—Upper Mis-
souri and Platte. (Carlton House, H. B. T. Rich.)—Not uncommon
throughout the northwest, though seldom seen by the traveller. Its
skin is highly prized by the Indians, who use it for making articles of
dress, tobacco pouches, and for other ornamental purposes.

10. Lutra canadensis, Sab.—American Otter.—Northern parts of
the United States to Florida, and west to the Rocky mountains.—Not
uncommon in the streams that flow from the north into the Missouri.
T cannot ascertain that it has been seen above the mouth of the Nio-
brara river on the Missouri. The only specimen obtained by our
party was taken in a beaver trap in the Niobrara, about eighty miles
above its mouth. Otter skins are imported into the country every
year by the traders, and are prized very highly by the Indians for
ornamental purposes.

11. Mephitis mephitica.—Common Skunk.—United States, east of
the Missouri plains and north of Texas.—Very common throughout
the upper Missouri country.

12. Taxidea americana, Waterh.—Missouri Badger.—lowa and
Wisconsin to the Pacific coast, and from Arkansas to 49 N. lat.—(To
58 N. lat., Rich.)—This animal is not rare, though not very abundant
on the Missouri. It seems to be of very little economical value, ex-
cept for food to the starving Indian.

13. Procyon lotor, Storr.—Common Raccoon.—Massachusetts to
Florida, and west to Fort Kearney. Not in southern Texas ?—Very
abundant in the vicinity of Council Bluffs, where the skin is made a
considerable article of trade with the Indians. It is not found high
up on the Missouri. The highest point that I have observed it was.
near the mouth of the Niobrara river, though I have been informed
that they are sometimes seen in the valley of White river.

14, Ursus horibilis, Ord.—Grizzly Bear.—Plains of upper Missouri
to the Rocky mountains, and along their base, thence to the coast of
California, (not of Oregon or Washington ?)—This formidable animal
is still quite abundant toward the sources of the Missouri. At the
present time it is very seldom, if ever, seen below Fort Pierre. But
one skin was taken by our party.

15. Sciurus ludovicianus, Custis.— Western Fox Squirrel.—Missis-
sippi valley.—Very abundant about Council Bluffs. Gradually be-
comes rare, and ceases near the mouth of White river.

16. Sciurus carolinensis, Gm.—Gray Squirrel; Black Squirrel.—
Eastern United States to the Missouri river.—Two specimens of this
squirrel were taken, one near Fort Leavenworth, and the other near
the mouth of the Platte. It is seldom, if ever, seen above this point.

17. Sciurus fremontti, Towns.—Mountain Gray Squirrel.—A speci-
men obtained at Laramie Peak is supposed to belong to this species.

18. Sctwrus hudsonius, Pallas.—Red Squirrel ; Chickaree.—Labra-
dor (lat. 56°) to Mississippi; and in the United States from the At-
lantic to the Missouri river.—Several specimens supposed to be
identical with this species were collected in the Black Hills, and is
quite abundant in the oak woods of that region.

19. Tamias quadrivittatus, Rich. — Missouri Striped Squirrel.—
Upper Missouri to Rocky mountains, and west to the Cascade Range.

ES

135

Along the Rocky mountains as far south as Fort Staunton, New
Mexico. Lat. 33° 30’.—Very common in the ‘‘ Bad Lands’’ and rocky
portions of the upper Missouri. Seldom, perhaps never, seen below
Fort Pierre.

20. Spermophilus franklini, Rich.—Gray Gopher.—Northern Illi-
nois and Wisconsin, and to Minnesota and Saskatchewan.—One
specimen of the above species was taken near the mouth of the Loup
Fork of the Platte. Quite rare.

21. Spermophilus tridecem-lineatus, Aud. & Bach.—Striped Gopher ;
Prairie Squirrel.—Eastern Michigan to the plains of the Missouri, and
south to Red river, Arkansas, and Fort Thorn, N. M.—Very abun-
dant on all the prairies of the northwest.

22. Spermophilus Townsendit, Bachman.—Townsend’s spermophile.
Rocky mountains to the north. Several specimens were collected near
Fort Laramie.

23. Cynomys ludovicianus.—Prairie Dog.—Milk river and upper
Missouri; west towards the Rocky mountains; south to Red river ;
southwest to the Upper Rio Grande, and a short distance into
Sonora ?—Very abundant from the mouth of the Niobrara to the
mountains ; found in great numbers in the valley of the Yellowstone
and along the Missouri, above Fort Union.

24, Arctomys flaviventer, Bachman.— Yellow-footed Marmot.—
Black Hills, Neb..—This animal is very rare, but one specimen having
been secured on the upper Missouri. The skins of only two indi-
viduals are in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

25. Castor canadensis, Kuhl.—American Beaver.—Throughout the
entire area of North America.—The history of this animal is more
interesting than that of any other on the upper Missouri. In the
palmy days of the trapper the beaver became very scarce in the west ;
but since the price of their fur has become so low as to render the
business of trapping them an unprofitable pursuit, they have multi-
plied to an enormous extent, so that all the little streams flowing
from the mountains literally swarm with them. Their skins, how-
ever, are still a considerable article of trade.

26. Geomys bursarius, Ivich.—Pouched or Pocket Gopher.—Mis-
souri to Minnesota and Nebraska.—Very abundant on the rich bot-
toms around Council Bluffs and Big Sioux, where they do much mis-
chief in the gardens. One specimen was taken near the mouth of Big
Sioux, and a second on the Niobrara.

27. Thomomys rufescens, Maxim.—Fort Union Gopher.—Fort
Pierre to Fort Union, on the Missouri.—This gopher seems to take
the place of the Geomys bursarius from Fort Pierre to the mountains.
Two specimens were collected at Fort Union, and one at Fort Ran-
dall, on the Missouri.

28. Jaculus hudsonius.— Jumping Mouse.—Nova Scotia, (Labrador,
Pennent,) to southern Pennsylvania, and west to the Pacific ocean.—
Very rare. Only two specimens were obtained near Fort Union.

29. Perognathus flavus, Baird.—Upper Missouri, along eastern
slopes of Rocky mountains to Sonora and Chihuahua ; and along the
hio Grande to Matamoras.—Collected on the Loup Fork during the
summer of 1857.

136

30. Dipodomys ordii, Woodhouse.—Kangaroo Rat.—Platte river,
along the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains, into Durango and
Coahuila, Mexico.—A single specimen was taken on the Niobrara
river.

31. Mus musculus, Linn.—Common Mouse.—North America gene-
rally. (Introduced.)—Abundant at all the fur trading posts on the
Missouri. Jus rattus or common rat is also introduced.

32. Hesperomys sonoriensis, Leconte.-—Upper Missouri, and Rocky
mountains to El Paso and Sonora.—Very abundant near Fort Union
and along the Yellowstone. Twenty-five specimens collected.

33. Hesperomys leucogaster.—Missouri Mouse.—Plains along the
upper Missouri.—Very rare; but two specimens secured ; one near
Bijox Hills, the other on Vermilion prairie, and are the only speci-
mens in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

34. Neotoma cinerea.—Rocky Mountain Rat.—EKastern slope of
northern Rocky mountains and upper Missouri.—Not rare, but seldom
captured ; usually found among the dry trees on the river bottoms.
The only specimen secured was taken at Fort Sarpy, near the mouth
of the Big Horn river, on the Yellowstone.

35. Arvicola Haydeni, Baird, (n. s.)—Fort Pierre, Nebraska.—But
one specimen of this species has ever been detected.

36. Lepus campestris, Bach.—Prairie Hare.-—Upper Missouri and
Saskatchewan plains to the Cascade Range of Oregon.—This hare,
though not extremely abundant, is not uncommon in the northwest,
from the mouth of Niobrara river to the mountains. Four specimens
were collected on the Yellowstone.

37. Lepus sylvaticus, Bach.—Gray Rabbit.—From Massachusetts
throughout the United States, as far as Indianola, Texas? and west
to the Missouri, as far as Fort Union, Nebraska.—Found all along
the Missouri river to the mountains, but mostly confined to the wooded
bottoms of the rivers and streams. Hight specimens are in the collec-
tion of the expedition.

38. Lepus artemisia, Bach.—Sage Hare.—Regions west of the Mis-
souri to the Rocky mountains, and to the Cascade mountains of Ore-
gon, along the Columbia on the north, and to the city of Chihuahua
on the south.—Abundant in the Bad Lands and on the Sage plains
of the upper Missouri river. Five specimens were obtained by the
expedition.

39. Cervus canadensis, Erxl.—American Elk.—Northern portions
of United States to upper Missouri, and west, to the Pacific. Found
in the Alleghenies of Pennsylvania and Virginia. (North to 57°,
Rich.)—Most abundant in the valley of the Yellowstone and along
the Missouri river above Fort Union. Not rare, though less abundant
as low down the Missouri as Council Bluffs. The collection contains
two pairs of skins, two of skeletons, with numerous separate skulls,
and about twenty pairs of antlers.

40, Cervus leucurus, Douglass.—White-tailed Deer.—Upper, Mis-
souri and Platte to the Columbia river and Washington Territory.
Western Texas and New Mexico?—Very abundant along the rixer
bottoms ; most common from Council Bluffs to Fort Pierre. Four
skins, with numerous separate skins and antlers, were obtained.

137

41. Cervus macrotis, Say.—Mule Deer.—Upper Missouri and Platte
to the Cascade Range, (head of Des Chutes river.) Oregon Territory.
Not extending to the Pacific. Headwaters of Arkansas.—Much more
abundant on the upper Missouri than the Cervus leucurus. Four
skins, two skeletons, and about thirty separate skulls and horns,
were collected.

42. Antilocapra americana, Ord.—Prong-horn Antelope; Cabree.—
Plains west of Missouri, from the lower Rio Grande to the Saskatche-
wan, and west to the Cascade and coast range of the Pacific slope.—
This beautiful and fleet animal is found everywhere on the open
grassy plains, from the mouth of the Niobrara river to the mountains.
Our collection contains eight skins entire, one skeleton, and a large
number of skulls.

43. Ovis montana, Cuvier.—Bighorn ; Mountain Sheep.—Broken
ground on the upper Missouri and Platte. Rocky mountains generally,
as far west, at least, as Coast and Cascade mountains of the Pacific
slope.— Very abundant in the rugged and inaccessible portions of the
upper Missouri, especially the ‘‘ Bad Lands.”’

44. Bos americanus, Gmelin.—American Buffalo.—Formerly found
throughout nearly the whole of North America, east of the Rocky
mountains. Now confined to the plains west of the Missouri and
along the slopes of the Rocky mountains.

45. Vespertilio pruinosus, Say.—All over the United States east of
the Rocky mountains.

46. Vespertilio noctivagans, Leconte.—Common throughout the
country east of the Rocky mountains.

47. Vespertilio novaboracensis, Gmelin.

BIRDS.

No. of specimens.

1.—Cathartes awra, (Linn.) "lig. Turkey Buzzard. All of

North America, except the Arctic regions- 1
2.—Falco (Falco) anatum, Bonaparte. Duck Hawk. iNor th
America, east of the Rocky mountains---+--+-+--- 1

3.—Falco ( Hypotrior chis) columbarius, Linn. Pigeon Hawk.
Temperate North America, Mexico, Central Amer-
ica, Northern South Mimneticnhe ss o> sgahaes 2
4.—Falco (Gennaia) polyagrus, Cassin. Prairie Falcon.
beaters North America bene eee ee eee ee eee
;, Linn. Sparrow Hawk.
Tiatane continent of tick ccc
6.—Accipiter mexicanus, Swains. Western North America
7.—Buteo swainsont, Bonap. Swainson’s Buzzard. North-
ern and Western North America--+-+.++++++++
8.—Buteo bairdii, Hoy. Baird’s Buzzard. Northern and
Western North America......++-++2 sees ee eee:

Oo = Wo w

138

. |
No. of specimens. —

9.—Buteo (Poecilopternis) borealis, (Gmelin,) Vieill. Red-
tailed Hawk. Eastern North America; fur countries;

Cuba, Jamaica--.-.-.-- Pe ence ee ee tee eee
10.—Archibuteo ferrugineus, (Licht.) Gray. California Squir-
rel Hawk. Western North America....-- +++. +++.
11.—Circus hudsonius, (Linn.) Vieillot. Marsh Hawk. All
of North America and Cuba-----. + -+e+. + sees eee

12.—Bubo virginanus, (Gmelin,) Bon. Great Horned Owl.
The whole of North America. Runs into varieties,
atlanticus pacificus, arcticus, magellanicus......++.
13.— Otus wilsonianus, Lesson. Long- Eared Owl. "The “hole
of temperate North Aineri¢a ss .-w+ +i Sereh scree ee
14.—Brachyotus cassini, Brewer. Short-Hared Owl. The
whole of temperate North America; Greenland; Cuba
15.—Syrnium nebulosum, (Forster,) Gray. Barred Owl.
Eastern North America; Fort Tejon, Cal..--------
16.—Athene hypugaea, Bonap. Burrowing Owl. From Mis-
sissippi river to the Rocky mountains-.-. +--+ +--+.
17.—Conurus carolinensis, (Linn.) Kuhl. Parakeet. South-
ern and southwestern States, as far west as the Mis-
SOUPD © te. s foal are: asp le lei ye 0s iol of we SiG aval eym’ shi him oxic) Vmruiiaia\ le wouwihemim ands
18.—Coccygus americanus, (Linn,) Bonap. Yellow-billed
Cuckoo. Eastern United States to the Missouri plains
19.—Coccygus erythrophthalmus, (Wils.) Bon. Black-billed
Cuckoo. United States to the Missouri plains.------
20.—Picus ( Trichopicus) villosus, Linn. Hairy Woodpecker.
Northern and western regions; var. major, medius,
PORTO POMS hha W RON RE he Sa Pecbie ates Mra dy Ie BE kei oapURP I TS aaa
21.—Picus (Tirichopicus) pubescens, Linn. Downy Wood-
pecker. Hastern United States, towards the eastern
slope of the Rocky mountains..+-.- +++. e+e... ee5s
22.—Picoides dorsalis, Baird. Striped three-toed Wood-
pecker. Laramie peak, Rocky mountains----.-.+--
23.—Sphyrapicus varius, (Linn.) Baird. Yellow-hellied
Woodpecker. Atlantic ocean to the eastern slopes of
Rocky mountains, Greenland.-.- +++. .+.+++ eeeee
24.—Sphyrapicus thyroideus, (Cass.) Baird. Brown-headed
Woodpecker. Cascade and coast range of California
and Oregon OSes 6 Sop eh ew we © ee 6 eo wre BS overage ve lots "es 0 ile S
25.—Centurus carolinus, (Linn.) Bon. Red-bellied Wood-
pecker. North America, from Atlantic coast to the
eastern slope of the Rocky mountains:.-.+.+-+---.
26.—WMelanerpes erythrocephalus, (Linn.) Sw. Red-headed
Woodpecker. North America, from the Atlantic to
the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains.-----.--
27.—Melanerpes torquatus, (Wils.) Bonap. Lewis’ Wood-
pecker. Western America, from Black Hills to Pacific

