The largest forest-trees were found split from their roots to their tops, and lying half on each side of a deep fissure.

The opening abysses, the entanglement of the prostrate forest, and the dense underbrush which had sprung up, rendered the whole region almost impenetrable.

The country was almost entirely uninhabited.

It had, however, become quite celebrated as being the best hunting-ground in the West.

The fear of earthquakes and the general desolation had prevented even the Indians from rearing their wigwams there.
Consequently wild animals had greatly increased.