316 Biographical Sketch of the late John Evans, M.D. 
General Government, that they should have instituted and completed, a 
Geological reconnoissance of the vast regions between the Western States 
and the Pacific Ocean, and from the British possessions to the boundary 
of California? This survey, exhibiting as it does by careful analyses the 
constituents of all the prevailing soils, coals, and minerals : and that too 
whilst the country for the most part is still inhabited by savages! ; 
“Extensive beds of semi-anthracite (or perhaps more properly semi- 
bituminous) coals, ores of iron, lead, copper platinum, gold, sulphur, rock 
l ave been discovered, in various localities, which will prove 
of great commercial advantage in view of the important trade between 
China and the islands of the Pacific and western coast.” 
coveries in the Mauvaises Terres, of a vast number of bones 
representing the ancient and extinct fauna of Nebraska, a re 
gion explored by Dr. Evans, while in the employ of Dr. D 
_{2], vol. ii, page 248). 
To Dr. ‘evens is also due the discovery of the Pass st 
which came under his care. On one occasion, a delegation 
chiefs waited upon him, and besought him to “ make medicine, 
orm some mysterious rite), so that the Great Spirit 
send them plenty of Buffaloes, protect their corn from fros 
give them a moderate winter.” They fully believed in his g 