—

| ee)

oO

;

139

} No. of specimens:
28.—Colaptes auratus, (Linn.) Sw. Flicker. Eastern North
America to the eastern slopes of the Rocky mountains;

CE Conk i eck ele Be A) SS ROP Lec 2 8
29.—Colaptes mexicanus, Swain. Red-shafted Flicker. West-

ern North America, from the Black Hills to Pacific. - 21
29*,— Colaptes hybridus, Baird. Cross between two preced-

ing. Upper i) E01 gl Pe RO oe Ree er ey Gan ee

30.—Cheatura pelasgia, Stephens. Chimney Swallow. East-
ern United States to the slopes of the Rocky moun-

tains; Bijox Hills, Tiss cid. ROIS SRAM hs Win reba 1
31.—Antrostomus nuttalli, (Aud.) Cassin. Nuttall’s Whip-

poor-will. High Central Plains to the Pacific coast: - 2
32.—Chordeiles popetue, (Vieill.) Baird. Night Hawk. North

America generally RR aie ved ShOr ed w cahpeia’ MHS cs aie ee Sanaa panera Sha oe 5:
33.—Ceryle (Megaceryle) alcyon, (Linn.) Boie. Belted King-

fisher. Entire continent of North America.--...--- 2
34.—Tyrannus carolinensis, (Linn.) Baird. King Bird. EHast-

ern North America to Rocky mountains---.......- 9

35.—Tyrannus verticalis, Say. Arkansas Flycatcher. West-
ern North America, from the High Central Plains to

fies GUAT ea ee versie. aha Sek NER I, SOREL. Cla a BSE Sey, 19
36.—Sayornis fuscus, (Gm.) Baird. Pewee. Eastern North
PRTC RC ie crete Bee Gal SROE RR SLAG. SIS. UR en ates I

37.—Sayornis sayus, (Bon.) Baird. Say’s Flycatcher. Up-

per Missouri river and Central High Plains westward

to the Pacific and south to Mexico..+..-+.++2...--- 5
38.—Contopus richardsoni, (Sw.) Baird. Short-legged Pe-

wee. High Central Dry Plains to the Pacific; Rio

Grande valley southward to Mexico; Labrador---- -. 2
39.—EHmpidonax minimus, Baird. Least Flycatcher. Hast-

ern United States to Fort Bridger.............--. 6
40.—Turdus (Turdus} mustelinus, Gm. Wood Thrush.

Eastern United States to Missouri------.. +++... 1

41.—Turdus (Turdus) fuscescens, Stephens. Wilson’s
Thrush. Hastern North America to the Missouri;
Porte tO Mir Coupes’: 60s Bava ATS Hae hak bod eek T
42.—Turdus (Turdus) swainsonti, Cab. Olive-backed
Thrush. Eastern North America to Fort Bridger;
south to Mexico and Peru; north to Greenland; acci-

dental in Huropeand Siberia.... --+.+- ees. sees eee 3
43. Turdus (Turdus) aliciae, Baird. Gray-cheeked Thrush.

Mississippi region to the Missouri---. +--+ +++. +--+. =
44,—Turdus (Planesticus) migratorius, Linn. Robin. Con-

tinent of North America to Mexico---..+.-...++-- 3
45.—Sialia sialis, (Linn.) Baird. Blue Bird. Eastern North

America to west of Missouri river; Fort Laramie-... 9

46. Sialia arctica, Sw. Rocky Mountain Blue Bird. Upper
Missouri to Rocky mountains range, and south to
Mexico; rare on the coast of California.:.......... 9

140

No. of specimens

47.—Regulus calendula, (Linn.) Licht. Ruby-crowned Wren.

United States, from Atlantic to Pacific-.-----..--- 4
48.—Anthus ludovicianus, (Gm.) Licht. Tit-lark. North :
America generally; Greenland; accidental in Europe i

49.—Mniotilta varia, (Linn.) Vieill. Black and White

Creeper. Eastern North America to Missouri river;

south to Guatemala. Var. longirostris, Baird. Flo-

DUG Ars ase" Sinn. bE peas a asin Rte abe ib ek RE cate eee ee 6
50.—Parula americana, (Linn.) Bonap. Blue yellow-backed

Warbler. Eastern North America to Missouri river;

south, to. Guatemala: s'- siete. <se & > + Chto ae ee 1.
51.—Geothlypis trichas, (Linn.) Cab. Maryland Yellow-
throat. North America, from Atlantic to Pacific---- T

52.—Icteria longicauda, Lawr. Long-tailed Chat. High
Central Plains of United States to the Pacific; south
into . Mexieo.ssa'es 6h cm huupneites ee wees Ala eee nae 12
53.—Helminthophaga celata. (Say,) Baird. Orange-crowned
Warbler. Mississippi river to the Pacific; south to

NOES NSM a6 jer) cored AP taeeee Seem 2
54.—Seiurus aurocapillus, (Linn.) Sw. Golden-crowned
Thrush. Hastern North America to the Missouri--- - 8

55.—Seiurus noveboracensis, (Gm.) Nutt. Water Thrush.
Kastern United States to the Missouri, and south to
Guatemala, perhaps to Brazil.-.---.+..++.++.-+-- 2
56.—Dendroica coronata, (Linn.) Gray. Yellow Rump.
Eastern North America to the Missouri plains; strag-
glers seen on Puget’s Sound.--+---+++++++-+++ 55 5
57.—Dendroica audibonii, (Towns.) Baird. Audubon’s
Warbler. Pacific coast of United States to Rocky
mountains; south to Mexico. .-+++.-++e+e eee eee 1
58.—Dendroica pennsylvanica, (Linn., Baird. Chestnut-
sided Warbler. Eastern United Bs to the Mis-
SQ UT Lita tastes. cous us Signals apes meee 1
59.—Dendroica striata, (Forster.) Pail. Bleee Poll Wan.
bler. Hastern North America to the Missouri high
plains; Cuba; Greenland ----++ .-+++- eee e eee ee 7
60.—Dendroica aestiva, (Gm.) Baird. Yellow Warbler.
United States, from Atlantic to Pacific; south to
Guatemala and West Indies------ +--+ +++. seeeee- 15
61.—Dendroica maculosa, (Gm.) Baird. Black and Yellow
Warbler. Eastern United States to the Missouri;
SLOVO OM TROP CHU MK anes Oo VOD Oemtgirey a orc coal:
62.—Setophaga ruticilla, (Linn.) Sw. Redstart. Hastern
United States to Fort Bridger; West Indies in winter
63.—Pyrange ludoviciana, (Wils.) Bon. Louisiana Tanager.
From the Black Hills to the Pacific; south to Mexico.
64.—Mirundo horreorum, Barton. Barn Swallow. North
America, from Atlantic to Pacific.....-++.-+-++.++.

wo pe a

141

No. of specimens.

65.—Hirundo lunifrons, Say. Cliff Swallow. North Amer-

ica, from Atlantic to Pacific--.. 5+... -.. eee... 4
66.—Cotyle riparia, (Linn.) Boie. Bank Swallow. North
America generally... - esses. cee cee eee eee eee 2
67.—Progne purpurea, (Linn.) Boie. Purple Martin. North
America generally SA eS taco icls eacioec:f ichoa ace ot, Oh Cau) Sie 13
68.—Ampelis cedrorum, (Vieill.) Baird. Cedar Bird. North
America generally; south to Guatemala--.--..---- 2

69.—Myiadestes townsendii, (Aud.) Cab. Townsend’s Fly-
catcher. United States, from Rocky mountains and
Black Hills to the Pacific; south to the borders of
Wierametpreiess Fc Simei. ee. bisa Varn ae ei 1}
10.—Collyrio borealis, (Bon.) Baird. Great Northern Shrike.
Northern regions, from Atlantic to Pacific; in winter
south, through most of the United States.......-- 1
71.—Collyrio excubitoroides, (Sw.) Baird. White-rumped
Shrike. Missouri plains and fur countries to Pacific
coast; eastward into Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michi-
gan (?) aaa a) MMPNOR CR a ae ae tees, 4 MAS Ba) Stele! SPCR E Mea a eels “ote ke 6
712.—Vireo gilvus, (Vieill.) Bon. Warbling Flycatcher.
Atlantic to Pacific coast of United States; var.
swainsontt; Columbia river-+++ +. 0+. esse ee eee eee 6
13.—Vireo (Lanivireo) solitarius, (Wils.) Vieill. Blue-
headed Flycatcher. United States, from Atlantic to

EGd MACE Gre eaters hb Ohel vin Re cated Miah ehS Se S SY. RP De
74.—Mimus carolinensis, (Linn.) Gray. Cat Bird. Eastern
United States to Fort Bridger---. ++. -+. +e seeee- 3

75.—Oreoscoptes montanus, (Towns.) Baird. Mountain

Mocking Bird. Rocky mountains, from Fort Bridger

south to Mexico; along valley of Gila and Colorado;

San Diego, Oneal He, PAP A I. PE 1}
16.—Harporhynchus rufus, (Linn.) Cab. Brown Thrush.

Eastern North America to Missouri river, and per-

haps to High Central Plains, unless replaced by a

long-tailed variety, (H. Longicauda.)...+ +++. +++ 6
TT.—Salpinctes obsoletus, (Say.) Cab. Rock Wren. High

Central Plains, through the Rocky mountains to the

Cascade range, (but not on the Pacific coast?) Fort

Tejon EPS MR SRLS RETA SL ied | Wall oo sie oPtdale aes 6
18.—Cistothorus (Telmatodytes) palustris, (Wils.) Cab.

Long-billed Marsh Wren. North America, from At-

lantic to Pacific; north to Greenland....-..+--++-: 2
19.—Cistothorus ( Cistothorus ) stellaris, (Licht.) Cab. Short-

billed Marsh Wren. Eastern United States to the

Loup Fork of Platte.....--. 06. . eee eee eee ees ai
80.—T'roglodytes aedon, Vieill. House Wren. LHastern

United States to the Missouri, or to the High Central

Pattie oc ER Se rk (ER AR GATR as TASS 5 ara see IS j

142

No. of specimens.

81.—Troglodytes parkmanni, Aud. Parkman’s Wren. West-

ern America, from the High Central Plains and

upper Missouri to the Pacific ---....-++ +++. seee-- 13
82.—Sitta canadensis, Linn. Red-bellied Nuthatch. North

America to the Rocky mountains, probably also to

the. Paces 2S yh ses 5 Rus ek sok cs o's eRe eae 3
83.—Polioptila caerulea, (Linn.) Sclat. Blue-Gray Fly-

catcher. United States, from Atlantic to Missouri,

and on the southern border from the Gulf of Mexico

to the Coast mountains of California, south to Guate-

Tinea “fate: betes Aataey okay dita thee da a Siig NEES ns ithe an |
84.—Lophophanes bicolor, (Linn.) Bon. Tufted Titmouse.

Eastern North America to the Missouri river, or else

replaced there by a L. missuriensis..++ +--+ ++++++- 1
85.—Parus septentrionalis, Harris. Long-tailed Chickadee.

Missouri river to the Rocky mountains, or else re-

placed there by P. albescens «++. +--+ +++. ess evens t
86.—Eremoplila cornuta, (Wils,) Boie. Sky Lark. Every-

where on the prairies and desert plains of North

America; Atlantic States in winter. A smaller va-

riety on the western plains---- +--+ +++ +++ eeeee: 12
87.—Carpodacus purpureus, (Gm.) Gray. Purple Finch.

North America, from Atlantic to the High Central

Peart a ec Oho ae Oo ces Bee seh ol ees ae Acie eae ag ee ee 1
88.—Chrysomitris tristis, (Linn.) Bon. Yellow Bird. North

America generally LAAT SS TPCT Pcs tA. Pee oaaE sre 5
89.—Chrysomitris pinus, (Wils.) Bon. Pine Finch. North

America, from Atlantic to Pacific: ---+ +++. -+++-++-- 2

90.—Curvirostra americana, Wils. Red Crossbill. North
America generally, coming southward in winter.
Resident in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Per-
haps var. mexicana in Rocky mountains-----+-++++-- 2
91.—Curvirostra leucoptera, (Gm.) Wils. White-winged
Crossbill. Northern parts of North America gen-

erally POST ERAT SOs or ore he ee O ORR Oe res ae ans »
92.—Plectrophanes (Centrophanes) ornatus, Towns. Chest-
nut-collared Bunting. Plains of the upper Missouri. - 5

93.—Plectrophanes (Centrophanes) melanomus, Baird. Hast-

ern slope of the Rocky mountains; Mexico, on the

taba beed Bera is Py wicca eae ee ot oer naling ue hn + Samos 3
94.—Plectrophanes (Rhynchophanes) maccownii, Lawr. Kast-

ern slopes of Rocky mountains ; from Fort Thorn,

N. M., as far east as the Black Hills, north of the

Paths. 2s 6 idk eR ieee ees ous so oe 3
95.—Passerculus savanna, (Wils.) Bon. Savannah Sparrow.
Eastern North America to the Missouri plains ------ 5

96.—Pooecetes gramineus, (Gm.) Baird. Grass Finch. Uni-
ted States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific; or else
one species to the High Central Plains, and another
from this to the Pacific. .--. .++++ sere ees eee eee 10

143

No. of specimens,

97.—Coturniculus passerinus, (Wils.) Bon. Yellow-winged
Sparrow. Eastern United States to the High Cen-
tral Plains (Loup Fork); also along the valley of

RTP aMaCTE OGIO UL) ste Sh a os nee hikes us oe ass os wate. « 13
98.—Coturniculus henslowi, (Aud.) Bon. Henslow’s Bunt-
ing. Hastern United States as far north as Wash-

ington; westward to the Loup Fork of Platte.... 1
99.—Chondestes grammaca, (Say.) Bon. Lark Finch, From
Wisconsin and the prairies of Michigan to Pacific

coast; south to Texas and Mexico on the plains: - - 19
100.—Zonotrichia leucophrys, (Forster,) Sw. White-crowned
Sparrow. United States, from Atlantic to the Rocky
mountains, where they become mixed up with Z.

gambelir ; RCRIUIAMIN «6.8 5 ies ols ae Eo ame RE eeoins a 3
101.—Zonotrichia gambelii, (Nutt.) Gambel. Rocky moun-

tains to the Pacific coast; Fort Bridger.......-.. 2
102.—Zonotrichia querula, (Nutt.) Gamb. Harris’ Finch.

