38 NOTES ON THE NORTHWEST 



'' These small chains rise commonly 150, and sometimes 

 200 feet above the level of the lands vi^hich separate them 

 from the vi^aters of the river. These masses of rock are 

 composed sometimes of grey stone, flint with which the In- 

 dians tip their aiTOWs, or millstone, but most frequently of 

 limestone. 



" The lands which nm along between these chains and 

 the bed of the river, form, as I have already observed, vast 

 meadows intersected with small woods ; the whole of these 

 lands are the product of successive deposits, occasioned by 

 the overflowings of the river. Trees half burnt are often 

 found in digging, together with pieces of earthen and iron 

 utensils. The whole is a bed of sand, the surface of which 

 is covered with a vegetable layer four or five feet in thick- 

 ness." — Collot, p. 232, et seq. 



One or two extracts from Nicollet will close that part of 

 the notes having relation to the physical geography and 

 scenic aspect of the giant river. 



" The whole country embraced by the Lower St. Peter's 

 and the Undine Region [or Mankato Valley], exceeds any 

 land of the Missisippi above Wisconsin River, as well in the 

 quahty and quantity of its timber as the fertility of its soil. 

 The forests of the valley on the right bank are connected by 

 groves and small wooded streams of the adjoining prairies 

 with the forest called Bois-francs ; and they extend so far 

 southwest, as to include the lands of the upper waters of 

 the Mankato River. 



" The forest trees, as reported to me by Mr. Geyer, arc 

 chiefly soft maple, American and red elm, black walnut, the 

 nettle tree, bass wood, red and white ash ; the undergrowth, 

 the common hawthorn, prickly ash, high cranberry, red root, 

 grey dogwood, fox grapes, horse briar, and moonseed. 

 Among the herbs, are the wild and bristly sarsaparilla, Indian 



