PRODUCTIONS, &c.—BOOK I. 
43 
tell of some curious plants on the Arkansas, amongst which 
are the common sun-flower, the bean, and the simblin, which 
grow there in their natural state. There is no reason to think 
this improbable, for these plants are known to be indigenous. 
MINERALS. 
If we denominate parts of the United States, by their pre¬ 
dominating characters, and qualities; this territory may be call¬ 
ed the country of minerals. 
A small quantity of gold, is said to have been found on the 
St. Francis, by an inhabitant of St Genevieve; it is probable, 
that some of the precious metals may be found, and it is certain 
that nearly all the useful ones exist in great abundance. A story 
is related of a wonderful mass of plating on the Black river; 
this is not sufficiently attested, to merit much attention.*— 
It is the prevailing opinion, that there is silver, and numerous 
stories are related respecting it. A hundred places, where there 
is said to be silver ore, are indicated from the information of In¬ 
dians and hunters; on the Missouri, Arkansas, and on the wa¬ 
ters of White river. Geographers have for a long time, agreed 
in placing a gold mine on the Arkansas; and, considering the 
precision with which it is marked on the map, it is surprising 
to me that some of our enterprising Americans do not avail 
themselves of it. Many accounts have been given of silver 
mines on the Red nver ; above the Cado nation. Du Pratz as- 
* The story is related by Indians ; it has been supposed to be ptcitinct , 
from their description, but it is most likely some other metal, as platina 
is only found in very small pieces. The weight of the mass, being dis- 
proportioned to its size, causes a curious deception to the Indians, who, 
in consequence, call it a moncton or spirit. A story similar 1o this, was 
told me by an Arikara chief, of a mass which he has frequently seen in 
a prairie near the Black mountains. Another mass has actually been 
brought down Red river, by some hunters ; it is probably native iron. 
This wealth in precious metals, is certainly flattering; but the expe¬ 
rience of Spain affords a salutary lesson, that a people may possess itr 
in the greatest abundance and be poor in every thing else. The cele¬ 
brated Adam Smith, proves that it is labor and industry alone that 
give a nation real wealth. We should be richer in mines of iron or lead, 
than in those of go!4 and silver. 