Missouri river, above Fort Leavenworth.-....--. 2

103.—Zonotrichia albicollis, (Gm.) Bon. White-throated

Sparrow. Hastern United States to the Missouri 13
104.—Junco oregonus, (Towns.) Sclat. Oregon Snow Bird.

Pacific coast of the United States to the eastern

side of the Rocky mountains; stragglers as far east

as Fort Leavenworth in winter, and Great Bend of

MEMS SITE Co ease ue ia) stp iti ta as weg cue aha icu\'sne @ 0,6, oy, ibd 9
105.—Junco caniceps, (Woodh.) Baird. Rocky mountains,

from Black Hills to Fort Bridger and San Francisco;

mountains of New Mexico. .----- +--+. ++.+ 4... 2
106.—Junco hyemalis, (Linn.) Sclat. Snow Bird. Hastern

United States to the Missouri, and as far west:as

Peete ila si tacas ce wigte eta eo oxi 3) drone meus «et @ a Mieke 3
107.—Spizella monticola, (Gm.) Baird. Tree Sores Kast-

ern North America to the Missouri; also on Pole

creek and Little Colorado river, New Mexico --.- 2
108.—Spizella pusilla, (Wils.) Bon. Field Sparrow. Eastern

North America to the Missouri river+----------- 5
109.—Spizella socialis, (Wils.) Bon. Chipping Sparrow.

North America, from Atlantic to Pacific......... 2

110.—Spizella pallida, (Sw.) Bon. Clay-colored Bunting.
Upper Missouri river and High Central Plains to
the Saskatchewan country ---+- + -+++ +++ cece eee 5
111.—WMelospiza (Melospiza) melodia, (Wils.) Baird. Song
Sparrow. Eastern United States to the High Cen-
GUEMEAEUIRSSe ORES cs foals ss iso es a so oe spa dc d © otra eran 2
112.—Melospiza ( Helospiza) lincolnit, (Aud.) Baird. Lincoln’s
Finch. United States, from Atlantic to Pacific, and
south through Mexico to Guatemala--.......... 9
113.—WMelospiza ( Helospiza) palustris, (Wils.) Baird. Swamp
Sparrow. Eastern United States, from the Atlantic
FEY GG PRMISA GOUT 4S 6 od, «vo. soo, o "ore epehavereie Mnimttve Rueria «site''s ]

144

No. of specimens.

114.—Calamospiza bicolor, (Towns.) Bon. Lark Bunting.

High Central Plains to the Rocky mountains; south-

westerly to valley of Mimbres and Sonora.------- 5
115.—Euspiza americana, (Gm.) Bon. Black-throated Bunt-

ing. United States, from the Atlantic to the bor-

der of the High Central Plains: ----.+ +--+ +--+: 17
116.— Guiraca (Goniaphea) ludoviciana, (Linn.) Sw. Rose-

breasted Grosbeak. Eastern United States to the

Missouri plains; south to Guatemala--.-.--+++-- =
117.—G@uiraca (Goniaphea) melanocephala, Sw. Black-headed

Grosbeak. High Central Plains, from Yellowstone

to the Pacific; table lands of Mexico..-..------- 5
118.—Guiraca caerulea, (Linn.) Sw. Blue Grosbeak. More

southern United States, from Atlantic to Pacific;

OHH) MMlep-al Gola tomo oS a sao tows Sag aelad A daa 3
119.—Cyanospiza amoena, (Say,) Baird. Lazuli Finch. High
Central Plains to the Pacific-.---- +++ ++++-+++5- 6

120.—Cardinalis virginianus, Bonaparte. Red Bird. More
southern portions of the United States to the Mis-
sour; probably along valley of Rio Grande to Rocky

THAVOLTN TEN DIS) ores Hoke ce eoaks oaeerGna ai Sear Nd BS & 4S '6 if
121.—Pipilo erythrophthalmus, (Linn.) Vieill. Ground Robin.

Hastern United States to the Missouri river------ 9
122.—Pipilo arcticus, Sw. High Central Plains of upper

Missouri, Yellowstone and Platte; Fort Bridger: - - 15

123.—Pinpilo chlorurus, (Towns.) Baird. Blanding’s Finch.
Valley of Rio Grande and Gila. Rocky mountains

north to the South Pass; south to Mexico-------- 3
124.—Dolichonyx oryzivorus, (Linn.) Sw. Boblink, Eastern

United States to Fort Bridger, Utah.-.-.--.---- 3
125.—Molothrus pecoris, (Gm,) Sw. Cow Bird. United States,

from the Atlantic-to California; Fort Bridger---. (|
126.—Agelaius phoeniceus, (Linn.) Vieill. Swamp Blackbird.

United States, from Atlantic to Pacific-.-..-+--- 9

127.—Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, (Bon.) Baird. Yellow-
headed Blackbird. Western America, from Texas,
Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Red river to Cali-
fornia; south into Mexico; Greenland.---.------: 2
128.—Sturnella magna, (Linn.) Sw. Meadow Lark. Hastern
United States to the High Central Plains; south to
Mexico; Ouba?.-.-+- sere ee eee eee cence eee 3
Sturnella neglecta, Aud. Western Lark. Western
America, from High Central Plains to the Pacific;
east to Pembina, and perhaps to Wisconsin. ---- -
130.—Icter‘us spurius, (Linn.) Bon. Orchard Oriole. United
States, from the Atlantic to the High Central
Plains; probably throughout Texas; south to Gua-
Pepidlas » sce c swine = PUEDE gle oie) 0.0 > ie © mintedege’ o> kis! iii a2

129.

bo
bo

145

: No. of specimens.
131.—Icterus baltimore, (Linn.) Daudin. Baltimore Oriole.

From Atlantic coast to the High Central Plains,

and in their borders; south to Guatemala---...-... 9
132.—Icterus bullockii, (Sw.) Bon. Bullock’s Oriole. High

Central Plains to the Pacific; rare on upper Mis-

sourl; south into Mexico --- +--+ --++ee cere ee eee 1
133.—Scolecophaqus ferrugineus, (Gm.) Sw. Rusty Blackbird.
From Atlantic coast tothe Missouri ---.-+-+-+--. t

134.—Scolecophagus cyanocephalus, (Wagl.) Cab. Brewer's

Blackbird. High Central Plains to the Pacific;

south to Mexico; Pembina, Minnesota: ----------
135.—Quiscalus versicolor, (Linn.) Vieill. Crow Blackbird.

Atlantic to High Central Plains; Fort Bridger-. - 7
136.—Corvus caraivorus, Bartram. American Raven. Entire

continent of North America; rare east of the Mis-

sissippi alee ih et Stein: ois} ae whaiays tae « aA Se ee beatae 4
137.—Corvus americanus, Aud. Common Crow. North

America to the Missouri region; also on the coast

of California? (Not found on the High Central

Plains?) ++ e ec ee eee cece eee ee cee eee eens 5
138.—Picicorvus columbianus, (Wils.) Bon. Clark’s Crow.

From Rocky mountains to Pacific; east to Fort

Kearney Betas Sis ey Mba anton ac ac) = chvsha Tale hoy sve iraiiae aria) sate cas Ve elela ees 6
139.—Pica hudsonica, (Sabine.) Bon. Magpie. Arctic re-

gions of North America; the United States, from

‘the High Central Plains to the Pacific, north

Gh He MEO TATED sori: sdaiiar beatae RUHL wo EMaeayenatan afe BB lanemat Soin 15
140.—Cyanura macrolophus, Baird. Long-crested Jay. Cen-

tral line of Rocky mountains to the table lands of

I GETS bY wes (5 ted ssi’, HAM RENE TS a IRR Tat Shed oe AR e, authnerad drat ys
141.—Perisoreus canadensis, (Linn.) Bon. Canada Jay.

Northern America into the northern parts of the

United States, from Atlantic to Pacific; further

south in Rocky mountains.----+-++++++ sss eee: 9
142.—Ectopistes migratoria, (Linn.) Sw. Wild Pigeon.
North America to High Central Plains----.----- 3

143.—Zenaidura carolinensis, (Linn.) Bon. Common Dove.
Throughout United States, from Atlantic to Pa-
Cific; Cuba---2+- - eee e eee ee ee eee ees 1
144.— Tetrao obscurus, Say. Dusky Grouse. Black Hills of
Nebraska to Cascade mountains of Oregon and

Washington CESSES Cte tele PRR ae moar Bais Ty CU acreiC ne Race cor 6
145.—Centrocercus urophasianus, (Bon.) Sw. Cock of the
Plains. Sage plains of the northwest. ----.----- 4

146.—Pedioecetes phasianellus, (Linn.) Baird. Sharp-tailed
Grouse. Northern prairies and plains, from Wis-
consin to Cascades of Oregon and Washington.-- - 5

1048

146

No. of specimens.
147.—Cupidonia cupido, (Linn.) Baird. Prairie Hen. West-
ern prairies and plains, within the limits of the
United States, east of the Rocky Mountains; south-
east to Calcasieu, Louisiana; east to Pocono moun-
tains; Pennsylvania, Long Island, and eastern

el ols hc) MSE WIR ent Rat Gace o. chet aioe berg cl Sao, cho acorns os 3
148.—Ortyx virginianus, (Linn.) Bon. Partridge; Quail.

Eastern United States to the High Central Plains. 1
149.—Grus americanus, (Linn.) Ord. Whooping Crane.

Florida and Texas; stragglers in Mississippi valley z

150.—Ardea herodias, Linn. Great Blue Heron. Through-
out the entire territory of the United States;

West Indies: a2 ck. Sti Sakis mere, seg) k= ke i
151.—Botaurus lentiginosus, Steph. Bittern. Entire con-
tinent of North Whiierigavite & Oe ek eee 2

152.—Chanadrius vociferus, (Linn.) Cassin. Killdeer. North
America to the Arctic regions; Mexico; South
America i 5
153.—Aegialitis (Oxychus) vociferus, (Linn.) Cassin. Kill-
deer. North Americato the Arctic regions; Mexico;
Sovith’ America . fsa. 06.85.) Of betel ek, eee 4
154.—Aegialitis (Oxyechus) montanus, (Towns.) Cassin.
Mountain Plover. Western North America; Fort
Bridger and Fort Tejon whe aioe iat one Bi ie pen ee ay ae 5
155.—Aegialitis (Aegialeus) melodus, (Ord.) Cab. Piping
Plover. Eastern coast of North America; Ne-

braska; BOwtSiana © eis Sas det Wey hs Seay EA eels otek 5
156.—Recurvirostra americana, Gm. American Avoset. All
of temperate North America; Florida. ---.--..-- 2

151.—Phadlaropus wilsonii, Sab. Wilson’s Phalarope. En-
tire temperate regions of North America; New

Moxico Feet ees ee eee ae farall i MevaeR ee cee te a
158.—Philohela minor, (Gm.) Gray. American Woodcock.
Eastern North America: .~.. 0 2a. 4 a ee ]

159.—Gallinago wilson, (Temm.) Bon. English Snipe. En-
tire temperate regions of North America; Cali-
BG é CHG RMS tt OO ich, Ce ROR RS CER doce ede te sr cc 4
160.—Tringa (Actodromas) wilsoniit, Nuttall. Least Sand-
piper. Entire temperate North America--------:
161.—Tringa (Actodromas) bonapartii, Schlegel. North
America, east of the Rocky mountains ---.------ 2
162.—Ereunetes petrificatus, Ill. Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Entire temperate regions of North America; South
America; varying much in size---- +--+ eee. eee 4
163.— Gambetta melanoleuca, (Gm.) Bon. Tell-tale. Stone
Snipe. Entire temperate regions of North Amer-
1Cai MERAGO = Shere eteetiehs ele bre: do Metmpe topes fe) eeemenen

bo

147

164.—Rhyacophilus solitarius, (Wils.) Bon. Solitary Sand-
piper. Entire temperate regions of North Amer-
aaah RR Cas) ARG Ws ds 1 AF Mal a ic Io loinigy Ame 86 # Kyat n woelte
165.—Tringoides macularius, (Linn.) Gray. Spotted Sand-
piper. Entire temperate North America; Oregon.
Accidental in Europe Heol 6 boo Soo Gals on ato moda’
166.—Actiturus bartramius, (Wils.) Bon. Field Plover.
Eastern North America; South America. Europe.
167.—Limosa fedoa, (Linn.) Ord. Entire temperate regions
of North America. South America: ---- +++. ++--
168.—Numenius (Phaeopus) borealis, (Forst.) Latham. Es-
quimaux Curlew. KHastern and northern North

WAV QUTIG rete shal ate aiatiecwle: sch 'e em: Shay soars) uals a euaemev eter shaver alle
169.—Porzana (Porzana) carolina, Vieill. Common Rail.
Entire temperate regions of North America------
170.—Fulica americana, Gmelin. Coot. Entire temperate
regions of North America-----+--++-++.e++e eee

171.—Cygnus buccinator, Rich. Trumpeter Swan. West-
ern America, from the Mississippi valley to the
RTS. ao cieagpten i to stchsns Gi viotieatt tal upg rcieiehage im « enetdhs
172.—Bernida (Leucoblepharon) canadensis, (Linn.) Boie.
Canada Goose. Whole of North America. <Acci-
dental in Europe meee wong aearald seers iecateh cubewerdee tee went

173.—Anas boschas, Linn. Mallard. Entire continent of

North America and greater part of Old World...
174.—Dajila acuta, (Linn.) Jenyns. Sprig-tail; Pin-tail.
Whole of North America and Europe---.---..---
115.—WNettion crecca, (Linn.) Kaup. English Teal. Europe;
accidental on the eastern coast of the United States,
176.—Querquedula discors, (Linn.) Steph. Blue-winged
Teel. Hastern North America to Rocky mountains.
Not yet found on the Pacific coast, nor in Europe:
177.—Apatula clypeata, (Linn.) Boie. Shoveller. Conti-
nent of North America; abundant in Europe. --..
178.—Mareca americana, (Gm.) Stephens. Baldpate; Amer-
ican Widgeon. Continent of North America ; accl-
dental in Hurope ese cece ee eee ee eee ee eee
179.—Aix sponsa, (Linn.) Boie. Summer Duck. Continent
GHA aE AMOR TING TLC One pio Aaipiefees = anwin(e) « se <babaie, ah Someul
180.—Erismatura rubida, (Wils. ) Bon. Ruddy Duck. Whole
of North America; abundant throughout the inte-

Ge ae Pe ee sol gl ad a Wien»: +! ie) + atalald abaiuca rc aE
181.—Mergus americanus, Cass. Shaldeatien Whole of
PGE | ATI CRT Cais ais, si aiei «ov are b: is ay im slaty Vey Gh al wy deena
182.—Lophodytes cucullatus, (Linn.) Reich. Hooded Mer-
ganser. Whole of North America.---.. 2... ses.

