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INDIAN THOROUGHFARES

all the testimony to be derived from the records of the earliest days has been considered, it is often possible to follow it for many miles. The explorer will be surprised at nothing more than at the fund of information which can yet be secured from aged residents along the old-time course.

Thus for field work, copies of the old maps and of good topographical maps are needed, together with a large acquaintance with the earliest pioneer literature, stout legs, and a knack for asking questions.

The main trails of the Central West may be charted as follows: