8 Remarks on Indian Summers. 



cinity. Brown hematite is found in small shining nodules, and in 

 confused crystallization, among sandstone, limestone, and scattered 

 over the surface of the small elevations. Hornblende is occasionally 

 found ; tourmaline also, but always imbedded. I believe they are 

 erratic. Hornstone, small crystals of quartz, incrusting small cavi- 

 ties in limestone, and also gneiss and granite, both of which are er- 

 ratic. The granite is composed of red feldspar, transparent quartz, 

 and slight traces of mica. It comes, perhaps, in boulders, from the 

 shores of Lake Superior. There are indications of coal, but no 

 satisfactory examination has been made. 



As I intended to give a mere enumeration of facts, relating to the 

 most interesting points, I have been rather brief, believing such a 

 course the most judicious. 



My sincere thanks are due to several gentlemen, for their judi- 

 cious views and assistance in my examinations. 



Fort Winnebago, M. T. May 20, 1835. 







He says 



Art. II. — Remarks on Indian Summers; by Dr. Lyman Foot, of 



the United States' army. 



The article on Indian summer in your Journal (Vol. xxvii, page 

 140,) has excited a good deal of attention here ; but, we do not 

 agree with the writer of that article in many particulars. 



1st. As to the origin of the name " Indian summer." 

 it " is derived from the circumstance of this period of the year, be- 

 ing selected by the aborigines of the country, as their hunting sea- 

 son, &c." Now, so far as our knowledge extends, and we have 

 been pretty well acquainted with the western and north western In- 

 dians for the last thirteen years, it is the season of all others in 

 which Indians hunt the least. We have taken considerable pains 

 to ascertain from the Chippeways, Menominees, Winnebagoes and 

 others, whether they know, or notice, what we call Indian summer, 

 and if so, what they call it. 



All who are acquainted with the western and north western In- 

 dians, know, that during the month of April or May, according to 



the latitude in which they reside, they collect together at what 

 they call their villages, or towns. These towns are always situated 

 on good land, and near some fine lake or river which abounds with 

 fish. The general local advantages of these old Indian villages are 



