ISCONSIN < »F ws > of W UV 7 > bed Pee o eel am L. BV (4S cote 1399) VB ~Gibson=|nvi 45 —— REPORT GHOLOGICAL SURVEY WISCONSIN, IOWA, AND MINNESOTA. BY AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS. a yw I} ie i RW i iss FALLS OF PIGEON RIVER. REPORT OF A GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF WISCONSIN, IOWA, AND MINNESOTA; AND INCIDENTALLY OF A PORTION OF NEBRASKA TERRITORY. MADE UNDER INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE UNITED STATES TREASURY DEPARTMENT. BY DAVID DALE OWEN, UNITED STATES GEOLOGIST. PHILADELPHIA: PI PPINCOTY, GRAMBO & CO. 1852. vty , Lo ee ‘ . Ow ae ‘VE LE ONE << path An: spot ki ’ - é _ : PERE: i, aan . Ve «p@ re C. SHERMAN, PRINTER, 19 St. James Street. i ty) ' ° . : CO GET. fs ADDITIONAL CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS. 605 It is to be regretted that time did not permit me to repeat these analyses on different varieties of speci- mens, and by different methods. However, I am able to furnish another analysis, of a compact portion of the tibia of Archxotherium, carefully freed from all extraneous matter, made with great care in Dr. Genth’s laboratory, and under his immediate supervision, by Dr. Francis V. Greene, which has resulted very satisfactorily, and in which the fluorine was estimated by precipitation. Water, : : . ; : : : ; ; Hh = £97 Organic matter, 5 ; ‘ : : S 3 ‘ = 4-09 Phosphoric acid, : : ; : 4 : ‘ : Pp — 381-19 Silicie acid, : ; : Si — 0-26 Carbonic acid, : : ; : 3 : : : @ 2 227 Sulphuric acid, , ~ ‘ : ; : ; : S t= Big Fluorine, : F : ; ‘ : : : : F — 2-46 Chlorine, : : 2 : . ; : ; : Cl = 70-02 Lime, : ; . ; f é ; Ca — 50-83 Magnesia (with a trace of Mn), ; Mg — 1-14 Baryta, : ; : : : : 4 : 5 Bap = dA10 Potash, : ; : : : ; F ; é K —- 0-28 Soda, : : ; : : ; Na — 1°57 Tron and alumina, . , . ; \ ; ; a trace. 99-87 These analyses are remarkable: first, in showing the existence of a notable quantity of fluorine, amounting to from 2 to 3 per cent., sufficient to etch glass very distinctly, when the bones are treated with strong sulphuric acid, and gently heated: second, in proving the existence of from 2 to 4 per cent. of the original organic matter, and from 51 to 37 per cent. of the phosphate of lime in the bones of animals, which have been entombed in these early tertiary deposits ever since the Alps first began to lift their heads out of the ocean, and in which they have been enclosed, the almost inconceivable length of time that has elapsed during a vast geological epoch, in which that great mountain chain of Europe has been gradually thrusting its peaks to ten or twelve thousand feet above the ocean; and while the Andes of South America, during the same period, have attained probably even a greater elevation. Reflecting on the origin of the fluorine discovered in these Nebraska fossil bones, it becomes a question whether it is an original constituent of the bones of the living animal, or has been introduced into their composition after death. Since the analysis of the bones of existing animals indicates but a mere trace of fluorine, it seems more probable that that element has been introduced as fluoride of calcium by infiltration during the gradual process of fossilization, after the manner of pseudomorphism in minerals, the fluoride of calcium gradually replacing the organic matter, as transformation proceeded, than that it should have been an original constituent of the bones of the living animal. Still, the subjoined analyses of the enclosing matrix gives no evidence whatever of the existence of fluorine in these deposits now. If the fluorine has really been derived from these deposits, we are forced to the conclusion that it has all been removed by the process of pseudomorphism. May we not, however, rather look to the saline waters, now common in that country, as the scurce of the fluorine ; or, perhaps, to the waters of the lake, bay, or estuary, in which the bones may have lain macerating, previous to their long interment ? It is worthy also of note that Dr. Greene’s analysis shows the presence of sulphate of baryta in the compact portion of the bone he analyzed; and Dr. Genth discovered minute erysta!s of sulphate of baryta in the cavities of some of the bones by the aid of a strong magnifier. 606 " PRELIMINARY REMARKS ANALYSIS OF MATRIX OF SKULL OF OREODON. ANALYSIS OF MATRIX OF SCAPULA OF PALEHOTHERIUM. Water of absorption, . : é 4 a ty 2 9:80 : ; : - 4:00 Flesh-coloured, siliceous earth, insoluble in HCl. = = 33500 Silica, . : - 59-00 Lime, . : . . Ca = 80-90 : ; . 10-00 Carbonic acid, : SC Si WD : : ; . 12-20 Sesquioxide of iron, . ' ‘ ‘ ~ Bed =: 2:00 F : 7 5 208 Alumina, ; : : ; J ~ Alo 100 j ; . 4-20 Manganese, . : ‘ 5 3 » iin — Ae00 Magnesia, ‘ : : . F : Mg = 1:00 Phosphoric acid, = 1:80 ; : : = 1-90 Chlorine, : ‘ ¥ : ‘ SC Saye : 5 : =) 102081 Potash, ' : , . : a oe NS Sulphuric acid, . 0:03 Loss and soda, 5 . ; : shy Nave =e? 28 Loss and alkalies, . 