66* 



North of the Illinois the country gradually 

 becomes hilly, and near to Lake Superior, are 

 mountains of very considerable attitude. It is 

 inhabited by numerous bands of Indians, of dif- 

 ferent nations ; some wandering bands, others 

 live in villages conveniently situated for hunting 

 excursions. It has been said that near some of 

 these large rivers, lead ore has been found in large 

 quantities,, and that in some places copper ore has 

 been discovered of a very great degree of purity. 

 But this extensive tract of country has been very 

 little explored. Almost the only white people 

 who have visited it, have been the traders in furs 

 and peltry . 