183.—Larus delawarensis, Ord. The Ring-billed Gull.
Arctic America; Texas to Labrador; viet rivers;
northwest ooant AL eyoreraie BEAD at Oty Dic OE ee

i)

148

No. of specimens.

184.—Sterna frenata, Gambel. The Least Tern. Texas to

- Labrador; western rivers-++-++ esse eee ee eee 3
185.—Hydrochelidon plumbea, (Wils.) The Short-tailed
Tern. Texas to the New England States; Missis-

sippi rivers and tributaries; fur countries---- +--+ it
186.—Podiceps californicus, Heermann. California Grebe.
Western North America s+) \< ici. etnevetirie ts teeteiets 2
FISHES.

A series of the principal fishes inhabiting the Missouri and its tribu-
taries, were collected and preserved in alcohol, and are now deposited
in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution. A portion are still
undescribed, and of those already determined, Dr. Girad has very
kindly furnished me the following list:

1. Stizostedion boreus, Grd. Fort Union, Mo.
. Gasterosteus inconstans, Kirtl. Yellowstone river.
3. Amblodon grunniens, Rafin. Milk river.
4, Pimelodus olivaceus, Grd. Yellowstone river.
5. Noturus flavus, Rafin. Yellowstone river.
6. Carpiodes damalis, Grd. Fort Pierre.
7. Ptychostomus Haydeni, Grd. Yellowstone river.
8. Acomus griseus, Grd. Platte river.
9. Acomus lactarius, Grd. Milk river.
10. Catostomus Suckliit, Grd. Milk river.
11. Pimephales fasciatus, Grd. Milk river.
12. Hybognathus argyritis, Grd. Milk river.
13. Hybognathus Evansi, Grd. Fort Pierre.
14. Argyreus dulcis, Grd. Sweet water.
15. Pogonichthys communis, Grd. Milk river.
16. Gobio gelidus, Grd. Milk river.
17. Leucosomus dissimilis, Grd. Milk river.
18. Lewosomus macrocephalus, Grd. Fort Pierre.
19. Nocornis nebrascensis, Grd. Sweet water.
20. Semotilus speciosus, Grd. Platte river.
21. Plargyrus bowmani, Grd. Sweet water.
22. Hyodon tergisus, Lesu. Fort Sarpy, Yellowstone.
3. Scaphirhynchus platyrhynchus, Baird. Upper Mo.
24. Polyodon folium, Lacep. Fort Pierre.

REPTILES.

A large collection of reptiles was made from all parts of the upper
Missouri, and it is probable that the following list represents quite
fully that portion of the Nebraska fauna. The species have been

149

identified by Professor Baird and Mr. R. Kennicott, and the speci-
mens are deposited in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

1. Trionyx. Yellow-stone river.
2. Emys elegans. Yellow-stone river.
3. Emys. Mouth Powder river.
4, Cistudo. Mouth Powder river.
5. Crotalus confluentus, Say. Yellow-stone river.
6. Crotalophorus tergeminus, Holb. Yellow-stone river.
T. Entainia sirtalis, var. parietalis, B. & G. Loup Fork.
8. Entainia. Sand Hills.
9. Nerodia sipedon, B. & G. Yellow-stone river.
10. Heterodon nasicus, B. & G. Sand Hills of Loup Fork.
11. Pituophis sayi, B. & G. Sand Hills of Loup Fork.
12. Amphibolus sayi. Fort Benton, on Missouri river.
13. Bascanion flaviventiis. Head of Loup Fork.
14. Chlorosoma vernalis. Yellow-stone river.
15. Scelophorus consobrinus.
16. Scelophorus graciosus.
17. Holbrookia maculata.
18. Holbrookia douglasst.
19. Cnemidophorus sexlineatus.
20. Plestiodon leptogrammus.
21. Plestiodon multivirgatum.
22. Plestiodon inornatum.
23. Plestiodon septentrionalis.
24. Rana halecina.
25. Bufo americanus.
26. Bufo cognatus.
27. Bufo woodhousi.
28. Svredon.

RECENT MOLLUSCA.

An interesting series of recent fluviatile and land Mollusca were
secured during the several expeditions from various portions of the
upper Missouri. The fresh water shells were very kindly examined
by Mr. Isaac Lea, the celebrated conchologist, of Philadelphia. In
some remarks before the Philadelphia Academy in regard to the above
collection, and one obtained by Mr. Kennicott from the Red river of
the north, Mr. Lea says:

‘‘Tt is not to be understood that either of these collections, made
under adverse circumstances, and at times of great personal danger,
should be full representatives of this branch of the fauna of these
countries. But they are sufficient to prove that zoological life, so far
as represented by molluscs, is nearly, if not quite the same, as that
of the Ohio river basin, as well as that of the Missouri river and a
part of the lower Mississippi and Red river of the south. The know-
ledge of a part of the species from these remote districts proves tous
the wide spread distribution of the same species, as we find every one
of them in the Ohio river at Cincinnati, Marietta, and Pittsburg, and.

150

this is the more remarkable, as the waters of the Red river of the
north are embraced in a different system of drainage, flowing as they
do into Hudson’s bay at about 52° north latitude. Here is seen an
immense area of country producing in its waters nearly the same life
as regards the molluscs, a fact highly interesting to the zoologist.’’

To Mr. W. G. Binney were transmitted the land shells, which were
examined by him with great care. I quote the following remarks
from his letter: ‘‘ These shells are all of value, as they form the first
contribution to our knowledge of the species found in those regions.
They are, however, for the most part alluvial. Succinea Haydeni is the
only perfectly fresh species, the animal being preserved in alcohol.’’

‘* Helix costata was found in myriads, probably the contribution of
many small streams above. Of the previously known species it is the
most interesting, having been noticed previously in few localities and
small numbers. If any argument were needed to establish the point
of H. minuta (Say) being identical with the European H. pulchella
(Mull.) it might be found in the fact of the ribbed variety being also
found in this country.”’

The following catalogue comprises all the freshwater and land
shells known to us on the upper Missouri:

FLUVIATILE SHELLS.

Uno alatus, Say. Big Sioux river.

Umo levississimus, Lea. Big Sioux river.

Unio luteolus, Lam. os Be

Unio asperimus, Lea. a i

Unio rectus, Lea.

Unio elegans, Lea. James river.

Unio zzzag, Lea. White Harth river.

Unio anaclontoides, Lea. James river.

Magaritana complanata, Lea. Fort Clark, in Missouri.
. @ . . u

10. Anadonta Ferussaciana, Lea. White river, Nebraska.

11. Lymnea elodes, Say. Mouth Big Sioux river.

2

© 0 DIS? OTS 99 BO

12. Lymnea nuttalliana, Lea. e
13. Lymnea humilis, Say. te et
14. Lymnea Haydeni, Lea. a .
15. Lymnea Kirtlandiana, Lea. ‘ x

16. Lymnea umbrosa, Say. Grindstone creek, Nebraska Territory.
17. Lymnea lubricoides, Lea. ¥ -

18. Lymnea Philadelphica, Lea ®

19. Planorbis bicarinatus, Say. Mouth Big Sioux river.

20. Planorbis trivolvis, Say. MY
21. Planorbis lentus, Say. + *
22. Planorbis parvus, Say.

25. Planorbis campanulatus, Say.
24. Physa heterostropha.

25. Physa integra? Hald. x ‘
26. Physa elongata, Say.
27. Physa ampularia, Say.

. Helix elevata, Say.
. Helix fallax, Say. ey te
. Helix concava, Say.
. "Helix ligera, Say.

. Helix profunda, Say. Near Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Territory.
. Helix multilineata, Say. a

. Helix.cheresina, Say.
. Helix electrina, Gould. a x
. Helix cooperi, (new spec.,) Binney. Black Hills, Nebraska Ter-

151

. Psidium—? Grindstone creek.
. Cyclas—?

. Daphnia—?
. Amnicola porata, Say. Fort Berthold.
. Amnicola lapidaria, Say-

ce eo

“ rr 4

im

LAND SHELLS

. Helix minuscula, Binney. Council Bluffs, Nebraska Territory.
. Helix lineata, Say. ie nc
. Helix striatella, Anthony. Council Bluffs, Nebraska Territory.
. Helix inflecta, Say. oh ae

. Helix hirsuta, Say. E bu
. Helix solitaria, Say. se es
. Helix alternata, Say. ce

Ce ce

ee ce

ag oe

66

. Helix monodon, Rackett. oe us
. Helix pulchella, Mull. if tS
. Helix costata, Mull. a it
. Helix arborea, Say. Drift on the Missouri, near Fort Berthold.

6

ritory.

. Pupa nebraskana, (new spec.,) W. G. Binney.. Fort Berthold,

Nebraska Territory.

. Pupa blandi, (new spec.,) W. G. Binney. Fort Berthold.
. Pupa armigera, Say. a

. Pupa pentodon, Say. Council Bluffs, Nebraska Territory.
. Pupa modesta, Say.
. Pupa badia, Adams.
. Bulimus lubricus, Mull. Fort Berthold, on Missouri.
. Succinea venusta, Say. Yellowstone.

. Succinea retusa, Lea.
. SuccineaHaydeni, (new spec.,) W, G. Binney. Yellowstone.

. Succinea lineata, (new spec.,) W. G. Binney. Fort Union and

co 66

6 Ce

Ge

Yellowstone.

. Succinea Nuttalliana, Lea. Fort Union.
. Succinea obliqua, Say. Fort Berthold, Nebraska Territory.

152

e BOTANY.

The collection of recent plants from the upper Missouri is very
large and numerous in species. Comparatively few of them have
been determined and their names presented in this list. The complete
catalogue, with the necessary remarks and descriptions of new species,
will appear in the final report.

The vegetation of Kansas and the southern and southeastern
portions of Nebraska is luxuriant in the highest degree. The broad
bottom prairies of the Missouri, from Council Bluffs to the mouth of
the Niobrara, are of inexhaustible fertility, sustaining a vegetation
variable in its character and of enormous growth. The upland prairies
possess a soil composed of yellow marl, well adapted to agriculture
and grazing. All that portion of Nebraska which borders upon the
Missouri, for one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles into the
interior, is already settled to a great extent, and the traveller sees in
prospective many of the finest farms in the west. The beautiful valley
of the Platte cannot be surpassed for fertility of soil and the variety
and luxuriance of its vegetation. Scarcely a section of land can be
seen at the present time that is not already occupied by the courageous
and persevering pioneer, and made to yield most abundant crops.
Sufficient timber occurs along the banks of ravines and streams for all
economical purposes. After passing above latitude 43°, the soil
becomes less fertile, climate much drier, and vegetation less luxuriant.
The whole country, though well adapted for the purposes of pasturage,
is not well suited for agriculture, except in comparatively few localities.
There is very little timber but that which skirts the streams, and
consists for the most part of cottonwood, elm, ash, and box wood.
Reaching the mountains, as the Bear’s Paw, Snowy, Girdle, Black
hills, or Laramie hills, an inexhaustible supply of pine timber is
found, with many other varieties of trees common to the northern
regions. The numerous broad valleys in the Black hills possess a very
fertile soil and abound in springs of pure water, and the time cannot
be far distant when this region as well as the country around Fort
Laramie will be settled by a thriving population, and the vast forests
of pine rendered serviceable to the wants of man.

That there is a marked improvement in the character of the country
as we approach the mountains has already been noticed in published
reports. The valley of the Yellowstone river, after passing the
mouth of the Big Horn, is spoken of by both traders and Indians as
quite fertile, abounding with excellent timber, fine clear springs of
water, and a luxuriant vegetation. The Crows who now possess this
region regard it as the finest country in the world. The immense
beds of gypsum, of the Jurassic formation, along the eastern slope
of the Rocky mountains, some of which are twenty feet in thickness,
would furnish an inexhaustible supply of that excellent fertilizer.

Much might be said in regard to the influence of soil, climate,
geological structure, &c., upon the vegetation of the upper Missouri,
as well as the geographical distribution of species; but time will not

158

permit, though many facts have been gathered bearing upon these
points. These will appear with the more complete catalogue when
the final report is published.

The following meteorological notes were taken at Fort Pierre and
vicinity in the spring of 1855, and though very brief may prove of
some interest:

_ March T7.—Weather fair; grass starting up fresh and green near
Black hills. Grasshoppers and ants quite active. Antelope returning
to the open prairies from their winter home in the north.

March 8.—Weather very fine and warm. Saw common striped
snake, (Hutainia parietalis.)

March 9.—Saw red-headed woodpecker, (Melanerpes erythrocepha-
lus,) and in company with it a beautiful black glossy woodpecker
about the same size, (Melanerpes torquatus.)

March 10.—Saw two fine plants on the south side of Bear Peak,
six hundred feet above the level prairie around it. One of them
Anemone patens, was in blossom, the other was just coming into
bloom.