1-488 100-00 100.000 LIBRARY NEW YORK Se ES TS ROTANICAL GAR DEN. ARTICLE V. SYSTEMATIC CATALOGUE OF PLANTS OF WISCONSIN AND MINNESOTA, BY C. C. PARRY, M.D., MADE IN CONNEXION WITH THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE NORTHWEST, DURING THE SEASON OF 1848. THE accompanying list of plants embodies the observations I have been able to make during the past season, in connexion with the Geological Survey of the Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Owen. I have also incorporated some personal observations made during a previous season in the State of Towa; being properly comprised within the District of the Northwest; and enabling me to present a more complete view of the botanical features of this region, than could otherwise be done during a single season’s operations. The precise region of country covered by these observations, will be sufficiently indicated by the sub- joined localities. The time of collection, with other points of special interest, also accompany each sepa- rate name, in the order in which they stand. The order followed is the Natural System; and the authority used, “ Torrey and Gray’s North American Flora,” and “Gray's Botany of the Northern United States.” Being desired by Dr. Owen’s instructions to have special reference to the geological relations of the plants observed, a few preliminary suggestions on this point will not be deemed out of place. It is evident on the slightest observation, that all the relations of accompanying vegetation to geology are to be sought through the common medium of the soi/: in so far only as any geological formation is capable of giving a distinctive character to this medium, may we expect to find geological characters equally marked on the vegetation. This fact has been particularly noticeable in the region of country traversed during the past season. The passage from one geological formation to another—especially when distinctly marked—is always accompanied with a change in the botanical features, perhaps propor- tioned to the extent of exposure, but still more obviously connected with evident difference in the over- lying soil, dependent on this geological change. Another example is found in the modifying influence of trap ranges upon the superincumbent vegeta- tion, which influence is at times so marked, that even when not exposed, the direction and width of the range can be traced with considerable certainty by their means alone. ON-THEASOTAN Yo OP hme Dis TRIC T. 607 The drift deposits, which, in their varying character in different parts, give such a striking feature to northwestern scenery, are always clothed with a characteristic vegetation. Thus, on the gravelly ridges of the Upper St. Peter’s, which in their main development go to form that singular character of scenery known as the “Coteau des Prairies,” dividing the tributaries of the Upper Mississippi from those of the Missouri, we invariably meet with many or all of the following grouped plants, viz., Castilleja Sessiliflora, Psoraleaesculenta, Ginothera serrulata, Oxytropis Lamberti, Lygodesmia juncea, Boutelowa oligostachya, and others less fixed. To the eastward, the corresponding water-shed between Lake Superior and the Mississippi, furnishes a growth of Pinus Banksiana, with an associated undergrowth of Vaccinium tenellum, Gaultheria pro- cumbens, Lycopodium, ete. The two deposits thus furnishing as marked a contrast in their vegetation, as in their geographical position or geological features. These points, with others that may be illustrated from the accompanying list, show that there is a very observable relationship between the Flora of a country and its geology. But it is farther to be observed that botany, from its peculiar intermediate position, connected and dependent, alike for all its varied features, both on the atmosphere and soil, is called to maintain corre- sponding relations to each; being at the same time subject to the modifying influence of atmospheric conditions and variations of soil. Thus called to supply such varying indications, it must necessarily be less intimate in its connexion with any one; variety in this, as in every case, must be at the expense of definiteness. An interesting illustration of this fact is to be noticed on the shores of Lake Superior, where we meet with a singular blending of Littoral and Alpine plants: thus we find Lathyrus maritimus (Beach-pea), and Hudsonia ericoides, common to the Atlantic sea-beach, and intimately connected with a similarity of soil; and side by side with these, Potentil/la tridentata and Clastonia rangiferina, peculiar to Alpine and Arctic regions, in connexion with a similarity of climate. Such instances might be multiplied, all show- ing that the true province of botany, as a branch of physical geography, is with its own proper knowledge, to combine that varied information, that cannot be otherwise gleaned from any one department of Natural History. It is this view, no doubt, that gives to the botany of a new country its chief interest, and makes a sutte of native plants valuable portable indices of the country they inhabit, of its agricultural capacities, climate, and external features, affording a ready means of comparison or contrast with other countries. May they not, when enlarged experience has traced with more accuracy these relations, and especially when we keep in view the principle so much insisted on in geology, viz., to depend more on the yrouping of spe- cimens, and drawing nice distinctions, than in isolated examples,—may they not take the same rank to agriculture that fossils do to geology ? This principle