Native Copper of Lal-e Superior, 4'c. 213 



ed by the facts already adduced, and so far as theoretical 

 aids can be relied upon, by an application of those facts to 

 the theories of mining. A further extent of country might 

 have been embraced along the shore of lake Superior, but 

 the same remark appears applicable to it. 



2d. That a mineralogical survey of the rock formations 

 skirting the Ontonagon, including the district of country 

 above alluded to, would result in the discovery of very val- 

 uable mines of the sulphuret, the carbonate and other prof- 

 itable ores of copper ; in the working of which the ordi- 

 nary advantagesof mining would be greatly enhanced by oc- 

 casional masses, and veins of native metal. This deduction 

 is rendered probable by the general appearance of the coun- 

 try, and the concurrent discoveries of travellers, — by the 

 green coloured waters which issue in several places from 

 the earth, — by the bodies of native copper found, — by the 

 cupreous tinge which is presented in the crevices of rocks 

 and loose stones, — by the geological character of the coun- 

 try, and by other analagous considerations. 



These deductions embrace all I have to submit on the 

 mineral geography of the country, so far as regards ,the 

 copper mines. Other considerations arise from the facili- 

 ties which that section of country may present for mining 

 operations, — its adaptation to the purposes of agriculture, — 

 the state, and dispositions of the Indian tribes, and other 

 topics, which a design to commence metallurgical opera- 

 tions, at the present period would suggest. But I am not 

 aware that any such views are entertained by government, 

 and have not considered it incumbent upon me in this com- 

 munication, to enter into details on these subjectc. ft 

 may be proper, however, to remark, that the remote situa- 

 tion of the country containing the most valuable mines, 

 does not, at the present period, favour the pursuit of min- 

 ing. It would require the employment not only of the ar- 

 tificers and labourers necessary to conduct the working ol 

 mines, but also, of a TOilitary force to protect their opera- 

 tions, — first, while engaged in exploring the country, and 

 afterwards, in their regular labours. For, whatever may 

 be their professions, the Indian tribes of the north, possess 

 strong natural jealousies, and in situations so remote, are to 

 be restrained from an indulgence in the most malignant pas- 

 sions, only by the fear of a prompt military chastisement. 

 In looking upon the southern shore of lake Superior, the 