The ice broke up in the Missouri river March 6th, as far as Fort
Clark, lat. 47°. Then came several days of stormy weather, during
which the river was frozen over a second time so firm as to sustain
heavily loaded teams. The ice again broke up on the 22d for about
the same distance up the Missouri. At Fort Union the ice did not
yield until the 3d of April. |

April 9.—Four species of umbeliferous plants in bloom ; heavy
frost during the night, so that ice formed upon the little pools an inch
in thickness; grasshoppers quite active and abundant.

April 10.—Cold ; some snow.

April 11.—Fair weather ; a strong breeze blowing though quite
warm. A small species of Carex in blossom. Saw yellow-shafted
flicker, (Colaptes auratus,) and meadow lark, (Sturnella neglecta.) At
night the frogs commenced a gentle croaking, for the first time this
spring.

April 12.—Various kinds of insects quite abundant; common garter
snake, (HZ. parietalis,) killdeer, (Charadrius vociferus,) geese and ducks
abundant ; American elm (Ulmus americana, ) in full bloom.

April 13.—Saw a large flock of swans, (Cygnus buccinator ;) a beau-
tiful Ranunculus in bloom, (R. glaberrimus.) The long-billed curlew
(Numenius longirostris,) quite abundant running on the upland prairie.

April 16.—The 13-lined squirrel (Spermophilus tridecem lineatus, }
quite abundant on the high prairie.

April 20.—Saw to-day, birds : wild geese, (Anser erythropus, ) king-
bird, (Tyrannus crinitus,) robin redbreast, T'urdus migratorius, ) (a few
robins were seen near Fort Pierre, April 1st,) the meadow lark, flicker,
killdeer, turkey buzzard, (Cathartes aura,) mourning dove, (Letopistes
carolinensis,) common cowbird, (Molothrus pecoris,) very abundant ;
also a gull (Larus franklinii,) was seen on the river. The following
plants were in bloom: Astragalus caryocarpus, Shepherdia argentea, a
species of Salix, Populus angulata, and a fine bluebell, Mertensia
virginica.

154

April 23.—Red winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus,) abundant.
Prunus americana in bloom ; Symphoricarpus occidentalis and Artemisia
in full foliage.

May 6.—Saw blue heron, (Ardea herodias ;) Cornus stoloniferus in
bloom. .

May 7.—Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon,) seen on the Teton river.

May 8.—Saw cliff swallow (Cotyle riparia ;) also a large rattle-
snake (Crotalus confluentus ;) Castileia sessiliflora in full bloom.

May 9.—Senecio aureus, a species of Salix, and a Juncus in full
bloom.

May 10.—In the valley of White river the trees are in full foliage,
and the bottom and upland prairies are covered with a rich green
carpet of grass, and multitudes of plants are now in blossom. Mal-
vastrum coccineum just coming into bloom. Mammalaris nuttalli and
Allium stellatum are in full bloom.

May 12.—Ranuneulus aquatilis in bloom. At this time, so many
birds and flowers, strange to me, have made their appearance that I
cannot indicate them. Spring has fairly arrived, and summer is
approaching. During the month of May considerable rain fell, so
that the streams were much swollen. But for six or eight months
past we have had very little rain, not more than one or two inches.
All the vegetation was parched with drought.

The ‘‘June rise’’ is said, by the mountaineers, to commence in-
variably at the time when the roses are in bloom. This year the
roses were in blossom June Ist, though I saw some in flower May 14th
in the White river valley. The rise in the waters of the Missouri
commenced at Fort Pierre, June 11th, 4 inches the first day, 5 inches
the second, 18 inches the third, 4 to 8 inches the fourth, and after-
ward falling gradually. Thisis usually called by the mountaineers
the ‘‘ big rise,’’ andis due to the melting of the snows, which accu-
mulate during the winter in the ravines and valleys of the mountains
near the sources of the Missouri. There was comparatively little
snow in the mountains last winter, and there has been very little rain
during the spring, consequently the rise this year is quite small.

June 1.—Yucca angustifolia, Polygala alba, Opuntia missouriensis,
areinfull bloom. The cacti bear the most beautiful blossoms of any
of the plants of the prairie.

The principal part of the plants enumerated in the following cata-
logue were identified by the distinguished botanist, Dr. George Engel-
mann, of St. Louis, Missouri. A few were determined by Dr. Torrey,
and the remainder by the writer. A good collection of mosses,
lichens and fungi was obtained, but the species have not yet been
studied, though they will be ready for the final report. It will be
seen therefore that no department of the geology and natural history
of the upper Missouri has been neglected in our explorations.

1. Clematis Virginiana, Linn. Very abundant from the mouth
of the Missouri to Council Bluffs. :

2. Clematis ligusticifolia, Nutt. Fort Pierre to the mountains.
Very abundant about Fort Union; also at Fort Laramie, head
of the Platte.

ad

sa

a

23.

155

Pulsatilla patens, D. C. This plant is called by the Indians
the harbinger of spring. I saw it on the south side of
Bear Peak, March 9, 1855, just coming into bloom. It is
found quite abundantly in the White river valley; also in
the sand hills of Loup Fork.

Anemone Pennsylvanica, Linn. Abundant from the mouth of
the Missouri to the mountains, though most common below
latitude 43°.

Anemone Caroliniana, Walt. Quite common around Council
Bluffs to Niobrara river.

Anemone cylindrica, Gray. This plant is quite rare; only a
few individuals were seen near the mouth of the Big Sioux
river, and on Loup Fork.

Ranunculus repens, var Marylandicus, Torr. and Gray. Low,
wet places on the Upper Missouri.

Ranunculus Pennsylvanicus, Linn. Council Bluffs; Niobrara;
Platte valley.

Ranunculus recurvatus, Poir. Mouth of the Missouri to Nio-
brara river; also sparingly in White river valley.

Ranunculus abortivus, Linn. Wet and sandy places to Nio-
brara; sparingly to the mountains.

Ranunculus sceleratus, Linn. Not rare throughout the upper
Missouri country.

Ranunculus glaberrimus, Hook. The only locality in which I
ever saw this plant was dt Grindstone Hills, near Bad Lands,
where it was in bloom on the 9th of April.

Ranunculus cymbalaria, Pursh. Seen on the Yellowstone
and Missouri.

Ranunculus aquatilis, Linn. Very abundant in the White
river valley, in the streams, and little lakes.

Myosurus minimus, Linn. Missouri bottoms, opposite St.
Joseph’s; also on the upland prairie, near Fort Pierre.

. Aquilegia Canadensis, Linn. Does not extend above Council

Bluffs or the Big Siowx.

Isopyrum biternatum, Torr. and Gray. Seen sparingly as far
up the Missouri as the mouth of the Platte.

Delphinium tricorne, Mich. Extends to the mouth of the Big
Sioux; range to Niobrara, in latitude 43°.

Delphinium azureum, Mich. Abundant on the open prairies to
the mountains.

Delphinium virescens, Nutt. Fort Pierre.

Thalictrum cornuti, Linn. Not rare to mountains.

Thalictrum dioicum, Linn. Abundant to Niobrara river.

Hydrastis Canadensis, Linn. Found only in the carboniferous
limestone region to Council Bluffs; perhaps rarely to Big
Sioux river.

Actea rubra, Bigelow. Council Bluffs.

Asimina triloba, Dunal. Common Papaw. Extends up the
Missouri to the mouth of the Big Sioux river.

156

26. Menispermum Canadensis, Linn. Most abundant in the lime-
stone regions to Council Bluffs; seen rarely on wooded
banks to the Yellow-stone.

27. Berberis aquifolium, Pursh. A very abundant shrub in the
Laramie range of hills and Black Hills.

28. Podophyllum peltatum, Linn. Abundant along the lower part
of the Missouri river, gradually ceasing at the mouth of the
Platte.

29. Nelumbeum luteum, Willd. Lower portion of the valley of
the Platte, and on the broad, wet bottoms about Omaha
city. Itis now quite rare on account of the great use of
both roots and seeds for food, by the Omaha, Otoe, and
Pawnee Indians.

30. Nymphea odorata, Sit. Found by Dr. Cooper in Kansas.

31. Argemone Mexicana, Linn. Found only at Bellevue, Ne-
braska Territory; fine yellow flowers.

32. Argemone hispida, Gray. Bad Lands, White river, Loup
Fork, Fort Laramie.

38. Sanguinaria Canadensis, Linn. Rich woods about Council Bluffs.

34. Corydalis aurea,, Willd. Not seen on the bottoms to moun-
tains.

30. Dicentra cuccullaria, D. C. In shady woods to mouth Big Sioux.

36. Nasturtium palustre, D. C. Not uncommon to mountains.

31. Nasturtium obtusum, Nutt. On the upper Missouri and Yellow-
stone.

38. Nasturtium sinuatum, Nutt. Fort Clark, Upper Missouri.

39. Nasturtium sesiliflorum, Nutt. Along Missouri.

40. Nasturtium limosum, Nutt. Along low bottoms near to Council
Bluffs.

41. Dentaria laciniata, Muhl. Shady woods around Council Bluffs.

42. Nasturtium calycinum, Engelmann nov. sp.

Annuum erectum seu diffusum, hirsutulum ; folis caulinis anguste
oblongis sinuatis seu subpinnatifidis basi auriculata arcte sessilibus
vel semi amplexicaulibus; racemis confertifloris demum elongatis;
pedicellis flore flavido et silicula ovoidea acuta parva hispidula cum
stylo gracilis vix longioribus; calyce persistente.

Sandy bottoms of the Yellowstone river, Fort Sarpy to Fort Union.—
In aspect as well asin the style, (fully a line long on a silicle 13 line
in length,) this species resembles some vesicariae, but the numerous
seeds are those of a nasturtium. The stem is about a foot high, often
much branched and diffuse. The ovate lanceolate acutish sepals
commonly persist until the valves of the pod have fallen. The
pubescence of the pod consists of very short and pointed thick-based
simple hairs. (A. Gray.)

43. Arabis Canadensis, Linn. Common along Missouri to Fort

Union.

44, Arabis hirsuta, Scop. Fort Union and Bad Lands.

45. Arabis laevigata, D. C. Shady woods to mouth of Platte.

46. Arabis dentata, Torr. and Gray. Council Bluffs.

47. Sisymbrium canescens, Nutt. Fort Pierre and Yellowstone.

157

. Erysimum asperum, D. C. Abundant on the high prairies to

Fort Pierre and Fort Union.

. Lrysimum cheiranthoides, Linn. Yellowstone and Bad Lands.
. Stanleya pinnatifida, Nutt. Abundant on the marl banks near

Niobrara river, Fort Pierre, rarely on the Yellowstone.

. Stanleya integrifolia, James. Dr. Gray thinks it is a different

form of last species.

Vesicaria ludoviciana, D. C. Sterile hills, Fort Pierre, and
Yellowstone.

Vesicaria alpina, Nutt. Same as preceding.

. Vesicaria didymocarpa, Hook. Bad Lands.
. Sinapis nigra, Linn. About old houses and cultivated fields,

Council Bluffs, and Fort Pierre.

. Capsella bursa-pastoris, Linn. Same as preceding.

. Draba micrantha, Nutt. Bad Lands.

. Draba Caroliniana, Walt. Council Bluffs.

. Draba brachycarpa, Nutt. Lower Missouri.

. Lepidium ruderale, Linn. Along Missouri to mountains.

. Lepidium Virginicum, Linn. Fort Pierre and Yellowstone.

. Cleome integrifolia, Torr. and Gray. Bad Lands, Fort Union,

Yellowstone, Bad Lands of Judith, Platte valley, Fort Lara-
mie, and not a generally diffused plant, but growing abun-
dantly in localities.

. Polanisia uniglandulosa, Gray. First seen on gravelly hills

about Fort Pierre; also on Loup Fork.
Viola palmata, Linn. Fort Pierre.
Viola cucullata, Sit. Fort Pierre.
Viola Nuttallii, Pursh. Bad Lands.
Viola Canadensis, Linn. Fort Pierre.
Viola tricolor, Linn. Council Bluffs.
Viola delphinifolia, Nutt. Prairies around Council Blufts.

. Silene antirrhina. Linn. Council Bluffs.

. Silene stellata, Ait. Dixon’s Bluffs.

. Alsine Michauxi, Fenzl. Mouth Big Sioux.

. Cerastium nutans, Raf. White river, Bad Lands.

. Cerastium arvense, Linn. Council Bluffs.

. Moehringia lateriflora, Linn. Along Missouri to Council Bluffs.
. Paronychia sessiliflora, Nutt. Fort Union, Laramie Peak,

Black Hills.

. Stellaria longipes, Goldie. Council Bluffs.
. Portulaca oleracea, Linn. On saline clay soil, Teton river,

near Fort Pierre; also near base of Black Hills, (indigenous. )

. Claytonia Virginica, Linn. Rocky woods, as high up the Mis-

souri as Council Bluffs.

. Abutilon avicennae, Gaertn. Naturalized near Council Bluffs.
. Malvastrum coccineum, Gray. Makes its appearance on the

Missouri about latitude 43°, and continues to the mountains.
Tilia Americana, Linn. Abundant to Big Sioux; seen sparingly
to mouth of Niobrara, where it ceases.

. Linum rigidum, Pursh. Throughout the prairie portion of the

upper Missouri.
\

84,
85.
86.
Si

88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.

94.
95.
96.
Oke

98.
99.

100.
LOk.
102.

103.
104.
105.

106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
a
112.
113.

114.

115.
116.

1
118.
pe 8 5

158

Linwm perenne, Linn. Fort Pierre and Fort Union.

Linum bootti, Planchon. Found by Dr. Cooper in Kansas.

Oxalis stricta, Linn. Generally diffused.

Oxalis violacea, Linn. Rich prairies and cultivated fields
around Council Bluffs; seen nearly as high as Niobrara, in

full bloom June 20, 1857.

Oxalis corniculata, Linn. Upper Mo.

Geranium maculatum, Linn. Common to Niobrara.

Geranium carolimanum, Linn. Mouth Big Sioux

Impatiens pallida, Nutt. Shady woods to mountains.

Impatiens fulva, Nutt. Council Bluffs and Big Sioux.

Xanthoxylum Americanum, Mill. Woody bottoms, and islands
of the Mo., to Fort Pierre.

Ptelia trifoliata, Linn. Around Council Bluffs.

Rhus glabra, Linn. Council Bluffs White river valley.

