[ 
xvi 
Traces of fuch a communication 
may, by diligent obfervers, be dis- 
covered, 
■ — The north and north-eaft parts of the country 
of the Ilinois confift of a vaft continent, hi- 
therto almoft unknown. By following the north 
courfe, and going three hundred leagues up the 
Mijpfippiy one meets with the fall of St. An- 
thony; beyond which the river divides into fe- 
veral branches. A hundred leagues farther is 
found a lake, and a marfhy ground, from which 
the river takes its fource. This fpot is very fer- 
tile, and abounds in furs; but its inhabitants, 
called the Sious, are reported to be io ferocious 
and faithiefs, as to deter any traders fiom ven- 
turing among them. . . It is towards the north- 
weft that the Alijfouri takes its run acrofs the 
country. This is one of the largeft as well as 
meft rapid rivers. The French, on account of 
the difficulty of its navigation, have not been 
able to trace its courfe beyond four hundred 
leagues, at a village called Rlcarao. Various na- 
tions inhabit its borders; and a fair held fcems 
to be opened to intercfting discoveries, as well as 
to a confiderable trade. Travellers have brought 
from thence elephants teeth, though the animals 
themielves were never found there; and this in- 
due.,- 
