3AUUATIVE, Arc. Ill 



led to the loc.nl term of the Folio Avoine country, a name by 

 which it is particularly known in the transactions of the Fur 

 Trade. 



It has a comparatively mild climate, and rich soil, and in 

 addition to the small fur bearing animals, on the sale of which 

 the Indians rely for their woollens, arms, and ammunition ; it 

 affords the spontaneous means of subsistence, morn fully, per- 

 haps, than most other parts of the northwest regions. Its pre- 

 sent aggregate population has been estimated the present year, 

 at eight hundred and ninety-five, say nine hundred souls, num- 

 bering those only who arc permanently located in its valley. — 

 "What quantity of furs and peltries is annually got from it, and 

 what amount of Indian goods are required to pay for them, arc 

 questions which might be ascertained, with general accura- 

 cy, by consulting official records. But it is sufficient for the 

 purposes of moral enquiry, to remark, that both the supplies and 

 the returns, are less than they were in former years, and that 

 there is a declension in the trade, which must at length produce a 

 migration of the Indians, or induce them to become agricultu- 

 rists. The fate that has overtaken other tribes, enjoying a more 

 southerly position, must inevitably overtake these bands. And 

 the period will probably arrive earlier, than it might be antici- 

 pated. They occupy a portion of the Mississippi valley, which 

 is adapted for agriculture. Many parts of it, possess a rich soil, 

 and are well timbered. Other portions are prairie land, suited 

 for pasturage. Its most arid tracts abound in pine, and there 

 u hardly a stream, of its many tributaries which does not afford 

 numerous eligible seats for saw and grist mills. Hunting seems 

 the only occupation, which cannot be a permanent one. But, 



"While thus the. chase declines, and herds dcjMrt, 

 And hcavm in prospect, dooms hit favorite art, 

 >".> care of lands or fWk i.isniind, 



To mend his fortune*, and to save his kind." 



The portage from the St. Croix to the Burnt wood, begin* at 



