138 NOTES ON THE NORTHWEST. 



lin, Chariton on the river, and Carrol and Huntsville back 

 from it, are towns of some importance. 



It has already been said, in treating of the physical geo- 

 graphy of this country, that it was remarkable for the great 

 number of lakes. 



The lake region extends from 49° to 43°, or over six de- 

 grees of latitude, and lies chiefly to the east of the Tchan- 

 sansan (or James), in 98° of long. From the head waters 

 of the Des Moines to the country about the heads of the 

 Missisippi, they are so numerous on the western part of the 

 valley, that a small addition to the w^ater surface would 

 make it doubtful whether it should be called land and lake, 

 or sea and island. South of 43° the remaining four degrees 

 of lat. to 39°, is traversed by a vast number of running 

 streams ; and these two portions may be very properly dis- 

 tinguished, with reference to these grand characteristics, as 

 the river country and the lake country. 



It will be at once perceived, on stating this difference in 

 the hydrographical features of the countr}^, that there is a 

 corresponding difference in the topography ; that the inclined 

 plane of the southern portion, reaching its summit, is changed 

 for the more level plane ; and that the northern part is less 

 cut and scooped by the numberless deep ravines that mark the 

 lower country, serving it as channels for draining it into the 

 principal streams. 



The upper country is described by Nicollet as very beau- 

 tiful, and affording many fine farm sites. 



