Mr Scouler's Voyage to the Pacific Ocean. 231 



coasted along this fine country. As we approached the Noot- 

 ka side, two canoes came off to us belonging to a famous chief 

 named Wascalatchy, who, from his propensity to travelling, 

 was well known over a great extent of country. He often 

 travelled from his residence on De Fucas Straits to visit the 

 fort, as he did not wish to sell his skins through any of his 

 countrymen, in whose honesty he placed little confidence. His 

 journeys did not always terminate when his buisness was con- 

 cluded ; but he had ascended the Columbia as far as the falls, 

 and visited tribes whose language and manners differed entire- 

 ly from those of his own people. Probably no Indian inha- 

 biting De Fucas Straits, had ever been nearer the Rocky Moun- 

 tains. 



15th. — We anchored in Strawberry cove of Vancouver,- and, 

 as the country here was uninhabited, employed the time in 

 wandering through the woods and collecting plants. Next day 

 we proceeded down the Gulf of Georgia, and remained two 

 days near an Indian village. As the people were on terms of 

 friendship with the natives of Port Discovery, we were kind- 

 ly received, and they presented us with two newly killed bea- 

 vers, which afforded us an agreable repast after living so long 

 on salmon. These poor f people received our presents so thank- 

 fully, and a good understanding was so well established, that 

 we resolved to venture ashore among them. On landing, some 

 children which had been amusing themselves scampered away 

 on our approach. I hastened to a saline marsh near the vil- 

 lage which afforded some interesting plants ; and in dry situa- 

 tions we found plenty of the yellow-flowered myosotis which 

 grows so sparingly on the Columbia. During the time we 

 were ashore the Indians examined our conduct with the most 

 eager curiosity; but the astronomical instruments surprised 

 them most, and they inquired if we gained information in the 

 sun of the friendly or hostile dispositions of the tribes we were 

 next to visit, or performed these enchantments to cure some 

 sick person. 



On leaving this peaceable tribe, (the Summus) we proceeded 

 to Point Roberts. In this situation the coast is low and marshy, 

 and covered with rushes and willows, but we had been inform- 

 ed that there was a very numerous clan in this place. Before *rb 



