Here and there, on the bottom, were to be seen the evidences of a hasty and imperfect culture of such indigenous vegetables as were of a quick growth, and which were known to flourish, without the aid of art, in deep and alluvial soils.

On the very edge of what might be called the table-land, were pitched the hundred lodges of a horde of wandering Siouxes.

Their light tenements were arranged without the least attention to order.

Proximity to the water seemed to be the only consideration which had been consulted in their disposition, nor had even this important convenience been always regarded.

While most of the lodges stood along the brow of the plain, many were to be seen at greater distances, occupying such places as had first pleased the capricious eyes of their untutored owners.