The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1874-09-04
BLACK HILLS WONDERS.
Veritable Eden-DiscOveries Of Gold,
Lead, and Indications of Silver.


The following is part of the oficia
sistant adjutant general of the depart
ment of Dakota
On the evening of the 22nd we halteC
and encamped east of and within fou1
miles of the base of Inyan Kara. De
string to ascend that peak the following
day, it being highest in the western
range of the Black Hills, I did not move
camp the next day, but taking a small
party with me, proceeded to the high.
est point of this prominent landmark
whose height is given as $500 feet.
The day was not favorable for obtain
ing distant views, but decided on the
following morning to move due east
and attempt the passage of the hills.
We experienced considerable delay
from fallen timber which lay in our
pathway. With this exception, and a
very little digging, rendered necessary
descending into valley, the pioneers
prepared the way for the train and we
reached camp by 2 o'clock, having
marched eleven miles. We here found
grass, water and wood of the best quail
ity and in great abundance.
On the following day we resumed our
marchp the valley, which had ex-
plcred several miles the preceding even
ing, and which led us by an easy ascent
almost southeast. After marching near
ly twelve miles we encamped at an ear
ly hour in the same valley. This val
ley, in one respect, presented the most
wonderful as well as beautiful aspect.
Its equal have never seen and such,
too was the testimony of all who be-
held it. In no public or private park
have I ever seen such profuse display
of flowers of the most exquisite colors
and perfume. So lHxuriant in growth
were they that men plucked them with
out dismounting from the saddle Some
belonged to new or unclassifed spe-
cies. It was strange sight to glance
back at the advancing columns of cav
airy, and behold the men with beauti-
full boquets in their hands, while the
head gear of their horses was decorated
with wreaths of flowers fit to crown
queen of May. Deeming it most fit
ting appellation, named this Floral
valley. Gen. Forsyth, at one of our
halting places, chosen at random, pluck
ed seventeen beautiful flowers belonging
to different species, and within space of
twenty feet square. The same evening,
while seated at the mess table, one of
the officers called attention to the car
pet of flowers strewn under our feet,
and it was suggested that it be deter
mined how many different flowers could
be plucked without leaving our seat at
The dinner table. Seven beautiful vari-
cites we're thus gathered. Prof. Don
aldson, the botanist of the expedition,
estimated the number of flowers i'll |
bloom in Floral valley at fifty, while an
equal number of varieties had bloomed |
Dr. were yet to bloom. The number of |
Trees, shrubs, and grasses were twenty |
i've, making the total fora of the valley |
125 pieces.
Through this beautiful valley mean
1ers stream of crystal water so cold as |
20 render ice undesirable even at noon
lay. The temperature of two of the |
many springs found flowing into it was
aiken, and ascertained to be 43 and IA
degrees respectively.
As there are scientific parties accom-
oanying the expedition, who are exam
ming into the mineral resources of this
'egion, the result of whose researches
sill accompany my detailed report, 1
unit all present reference to that por-
ion of our explorations until the return
If the expedition, except to state what
will appear in any event in the public
,rints-that gold has been found at sew
raj places, and it is the belief of those
Vho are giving their attention to this
ubject that it will be found in paying
Quantities. have upon my table forty
r fifty small particles of pure gold,
n size averaging that of small pin
ead, and most of it obtained to-day
rom one painful of earth. AS we have
ever remained longer at one camp than
ne day, it will be readily understood
hat there is no opportunity to make a
examination in regard to
eposits of valuable minerals. Veins {
f lead and strong indications of the I
xistence of silver have been found.
Until further examination is made re-
arding the richness of the gold no 1
pinion should be formed. Veins of
hat the geologists term gold-bearing
uartz crop out on almost every hill !
de. All existing geological and geo. s
raphical maps of this region have been |
,rmed incorrect. This will not seem {
uprising when it is remembered that {
9th have been compiled by guess-work
nd without entering the country at
,mpted to be represented.