CHAPTER XXVI {X of Vol. II}

GEOGRAPHY OF THE PRAIRIES

Extent of the Prairies -- Mountains -- _Mesas_ or Table-lands -- _El Llano Estacado_ -- _Cañones_ -- Their Annoyance to the early Caravans -- Immense Gullies -- Coal Mines and other Geological Products -- Gypsum -- Metallic Minerals -- Salines -- Capt. Boone's Exploration -- 'Salt Plain' and 'Salt Rock' -- Mr. Sibley's Visit -- Saline Exudations -- Unhabitableness of the high Prairies -- Excellent Pasturage -- Rich border Country sufficient for two States -- Northern Texas -- Rivers of the Prairies -- Their Unfitness for Navigation -- Timber -- Cross Timbers -- Encroachments of the Timber upon the Prairies -- Fruits and Flowers -- Salubrity of Climate, 237