8 FORKS OF THE CREEK. 



Several varieties of hard wood — such as overcup, pecan, elm, hack- 

 berry, ash, and wild china — are found here, among which there is much 

 good timber. The overcup (Quercus macrocarpa) especially, is hers 

 seen of very unusual size, often from three to four feet in diameter. 



This tree, from the length of its stock, the straightness of its grain, 

 and the facility with which it splits, is admirably adapted to building 

 purposes, and is made use of extensively in the southwestern States. 



The soil in the valley is of such superior quality, that any kind of 

 grain adapted to this climate could be produced without the aid of irri- 

 gation.* 



Three miles above the mouth the stream divides into two branches, 

 of about equal magnitude, both of them wooded throughout as far as I 

 traced them, and the soil along them arable in the highest degree ; 

 indeed, its fertility is manifest from the very dense and rank vegetation 

 everywhere exhibited. The water in the creek is alkaline, but quite 

 palatable ; and its temperature at the time we encamped upon it was 

 75° F. Our supply train arrived on the 14th ; but as the recent rains 

 had raised the water in the creek so much as to prevent our crossing, 

 we were obliged to remain here until the 16th. 



This being the point upon Red river at which we were directed to 

 commence our explorations, I propose from this time to make such 

 extracts from my journal as I may conceive pertinent to the objects of 

 the expedition, as set forth in the letter of special instructions, which I 

 had the honor to receive from your office, with such other information 

 as may be considered important, and the conclusions which I have 

 arrived at after an examination of the whole country embraced within 

 the limits of our reconnoissance. 



* An analysis of the suh-soil from Cache creek, by Professor Shephard, shows 

 that it possesses strong and enduring constituents, and is admirably suited to 

 the production of grain. It is eminently calcai'eous, jps will be seen from the 

 following analysis of its composition : 



Silica 82.25 



Peroxide of iron 2. 65 



Alumina .55 



Carbonate of lime 5.40 



Carbonate of magnesia 1.70 



Water (hygrometric moisture) 5. 50 



Sulphate of lime and carbonate of potash (only slight traces) 00 



98.05 



