Exploration of the Red River of Louisiana, in the year 1852 / by Randolph B. Marcy ; assisted by George B. McClellan. Page: 24 of 368
xv, 286 p., [65] p. of plates (1 fold.) : ill., maps ; 24 cm.View a full description of this book.
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8
FORKS OF THE CREEK.
Several varieties of hard wood-such as overcup, pecan, elm, hackberry,
ash, and wild china-are found here, among which there is much
good timber. The overcup (Quercus macrocarpa) especially, is here
seen of very unusual size, often from three to four feet in diameter.
This tree, from the length of its stock, the straightness of its grain,
and the facility with which it splits, is admirably adapted to building
purposes, and is made use of extensively in the southwestern States.
The soil in the valley is of such superior quality, that any kind of
grain adapted to this climate could be produced without the aid of irrigation.*
Three miles above the mouth the stream divides into two branches,
of about equal magnitude, both of them wooded throughout as far as I
traced them, and the soil along them arable in the highest degree;
indeed, its fertility is manifest from the very dense and rank vegetation
everywhere exhibited. The water in the creek is alkaline, but quite
palatable; and its temperature at the time we encamped upon it was
75 F. Our supply train arrived on the 14th; but as the recent rains
had raised the water in the creek so much as to prevent our crossing,
we were obliged to remain here until the 16th.
This being the point upon Red river at which we were directed to
commence our explorations, I propose from this time to make such
extracts from my journal as I may conceive pertinent to the objects of
the expedition, as set forth in the letter of special instructions, which I
had the honor to receive from your office, with such other information
as may be considered important, and the conclusions which I have
arrived at after an examination of the whole country embraced within
the limits of our reconnoissance.
*An analysis of the sub-soil from Cache creek, by Professor Shephard, shows
that it possesses strong and enduring constituents, and is admirably suited to
the production of grain. It is eminently calcareous, as will be seen from the
following analysis of its composition:
Silica ............ ... ............ _ ............. 82. 25
Peroxide of iron .......................... .65
Alumina ......................................................... 55
Alumina..55
Carbonate of lime...................... ................. 540
Carbonate of magnesia........................................ . 1.70
Water (hygrometric moisture)................................... 5.50
Sulphate of lime and carbonate of potash (only slight traces)......... 00
98. 05
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Marcy, Randolph Barnes. Exploration of the Red River of Louisiana, in the year 1852 / by Randolph B. Marcy ; assisted by George B. McClellan., book, 1854; Washington, DC. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth6105/m1/24/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.