which it loses its distinctive elevation above the surrounding plains, and passes into rolling prairies.  Its length is about two hundred miles, and its general direction N. N. W. and S. S. E. Its northern termination (called Tete du Couteau in consequence of its peculiar configuration) is not more than fifteen to twenty miles across; its elevation above the level of the Big Stone Lake is eight hundred and ninety feet, and above the ocean one thousand nine hundred and sixteen feet.  Starting from this extremity (that is, the head of the Coteau), the surface of the plateau is undulating, forming many dividing ridges which separate the waters flowing into the St. Peter’s and the Mississippi from those of the Missouri.  Under the 44th degree of latitude, the breadth of the Coteau is about forty miles, and its mean elevation is here reduced to one thousand four hundred and fifty feet above the sea.  Within this space its two slopes are rather abrupt, crowned with verdure, and scolloped by deep ravines thickly shaded with bushes, forming the beds of rivulets that water the subjacent plains.

The Coteau itself is isolated, in the midst of boundless and fertile prairies, extending to the west, to the north, and into the valley of the St. Peter’s.

The plain at its northern extremity is a most beautiful tract of land diversified by hills, dales, woodland, and lakes, the latter abounding in fish.  This region of country is probably the most elevated between the Gulf of Mexico and Hudson’s Bay.  From its summit, proceeding from its western to its eastern limits, grand views are afforded.  At its eastern border particularly, the prospect is magnificent beyond description, extending over the immense green turf that forms the basin of the Red River of the North, the forest-capped summits of the haugeurs des terres that surround the sources of the Mississippi, the granitic valley of the Upper St. Peter’s, and the depressions in which are Lake Traverse and the Big Stone Lake.  There can be no doubt that in future times this region will be the summer resort of the wealthy of the land.” (pp. 9, 10.)

I will pass over what he says of the “vast and magnificent valley of the Red River of the North,” having before given some account of that region, and merely give his description of the largest lake which lies in the northern part of the territory:  “The greatest extension of Devil’s Lake is at least forty miles,—­ but may be more, as we did not, and could not, ascertain the end of the north-west bay, which I left undefined on the map.  It is bordered by hills that are pretty well wooded on one side, but furrowed by ravines and coulees, that are taken advantage of by warlike parties, both for attack and defence according to circumstances.  The lake itself is so filled up with islands and promontories, that, in travelling along its shores, it is only occasionally that one gets a glimpse of its expanse.  This description belongs only to its wooded side; for, on