Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-12-17
The Boundary Survey-The Black Hills.

| tween Nebraska and Dakota, from Ke-
ahpaha River westward to the southwest
corner OF Dakota Territory, was COM
menced by Chauncey Wiltse, ESQ, Aug.
%, and completed some time in Septem-
Der, distance of 224 miles, through
supposed Indian country, near the base
OF the Black Hills, and with a party of
only twenty men.
The country for the first fifty miles is
interesting on both sides of the line
1orty-third parallel-and Keahpaha in
view at the north, bringing the boundary
diagonal across the south tributaries of
the above stream. These tributaries are
numerous, the best of water and of good
grass bottoms from one-fourth to a mile
IN width. This grass is the excellent
blue-joint, standing in many places waist
high, very thick and fine, and extending
several miles in length. This is a good
region for stock. At the heads of these
small streams, and near the Niobrara
River, and extending almost from the
mouth of Keahpaha west, is a strip of
sand and other hills that seem to be a
sort of spur of the Great Sand Hills that
extend along the Niobrara, almost or
quite to its very source. But we found the
country well watered, grass good, and
road, with few exceptions, very good
We also found sufficient wood. At a
distance of sixty or seventy miles we
came to stream flowing south to the
Niobrara, along the west side of which
the Great Sand Hills extend to the north,
to the head of the south FORK of White
River, and with their caps and rugged
looks seemed impossible for our train.
But through these sand hills we found a
valley or pass "Owen's Pass'0 supplied
with excellent spring water, good grass,
and sufficient wood, from ten rods to a
mile in breadth, and extending for over
twenty miles due east and west, and
making remarkable road through these
sand hills, which would otherwise have
been almost impossible for a loaded
train. Though the country for the next
sixty miles is intermixed with sand hills
and valleys, lakes, etc, the road was
good, supplied with good grass and most
excellent water, though the white, dry
alkali lakes can also be found here. The
most handsome springs of the purest
water are numerous around lakes and in
valleys.
AT distance of about 100 miles we
found some large lakes, around which
game was plenty-water-foW 50 numer-
Gus it would be paradise for sportsmen,
l should think. Beaver, otter and other
furs are plenty on the small streams and
about these lakes, and antelope, deer,
elk, ETC., are also plenty, and our party
had the choicest meats in great abun-
dance without any trouble. Bear abound
In the sand hills, living on the sand cher
ries and hiding in the marshes. Sand
cherries are abundant, and for one-half
day we travelled over a continual bed of
them and in their very prime.
At distance of about 100 miles we
came to high buffalo grass lands and
tributaries OF White River. Roads were
gone, pitch pine skirting the bluffs, small
runs, etc, and after forty miles more
travel we came to the White River, Just
north of Spotted Tails Agency. Spots
children were quiet for Indians, though
very inquisitive as soon as they see
white men in that country to know
"what their business is" etc.
After crossing the White River the
country is very level west and to the base
of the Black Hills-west until you come to
Wyoming, and northwest until you come
to Cheyenne, which lies at the very base
of the Black Hills.
When on the White River bluffs we
could distinctly see Harney's Peak and
the Black Hills, and when thirty miles
out from Spots we were near the Black
Hills proper, and two hours ride from
this spot would take you into the great
Black Hills in Dakota. 1t is a mistaken
idea that the Black Hills are higher
than the country east and south. In
looking from the east and south you look
over high table of land until the Chey-
enne River interrupts, dividing the same
from the Black Hills. This high land to
the east and south is high clay, grass
rather poor, water both good and
bad; but behold as soon as the eye
crosses the Cheyenne you notice the
marked change. Your first impression
is that the land is burned prairie, with
spots of grass left here and there; but on
taking a second look you see that the
blackened portion is heavy timber and
the reddish spots those of grass in the lit
tie pockets" parks and valleys. could
distinctly see that the grass is the COM
mon red and blue-joint that covers our
rich prairies here. The timber, which in
many places seems dense, appears to be
pine mostly. Harney's Peak and most
of the highest peaks appear much higher
than the surrounding country, but the
lower land in the Black Hills is much
lower than it is -Co7respondent
Springfield d. IT, Times.
THE carrier pigeon, when travelling,
never feeds. If the distance be long it
flies on without stopping to take nutri-
ment, and at last arrives thin, exhausted,
almost dying. If corn be presented to it
it refuses, contenting itself with drink