530 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 
2d. The lines of natural drainage are very fine on the north and east of the post, 
being drained by the Muddy Creek that rises to the northwest from the fort, its gen- 
eral direction to its mouth being southeast, entering the Missouri River about twenty- 
five miles east of the post. From ten miles back from the garrison the drainage is 
into the creek and its tributaries. To the west is the Little Muddy Creek that rises to 
the north and runs south to its mouth, entering the Missouri River about twelve miles 
west of the post. These creeks have numerous tributaries. There are also en the re- 
servation numerous small creeks, South of the Missouri River the drainage is confined 
to the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. 
The surface draining of the area oceupied by the post is excellent—a depression on 
either side of it sloping gradually toward the river, and the gradual descent of the 
ground intervening between the post and the river at the south afford a natural 
water-shed that entirely prevents the accumulation of stagnant water, except for 
brief intervals after heavy storms, The flood plains or bottom-land of the Mis- 
souri River is from forty reds to several miles in width, and at intervals ef several 
years is covered with water trom unusual raintalls or melting of large masses of snow. 
Back of this is a grassy plain of from one to five miles in width, extending to the foot 
ef the hills. Through this plain at varying distances run innumerable ravines or 
coulisse from the hills to the basin lands of the river. Admirable surface draining is 
thus afforded, and, except during very wet seasons, few of them contain water. The 
water, when found, is apt to be strongly impregnated with sulphate of soda and lime, 
which impart to it a harsh, alkaline taste. The deep drainage appears from the 
structure of the soil, observed in digging wells, to be aitected by percolation of the 
water through slanting strata of gravel and sand inclosed between layers of tenacious 
clay. 
dd. The elevation of the pest above the sea-level is about 1,900 feet, obtained by 
barometrical calculation. The amount of the rainfall for the past ten years is shown 
by the accompanying table (see Appendix), condensed from the meteorological register 
kept at the post hospital. The mode by which data were obtained was by measure- 
ment with a graduated standard of the amonnt of rain caught by a funnel-shaped 
vessel. 
The violent wind usually accompanying rainfall in this latitude introduces, I think, 
an clement of error in estimating the amount of precipitation in the manner above 
given, and it weuld seem that the rainfall must be greater than represented by the 
table. 
4th. The characteristic growth of the forests in this vicinity is the cottonwood (Populus 
monilifera). It constitutes the bulk of the trees found fringing the water-courses, and 
is the only wood available in any quantity for fuel or building purposes. 
Among other representatives of the forest are the ash-leaved maple (Negundo aceroides), 
the red osier, dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), scattered rather sparingly along the river 
banks. Red cedaref a small, stunted character is occasionally found on the hills. 
A species of willow finds a place in low moist grounds. The wild plant Prunus 
Americana is found in ravines and skirting the prairie side of the wooded river-banks. 
This tree bears the best indigenous fruit this country affords. The choke-cherry 
(Prunus Virginiana), is found in much the same localities. Both varieties are limited 
in number. Among the shrubs of interest for their economic value are the buttalo or 
bull berry (Shepherdia argentea), the Missouri currant (Ribes aureum), and the smooth 
white gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum). The timber, with the exception of cottonwood, 
which is of insufiicient growth or magnitude to be of any considerable value, is almost 
wholly confined to the flood plains of the Missouri and to like situations along its 
tributaries. As we recede to the interior this feature gives way to rolling plains, 
covered with grass, cactus, and sage brush, or to the rugged, arid country known as 
the *‘Bad Lands.” There bave been three causes undoubtedly operating in this sec- 
tion to repress the extension of trees beyond their present habitat, viz., prairie fires 
and drought, and the high and almost unintermitting winds. 
My observations lead me to believe that the cottonwood cannot be transplanted and 
cultivated in situations remote from the localities to which it is now confined with 
any success. A row ef young cottonweed trees set out in front of the post hospital 
some seven years ago have not thriven well, although they have had special care. 
Only two of them have in that time grewn to the height of about ten feet; the others 
are still mere bushes, not more than three feet high. I have not heard of their suc- 
cessful culture anywhere in this vicinity. Among the indigenous shrubs and trees 
above enumerated are some that might with advantage be introduced into the post. 
Sth. The decrease in timber, in my opinion, is very rapid, owing almost entirely to 
wood being cut for steamboats and tilling the centracts for the post. 
6th. With the exception of the trees before mentioned, as planted in front of the 
post hospital, no attempt has been made towards growing the same. The hospital 
‘trees were transplanted with the suecess neted above. 
