276 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES. 



over their line from Sioux City to Yankton. I am especially indebted 

 to Crovernor Burbank, General McCook, General Beadle, and others, of 

 Southern Dakota ; Colonel Stutsman, of Pembina; General II. Thomas, 

 Colonel J. C. Bates, l)i'. Dnbose, Mr. Skinner, and others, for their as- 

 sistance and for information furnished by them. 



As a summary of results, 1 may state that, although in some respects 

 the portion of our country visited did not meet entirely my expecta- 

 tions, ibunded on the exaggerated and glowing descriptions of specula- 

 tors and others interested, yet it presents a bread-producing area 

 equaled by but few and surpassed by none on the continent. Its capac- 

 ity as a wheat-growing section is immense; so great, in-^fjict, that the 

 figures stagger our belief when first presented. As a beef-prodncing 

 section its resources are great, the grazing excellent throughout the 

 entire area. 



The fact of its great capacity in reference to these two articles renders 

 its development of great national importance. 



Trusting that my action may meet with your approval and that this 

 report may be satisfactory, I remain, yours, very respectfullv, 



' CYKUS TKOMAS. 



Professor F. V. Hayden. 



