&IVE&S & LARGS-BOOK t 
stantly subject to change; many of the bayoux which at present 
appear inconsiderable, at no distant period constituted the bed of 
the principal river. 
The following are amongst the most considerable tributaries 
of the Mississippi and Missouri, and may be noticed in this 
place. 
R. DES CORBEAUX, 
The western branch of the Mississippi, and affording the besj 
communication with Red river of Winipec. This river is as- 
cended one hundred and eighty miles to the Leaf river, Which 
enters from the N. W.; the Leaf river is again ascended the same 
distance; there is then a portage of one half mile to the Otter 
Tail lake, the principal source of Red river. The other branch 
of the riviere des Corbeaux, bears S. W\ and approaches the 
St. Peters, 
ST. PETERS 
Enters the Mississippi about forty miles below the falls Of 
St. Anthony. It is a fine stream, and maybe navigated to its source, 
a thousand miles ; the current is gentle, and in places scarce¬ 
ly perceptible ; in the spring and summer it is covered with 
wild fowl, which collect here for the purpose of breeding, and 
find abundant nourishment in the wild rice which grows in the 
river and neighbouring lakes. Its principal branches are, Blue 
Earth river, Red Wood river, and Yellow Wood river. 
DES -MOINES* 
Next to the St. Peters, it is the largest of the rivers which 
the Mississippi receives from the west, above the confluence 
with the Missouri. It enters two hundred and fifty miles from 
their junction, and is navigable without a fall or scarcely an inter¬ 
ruption, to the Pelican lake, where it rises, and which is not far 
from the Sioux river of the Missouri, a distance of about eight 
hundred miles. Rackoon river, the principal branch enters on the 
S. W. side, and is navigable several hundred miles. There are 
several others of some magnitude, particularly the Red Cedar 
river, 
G 