Rhus copallina, Linn. Abundant in Mo., and Kansas.

Rhus toxicodendron, Linn. Abundant in woody places to the
mountains. |

Rhus aromatica, Ait. Along Mo.

Rhus trilobata, Nutt. First makes its appearance about lat.,
43°, and occurs abundantly on sterile hills to the mountains.

Vitis riparia, Michx. Banks of Mo., Bellevue, N. T.

Vitis indivisa, Willd. Big Sioux river.

Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Michx. Very common in woody
bottoms throughout the country, but grows most luxuriant
in the rich woods from mouth of Missouri to Big Sioux,

where it often so clothes old dry trees that they seem still
alive.

Rhamnus lanceolatus, Pursh. Council Bluffs.

Ceanothus sanguineus, Pursh. Mouth of White river.

Ceanothus ovalis, Bigelow, var. pubescens. Common on the
cretaceous hills below Fort Pierre; also in the sand hills
of Loup Fork, on the Niobrara river.

Celastrus scandens, Linn. Along Missouri to Fort Union.

Huonymus atropurpureus, Jacq. Woody bottoms to Fort Union.

Euonymus Americanus, Linn. Mouth of Platte.

Staphylea trifolia, Linn. Council Bluffs.

Agesculus glabra, Willd. Missouri bottoms to Big Sioux river.

Acer dasycarpum, Ehshart. Bellevue, Nebraska.

Acer rubrum, Linn. Highest limit on Missouri, latitude 42°.

Acer saccharinum, Wang. Limestone regions of Kansas and
southern portion of Nebraska.

Negundo aceroides, Moench. One of the few trees which ex-
tends to the mountains.

Polygala alba, Nutt. On sterile hills to Fort Union.

Polygala verticillata, Linn. Moist places on prairies; Fort
Pierre; Bad lands.

Polygala senega, Linn. Council Bluffs.

Vicia Americana, Muh]. Upper Missouri generally.

Lathyrus linearis, Nutt. Upper Missouri generally.

120.
121.
122.
123.
124.

159

Lathyrus polymorphus, Nutt. White river valley.

Lathyrus venosus, Muhl. Rich bottoms, Big Sioux.

Phaseolus pauciflorus, Benth. Bad Lands.

Amphicarpea monoica, Nutt. White river valley, Fort Clark.

Apios tuberosa, Moench. Along sandy woody bottoms of Mis-
sourl. A species of mouse gathers large numbers of the
tubers of this plant for his winter store. These ‘‘cachés,’’
(as they are called,) are eagerly sought by the squaws, and
the tubers taken and used as food. I have seen several
bushels of the roots in a single lodge. Cooked with buffalo
meat they make a very palatable dish.

. Glycyrluza lemdota, Nutt. Diffused generally.

. Psoralea lanceolata, Pursh. From Bellevue to Yellowstone.
. Psoralea floribunda, Nutt. Big Sioux river to Bad Lands.

. Psoralea campestris, Nutt. Bad Lands.

. Psoralea argophylla, Pursh. A most beautiful plant, covering

the plain as with silvery velvet. Big Sioux to mountains.

. Psoralea cuspidata, Pursh. Fort Pierre to Bad Lands.
. Psoralea esculenta, Pursh. Affords the Indians a very nourish-

ing farinaceous root, upon which they subsist almost entirely
in the spring and early summer months, when game is
scarce. It is also a great favorite of the grizzly bear.

. Amorpha fruticosa, Linn. A common shrub, above Missouri

to mountains.

. Amorpha canescens, Nutt. Very abundant on the upland

prairies, Loup Fork, and Niobrara river.

. Amorpha nana, Nutt. Fort Laramie and high up the Mis-

sourl.

. Dalea aurea, Nutt. Bad Lands.

. Dalea alopecuroides, Willd. Big Sioux river.

. Dalea laxiflora, Pursh. Fort Pierre to Yellowstone.

. Petalostemum candidum, Mich. Big Sioux river.

. Petalostemum multiflorum, Nutt. Fort Pierre to Bad Lands.

. Petalostemum violaceum, Mich. Upper Missouri to Bad

Lands.

. Petalostemum villosum, Nutt. Bad Lands.

. Trifolium stolonferum, Muhl. Bad Lands.

. Trifolium pratense, Linn. Lower Missouri.

. Trifolium repens, Linn. Lower Missouri.

. Hosackia Purshiana, Benth. Sandy bottoms of Missouri.

. Astragalus hypoglottis, Linn. White river to Bad Lands.

. Astragalus gracilis, Nutt. Bad Lands to the Yellowstone.

. Astragalus striatus, Nutt. Fort Pierre to Bad Lands, cover-

ing prairies like clover fields.

. Astragalus Missouriensis, Nutt. Fort Pierre to Fort Union.

. Astragalus caryocarpus, Ker. Fort Pierre to Bad Lands.

. Astragalus Plattensis, Nutt. Fort Pierre.

. Astragalus Canadensis, Linn. Fort Pierre to Bad Lands.

. Astragalus racemosus, Pursh. Abundant in the sandy bottoms

of Missouri; Cedar island.

154.

155.
156.
157.
158.

159.
160.

161.
162.
163.

164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
169.

170.
NE
172.
Lis.
174.

U5:
176.

UT.
178.

179.
180.
181.

182.
183.
184.

185.
186.
1si.
188.
189.
190.

160

Astragalus Drummondi, Douglass. Sterile hills around Fort
Union.

Astragalus adsurgens, Pall. James river.

Phaca caespitosa, Nutt. Bad lands.

Phaca longifolia, Nutt. Bad lands.

Phaca pectinata, Hook. Upland prairies on the Yellowstone
river, abundant.

Phaca elongata, Hook. Fort Pierre to Fort Union.

Orytropis Lamberti, Pursh. Very abundant on praries around
Big Sioux and Niobrara rivers.

Oxytropis splendens, Douglass. James river.

Homalobus multiflorus. Nutt. Big Sioux to bad lands.

Kentrophyta montana, Nutt. Abundant in sandy river bot-
toms on the Yellowstone.

Hedysarum boreale, Nutt. Abundant, mouth of Yellowstone.

Desmodium Canadense, D. C. Fort Clark.

Desmodium Dillenii, Darl. Big Sioux river.

Desmodium paniculatum, D. C. Bellevue, W. T.

Desmodium nudiflorum, D. C. Bellevue, W. T.

Lespedera capitata, Michx. Abundant on the rich bottoms
about Council Bluffs, Big Sioux.

Lespedera hirta, Ell. On Missouri.

Crotalaria sagittalis, Michx. Big Sioux river.

Lupinus pusillus, Pursh. Common on the Yellowstone.

Lupinus perennius, Linn. Platte valley.

Thermopsis rhombifolia, Nutt. From Council Bluffs to Fort
Pierre; Bad Lands, &c.

Sophora sericea, Nutt. White River valley; Fort Pierre.

Gleditschia tricanthos, Linn. Occurs as high on the Missouri
as Big Sioux.

Cercis Canadensis, Linn. Same as preceding.

Cassia Chaemacrista, Linn. Sandy bottoms of Missouri, from
Council Bluffs to White river.

Desmanthus brachylobus, Benth. Council Bluffs and Platte
valley; rich bottoms.

Schrankia uncinata, Willd. Gravelly hills on the upper Mis-
souri generally.

Gymnocladus Canadensis, Lam. Abundant in woody bottoms
to Big Sioux.

Baptisia leucophea, Nutt. Platte valley.

Prunus Americana, Marsh. Fort Pierre.

Prunus pumila, Linn. Abundant in the sand hills of Loup
Fork; along Missouri river near Little Soldier's camp.

Prunus serotina, Ehrh. Council Bluffs.

Prunus Virginiana, Linn. Generally diffused.

Gillenia stipulacea, Nutt. Mouth of Big Sioux.

Gillenia trifoliata, Moench. Mouth of Big Sioux.

Agrimonia eupatoria, Linn. Bellevue, N. T.

Agrimonia parviflora, Ait. Around Fort Union.

191.
192.

161

Chaemorhodas erecta, var. Nuttallii, Torr. & Gray. Big Bend
and Yellowstone.

Geum strictum, Ait. White river to Yellowstone.

Geum album, Gmel. Fort Pierre and Mandan village.

Geum triflorum, Pursh. Fort Union.

Potentilla Norvegica, Linn. Council Bluffs to Yellowstone.

. Potentilla paradoxa, Nutt. Along banks of Missouri.

. Potentilla effusa, Dougl.? Prairies near Fort Clark.

. Potentilla Pennsylvanica, Linn, var. strigosa; Bad Lands.
. Potentilla diversifolia, Lehm. Bad Lands.

. Potentilla rigida, Nutt. Yellowstone.

. Potentilla Canadensis, Linn. Big Sioux river.

. Potentilla anserina, Linn. Niobrara run to Fort Pierre.
. Potentilla fructicosa, Linn. On the Yellowstone.

. Potentilla arguta, Pursh. Fort Clark and Fort Union.

. Fragaria vesca, Linn. Along Missouri to Yellowstone.
. Fragaria Virginica, Ehsh. Fort Union.

. Sanguisorba annua, Nutt. Fort Union.

. Rubus occidentalis, Linn. Council Bluffs.

. Rubus strigosus, Mich. Sparigly on Yellowstone.

. Rubus villosus, Ait. Council Bluffs.

. Rosa blanda, Ait. On prairies generally.

. Rosa lucida, Ehrh. White river; Fort Pierre.

. Crategus punctata, Jacq. White river; Big Bend, &e.

Crategus tomentosa, var. mollis, Gray. Mouth of Big Sioux.

. Amelanchier Canadensis, Torr. and Gray. Common throughout

the upper Missouri country; bears a delicious fruit which
ripens in June.

. Epilobium augustifoium, Linn. Not uncommon in Kansas,

also near Council Bluffs.

Oenothera biennis, Linn. Common along the valley of Mis-
sour to the mountains.

Oenothera albicaulis, Nutt. White river valley and Yellow-
stone; rare.

Ocenothera cespitosa, Nutt. Arid hills of upper Missouri.

Ocenothera serrulata, Nutt. Council Bluffs to Fort Pierre.

Oenothera pinnatifida, Nutt. Bad Lands.

Gaura biennis, Lin. Along Missouri to Council Bluffs.

Gaura coccinea, Nutt. Common on high prairies and hills from
Council Bluffs to the mountains.

. Ludwigia palustris, Ell. Wet places in Platte valley, near

Loup Fork,
Circea lutetiana, Linn. Fertile woody places along Missouri
to Niobrara.

. Myriophyllum spicatum, Linn. Common in ponds throughout

upper Missouri.

. Hepparis vulgaris, Linn. In standing pools, upper Missouri.
. Mentzelia ornata, Torr. and Gray. Arid argillaceous hills from

latitude 43° to the mountains.

. Mentzelia nuda, Torr. and Gray. Same as preceding.

11H

162

230. Opuntia Mssouriensis, D. C. Common throughout the upper
Missouri region.

231. Opuntia fragilis, Nutt. Peculiar to arid plains, upper Mis-
souri.

232. Opuntia.

233. Mammalaris vivipara. Seen on the rich bottoms between

Niobrara and Fort Pierre; bears beautiful purple blossoms.

. Mammalaris Nuttdlli. Common throughout the upper Mis-

sourl country above Fort Pierre; most abundant in White
river valley.

. Ribes Missouriensis, Nutt. Woody limestone banks around

Council Bluffs.

. Ribes floridum, Linn. Common on the upper Missouri and

valley of Yellow stone.

. frbes aureum, Pursh. Banks and ravines along Missouri and

Yellow stone.

. LEchinocystis lobata, Torr.and Gray. Durions’ hills on Missouri.
. Penthorum sedoides, Linn. In wet places, Platte valley; mouth

of Loup Fork.

. Heuchera Americana, Linn. Not rare in woody places along

Missouri.

. Hamamelis Virginica, Linn. Abundant in limestone woods

along Missouri to mouth of the Platte river.

. Zizia aurea, Koch. Prairies along Missouri to Big Sioux and

Niobrara.

. Polytaenia Nuttallti, D. C. Dry argillaceous hills and upland

prairies around Fort Pierre; also on the Yellow stone.

. Siumlineare, Michx. Moist places from mouth of Missouri to

mountains.

. Thaspium barbinode, Nutt. Rich woody places along Missouri.

Thaspium aureum, Nutt. Near Council Blufis.

. Peucedanum feniculaceum, Nutt. Common on high prairies

around Council Bluffs.

Osmorrhiza longistylis, D. C. Moist fertile woods to Fort
Pierre.

Osmorrhiza brevistylis, D. C. With the preceding.

. Cicuta maculata, Linn. Wet piaces, Platte valley.
. Aralia nudicaulis, Linn. Limestone woods to Big Sioux river.

Cornus florida, Linn. Along the rich wooded bottoms as high
as Fort Leavenworth.

Cornus stolonifera, Michx.. Wooded bottoms of Missouri from
mouth to source.

Cornus sericea, Linn. Abundant along Missouri bottoms. The
inner bark is much used by the Sioux Indians with their
tobacco in proportions of three to one; called by the traders
‘‘red osier.’’

163

255. Symphoricarpus occidentalis, R. Br. The most abundant shrub
along the rivers and streams from the mouth of the Missouri
to the mountains; often called ‘‘ blue wood,’’ much used for
making brooms; sometimes covers the river bottoms almost
exclusively.

256. Lonicera ciliata, Muhl. Woody ravines, near Council Bluffs,
Ne P.

257. Triosteum perfoliatum, Linn. Not rare as high up the Mis-
souril as mouth of Big Sioux.

258. Sambucus Canadensis, Linn. Common along Missouri; seen in
the valley of Yellowstone.

259. Galium aparine, Linn. Woody places along Missouri.

260. Galium trifidum, Linn. Moist low spots on Missouri.

261. Galium boreale, Linn. Same as preceding.

262. Galium triflorum, Michx. Same as preceding.

263. Cephalanthus occidentalis, Mich. Platte valley near Loup Fork.

264. Oldenlandia angustifolia, Gray. Along Missouri to Council
Bluffs.

265. Vernonia fasciculata, Michx. Quite common on prairies, valley
of Missouri.

266. Kuhnia eupatorioides, Linn. Council Bluffs to Niobrara.

267. Hupatorium perfoliatum, Linn. On rich bottom prairies near
mouth of Big Sioux.

268. Eupatorium purpureum, Linn. Council Bluffs to James river.

269. Hupatorium ageratoides, Linn. Woody bottoms Council Blufts
to Fort Pierre.

270, Liatris spicata, Willd. Rich bottoms, Big Sioux.

