MISSOURI, a territory of the United States of North America, including the greater part of the country formerly known under the name of Louisiana. It extends from the Mississippi to the Rocky mountains, and from the gulf of Mexico to Canada. Its length from north to south is about 1400 miles, and its breadth from east to west 886, comprising an area of 985,250 square miles. It is watered by the Missouri river and its numerous tributary streams, and by some other branches of the Mississippi. The surface is generally uneven, but not mountainous. The soil is rich and well watered; but, unlike that of the eastern parts of America, it produces little natural wood, except on the banks of the rivers. Lime is abundant in this vast region; coal and iron ore were observed in many places; and salt is found in great quantities. Near St. Louis lead ore abounds, and is wrought to a great extent. As the country extends through 20 degrees of latitude, the climate is various; warm and unhealthy in the south; colder and more salubrious towards the north. There are as yet but a small number of white settlers in this country, the greater part of which is still occupied by savage tribes.