gave him a striking expression of placidity in cunning.  Hence his name, which was given by the Indians from some fancied resemblance to this animal, when jutting its head above water.  He had, for forty years, made jeesuckawin (prophecying) for his people, when he was converted to Christianity at the Mackinack Mission.  He gave up at once his Indian rites, but retained, to a great degree, his characteristic expression.  Some one had given him an old blue broadcloth coat with yellow metal buttons, which he matched with dark-colored trousers, a vest, hat, and moccasins.  I always received him with marked attention, and often sent him to the kitchen for a meal, where, indeed, the Indians had their claims ever allowed by Mrs. S.

[Footnote 67:  From Wauzhusko.]

27th.  Muekudapenais, or Blackbird, an Ottawa, chief of L’Arbre Croche, visited the office.  I directed his attention to the tradition mentioned by Chusco, respecting Wayne’s treaty, and the inclusion of Michilimackinack in the cessions.  He confirmed this tradition.  He said that his uncle, Ish-ke-bug-ish-kum, gave the island, and that when he returned he denied that he had given it, but the British took away his medal in consequence.  He said that three men of the party, who attended this treaty, were still living.  They were Op-wagun, Che-mo-ke-maun, and Chusco.  He thinks the land taken by the late surveys of Mr. Ellis, at Point St. Ignace, was not given, but admits that the cession embraced the area around old Mackinack, and the island of Boisblanc.  The Indians called Gen. Wayne Che Noden, the Strong Wind.

30th.  The series of deposits, which embrace fossil salt, or produce strong brine water, in the geological column of the rocks of the United States, constitute a deeply important subject in science, and public economy.  Mr. James R. Rees, of Clyde, Ontario County, N.Y., sends me the result of borings, made at that place, to the depth of 376 feet, with samples of the rock, which appear to denote, if I have rightly judged the geological data, a roof and floor, to the saliferous formation.  And the result gives a stimulant to further investigations.

9th.  Commerce is rapidly invading the wilderness.  Wheat in bulk, and flour in bags and barrels, were brought down from St. Joseph’s, through the straits of Michigan, this fall; which is the first instance of the kind, but one, in the commercial history of the country.  Beef and wheat were brought from the same post last season.

Nov. 13th. A remarkable display of the aurora borealis was observed last night.  The Indians, who call this phenomenon Jebiug nemeiddewaud, or dancing spirits, describe it as radiating balls, streams of fire or falling stars from the zenith into the lake.