[4] A cache was made by digging a jug-shaped hole in the ground and lining it with dry grass, or sticks, or anything to keep out moisture. Then the goods were packed in and the opening closed very carefully by replacing the sod and carrying away the earth that was removed, so that no sign was left by which the cache might be discovered. Sometimes a camp fire was built over it to destroy all traces of the cache. [5] Another phenomenon that makes the traveler in a dry or desert country afraid to trust his eyes is the mirage. He often sees what seem to be lakes, trees, buildings, cities, only to find on nearer approach that they all disappear. As Kansas has come under cultivation the mirage has become less frequent, but it is still seen in the western part of the State. Here is a description of one seen in early Kansas: “On approaching the town of Lerny, about a mile and a quarter this side, we found the whole intermediate space between us and the grove of trees beyond the town apparently occupied by a beautiful lake. On the apparent shore next to ourselves the road ran down and disappeared in the lake, as did the fence upon one side of the road, while the placid and beautiful water extended upon the right and left, until lost in the distance. The trees in the distance appeared to be immersed for half their length in the lake, as if growing in the water. Even the reflection of the trees, and of the clouds above, was distinctly visible. We approached the vision and it vanished.” [6] Because of the increasing migration westward, the National Government decided to send out expeditions for the purpose of discovering the best routes across the mountains to the Pacific. John C. Fremont was selected for this task, and between 1842 and 1850 he made four journeys across the plains. Among the scouts who acted as guides was the famous hunter and trapper, and Indian fighter, Kit Carson. [7] The fact that Kansas was once an Indian country is shown by the many Indian names of counties, towns, and streams; as, Topeka, Pottawatomie, Hiawatha, Wyandotte, Shawnee, Cheyenne, Cherokee, and Kiowa. [8] Among the schools established by the missions three have continued in existence and have developed into important schools of to-day: Highland College, established by the Presbyterians; St. Mary’s College, by the Catholics; and Ottawa University, by the Baptists. [9] Named after Mount Oread Seminary at Worcester, Mass., of which Eli Thayer was the founder and proprietor. [10] Named in honor of Amos A. Lawrence, of Boston, an active member of the Emigrant Aid Company.