The Mississippian period in Minnesota is like the two earlier geologic periods.  Information is obtained from other areas as there is very little evidence left in the state.  Warm shallow seas were probably homes to crinoids (sea lilies).  Also, amphibians were likely to have lived near rivers, lakes and other wet areas.  Land plants had developed, but not flowering plants.

I have discovered a new aspect of stone collecting that appeals to me very much.  Suiseki is the Japanese word for viewing stones.  That is, stones presented in their natural state and appreciated as works of art.  The practice began in China, where the objects are known as scholars' stones, or Gongshi.  The Koreans also have their variation of this art.  There is is called seosuk.  Western cultures have begun to adopt yet another interpretation of this type of artistic presentation.  In Japan, it is often associated with bonsai. In Western culture this art is in its infancy and is still evolving.  I hope to contribute to its evolution, now that I have discovered it.