In preparing the present volume, after so considerable a lapse of time, it has been thought proper to omit all such topics as are not deemed of permanent or historical value. The scientific facts embraced in the appendix, on the mines and mineralogy of Missouri, are taken from my publication on these subjects. In making selections and revisions from a work which was at first hastily prepared, I have availed myself of the advantage of subsequent observation on the spot, as well as of the suggestions and critical remarks made by men of judgment and science.
A single further remark may be made: The term Ozark is applied to a broad, elevated district of highlands, running from north to south, centrally, through the States of Missouri and Arkansas. It has on its east the striking and deep alluvial tract of the Mississippi river, and, on its west, the woodless buffalo plains or deserts which stretch below the Rocky Mountains. The Osage Indians, who probably furnish origin for the term, have occupied all its most remarkable gorges and eminences, north of the Arkansas, from the earliest historical times; and this tribe, with the Pawnees ("Apana"), are supposed to have held this position ever since the days of De Soto.
Junction of the Ohio with the Mississippi--Difficulty of Ascending the latter with a Barge--Its turbid and rapid Character--Incidents of the Voyage--Physical Impediments to its Navigation--Falling-in Banks--Tiawapati--Animals--Floating Trees--River at Night--Needless and laughable Alarm--Character of the Shores--Men give out--Reach the first fast Lands--Mineral Products--Cape Girardeau--Moccasin Spring--Non-poetic geographical Names--Grand Tower--Struggle to pass Cape Garlic. 22
Pass Cape Garlic--Obrazo River--Cliffs--Emigrants--Cape St. Comb --Bois Brule Bottom--Paroquet--Fort Chartres--Kaskaskia--St. Genevieve--M. Breton--The Mississippi deficient in Fish-- Antiquities--Geology--Steamer--Herculaneum--M. Austin, Esq., the Pioneer to Texas--Journey on foot to St. Louis--Misadventures on the Maramec--Its Indian Name--Carondelet--St. Louis, its fine Site and probable future Importance--St. Louis Mounds not artificial-- Downward Pressure of the diluvial Drift of the Mississippi. 32