always has been in general application. By it the farmer naturally judges of the fer- tility or barrenness of unploughed fields, while to an experienced botanist, a complete suite of the plants of any country would convey a greater amount of interesting general information, and impart more defi- nite notions of a country, than can be drawn from any single source. The Indian uses, economical and medicinal, of the plants observed, are made a special item in my instructions, and on this point some interesting and unexpected facts have been noted. This is particu- larly true of the native articles of diet, nearly all of which I have been enabled to refer to their scientific place, in connexion with the Indian name in most common use, and a brief enumeration of their uses. There is one fact in this connexion that has struck me as a matter of much interest, and I briefly advert to it here. Of the native vegetable productions of this region, several of the most useful in an economic or commercial point of view are connected with those features of country which seem least desirable. Thus the excellent cranberry occupies its irreclaimable marshes; the delicious huchleberry its barren ridges ; while the staple wild rice edges itsinnumerable lakes. The suggestion might be carried further, but these will be sufficient to draw forth an obvious inference. With regard to the medicinal articles used, my information is less important, due not so much to the nature of the subject as the difficulty of obtaining accurate information. Medicine, in the mind of the Indian, is always connected with superstitious observances, and is inseparably blended with his religious notions. The efficacy of the simplest remedies are attributed to some supernatural agency, and, as a con- sequence, more credit is given to the manner of administering, or unmeaning ceremonies connected with 608 EXOGENOUS, PLANTS. it, than to the thing itself. With all this, an air of mystery is thrown over the subject, combining to render reliable information, on the one hand, difficult to obtain, and on the other, good for nothing when obtained. The subject in fact belongs more properly to the moral than the natural philosopher, and I have contented myself with a single specification of alleged virtues, without taking the trouble to classify them. Particular attention has been given to the class of ferns, from their more intimate relation with geo- logy, of which, including the allied orders, Hguisetaceze and Lycopodiaceee, thirty-eight different species have been observed, including some of much interest. The class of forest trees having been designed for a special report, they are merely included in my list in their proper natural order, without reference to their comparative geographical distribution or relative economical value. The number of plants comprised in this list is seven hundred and twenty-seven, included in one hun- dred and six natural orders; many of these have never before been referrrd to this region. I am indebted to the distinguished botanist, Dr. John Torrey,—and what American botanist is not ?— for the authentication of my doubtful specimens, particularly in the class of grasses and sedyes. My acknowledgments are also due to Mr. William 8. Sullivan, of Ohio, for labelling my entire collee- tion of mosses. To Dr. 8. B. Mead, of Illinois, I also owe thanks for interesting information, and obliging assistance, in making out this report. For Indian names, I have relied mainly on information derived from the hospitable Missionaries, Rev. R. Hopkins, of Traverse des Sioux, and Mr. Ely, of La Pointe, Lake Superior. EXOGENS. RANUNCULACEH.—Atragene Americana, (Sims.) May 18th. Shady rocks at the head of Lake St. Croix. Clematis Viorna, (L.) June 9th. Banks of the Mississippi, near Davenport, Iowa. Clematis Virginiana, (l.) Copses. July. Pulsatilla patens, (Mill.) May 15th. In fruit. Galena, Il. This characteristic and handsome plant occurs abundantly to the north and west of the locality specified, pre- ferring high prairies and gravelly ridges, which, in early spring, it adorns with its elegant blue flowers, or later, with its no less beautiful plumed fruit. It possesses the acrid properties, and probably equal medicinal qualities, with a closely allied European species. It is said by the Indians frequently to occa- sion sores on the lips of children, attracted by their showy blossoms. It may farther be mentioned as an interesting fact in connexion with its geographical range, that the same plant is found in New Mexico, specimens from that locality having been shown me by Dr. Englemann, of St. Louis. Anemone Caro- liniana, (Walt.) May 8d. Mississippi River bank, Davenport, and Rock Island. The geographical range of this interesting species is deserving of notice. First known as a native of the Carolinas, it is again met with in Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, thence finding its way to the Missouri and Platte Rivers; the locality, just specified, probably determining its northeastern limits. It here grows always associated with Draba Caroliniana, and Androsace occidentalis; a significant relationship, connecting as it were the two extremes, Carolina and Nebraska. Anemone nemorosa, (L.) May. Woods. Anemone cylindrica, (Gray.) June.