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Geology

The reader will not, of course, expect much information relative to the geological character of a country so recently brought into notice, a large part of which is still uninhabited by civilized man; and all that can even be attempted is a brief outline. Several geologists have traveled hastily through the country, mostly in small canoes along the principal rivers and lakes, and have published accounts of their necessarily limited & hasty observations; among them are Mr. Schoolcraft, Mr. Keating (who was attached to Long's Expedition), Mr. Featherstonhaugh United States Geologist); and more recently Mr. James Hall one of the geologists of the state of New York. In 1839 a very minute and elaborate geological survey was made, under the Authority of Congress, by Dr. D.D. Owen* (now a member of Congress for Indiana), and Dr. John Locke, of the "Mineral region" in this Territory, as well as in Iowa and Illinois; but as their report has never been [but] fully [only] [partially] given to the public [and] the [its] results of this survey are [therefore but little known.

The Territory may very naturally be divided into four geological districts, differing very materially from each other in physical character dependent upon the rocks prevailing in each. They will be denominated [the] 1st the Primitive, 2d the Sandstone, 3d the Mineral & 4th the Limestone Districts.

*Now a member of Congress from Indiana.

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