271. Aster cordifolius, Linn. Not uncommon, Big Sioux and Nio-
brara.

272. Aster saggitifolius, Willd. Big Sioux and Niobrara.

273. Aster azwreus, Lindl, Council Bluffs.

274. Aster multiflorus, Ait. Council Bluffs.

275. Aster sericeus, Vent. Fort Pierre.

276. Aster Novae-Angliae, Ait. Low places on Missouri.

277. Aster laevis, Linn. Upper Missouri.

278. Hrigeron pumilum, Nutt. High hills around Fort Pierre.

219. Hrigeron strigosum. Muhl. Low places, Vermilion Prairie-

280. Erigeron Philadelphicum, Linn. Alluvial bottoms of Missouri.

281. Hrigeron Canadense, Linn. Common all over Missouri country.

282. Aplopappus spinulosus, D. C. High prairies of Upper Mis-
sourl.

283. Solidago rigida, Linn.

284. Solidago incana, Torr & Gray.

285. Solidago nemoralis, Ait.

286. Solidago gigantea, Ait.

287. Solidago Missouriensis, Nutt.

288. Grindelia squarrosa, Dunal. Common on high prairies from
lat. 43° to the mountains; medicinal among Indians.

289. Chrysopsis villosa, Nutt. Common on dry hills, Fort Pierre.

290.

291.

293.

294.
295.
296.

297.

298.
299.
300.

301.
302.
303.

304.
305.

306.
307.
308.

309.
310.
311.

312.

164

Silphium laciniatum, Linn. Called by the inhabitants of the
country, ‘‘ Compass plant;’’ reaches its healthiest growth
on the rich fertile bottoms of Missouri, but often found in
great abundance on the high prairies. The highest point on
the Missouri river that I have observed this plant is near
lat. 44°, mouth White river; most abundant in the Platte val-
ley and on the broad rich bottoms between Council Bluffs and
Niobrara river, where it sometimes occupies large areas to
the exclusion of other vegetation. That the leaves of this.
plant set their faces north and south, may be proved by a
pocket compass. Forty-nine plants out of fifty exhibit this
peculiarity. It thus becomes an excellent guide to the
traveller across the pathless prairies.

Silphium perfolatum, Linn. Seldom seen above Niobrara.

Iva axillaris, Pursh. Dry argillaceous hills. Fort Pierre and
Fort Union.

Ambrosia trifida, Linn. Along streams and borders of woods
from mouth of the Missouri to mountains. Quite abundant.

Ambrosia coronopifolia, Torr. and Gray. Fort Pierre.

Xanthium strumarium, Linn. Sandy bottoms of Yellow-stone.

Echinacea purpurea, Moench. Purple cone flower; called Rattle-
snake weed in the west, and is found abundantly through-
out the country. Root very pungent. Used very effectively
by the traders and Indians for the cure of the bite of the
rattlesnake.

Lepachys columnaris, Torr. and Gray. Common throughout
the Missouri country, but most abundant from Council
Bluffs to Niobrara river, on the rich broad-bottom prairies.
In flower July 8th. Rays usually yellow, sometimes of a
deep purple velvet.

Lepachys pinnata, Torr. and Gray. Vermilion prairie. Rare.

Rudbeckia hirta, Linn. Council Bluffs.

Heliopsis leavis, Pers. Along streams in Kansas and southern
Nebraska.

Helianthus giganteus, Linn. Common on Upper Missouri.

Helianthus gross-serratus, Martens. Common on prairies.

Coreopsis tripteris, Linn. Council Blufts.

Coreopsis tinctoria, Nutt. James river, Big Sioux, &e.

Actinomeris squarrosa, Nutt. Common in thickets, and along
streams in Kansas and Nebraska.

Bidens connata, Muhl. Missouri, and White river Valley.

Bidens Beckii, Torr. Council Bluffs.

Dysodia chr ysanthemoides, Lag. Very nde in prairie-dog
villages on the upper Missouri.

Helenium autumnale, Linn. Kansas and souuheet Nebraska.

Anthemis arvensis, Linn. Naturalized to Fort Leavenworth.

Achillea millefolium, Linn. Found all over the prairie country
of the west; must be indigenous west of the Mississippi.

Antennaria plantaginea, R. Br. Upper Missouri and Black
Hills.

313.
314.

315.
316.
31T.
318.
319.
320.
321.
O22

323.
324.

325.

340.
O41.
342.

165

Antennaria dioica, R. Br. Same as last.

Artemisia jfilifolia, Torr. Gravelly hills along Platte; ‘‘ Bad
Lands.”’

Artemisia cana, Pursh. In the valley of Missouri and Platte.

Artemisia frigida, Willd. From latitude 43° to mountains.

Artemisia dracunculoides, Fort Pierre to Bad Lands.

Artemisia tridentata, Nutt. Common in Bad Lands.

Artemisia biennis, Willd. In Platte Valley.

Artemisia Canadensis, Michx. Near Fort Laramie.

Artemisia ludoviciana, Nutt. Shyenne river.

Gnaphalium uliginosum, Linn. Council Bluffs.

Senecio aureus, Linn, Council Bluffs and Big Sioux.

Senecio integerrimus, Nutt. About Council Bluffs to moun-
tains.

Tinosyris graveolens, Torr. and Gray. A very common shrub
from latitude 44° to mountains; sometimes associated with
Sarcobatus vermicularis, and sometimes taking its place.

Cacalia tuberosa, Nutt. Not uncommon on the rich bottoms of
the Missouri and Platte.

Lygodesmia juncea, Don. <A very abundant plant ail over the
sterile hills of the Upper Missouri and its tributaries; grows
most luxuriantly on the second upland prairie. It makes
its first appearance near Council Bluffs, and extends to the
mountains.

Cirsium altissimum, Spreng. Platte valley.

Brickelia oblongifolia. Along Missouri river.

Franseria ambrosioides, Cab. Sandy bottoms of the Yellow-
stone.

Sonchus asper, Vill. Council Bluffs.

Mulgedium pulchellum, Nutt. Big Sioux river.

Troximon cuspidatum, Pursh. Council Bluffs and Big Sioux.

Lobelia cardinalis, Linn. Moist places along the Missouri to
the Big Sioux; in Kansas, on Big Cottonwood creek.

Lobelia spicata, Lam. Mouth of the Platte.

Lobelia inflata, Linn. Yellow-stone valley, where it is culti-
vated by the Crow Indians, and used in their religious
ceremonies.

Campanula rotundifolia, Linn. Common to Fort Clark.

Specularia perfoliata, D. C. Throughout the Upper Missouri
country.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursa, Spreng. Very abundant on the high
rocky hills about Fort Clark; also abundant in the moun-
tains. It is the real ‘‘ Kininkkinnick’’ of the Indians, and
used by them to mix with their tobacco, in preference to
any other plant. The bark of Cornus sericea is used as a
substitute only in the absence of the A. uva-wrsi.

Chimaphila wmbellata, Nutt. Black Hills.

Diospyros Virginana, Linn. Is found in Kansas.

Plantago major, Linn. On river bottom near Fort Clark.

166

Plantago patagonica, Var., gnaphaloides. Very abundant in sand
soil and gravelly places on the Upper Missouri.
Plantago pusilla, Nutt. On prairies near Fort Pierre; also on
the river opposite St. Joseph, in Kansas.
Lysamachia stricta, Ait. Platte valley, upon Missouri.
Utricularia inflata, Walt. In ponds, Council Bluffs, White river
valley.
Phelipea ludoviciana, Don. Sandy prairies, Yellowstone.
Aphyllon fasciculatum, Torr. & Gray. Great Bend of Missouri.
Aphyllon uniflorum, Torr. & Gray. Council Bluffs.
Scrophularia nodosa, Linn. Abundant along thickets and streams,
Kankas and Nebraska.
Chelone glabra, Linn. Along valley of Missouri to latitude 43°.
Penstemon grandiflorus, Fraser. A beautiful plant found along
the bluffs of the Platte, banks and sandy bottoms of Missouri
to mountains. ¥
Penstemon ceruleum, Nutt. Eagle Nest hill, White river valley.
Penstemon erianthum, Nutt. Hills around Fort Pierre.
Penstemon allidum, Nutt. Low with glabrous calyx. Hills around
Fort Pierre.
Penstemon cristatum, Nutt. On high prairies; Upper Missouri.
Penstemon gracile, Nutt. Prairie bottoms, near Fort Pierre.
Penstemon pubescens, Solander. Fort Pierre; June.
Penstemon levigata, Solander. Fort Leavenworth; May.
Mimulus virgeus, Linn. Council Bluffs and Big Sioux.
Mimulus Jamesii, Torr. On the Platte. Dr. Cooper.
Gratiola Virginica, Linn. Quite common along the Missouri.
Veronica anagallis, Linn. Common; Council Blufis.
Veronca scutellata, Linn. With the preceding.
Veronica peregrina, Linn. Fort Pierre.
Geradia purpurea, Linn. Council Bluffs.
Castillera sessilifora, Pursh. Common about Council Bluffs.
Castilleia septentrionalis, Lindl. Black Hills.
Melampyrum americanum, Michx. Extends up the Missouri as:
far as the mouth of the Platte.
Dianthera americana, Linn. Platte valley. ;
Verbena bracteosa, Michx. A very common plant about prairie
dog villages on the upper Missouri.
Verbena hastata, Linn. Platte valley.
Verbena stricta, Vent. Platte valley; July.
Verbena aubletia, Linn. Along the Missouri in Kansas.
Lippia lanceolata, Michx. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Territory.
Phryma leptostachya, Linn. Not rare along the Missouri to
latitude 43°.
Mentha Canadensis, Linn. Common in wet places, valley of the
Missouri and Platte.
Lycopus sinuatus, Ell. Same as preceding.
Monarda fistulosa, Linn. Common along streams to mountains.
Hedeoma hirta, Nutt. Abundant in the prairie dog villages,
upper Missouri.

381.
. Lophanthus anisatus, Benth. James river; on Missouri.
. Scutellaria parvula, Michx. Council Bluffs.

406.

407.
408.
409.

167

Bleplilia ciliata, Raf. Fort Pierre to Bad Lands.

Tencrium Canadense, Linn. Council Bluffs.

Lathospermum canescens, Lehm. High prairies, Council Bluffs.

Lathospermum latifolium, Michx. Fort Pierre.

Myosotis glomerata, Nutt. On dry sterile hills, Fort Pierre,
and Bad Lands.

Onosmodium hispidum, Michx. Prairies about Leton river;
Fort Pierre.

Mertensia Virginica, D. C. Fort Pierre; in bloom April 20,1855.

Echinospermum patulum, Lehm. Prairies about Fort Pierre.

Echinospermum lappulum, Lehm. Prairies about Fort Pierre.

Hydrophyllum Virginicum, Linn. Shady woods as high up
the Missouri as mouth of White river, and in White river
valley. Most abundant in the carboniferous limestone
regions of Council Bluffs; April.

Hydrophyllum macrophyllum, Nutt. With preceding.

Ellisia nyctelea, Linn. About old houses and gardens to Big
Sioux, and along old roads in prairie dog villages on the
upper Missouri.

Phacelia circinata, Jacq. In Kansas; Dr. Cooper.

Phlox divaricata, Linn. Council Bluffs and Platte valley.

Collomia linearis, Nutt. Common about Fort Pierre; Fort
Union.

Gilia longiflora, Torr. In sand hills of Niobrara river.

Ipomea lepttophylla, Torr. I have seen this plant in but one
locality along the Missouri; Bear creek near ‘‘ Bad Lands.’’-
But in the sand hills on Loup Fork, along the Niobrara,
and around Fort Laramie, it is very abundant.

Cuscuta glomerata, Choisy. Abundant on sandy bottoms of
Missouri.

Solanum nigrum, Michx. Not rare on the sandy bottoms of
Missouri.

Solanum triflorum, Nutt. Very abundant in prairie dog
villages on Upper Missouri.

Solanum Carolinense, Linn. Along Missouri to Council Bluffs,

Physalis lanceolata, Michx. Sandy bottoms of Missouri to Fort
Pierre.

Physalis viscosa, Linn. Sandy bottoms of Missouri to moun-
tains.

Androcera lobata, Nutt. Very abundant about old trading
houses, along old roads, and in prairie dog villages on
Upper Missouri.

Apocynum cannabinum, Linn. Abundant on low bottoms of
Missouri to mountains.

Asclepias macranthera, Torr. Not rare on the moist prairies.
of upper Missouri, Loup Fork, Platte valley; July 16.

Asclepias incarnata, Linn. Moist places Loup Fork, Platte.

410.

41].
412.
413.
414.

415.
416.

417.
418.
419.

420.
421.

438.

168

Asclepias tuberosa, Linn. Mouth Big Sioux, and in Platte
valley.

Asclepias verticellata, Linn. Abundant on prairies; Fort Pierre.

Anantherix viridis, Nutt. Platte valley; Loup Fork; July 16.

Acerates longifolia, Nutt. Common around Fort Pierre.

Acerates angustifolia, Nutt. With preceding.

Fraxinus Americana, Linn. Generally diffused.

Asarum Canadense, Linn. Near Council Bluffs.

Oxybaphus angustifolius, Torr. Dry hills around Fort Pierre.

Chenopodium album, Linn. Platte valley; Fort Pierre.

Obione canescens, Moq. ‘‘Bad Lands;’’ common.

Salicornia herbacea, Linn. Saline places; Fort Union.

Sarcobatus vermicularis, Nees. This is one of the most
abundant shrubs on the Upper Missouri. It makes its first
appearance near latitude 44°, and seems to thrive best in
the saline clays of the cretaceous and tertiary formations.
It is sometimes called ‘‘Grease wood’’ by the traders, and
is often used for fuel by them on the Yellowstone river,
where it grows to the height of ten or twelve feet, with
trunks two to three inches in diameter. On the Yellow-
stone and along the Missouri it sometimes covers many
square miles to the exclusion of other plants.

Amaranthus albus, Linn. Sandy bottoms and shores of Missouri.

