406 M'CLURE'S EXPLORATIONS. 



was soft clay, and they hove off again immediately, 

 Gradually, however, the lane widened, the reaches 

 became longer and longer, and all apprehension of being 

 forced on shore was soon over. On the 10th of August, 

 1850, they passed the mouth of the Colville River, the 

 influence of which stream was found to extend twelve 

 or fourteen miles out to sea ; the surface, at that dis- 

 tance from shore, being of a dirty mud-color, and 

 scarcely salt. 



At this part of the coast they again fell in with 

 natives, who came off in two baidars, to the number of 

 thirty. A very animated and curious scene ensued. A 

 vigorous barter was immediately commenced, after the 

 curiosity of the wondering Esquimaux with regard to 

 the ship was satisfied. Their imitative propensity was 

 rather oddly brought into play during the traffic. See- 

 ing the sailors cut the tobacco into pieces, to give in 

 exchange for salmon-trout, they at onco began to do 

 the same with the fish ! but were soon checked in this, 

 and were obliged to succumb to the white men. 



During the afternoon, while standing along a low flat 

 island, a pair of seal-skin inexpressibles were observed 

 fluttering from the top of a pole, held up by a number 

 of natives, who took this method of intimating their 

 desire to receive a visit. In obedience to the signal, 

 the boats were lowered, and pulled in to the shore. 

 The Esquimaux appeared to regret their temerity, how- 

 ever ; for, on the near approach of the sailors, the inex- 

 pressibles were dropped, and the whole tribe fled. As 

 usual, however, they regained courage on observing the 

 friendly gesticulations of the white men, and soon 

 approached them, tossing up their arms, and making 

 other signs of friendship ; ending, at last, by rubbing 

 noses with, and affectionately embracing, the gallant 

 tars. 



