Postscript 
—162— 
no maps of these parts of the United States based on 
accurate measurements, I of course cannot vouch for 
the geographical correctness of my plat. Still it may 
serve the purpose of giving a better idea of the coun- 
try. By the way, in all probability we shall have in 
a few years a geographically correct map of the Mis- 
souri Territory and the Oregon Territory of. the 
United States, since the Congress of the United 
States by a resolution only recently adopted has au- 
thorized the President to cause a scientific exploration 
of that region, and to take measures adequate for se- 
curing the country. It is reported that in consequence 
of this resolution three military forts are to be erected 
between Missouri and the foot of the Rocky Moun- 
tains, and that a scientific expedition, calculated for 
several years’ stay, is to be sent out there. Such meas- 
ures will soon afford travelers in these regions greater 
security, will increase our knowledge of the country, 
and will thus open a road for civilization. 
A transformation of this remarkable country seems 
then at hand. It is perhaps only a few years until 
the plow upturns the virgin soil, which is now only 
touched by the lightfooted Indian or the hoof of wild 
animals. Every decade will change the character of 
the country materially, and in a hundred years per- 
haps the present narratives of mountain life may 
sound like fairy tales. 
