100 EXTENSIVE VIEW. 



F 



of reflection, I have often observed the dis- 

 tant trees and hilly protuberances wliich pro- 

 ject above the horizon beyond, distinctly in- 

 verted in the ' pond ;' whereas, were it the 

 result of refraction, these would appear erect, 

 only cast below the surface. Lideed, many 

 are the singular atmospheric phenomena ob- 

 servable upon the plains, which would afford 

 a field of interesting research for the curious 

 natural philosopher. 



At last, some of the most persevering of 

 our adventurers succeeded m ascending tlie 

 summit of the Round Mound, which com- 

 mands a full and advantageous view of the 

 surrounding country, in some directions to 

 the distance of a hundred miles or more. 

 Looking southward a varied country is seen, 

 of hills, plains, mounds, and sandy undula- 

 tions ; but on the whole northern side, exten- 

 sive plains spread out, studded occasionally 

 with variegated peaks and ridges. Far be- 

 yond these, to the north- westvvard, and lovr 

 in the horizon a silvery stripe appears upon 

 an azure base, resembling a list of chalk- 

 white clouds. This is the perennially snow- 

 capped summit of the eastern spur of the 

 Rocky Mountains. 



These immense bordering plains, and even 

 the hills with wliich they are uiterspersed, are 

 wholly destitute of timber, except a chance 



a ra\ines, which but 



mamms of the bluff 



the landscape. Not even a bufRdo was 

 to be seen to reheve the dull monotony 



T 



