OCR Text |
Show S4 prevalent idea among them, and one which they n1ake the rule of their conduct, is, that the more illy they treat the traders the greater quantity of 1ncrchandise they will bring them, and that they will thus obtain the articles they wish on better terms; they have endeavored to inspire the Ricaras \vith sin1ilar sentiments, but, happily, without any considerable effect. The country in which these four bands rove is one continued plain, with scarcely a tree to be seen, except on the water-courses, or the steep declivities of hills, ·which last are but rare: thl· land is fertile, and lies extremely well for cultivation; many parts of it are but badly watered. It is from this country that the Missouri derives most of its colouring matter ; the earth is strongly iinpregnated with glaubcr salts, alum, copperas and sulphur, and when ~aturated with water, immense bodies of the hills precipitate them· selves into the Missouri, aucltningle with its waters. The waters of this river have a purgative effect on those unaccustomed to use it. I doubt whether these people can ever be induced to become stationary ; their trade tnight be made valuable if they 'vere reduced to order. They claim jointly with the other bands of the Sioux, all the country lying wtthin the following limits, viz. beginning at the confluence of the river Demain and Mississippi, thence up the west side of the Mississippi to the 1nonth of the St. Peters river, thence on both sides of the Mississippi to the mouth of Crow-wing river, and upwards with that stream, including the waters of the upper part of the same ; thence to include the waters of the upper portion of Red river, of lake Winnipie, and down the same nearly to Pembenar river, thence a south westerly course to intersect the Missouri at or near the Mandans, and with that stream downwards to the entrance <;>f the W arrecunne creek, thence passing the ~issouri it goes to include the lower portion of the nver Chyenne, all the waters of vVhite river and river 1""eton, includes the lower portion of the river Quicurre, and returns to the Missouri, and with that stream downwards to the n1outh of vVaduipon river, and thence eastwardly to inter~ect the Missi~sippi at the beginning. · I co;S. • :::::: 0 I N :::::: I ,... N s '? :::::": ' cQ) o ..... v..!:4 ..... . ~ 0' I ....!=: reon d' 0 ~ <1) ~ |