CHAPTER XXL 



INTRODUCED ANIMALS AND PLANTS OF AMERICA. 



America, when first visited by Europeans, appears to have con- 

 tained but a single species of quadruped of foreign origin, the domes- 

 tic dog. The route of its introduction, is indicated by various circum- 

 stances; such as, the aboriginal use of this animal for draught on 

 both sides of Behring Straits, and the interweaving of the liair in 

 blankets by the neighbouring maritime tribes. We shall find, more- 

 over, a geographical coincidence; for according to the presumed order 

 of human migrations, All foreign animals wheresoever occurring in 

 aboriginal America, should be equally in the possession of the North- 

 western tribes. 



a. Plants of Aboriginal Introduction. 



Independently of the usual habits of sea-going people, the Latitudes 

 above referred to, preclude agriculture ; and we have thus, a ready 

 explanation, of the absence of this art from the adjoinitig more south- 

 ern portion of the American continent. For until the recent visits of 

 foreigners, "no Oregon native had ever thought of planting a seed." 

 It is clear then, that no cultivated plant was introduced into America 

 by this Northern Route: but we cannot speak so positively in regard 

 to weeds. — I found two weeds, growing abundantly around the Chi- 

 nook villages. Polygonum avicidare, and Chenopodium album : and 

 Mr. Brackenridge, met with a third, Plantago major., in the secluded 

 district of Gray's Harbour. 



Further South, I discovered some doubtful appearances of aborigi- 

 nal agriculture, on tlie Sacramento River ; in a bed of the " chili- 