Rumex persicarioides, Linn. Sandy bottoms of Missouri.

Rumex venosus, Pursh. Old Ponca village; Loup Fork.

Polygonum amphibium, Linn. Low wet places along Missouri.

Polygonum aviculare, Linn. Council Bluffs along Missouri.

Polygonum tenue, Michx. Council Bluffs to mountains.

Benzoin odoriferum, Nees. Woody bottoms along Missouri,
below Niobrara.

Shepherdia argentea, Nutt. Very abundant from mouth of
Big Sioux river to the mountains. It bears a profusion of
red acid fruit, called buffalo berries.

Heagnus argentea, Pursh. Ihave seen this shrub in but one
locality in Missouri, near Fort Clark, on the high tertiary
hills.

Comandra wunbellata, Nutt. Fort Pierre and on the Yellow-
stone.

Euphorbia corallata, Linn. Quite common on Missouri to lati-
tude 45°

Huphorbia marginata, Pursh. Very abundant to mountains.

Euphorbia maculata, Linn. Same as last.

Euphorbia polygonifolia, Linn. Along old roads, Upper Mis-
souri.

Ulmus fulva, Michx. Abundant on the rich bottoms of Mis-
souri to Big Sioux, and ceases to appear at the mouth of
Niobrara river.

Ulmus Americanus, Linn. Along rivers and streams to moun-
tains.

Celtis occidentalis, Linn. Abundant near to Niobrara river.

439.

440.
441.
442.
443.

444,

445.
446.
447.
448.
449.
450.
451.
452.
453.
454,
455.

456.
457.
458.
459.
460.
461.
462.
465.
464.
465.
466.
467.
468.
469.
470.
471.
472.
473.
AT4.
475,
AT6.
ATT.
478.
479.

480.

481.

169

Morus rubra, Linn. Very abundant to mouth of Big Sioux;
seen sparingly and of small growth to the mountains.

Urtica gracilis, Ait. Thickets and streams to Niobrara.

Urtica Canadensis, Linn. Same as preceding.

Parietaria Pennsylvanica, Muhl. Missouri and Yellowstone.

Aumulus lupulus, Linn. Most abundant in the Upper Missouri
country.

Platanus occidentalis, Linn. Abundant on the rich bottoms of
Missouri and Kansas; but ceases to appear about one hun-
dred miles above Council Bluffs.

Juglans cinerea, Linn. Bix Sioux.

Juglans nigra, Linn. Does not extend above latitude 43°.

Quercus tinctoria, Bartram. Council Bluffs and Big Sioux.

Quercus rubra Linn. With preceding.

Quercus macrocarpa, Michx. Extends to mountains.

Corylus Americana, Walt. Abundant around Council Bluffs.

Betula. Black hills.

Alnus. Black hills.

Populus tremuloides, Michx. Black hills.

Populus angustifolia, Torr.

Populus monilifera, Ait. A large tree, constituting by far the
greater portion of the timber along the valley of Missouri.

Salix. Several species.

Pinus ponderosa, Douglass. Black hills.

Abies Douglassi. Bad lands of the Judith.

Juniperus Virginiana, Linn. Along Missouri to mountains.

Arum triphyllum, Torr. Low ponds to Big Sioux.

Arum Dracontium, Schott. Found by Dr. Cooper in Kansas.

Typha latifolia, Linn. Mouth of Platte.

Sparganium ramosum, Hudson. Low places to Fort Pierre.

Lemna. Common in ponds on upper Missouri.

Potamogeton natans, Linn. White river valley.

Potamogeton pectinatus, Linn. In ponds. Bad Lands.

Alisma plantago, Linn. Common in ponds, upper Missouri.

Sagittaria variabilis, Engelmann. With preceding.

Platanthera leucophea, Nutt. Lower Platte.

Spiranthes cernua, Rich. Rich bottom prairies of Vermilion.

Cypripedium pubescens, Willd. Rocky banks to Big Sioux river.

Cypripedium acaue, Ait. With the preceding.

Tris versicolor, Linn. Lower Platte.

Sisyrinchium anceps, Linn. Bottom prairies to Fort Pierre.

Hypoxis erecta, Linn. Council Bluffs.

Trillium sessile, Willd. Extends to Big Sioux.

Snulax herbacea, Linn. Common. Mouth of Platte.

Smilax rotundifolia, Linn. Along Missouri to mouth of Platte.

Smilacina stellata, Desf. Very abundant to Niobrara, and
occasionally seen to the mountains.

Smilacine racemosa, Desf. Council Bluffs.

Polygonatum giganteum, Dietrich. Council Bluffs.

170

482. Allium Canadense, Linn. Big Sioux.

483. Allium reticulatum, Nutt. Abundant about Fort Pierre.

484, Allium stellatum, Nutt. Platte and Loup Fork.

485. Lillium canadense, Linn. Big Sioux to Fort Pierre.

486. Erythronium americanum, Smith. Council Bluffs.

487. Erythronium albidwm, Nutt. Council Bluffs.

488. Yucca angustifolia, Sims. From the mouth of Niobrara river
to mountains; on sterile hills.

489. Streptopus amplexifolius, D. C. Council Bluffs.

490. Melanthium Virginicum, Linn. Big Sioux.

491. Juncus tenuis, Willd. Abundant on bottoms of Missouri.

491. Juncus polycephalus, Michx. Bad Lands, &c.

493. Tradescantia Virginica, Linn. Sandy bottoms of Missouri and
its tributaries; generally diffused.

494, Scirpus. Many species.

The Carices of the botanical collection were submitted to the dis-
tinguished botanist, Professor Chester Dewey, of the University of
Rochester, New York, who is unquestionably the best living Caricogra-
pher in our country. Even now, at the advanced age of seventy-four
years, his enthusiasm in his favorite departments of Natural History
continues unabated; and that his useful life may still be spared to us
many years to come is the earnest desire of more than one young
student of science who have been encouraged by his kind words and
unselfish aid to seek a recognition in the scientific world. After a
careful examination, the following catalogue and notes were received
from Professor Dewey:

My Dear Sir: I enclose the list of all the Carices from Nebraska
Territory that you placed in my hands for examination. The whole
is a very interesting collection. I only wonder that, with your other
objects of special attention, you were able to seize upon so many
of these sedges; and yet I know they are only a small portion of the
plants you have thus preserved. Wishing you all prosperity, and
rejoicing in your perseverance and success,

I am truly yours,
C. DEWEY.

Dr. F. V. HaypEn.

LIST OF NEBRASKA CARICES.

495. Carex straminea, Willd. Above Fort Pierre.
var. Minor, Dew. Fert Pierre.
496. Carex cristata, Schm. Little Sioux river.
497. Carex stipata, Muhl. Little Sioux river.
498. Carex vulpinoidea, Muhl. Common.
499. Carex mirabilis, Dew. Common.
500. Carex cephaloidea, Muhl. Near Fort Leavenworth.
501. Carex scirpoides, Schk. Near Fort Leavenworth.
502. Carex festucacea, Schk. Missouri, below Fort Pierre.
503. Carex Muhlenburghii, Schk. Missouri, below Fort Pierre.

171

*504. Carex vulpina, Linn. Large and fine. Missouri, below Fort

Pierre.

505. Carex tenera, Dew. Missouri, below Fort Pierre.

506. Carex hookeriana, Dew. Missouri. below Fort Pierre.

507. Carex rosea, Schk. Southern Nebraska.
var. radiata, Dew. Southern Nebraska.

508. Carex setacea, Dew. Southern Nebraska.

509. Carex teretiuscula, Good. Southern Nebraska.

510. Carex scoparia, Schk. Common.

+511. Carex petasata, Dew. Upper Missouri.

$512. Carex stenophylla, Wahl. Upper Missouri.

513. Carex festiva,? Dew. (Too old to decide.) Near Fort Leaven-
worth.

§514. Carex Douglasii, Boott. Before credited to arctic regions.
515. Carex leporina, Linn. Before credited to arctic regions.
516. Carex obtusata, Lily. Upper Missouri.

517. Carex blanda, Dew. Near Fort Clark.
518. Carex anceps, Schk. Near Fort Clark.
519. Carex hystericina, Wild. Eagle-nest creek.
520. Carex grisea, Wahl. Near Fort Leavenworth.
521. Carex marginata, Muhl. Missouri, near Fort Pierre.
522. Carex arctata, Boott. Missouri, near Fort Pierre.
523. Carex crauei, Dew. Missouri river.
524. Carex steudelli, Kth. Missouri river.
525. Carex moodii, Dew. Missouri river.
526. Carex eburnea, Boot. Missouri river.
527. Carex lanuginosa, Michx. Yellowstone, &c.
528. Carex aristata, K.-Br. ‘‘Bad Lands.”

var. longo-lanceolata, Dew. ‘Bad Lands.’’
529. Carex riparia, Good. Along Missouri.
530. Carex trichocarpa, Muhl. Along Missouri.
531. Carex vesicaria, Linn. Along Missouri.
532. Carex longirostris, Torr. Along Missouri.
533. Carex filiformis, Good. Hagle-nest creek.
534. Carex acuta, Linn. Eagle-nest creek.
535. Carex vulgaris, Fries. Eagle-nest creek.
536. Carex stricta, Lam. THagle-nest creek.
531. Carex strictior, Dew. Hagle-nest creek.
538. Carex recta, Boott. Near Fort Pierre.
539. Carex davisii, Torr. Yellowstone river.
540. Carex shortiana, Dew. Along Missouri.

NOTES BY PROF. DEWEY.

*C. culpina, Linn. First found in our country in Ohio, several years since, and cannot
be confounded with @. stipata, Muh]. It seems to abound in Nebraska, large and fine.

+. petasata, Dew. Collected first in Arctic America, and is abundant in Nebraska,

£C. stenophylla, Wahl. A northern carex in Europe, and first published by Dr. Boott
among the ‘‘Carices of British North America’’ as common there, and is abundant in
Nebraska.

§ C. Douglssi, Boott. First described in Dr. Boott’s work just mentioned, but now found
in Nebraska, which seems to have strayed, like C. Richardsoni, into our latitude.

O41.
542.
543.

544,

545.
546.
547.

548.

549.
500.
dol.

552.
D00.

504.
500.

556.
557.
558.
559.
560.
561.
562.

563.
564.

065.

566.
567.
568.
569.
570.
571.
512.
573.
574,

515.

172

Carex ampullacea, Good. Along Missouri.
Carex monile, Tuckerman. Along Missouri.
Carex curta, Good. Yellowstone river.
Carex lacustris, Willd.

The following species seem to be new :

Carex Nebrascensis, Dew. Missouri river, near Fort Pierre.

Carex Hayden, Dew. Missouri river, near Fort Pierre. .

Carex Meekii, Dew. Yellowstone river.

Carex leavi-conica, Dew. Yellowstone river.

Zizana aquatica, Linn. Along Missouri, wet ponds near Coun-
cil Bluffs.

Alopecurus geniculatus, Linn. Near low wet spots on Missouri
near Big Sioux and mouth of Loup Fork.

Vilfa cuspidata, Torr. Along Missouri river; also on high hills
along White river.

Sporobalus heterolepis, Gray. Along Shyenne river in Missouri.

Agrostis michauxiana, Torr. Bottoms of Kansas, also on James
and Shyenne rivers, upper Missouri.

Agrostis cryptandra, Torr. Banks of Little Sioux river.

Mulhlenbergia glomerata, Linn. Abundant on prairies of upper 4
Missouri; wood lands, &c.

Calamagrostis Canadensis, Beauv. Lower Missouri.

Calamagrostis longifolia, Henk. Sandy bottoms.

Calamagrostis stricta, Nutt. Along Missouri, moist places.

Stipa spartea,; Linn. Prairies of upper Missouri.

Stipa capillata, Linn.

Stipa membranacea, Pursh. Sandy banks of Shyenne river.

Aristida pallens, Nutt. Sterile hills along Missouri; also on
the Platte.

Spartina cynosuroides, Willd. Low situations on Missouri.

Bouteloua oligostachya, Torr. Upland prairies of Missouri.

Sesleria dactyloides, Nutt. This is one of the most abundant
as well as useful grasses on the Upper Missouri. It grows
in low matted tufts, covering the prairies oftentimes for 1 many
miles, and furnishing a most nutritious and palatable food
for the buffalo, deer and other game; also for the horses of
the Indian and voyageur.

Festuca tenella, Willd. Valley of the Missouri.

Festuca nutans, Willd. Along bottoms of Kansas.

Kaleria cristata, Linn.

Katonica Pennsylvanica

Poa pratensis, Linn.

Poa annua, Linn. Sandy bottoms along Missouri.

Poa nervata, Willd. On the Kansas.

Poa nemoralis, Linn. Shady woods and ravines on Missouri.

Arundo phragmites. Abundant in moist places around Council
Bluffs.

Elymus Canadensis, Linn. Wooded banks to mountains.

576.

577.
578.
579.
580.
581.
082.
583.
584.
580.
586.

587.
588.

589.

090.
591.

592.
093.

173

Bruchmannia cruciformis, Jacq. A beautiful grass, growing
in low moist places. Ihave not seen it above Fort Pierre.

Uniola stricta, Torr. Hills of the Upper Missouri.

Uniola paniculata, Linn. Near Fort Leavenworth, K. T.

Triticum repens, Linn. Abundant along Missouri river.

Hordeum pratense. Above Missouri river.

Hordeum pusillum, Nutt. Above Missouri river.

Hordeum jubatum, Ait. Above Missouri river.

Aira latifolia. Above Missouri river.

Aira elongata. Above Missouri river.

Ceratochloa grandiflora.

Cenchrus tribuloides, Linn. Very common in Kansas, and seen
on sand bottoms in the valley of Yellowstone.

Andropogon scoparius, Michx. Sandy bottoms of Missouri.

Eragrostis poaoides, Beauv. Along sandy bottoms, Lower
Missouri.

Monroa squarrosa, 'Torr. in Whipple’s Report. Great Bend of
the Upper Missouri.

Equisetum arvense, Linn. Sandy bottoms along Missouri.

Equisetum hyemale, Linn. Covers large areas on sandy bot
toms of Missouri and tributaries.

Adiantum pedatum, Linn. Council Bluffs.

Botrychium Virginicum, Swartz. Mouth of the Platte.

IBRARY OF CONGRESS

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