a 
Geographical either ocean, the Atlantic and the Pacific. So, in the 
Historica 
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northeast of this region arises the Missouri with its 
tributaries, the Yellowstone and the Platte; in the 
southeast the Green River (Colorado of the West), 
which empties into the Gulf of California. Toward 
the west the Columbia has its source, discharging 
itself into the Pacific Ocean, affording incalculable 
advantages for commerce. This short geographical 
survey makes evident the importance of the region 
in commercial aspects. If we further consider that 
the country abounds in beavers, and that trading with 
the Indians is a source of great profit, it need not 
surprise us that in spite of all obstacles which 
ignorance of the country, hostile Indians, difficulties 
of transportation, hunger and thirst oppose to a jour- 
ney into this region, an enterprising people, such as 
are the Americans, have turned their attention from 
an early date in this direction, and have known how 
to conquer all difficulties with persevering courage. 
The first trips of discovery to this Far West are so 
closely connected with the history of the North 
American fur trade, that it becomes necessary to refer 
to it briefly. Even in former centuries, when the 
eastern coast of North America first began to be peo- 
pled, and when the country beyond the Alleghenies 
abounded in Indians and buffalo, fur trading and 
oe with the Indians proved a veritable gold 
mine. The Canadians, at that time under French 
rule, especially distinguished themselves in this kind 
of commerce. The Canadian fur traders boldly 
