358 Account of the Native Copper 
be greatly enhanced by occasional masses and veins of native 
metal. This deduction is rendered probable by the general ap- 
pearance of the country, and the concurrent discoveries of tra- 
vellers,—by the green-coloured waters which issue in several 
places from the earth,—by the bodies of native copper found, 
—by the cupreous tinge which is presented in the crevices of 
rocks and loose stones,—by the geological character of the coun- 
try, and by other analogous considerations. 
These deductions embrace all I have to submit on the mineral 
geography of the country, so far as regards the copper mines. 
Other considerations arise from the facilities which that section 
of country may present for mining operations,—its adaptation 
to the purposes of agriculture,—the state and dispositions of the 
Indian tribes, and other topics, which a design to commence 
metallurgical operations. at the present period would suggest. 
But I am not aware that any such views are entertained by Go- 
vernment, and have not considered it incumbent upon me in this 
communication to enter into details on these subjects. It may 
be proper, however, to remark, that the remote situation of the 
country containing the most valuable mines, does not, at the pre- 
sent period, favour the pursuit of mining. It would require the 
employment not only of the artificers and Jabourers necessary to 
conduct the working of mines, but also of a military force to 
protect their operations,—first, while engaged in exploring the 
country, and afterwards, in their regular labours. For, what- 
ever may be their professions, the Indian tribes of the north 
possess strong natural jealousies, and, in situations so remote, are 
to be restrained from an indulgence in the most malignant pas- 
sions, only by the fear of a prompt military chastisement. In 
looking upon the southern shore of Lake Superior, the period 
appears distant, when the advantages flowing from a military post 
upon that frontier will be produced by the ordinary progress of 
our settlement ;—for it presents few enticements to the agricul- 
turist. A considerable portion of the shore is rocky; and its 
alluvions are-in general of too sandy and light a texture for pro- 
fitable husbandry. Witi an elevation of six hundred and forty- 
one feet above the Atlantic Ocean*, and drawing its waters from 
territories all situated north of the forty-fourth degree of north 
latitude, Lake Superior cannot be represented as enjoying a cli- 
mate very favourable to the productions of the vegetable king- 
dom. Its forest trees are chiefly those of the fir kind, mixed with 
white birch, (Betula papyracea, the bark of which is so much 
employed 
* This level is predicated upon the following facts and estimates which I 
extract from my “ Narrative Journal.” 
“© Blevation of Lake: Evie ‘above the tide waters of the Hudson 
according 
