364 ON THE ETHNOGRAPHY AND PHILOLOGY OF THE 
DAKOTA GROUP, D: 
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VIII. Daxkoras. 
ETHNOGRAPHICAL HISTORY. 
Tux country claimed by the Great Sioux or Dakota nation, prior to the organization of 
the Territories of Nebraska, Dakota, and Minnesota, was very extensive. Commencing 
on the northeastern limit at Lac qui Parle, an imaginary line would run in a northwest 
direction, taking in Lac du Diable, thence inclining south by west, including Turtle Moun- 
tain and the head of Pembina River, would strike the Missouri River at the mouth of 
Apple River, below the Gros Ventres village. Crossing the Missouri, it would proceed 
up the Grand River of the Arikaras (or even some distance west of this river), bearing 
west by south until reaching near the head of Powder River. From this point it would 
continue along the range of mountains called the Black Hills in a southern direction, until 
reaching Fort Laramie on the Platte, thence down that river for some distance, afterwards 
extending east to the junction of the Niobrara with the Missouri River, thence down that 
stream to the mouth of Big Sioux River, this being the boundary line to which their ° 
claims had been extinguished by the United States. Proceeding along the Big Sioux 
River inclining northeast, taking in the Vermilion and James Rivers, their lands would 
terminate by a junction with the starting-point at Lac qui Parle. Within a few years, 
the United States Government has purchased of the Indians much of the territory com- 
prised within the above limits. 
That portion of their lands east and north of the Missouri is quite sterile, and with the 
exception of some coulées and hills, formed by the rivers and creeks, presents a most 
monotonous prairie, many hundred miles in length and breadth, very level, and devoid of 
trees, or even shrubs. ‘The soil is loose and sandy, grass rather thin, and in no great 
variety, that known as the short, curly, buffalo grass being the most abundant. In former 
times, this was the great range for the buffalo, but of late years, they are found in greater 
numbers west of the Missouri. The soil is generally too dry for agricultural purposes, 
except along the borders of streams, where it is for the most part quite fertile. In some 
parts where the vegetation is luxuriant, the grass is very nutritious, and would, in common 
with most of the Northwest Territory, afford good grazing for horses, horned cattle, and 
sheep. Small lakes are to be met with in this region, from which the Indians get their 
supply of water when travelling across the prairies, which they do not attempt to do 
except in the summer and autumn, when the “ buffalo chips” answer the purpose of fuel. 
The terrible snow-storms that sweep over these plains in the winter, compel them to place 
