The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, D.T. [N.D.]) 1873-1875, 1874-11-11
BLACK HILLS.
Prof Donaldson and HE Black Hills
Lecfuro-Thero - Gold in the Black

BLACK HILLS.
Lecfure-Thero q Gold IN the Black
Prof. Donaldson lectured id Minneap-
oils few nights ago on the Black Hills,
to q large and interested audience.
The Prof. was, until recently, connected
with the Minnesota University, and was
the botanist Of the Custer expedition
and the able and versitile correspondent
of the st. Paul Pioneer. He is keen
observer, thoroughly educated and hon
orable in every respect. The following
is from Minneapolis Tribune account
of the lecture.
Trails OF the buffalo traversed the
plains in every direction, and the an
telope were everywhere. This savory
game was the main subsistence of the
party, and afforded the sport. Firing,
from the column, though contrary to
orders, was INDUCED in. The Professor
related an amusing anecdote Of the
teamster in charge kof the terrible Cat
ling gun who was beguiled by the ante
lope into taking shot. His team en-
braced the opportunity for little
frolic of their own, and deployed with
the Gatling gun atttched, over the plain.
''The driver was promoted to the walk
ing brigade" The type ofthe Western
mnleteer Was the subject of some hum
orous remarks, and the guides of the
expedition proved interesting charac.
ters. ss
The course of the train tended due
West into Montana, South into Wyom
ing, and then east into the table Ian ds.
Thel6rst night in the Hills was joyful
one; the earth was beautiful, the heavens
grand, and the band awoke the echoes
Of the solitude with the poetic tones of
civilization. " =. !.
In the valley Of the Red Water i'm
mense gypsum formations were found,
sufficient, the Professor thinks, to fer
tillize all the arabic land Of the country,
and keep the world in superior article
of plaster Of Paris. Springs Of pure
cold water abound pasturage was good,
and the floral display was varied and SO
attractive as to excite the admiration
even of the most prossic natures.
The valleys and hillsides were found
we'll wooded, mostly Norway pine, and
in many places the forests were black
ened by the fierce fires which occasion
ally rage in that wilderness. Great
difficulty was found in serpentining
their way into the Hills through the
almost impassable canons, and equal
difficulty in finding egress. Once fairly
in the Parks. movement in any direct
ion was easily accomplished. The
Professor spoke in most glowing terms
of the natural beauty. and picturesque
ness of the Hills, and thinks the Grand
Park, for richness, beauty and sublimity
superior to any tract of equal area on
the continent.
There are about 400 sqnare miles in
Custer's Park. Many of the minor hills
are round and bald; others lightly tim
bered. Immense fragments of rocks lie
scattered, interspersed with trees.
Every species of game common to the
west, was found. The beavers were
building their dams, and the grizzly
imprinting the sands. The feathered
tribe were as varied and numerous as
their home was secluded and favorable.
The perils of wandering alone in the
Hills, and the ascent of Harney's Peak,
5000 feet above the level Of the sea.
were graphically described. '.he lect-
urer commenting on the improbability
of Indians ever having raised their
lethargic bodies to that romantic height.
Such an exploit would have been regis
tered in rude heap of stones, and all
evidences Of this sort were wanting.
The Organ mountains are great won
ders. and the Bad Lands, east Of the
Hills, in Gen Sully's language "the
bottom of hell with the fire put out"
TIE Professor had considerable to
saw in regard to the mineral wealth of
the region, but as to the presence Of
cold. be could only refer to Gen. Gus
ter. ana other reliable men Of the expe-
dition, IS his authority for stating that
he believed their was some gold there.
he was absent with another party dur
ing the five days principal prospecting;
the geological evidence is not over as
suring. He would advise nobody, or
bodies of men, to go near the Black
Hills before the Government has opened
the country for settlement. Then If
they do not find gold they may at least
and . beautiful home. AT present life
would be endangered, and disappoint
ments almost certain to follow. 1t is
doubtful if quicksilver or even silver
exists. There is no indications OF coal,
but traces Of Ignite were found. Lime
stone aud sandstone could be easily