Chap. IV. COUNCIL GHOVE. 251 
to Marcou, fill up the whole period from the carboniferous 
limestone to the chalk, with plutonic, metamorphic, and 
volcanic masses interposed. 
I have made this digression from the thread of my 
narrative in order to give briefly such superficial geological 
remarks as our mode of travelling from Missouri to the 
Rio Grande permitted. Our frequent night journeys pre- 
vented a more complete and connected series of observa- 
tions. I must now recall my reader's attention to the 
eastern portion of the prairie, where I have other phe- 
nomena and travelling incidents to relate. 
Irrespective of any geological consideration in reference 
to the appearance of the cretaceous formation in Pleasant 
Valley, it is certain that this, together with the greater 
elevation of the ground, is accompanied by a remarkable 
change in the whole natural features of the prairie. Both 
air and soil are more dry upon the higher ground and new 
character of the strata. The dew, which had fallen plenti- 
fully on the lower step of the plateau, is seen here sparingly. 
The traveller is sensible of the change of climate, in his 
improved healthy feeling and increased activity. The 
vegetation is in general shorter and not so rank. 
Council Grove, where we arrived August 27th, will 
unquestionably become one day an important place. The 
situation is beautiful, and possesses many advantages. At 
the time we visited it, this place consisted of about ten 
houses, inhabited by white men and Indian women. A 
little higher up the brook stood, detached, the Mission- 
house, a somewhat large stone building, surrounded by 
hedged-in fields. This Mission, which was established by 
the Methodists among the Caw-Indians, has been, I be- 
lieve, disturbed by the newer lawless state of the terri- 
tory of late years. About a mile distant down the stream 
