Page:1862 Territory of Dakota Session Laws.pdf/6

Rh time is close at hand when its fertile valleys will echo with the click and stir of civilization, and the indomitable spirit of the Anglo-Saxon will torture from the hidden recesses of the Red Man's forest home, riches which have lain dormant for ages, and upon which this poor child of the prairie has and ever will gaze with indifference, scorn, and contempt. The Big Sioux and Dakota are navigable for about two months in the Spring, and their valleys are among the most fertile in the United States. The Niobrara is a large stream, some four hundred miles in length, flowing its entire length in almost the same latitude, from near the South pass to the Missouri. Its valley is eminently suited to become a great overland thoroughfare, being well watered, well timbered, and, in all respects, practicable for a railroad. Portions of its valley are densely covered with pine timber, as also the White river valley in the neighborhood, and the region of the Black hills.

The Territory of Dakota is not liberally supplied with timber, save upon the streams, but to those who are familiar with prairie country, and have observed how rapidly it grows when protected from fire, the present supply is regarded ample for years to come.

The climate of Dakota is unsurpassed. The air is salubrious and exhilarating. The rarity of the atmosphere, in consequence of the altitude of the country, is always noticeable in contrast with the oppressive moisture of the Eastern and Atlantic states.

Some portions of the territory are marvellously fertile and productive. The growing season is longer than in the same latitude further east, and the products are the same. The winters are sometimes severe, but in most cases temperate and delightful. In the valleys where the autumn