302 APPENDIX. 



But tliis deficiency must be compensated by the advantages of 

 geographical position, a contiguous or redundant population, par- 

 tial districts of good land, or a good market. To these, the mine- 

 ral districts of Lake Superior can advance but a feeble claim, 

 while it lies upwards of three hundred miles beyond the utmost 

 point of our settlements, and in the occupation of savage tribes 

 whose hostility has been so recently manifested. 



Concerning the variety, importance, and extent of its latent 

 mineral resources, I think little doubt can remain. Every fact 

 which has been noticed tends to strengthen the belief that future 

 observations will indicate extensive mines upon its shores, and 

 render it an attractive field of mineralogical discovery. In the 

 event of mining operations, the facilities of a ready transportation 

 of the crude ores to the Sault de Ste. Marie, will point out that 

 place as uniting, with a commanding geographical position, supe- 

 rior advantages for the reduction of the ores, and the general fa- 

 cilities of commerce. At this place, a fall of twenty -two feet, in 

 the river, in the distance of half a mile, creates sufl&cient power 

 to drive hydraulic works to any extent; while the surrounding 

 country is such as to admit of an agricultural settlement. 



I accompany this report with a geological sketch of a vertical 

 section of the left bank of the Mississippi at St. Peter's, embracing 

 a formation of native copper. This formation was first noticed 

 by the officers of the garrison, who directed the quarrying of stone 

 at this spot. The masses of copper found are small, none exceed- 

 ing a pound in weight. 



I have the honor to be, sir, 



With great respect. 



Your ob't servant, 

 HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT. 



